Swift County RDA News

Monday, March 30, 2020

$10,000 Advance Now Available with SBA Disaster Loans DEED Announces Small Business Loan Guarantee Program Department of Labor Info Info from SBA Partners and Other Agencies Stay Updated $10,000 Advance Now Available with SBA Disaster Loans On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act, which provided additional assistance for small business owners and non-profits, including the opportunity for an up to a $10,000 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance. This Advance may be available even if your EIDL application was declined or is still pending, and will be forgiven. Visit www.SBA.gov/Disaster to apply via a new streamlined application; one needs to be submitted even if you previously applied. Applying for th...

What is "essential" during Minnesota's Stay at Home Order?

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Governor Walz has issued Executive Order 20-20, directing Minnesotans to limit movements outside of their homes beyond essential needs from March 27 at 11:59 p.m. to April 10 at 5:00 p.m. We understand that you may have questions about how this will impact your business. The resources below are meant to help you determine eligibility for business exemptions. Please first utilize these resources. If your question is not yet answered, you may submit your inquiry to CriticalSectors@state.mn.us. There are three resources that provide guidance to help you determine if your business is in a critical industry: The Governor’s Executive Order The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security’...

COVID-19 Resources for Your Business

Monday, March 23, 2020

Federal and state government entities and nonprofits are working together to control the spread of the coronavirus and to support the businesses and individuals impacted by the virus and/or the protective measures being taken. We've rounded up the resources to help your business navigate these tumultuous times. To download, click here. COVID-19 RESOURCES Federal and state government entities and nonprofits are working together to control the spread of the coronavirus and to support the businesses and individuals impacted by the virus and/or the protective measures being taken. STATE COVID-19 RESOURCES Information for Workers Answers to common questions for workers. This includes new information regarding worker...

How States Are Expanding Broadband Access

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Broadband is increasingly intertwined with the daily functions of modern life. It is transforming agriculture, supporting economic development initiatives, and is a critical piece of efforts to improve health care and modernize transportation. But the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that 21 million Americans still lack broadband access. Other sources place this number as high as 162 million. Communities without reliable high-speed internet service cite a growing gap between the resources and opportunities available to their residents and those in communities that have a robust network. Recognizing the importance of broadband and responding to such frustrations, states are seeking to close thi...

Ridgewater enrollment on the rise

Thursday, February 27, 2020

(Willmar MN-) Ridgewater College in Willmar and Hutchinson has done something only 9 of the 37 schools in the Minnesota State System has done...increased in enrollment for two straight semesters. Usually, in a booming economy, enrollment at two-year and technical schools goes down, but Ridgewater has bucked the trend. Kelly Magnuson, Vice President for Advancement and Outreach, says Ridgewater has made changes in their administrative structure and procedures in attracting and retaining students, and it's paying off. Read full article.

We must address America’s child care crisis

Thursday, February 27, 2020

One of the biggest concerns from constituents here in Minnesota is the lack of access to affordable, quality child care. Indeed, our state ranks fourth in the country for having the most expensive child care – behind only California, Massachusetts and Washington, DC. Throughout our state we have heard from parents who have had to make difficult decisions just to get their children quality care. Many parents have left the workforce entirely because the cost of child care would mean they’d either lose money or just break even paying for child care while they worked. Read full article.

Invest in the future of Minnesota: Small businesses and family farms

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Business owners invest in Minnesota’s future every day. They invest in their employees and their communities. They invest in their business needs – equipment, workforce – to grow, many times before company profit is a guarantee. These investments lay the foundation for small businesses to grow and create opportunities across the state and for family farms to continue their legacies. All of this helps Minnesota compete on a global stage to grow Minnesota’s economy and retain and create jobs. We share their commitment to investing in Minnesota’s future and call on legislators to do the same by aligning Minnesota’s income ta...

Minnesota manufacturers expect stability in 2020

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Respondents to an annual Manufacturing Business Conditions Survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis say they expect mostly unchanged or improved conditions in 2020. “It’s good news for Minnesota that the majority of manufacturers in our state expect stable or improved business conditions in 2020,” said Gov. Tim Walz. “Manufacturing is a cornerstone of our state economy, accounting for 14% of Minnesota’s GDP and 40% of all Minnesota jobs, either directly or indirectly.” Read full article.

Minnesota politicians, businesses hopeful for new firework bill

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

A bill to legalize audible and aerial fireworks in Minnesota has started off with a “bang” in this year’s legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz recently voiced support for the bill, which would expand the types of fireworks people over 18 years old can buy in the state, including bottle rockets and Roman candles. Some people say legalizing this type of pyrotechnics will bring revenue back to the state, while others are concerned about increases in injuries and fire hazards. Read full article.

10 essential pieces of advice for anyone who wants to leap from employee to entrepreneur

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. It’s difficult, risky, and stressful; but if you’re successful, you’ll become the master of your destiny. These business founders and "Advisors" in The Oracles share how they made the leap from employee to entrepreneur — and how you can too. Read full article.

The future of retail in the US: industry trends and market trends

Monday, February 24, 2020

Retail sales volume was higher in 2019 than ever before — and it will only continue trending upward as the entire experience becomes more streamlined and frictionless for customers. However, the face of the industry is changing rapidly; Business Insider Intelligence recently reported that in 2019 ecommerce sales surpassed 10% of total retail sales for the first time ever. The growing online trend impacts both e-tailers and brick-and-mortar sellers. Because merchants must embrace ecommerce to boost their own growth, the roles of solutions providers like BigCommerce and Shopify, as well as marketplaces like Amazon, could expand further in the coming years, due t...

Delta lifts off with $1 billion pledge to become carbon neutral

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Delta Air Lines has become the latest aviation company setting its sights on becoming "carbon neutral," with an ambition to reach that target by 2030 and pledge to invest $1 billion in achieving the goal over the next 10 years. The investment will focus on driving innovation, advancing clean air travel technologies, accelerating reductions in waste and emissions, and establishing new offsetting and natural carbon sequestration projects, the company said. Read full article.

Small business confidence rises, signaling a more positive outlook for the US economy

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Small business sentiment is on the rise to kick off 2020, with confidence nearing all-time highs, according to data from CNBC and SurveyMonkey. The CNBC/SurveyMonkey Small Business Confidence Index climbed two points in the first quarter, from 59 to 61, as concerns over trade policy impacts lessened, thanks to a trade deal with China and the signing of the USMCA. This is a sharp turnaround from the lows seen last summer as trade turmoil weighed on Main Street’s outlook. The Small Business Confidence Index is calculated based on entrepreneurs’ responses to a set of eight questions about their businesses as part o...

Assessing How We Are Addressing A Changing World

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Technology is changing the way Americans live, work, play and receive health care. And, it appears, the rate of change will only accelerate as almost magical innovations pile one on top of another. They will continue to shape, and reshape, every facet of our lives in ways hard to imagine. Thrown into this cauldron of technological change is the vast uncertainty of how a warming climate will disrupt our communities, agriculture, and industry. Through its American Roundtable project, the Architectural League of New York seeks to look at how communities are doing today and preparing for tomorrow. To gather information, it i...

State and Local Leaders Discuss Efforts to Address Affordable Housing in Minnesota

Monday, February 17, 2020

Sen. Tina Smith made a visit to Duluth Monday to discuss her findings from a study she did on housing issues in Minnesota after hosting several listening sessions with community members across the state. She presented this with Mayor Emily Larson and AICHO leaders who are working on helping people in the community with affordable housing. Read full article.

What is the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund?

Friday, February 14, 2020

On February 7, the Federal Communications Commission released the report and order that creates the framework for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, the latest effort to extend the reach of broadband networks deeper into rural America. The FCC's own research estimates that $80 billion is needed to bring broadband everywhere in the U.S., so the $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund is a significant -- although likely insufficient -- step in closing the digital divide over the next decade. Here we review the framework and note some controversy around the FCC decision. Read full article.

Maple Grove approves plans for commercial site near Hy-Vee

Thursday, February 13, 2020

The Maple Grove City Council approved a new multi-tenant building development stage plan for the Markets at Rush Creek at its Feb. 3 meeting. The council also authorized the city to apply for a Minnesota Investment Fund Loan on behalf of a new business in Maple Grove. MARKETS AT RUSH CREEK The council approved the Markets at Rush Creek outlot multi-tenant development stage plan. This 12,000-square-foot multi-tenant building would be located between 70th Way and Bass Lake Road, adjacent to the Hy-Vee convenience store and northwest of the Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh building. Read full aritcle.

Expanding entrepreneurship for everyone

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

The NIA Office of Small Business Research (OSBR) team is intrigued by startups and their unique role in research and development. Of course, we’re a bit biased — after all, we lead NIA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Research (STTR) programs, which are designed to help new companies commercialize products and technology to extend the healthy, active years of life. The OSBR team is pleased to support a diverse range of innovative ideas. To help broaden our reach, we recently produced a factsheet (PDF, 5.3M) that explains how our SBIR/STTR programs can provide significant seed funding to small businesses to addres...

All aboard! Wisconsin and Minnesota on track for improved passenger rail

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

A variety of railroad projects are coming together to greatly improve passenger service in Wisconsin, including “higher speed” rail. They include: doubling daily service between St. Paul and Chicago; increasing the number of round-trip Milwaukee to Chicago trains from seven to 10; express service between Minneapolis and Duluth-Superior; and, already underway, more than $5 million in improvements to the Milwaukee Airport Railroad Station at General Mitchell International Airport, with completion expected in 2023. Read full article.

States, Governors Focus on Broadband Expansion

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

GOVERNORS ACROSS THE country are increasingly prioritizing broadband deployment and high-speed internet access in a bid to resolve connectivity concerns that disproportionately hang over America's most rural communities. Of the 40 State of the State speeches delivered so far this year, 20 included references to high-speed internet access or state broadband installation projects, according to a U.S. News analysis of governors' prepared remarks. Read full article.

Small rail operators looking for $91 million in Minnesota help over several years

Saturday, February 08, 2020

The economic ripple created by a $1.5 million state investment a few years ago in a freight-rail spur line south of White Bear Lake, has empowered several small railroads to ship the Minnesota Legislature a 2020-2025, $91.4 million rail and crossing-improvement program. "The proposed legislation requires a relatively small amount of funding compared with state spending on highways supporting truck traffic, a direct and more expensive competitor to rail shipping," said a report from the rail-improvement consortium. "Minnesota has no financial resources or programs devoted to rail infrastructure and rail-related economic development needs of [spur-line carriers] while Wisconsin has spent mor...

Hooray for broadband connection project

Thursday, February 06, 2020

Access to high-speed broadband technology has been limited for many rural residents and efforts to ensure availability have been slow despite the best efforts of Minnesota state government. That’s why it was a momentous occasion in January when the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that it will invest $11 million in three high-speed broadband infrastructure projects in southeastern Minnesota and northern Iowa. The funds will benefit more than 1,395 rural households and 120 businesses. The funds will be allocated to Harmony Telephone Co., Consolidated Telephone Co., and Osage Municipal Utilities. Read full article.

Land O’Lakes’ Ford: Rural areas need broadband

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Land O’Lakes’ Ford: Rural areas need broadband

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

Land O’Lakes CEO and President Beth Ford doesn’t mince words about what she sees as the harsh conditions agricultural communities are facing across the country. “Rural America is the new inner city,” Ford told attendees at Wednesday’s meeting of the Economic Club of Minnesota. “It has not been invested in, there’s a lack of attention, and it should concern all of us.” Rural areas face a range of challenges, Ford said, from persistently low agricultural commodity prices to a shortage of young farmers as an older generation retires. A range of creative solutions could help, she said, if only the technology infrastructure...

Meeting in Renville Wednesday to discuss RC Hospital-HealthPartners union

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

(Olivia MN-) A meeting takes place in Renville to present info about the upcoming affiliation between RC Hospital and HealthPartners. Read full article.

Panel reduces list of candidates to design, build new Willmar City Hall-Community Center

Wednesday, February 05, 2020

(Willmar MN-) The list of companies interested in designing and overseeing construction of a new Willmar City Hall and Community Center is down to two. City Administrator Brian Gramentz says initially there were 10 companies interested in being the construction manager and 14 interested in being the architect-engineer. But Gramentz says a panel of 6 residents representing the city hall task force, community center committee and two staffers chosen by himself narrowed the list down... Read full article.

20 Startups Secure Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants in 2020’s First Round

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Developments (DEED) awarded more than $672,000 in Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants to 20 tech startups across the state. Five individual founders also received a $7,500 housing and childcare grant. In a release, DEED said the crop of companies represent the “most promising, innovative, and scalable technology businesses in the state.” Each of the grants require a one-to-one match in privately sourced funds, skyrocketing the potential for the investments to reach $1.3 million. Read full article.

Minnesota Pork Board Names 2020 Industry Award Winners

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

The Minnesota Pork Board recognized individuals and families who have made significant contributions through pork promotion, consumer and producer education, youth mentoring and service to the pork industry at its annual Awards Reception in Minneapolis, according to a board release. Read full article.

Applications now open for Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN) in Greater Minnesota

Monday, February 03, 2020

Entrepreneurs in rural Minnesota are invited to apply to join the Harvest Entrepreneur Network (HEN), a new program led by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). CEDA is a Minnesota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative community development practices and business growth in small towns. Through HEN, CEDA’s professional staff will 1) provide free, individualized coaching to a cohort of rural entrepreneurs, and 2) develop a series of workshops aimed to educate, connect, and support businesses in greater Minnesota. Read full article.

Building Community Through Strategic Philanthropy

Monday, February 03, 2020

Minnesota banks are targeting grants for housing, job training, financial literacy, and other pressing needs to make a difference in communities. In the summer of 2019, Laurie Nordquist was in St. Paul’s Phalen neighborhood when she saw firsthand what it means to move into a Habitat for Humanity home. Nordquist, Wells Fargo Minnesota CEO, was there to celebrate the bank’s 25-year partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The home dedication was for a husband and wife and their teenage son. Read full article.

Minnesota crane company expands into Superior

Sunday, February 02, 2020

Vic’s Crane & Heavy Haul expands company to serve heavy industry in the Twin Ports A company founded in 1951 in Rosemount, Minn., is expanding its business into the Twin Ports. Vic’s Crane & Heavy Haul, which provides crane and heavy transportation services, announced it’s setting up shop at 1105 Elm Ave., in Superior. Read full article.

20 Conferences That Should Be on Your List for 2020

Saturday, February 01, 2020

Say "yes" to a conference that sparks your interest. It could be the best thing you do all year. It's 2020. Are you ready to say "yes" to your resolutions, bold plans and big goals? The beginning of a new year is a great opportunity to think about all the changes and upgrades you want to make in your business and personal lives. Attending a conference is one of the best ways to add new energy to your life. A great conference will put you in a position to create meaningful relationships, meet new people who can help you (or that you can help), close deals...

TCB Q&A: Steve Grove, Minnesota's Economic Development Czar

Saturday, February 01, 2020

The former Google exec explores the challenging realities of growing the state's startup and innovation economy. Steve Grove had been with Google for more than a decade but wanted to get out of Silicon Valley. The Northfield native and his family moved back to Minnesota in 2018. “I was always in the business development and strategy side,” Grove says. “Google didn’t have an office here. I had a global team that I led when I was at Google, so working remotely from here was doable. I worked from a co-working space.” Grove started at YouTube, which had been acquired by Google, where h...

Clyburn says House infrastructure plan would expand broadband internet to '100 percent' of US

Thursday, January 30, 2020

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) touted a new infrastructure plan being put forth by Democrats. Clyburn told Hill.TV that the comprehensive plan aims to expand broadband internet to "100 percent" of the United States, effectively getting rid of “digital deserts” — or areas without a single internet service provider. “No matter how many schools you build, those schools are not going to be effective unless the students are connected to the rest of the world, and that can only be done with broadband deployment,” Clyburn said during an interview. Read full article.

FCC Broadband Fund Decision Draws Crowd

Thursday, January 30, 2020

Praised as progress toward closing digital divide Stakeholders inside and outside Washington were ready to weigh in after the FCC voted on rules for its new $20 billion rural broadband subsidy fund. The FCC has yet to release the Rural Digital Opportunities Fund (RDOF) order, which had some last-minute changes, so some were reserving final judgment until they saw the final item, but the initial reaction was predominately positive. Read full article.

US economy grew modestly last quarter against a hazy outlook

Thursday, January 30, 2020

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. economy expanded at a moderate 2.1% annual rate in the final three months of 2019, capping a year when a weak global landscape and a sharp pullback in business investment resulting from President Donald Trump's trade fights combined to slow growth. The fourth-quarter rise in the gross domestic product — the economy’s total output of goods and services — matched the third-quarter gain, the government said. For all of last year, economic growth — 2.3% — was the weakest since Trump's election in 2016. Read full article.

The Economic Development Administration’s Five Investment Priorities

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Knowing your revitalization partner’s priorities adds clarity and saves time. When they are a funder with a competitive grant process, there’s all the more reason to know their priorities. For local communities interested in knowing where the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is at with their current investment priorities, this month’s speech at the 88th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors delivered by Deputy Assistant Secretary for Economic Development and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Alvord pointed the way. Read full article.

How Business Leaders Can Help Rescue Dying Local News

Sunday, January 26, 2020

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Richard Edelman released the 20th Edelman Trust Barometer, an annual public opinion poll that tracks attitudes towards government, corporations, civil society, and the media in more than 20 countries. One of the key takeaways from this year’s report is the pressing need for corporate leaders to assume a more central role in addressing key societal issues, such as global warming and rising inequality. Edelman also observed the seismic shifts occurring in the media, and especially in journalism. He noted that the rapid demise of local news is denying people critical information on vital issues...

Walz announces $23 million in rural broadband grants

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

ST PAUL -- Thousands of Minnesotans previously left in the dark will now be plugged into the internet thanks to $23 million in grants from the state. Gov. Tim Walz announced that nearly 11,000 homes, businesses and institutions in 30 communities across Minnesota will receive state and local funds to build broadband infrastructure, thanks to the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. "We all know that (broadband access) is far more than just a nice thing to have," Walz said at a news conference in St. Paul. "This is an economic development tool. It's absolutely critical to equity in education and opportunit...

Minnesota awards $5.3 million to nine cities for projects

Friday, January 17, 2020

St. PAUL, Minn. – More than $5 million has been awarded to nine communities by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The $5.34 million in grants to nine cities across Minnesota will help clean up 11 contaminated sites approved for redevelopment. Read full article.

IU, U.S. Economic Development Administration launch USA Opportunity Zones website

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Indiana University and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration have launched a new online mapping tool that will help business people find Opportunity Zones that aim to steer private investment toward economically distressed areas. The Opportunity Zone initiative passed in 2017 grants capital gains tax cuts and deferrals to investors in designated Opportunity Zones, which locally include portions of Gary, Hammond, East Chicago, Valparaiso, Michigan City and LaPorte. Read full article.

Benson School District residents to vote on new gymnastics facility

Monday, January 13, 2020

(Benson MN-) Benson School District voters will be asked to approve a bond referendum this spring to build a new gymnastics facility. For the past few years the district had been looking to renovate a portion of the Benson Civic Center to be used for gymnastics, but that proved to be too costly. Read full article.

Infrastructure grants awarded to three Minnesota communities

Wednesday, January 08, 2020

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Almost $2 million has been awarded in grant money to improve infrastructure in multiple Minnesota communities. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded $1,900,218 million in grants for projects in three Greater Minnesota cities. The funding awarded from DEED’s Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program (BDPI) was approved for Cold Spring, Dodge Center and Lakefield, according to a news release by the department. It is expected to create 207 full-time jobs and prepare the cities for future growth. Read full article.

Broadband Has Made it Possible for Rick Molenaar to Grow His Career in Swift County

Monday, December 30, 2019

Rick Molenaar has the best of both worlds. He lives in a place he loves and has a job that he enjoys. That’s all been possible thanks to Swift County’s border to border broadband. Swift County’s partnership with Federated Telephone has provided nearly ubiquitous coverage with speeds of 99.6%, making it the third-fastest county for broadband speeds in the state. “I work for a company based out of San Francisco, but because of broadband a lot of that work takes place at my kitchen table,” said Rick. His company, Trace Genomics, takes agricultural soil samples, extracting the DNA and mapping th...

Outside Funding Sources Important Tool in Swift County’s Housing Toolkit

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Swift County’s Rural Development Authority (RDA) and Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) applied for $500,000 from Minnesota Housing Finance Authority’s Rental Rehabilitation Deferred Loan Program (RRDL). The funding helps owners of small to medium rental properties located outside of the five-county metropolitan area to finance moderate rehabilitation of structurally sound residential rental units. If the application is successful the money will enable the Swift County HRA to rehabilitate 15-20 units of rental property while maintaining rents that are affordable for Swift County residents. Winners of funding will be announced in March 2020. “The program is extremely competitive and a few things wil...

Stephanie Smith Moved to Swift County for Her Family and Career

Monday, November 25, 2019

As a young professional Stephanie Smith wanted a rewarding career - one that she would feel excited and passionate about. She found that in Swift County. Stephanie works for the University of Minnesota Extension Office in Swift County. She manages the day-to-day office functions of the Swift County Extension Office and provides support to 4-H and other related programs. “What I enjoy most about my job are the people and families I get to work with every day. I also really enjoy working with the local farmers,” she said. For Stephanie, working in a rural community was a natural fit. “...

Swift County 4-H is on the Cutting-Edge of Technology

Monday, October 21, 2019

A new app is being used to help Swift County MN 4-H to accomplish their mission of developing citizenship, leadership, responsibility and life skills of the community’s youth through experiential learning programs. Stephanie Smith, Office Support Specialist for the University of Minnesota Swift County Extension, along with Becca Turnquist, Swift County 4-H Program Coordinator, helped to spearhead the creation and implementation of the app to make it easier for 4-H members, parents and alumni to stay connected to the organization and take advantage of programs and opportunities. According to Smith, their location in Swift County helped to make the project possible...

Swift County ranked 3rd in Minnesota for broadband speeds at 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up

Sunday, June 23, 2019

They don't call us Swift for nothing. Who is Super Fast? Swift County is Super Fast!! Swift County moves to 3rd place in Minnesota state rankings of broadband availability of speeds at 100 Mbps down & 20 Mbps up. This is 38 county improvement over 2018 when Swift County ranked 41st in the state. Read more at the Blandin on Broadband blog, by Ann Treacy at this link: http://j.mp/2X3nSJE #SwiftConnections

Swift County Is Enterprising by Nature

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Enterprising by nature is more than a tagline. It describes the essence of Swift County, the attitude of the people who call it home, and the drive behind the county’s innovative business climate. Here, young professionals, families, community leaders, business owners and cooperatives are working side by side to leverage Swift County’s assets and make the most out of life. This is an active community – the type of place where seizing the day means both creating and enjoy opportunities. And opportunities are everywhere. Swift County has a history of being enterprising A spirit of entrepreneurism that has been a cornerstone of Swif...