News and Media in Benton

Veterans Are Vital to Minnesota's Workforce

Friday, July 12, 2019

Governor Tim Walz has declared July “Hire a Veteran Month" to encourage Minnesota employers to connect the state's 153,000 military service members of working age with employment opportunities in July and throughout the year. As part of “Hire a Veteran Month,” DEED is inviting job-seeking veterans, active military members, and their spouses to attend the 13th Annual Veterans Career Fair on Wednesday, July 24 from 2-6 p.m. at the Earle Brown Heritage Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive) in Brooklyn Center. The event will provide networking opportunities with over 100 on-site employers who have been encouraged to offer full-time jobs with benefits and...

Amphitheater construction underway in Waite Park

Thursday, June 20, 2019

WAITE PARK — Crews have spent much of the last year moving boulders and leveling dirt at the future amphitheater site in Waite Park. Now, the fun part begins. Crews are now digging in preparation of building the stage and seating areas. During a tour of the site with city officials, City Administrator Shaunna Johnson said the view from the back of the seating area will feature the stage, of course, but also the quarry. Read full article.

New 2019 Minnesota State Fair foods revealed: The most outrageous, mouth-watering additions

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

ST. PAUL — Prepare yourself for buckets of cookies and deep-fried delights. The Minnesota State Fair announced 31 new foods and seven new food vendors for the 2019 fair season. Read full article.

Launch Minnesota: Come Help Us Grow Minnesota’s Startup Ecosystem

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

One of the most exciting outcomes of the 2019 Legislative session for DEED was the creation of a new program called Launch Minnesota. Designed to nurture technology startups and entrepreneurs across the state, Launch Minnesota will work with private industry to create financial incentives and programming to demonstrate that Minnesota is committed to fostering an innovation ecosystem that draws global attention. The program concept grew out of a collaboration between DEED and the Minnesota Legislature – with legislators on both sides of the aisle making meaningful contributions. It is a joint initiative with private businesses and nonprofit organizations statewide. Read full article.

Chat with 'SNL' star or dive into dinosaurs in new CSB/SJU fine arts season

Monday, June 17, 2019

ST. JOSEPH — The College of St. Benedict and St. John's University announced their fine arts programming for the 2019-20 season, unveiling a year of entertainment which will include a family matinee performance series for the first time. "Our concept for these matinee shows is 'daytime, not bedtime,'" quipped Tanya Gertz, executive director of Fine Arts Programming for CSB/SJU. The Saturday matinee series was inspired by audience feedback and designed with families in mind, Gertz said. "These performances are a little shorter, that maybe don't require as much of an attention span, and may be a little more interactive," she explained last week. The shows in the series...

St. Cloud-born restaurant chain Granite City Food & Brewing celebrates 20 years

Friday, June 14, 2019

ST. CLOUD — A restaurant chain that began in St. Cloud before spreading into more than 25% of the country is celebrating 20 years of success this month. Granite City Food & Brewing's premiere location opened June 19, 1999 at 3945 Second St. S in St. Cloud and has been serving up elevated pub fare and signature craft brews ever since. Over two decades, the St. Cloud-made chain has expanded in a big way, currently sitting at 32 restaurants in 13 states. Now, the restaurant where the journey began is planning a celebration to thank the community that made it all possible. Read full article.

Technical Assistance, Webinars Available for Workforce Development Grant Program Applicants

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting requests for proposals (RFPs) from qualified organizations across the state for five competitive workforce development grant programs designed to increase economic opportunities for people of color, women, youth, people with disabilities and veterans. Read full article.

Four Minnesota Cities Awarded PFA Funds totaling $17.93 million

Monday, June 03, 2019

The PFA approved funding for Faribault, Winnebago, Sacred Heart, Arden Hills ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved $17.93 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. Funding was approved for Faribault, Winnebago, Sacred Heart, and Arden Hills. “Clean drinking water is a necessity for every Minnesotan family and business,” said Governor Tim Walz. “These PFA dollars are a great investment in our communities and pave the way for future growth.” “Water projects like these help insure that current and future water infrastructure needs are being met,” said Steve Grove, PFA chair and commissioner of the Minnesota...

Minnesota Exports up 1.5 percent in the First Quarter of 2019

Sunday, June 02, 2019

Exports to Europe grew 14 percent to $1.4 billion ST. PAUL – Minnesota exports grew to $5.4 billion, representing growth of 1.5 percent between the first quarters of 2018 and 2019, according to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports grew 1.4 percent during the same period. Minnesota exports grew to markets within Europe (up 14 percent) and North America (up 4 percent), but fell within Asia (down 8 percent) and Central and South America (down 1 percent). Read full article.

Community Engagement Sessions: What Did We Learn? What’s Next?

Saturday, June 01, 2019

As DEED’s newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development, I started my new leadership role travelling across the state, meeting with people and organizations working to build an economy that works for all Minnesotans. I believe that leadership starts with listening, that’s why I travelled more than 1,300 miles visiting Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth and Detroit Lakes. For many of these stops, it was my first visit. I was amazed by how each corner of our state is working to address their specific workforce challenges. Community engagement is a two-way exchange of information, ideas and resources. Oftentimes, community engagement...

Benton County joins township in backing 800-acre solar farm

Saturday, May 25, 2019

RICE — A major solar project in the works along U.S. Highway 10 would add to the region's tax base and energy output, according to Benton County board documents. Geronimo Energy has proposed an 800-acre solar farm in Langola Township, north of Rice. It would be among the biggest solar-energy producers in the state. Benton County board members approved a letter to the state Public Utilities Commission supporting the project, said County Administrator Montgomery Headley. It's called the Regal Solar Project and would produce 100 megawatts of power, according to the Benton County board's April 2 meeting packet. That energy production equals "taking over 30,000 cars off the...

Redevelopment planned for Marketplace of Waite Park property

Friday, May 24, 2019

WAITE PARK — Marketplace of Waite Park, a commercial property with restaurants, retail and office space, is under new ownership and plans are underway to redevelop and modernize the property. Kevin Brink, owner of Trivista Brink Commercial Real Estate, oversees the management and leasing at the property. He is also part of the group of investors, Marketplace LLC, that purchased the property. Parking lot improvements, new signage and exterior renovations will likely begin this summer, he said. Read full article.

Letter: Quality child care is vital to growing our workforce

Thursday, May 23, 2019

My wife Mary and I are the proud parents of two-year old twins. Raising them is the most amazing thing we’ve ever had the opportunity to do - so every morning when I leave for work, it’s hard to say goodbye. But you know what makes it a lot easier? Knowing they’re going to grow and learn all day long, thanks to the excellent child care we have available. Unfortunately, for many Minnesota families, excellent childcare (or any child care at all, for that matter) is simply not available. The number of licensed family child care providers has decreased almost 30 percent in Minnesota...

Enticing Businesses to Stay

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Trying to attract businesses from outside the community or launching startup businesses are key economic development activities. However, economic developers generally agree that the most practical strategy for growth is Business Retention and Expansion, or keeping established businesses in the community. Enticing Businesses to Stay, co-authored by Michael Darger, University of Minnesota Extension, and Cameron Macht, DEED, looks at results from DEED’s Business Employment Dynamics dataset and provides insights and examples from ongoing business retention and expansion projects in Barnesville, near Fargo-Moorhead, and Cottage Grove, metro area. Read full blog post.

Improving Our Competitive Grantmaking at DEED

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

The mission of DEED is to grow the economy of Minnesota for everyone. One of the most important ways we pursue that mission is through partnerships. Minnesota is home to many nonprofit and civic organizations who are building innovative solutions to help Minnesotans from all backgrounds find meaningful employment across the state. By working with excellent partners, we can do so much more for Minnesota’s job-seekers and businesses. One of the ways we work with partners is through competitive grants, which create competition between organizations for state dollars to meet DEED’s mission. Over time, some of our community partners have told...

DEED Names Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development

Monday, May 20, 2019

Recently appointed Assistant Commissioner of Economic Opportunity Hamse Warfa has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development here at DEED. In this role, Warfa will continue to lead the Office of Economic Opportunity, and will also take on leadership of Employment and Training Programs, CareerForce, and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. Warfa’s experience in the philanthropic/nonprofit and private sectors has helped him bring great thinking to DEED’s workforce efforts. After interviewing dozens of candidates for our commissioner-level roles in workforce development, I’m confident that Hamse is the right leader for these efforts. Read full blog post.

Northrop Grumman Expands Plymouth Operations

Friday, May 17, 2019

The company is expected to create more than 60 high quality jobs within the next three years ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Northrop Grumman plans to improve their existing 191,000 square foot facility in Plymouth, Minnesota, and is expected to create more than 60 new high quality jobs during the next three years. DEED is supporting the project with a $600,000 loan from the Minnesota Investment Fund, and $700,000 from the Job Creation Fund. Read full press release.

Minnesota adds 1,300 Jobs in March

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Unemployment rate at 3.2 percent ST. PAUL – Minnesota gained 1,300 seasonally adjusted jobs in March while the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.2 percent according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8 percent. Minnesota total over-the-year growth rebounded back into positive territory in March as employment was up 7,605 or 0.3 percent over last March. February’s seasonally adjusted job loss was reduced through revisions by 1,000 jobs to 7,800 jobs lost. Read full press release.

PFA Awards Over $28 million in Water Infrastructure projects

Monday, May 13, 2019

Funding will support five projects in Greater Minnesota ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved $28.35 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. Funding was approved for Crystal Bay Township, Fertile, Glencoe, Glenwood and Rice County. “I’m working hard to rebuild infrastructure in every corner of our state,” said Governor Walz. “I’m excited that $28 million dollars will be going directly to these greater Minnesota communities to help improve their water quality. Everyone in Minnesota deserves clean drinking water–regardless of their zip code.” “These PFA dollars are a valuable resource to communities all across Minnesota,” said...

Anyone up for laser tag? Family entertainment center BlackLight Adventures to open in June

Thursday, May 09, 2019

ST. CLOUD — Get ready for some fun: A new family entertainment business is opening in St. Cloud this summer. Jay and Tina Mrozek are opening BlackLight Adventures next to Burlington Coat Factory. The attraction will include a 3,000-square-foot laser tag arena, two adventure rooms, an arcade and private party rooms. The building, near Second Street and 33rd Avenue South, was a Cub Foods from 1987-2012 and then a Cash Wise Foods from 2012-13. Burlington Coat Factory moved into a large portion of the building in 2014. Now BlackLight Adventures, projected to open in June, is filling the roughly 10,000-square-foot former liquor store space on the north side of the...

Clutch Take & Bake Pizza coming to Sartell

Thursday, May 09, 2019

SARTELL — A new take-and-bake pizza restaurant is coming to Sartell. Clutch Take & Bake Pizza will open May 15 at 1001 Second St. S. The space, in between Westside Liquor and The Pantry, was formerly Mastoni's Take-N-Bake Pizza, which closed in December. Read full article.

Is Minnesota Making the Grade?

Monday, May 06, 2019

A new report highlights progress, challenges. Anchored by a workforce considered one of the best-educated in the country, Minnesota has given birth to numerous local businesses that have grown to crack the Fortune 500. General Mills, 3M, Target, Cargill, Medtronic, Hormel and CHS all are global brands made in Minnesota. “We’re really proud of that ability to start and grow businesses here in Minnesota,” says Doug Loon, president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “That’s been the sustaining reality of our economy.” For the fourth year running, the Minnesota Chamber recently released its “Minnesota Business Benchmarks” report, a comparative overview of the state’s...

Why Minnesota's Broadband Push is Crucial to Rural Residents

Saturday, May 04, 2019

Rural communities in Minnesota fail to conduct timely business because they lack fast Internet. In one town, it's the difference between employment and mass layoffs. A new state bill would fund broadband for two years. (TNS) — International Falls, Minn. – After more than 30 years of doing business in this longtime mill town, Optum Health plans to close its health care claims office this summer. The good news is the company's 90 workers can keep their jobs. The bad news is that offer is good only if they're able to work remotely. And those who live outside the city limits may...

Opportunity Zone in Benton County Provides Opportunities for Investors!

Friday, May 03, 2019

In December of 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (Jobs Act or Act) and Opportunity Zones were created. Opportunity Zones are designated areas around the United States where investors can receive tax incentives for new investments. The goal of creating these Opportunity Zones is to help increase economic development and growth within these areas. The U.S. Government worked closely with mayors across the country to decide which areas should be designated as Opportunity Zones. These zones span across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. In short, Opportunity Zones were created to help...

DEED seeks $70 million for rural broadband

Friday, May 03, 2019

After a five-year effort to bring broadband internet to rural Minnesota, state leaders believe the finish line is in sight. Under Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development would spend $35 million in both 2020 and 2021 to support the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program. That $70 million will put the state on track to hit a statutory goal of extending broadband to all Minnesotans by 2022, DEED Commissioner Steve Grove said. Read full article.

Best & Worst States for Women

Thursday, May 02, 2019

In 2019, women in some parts of America still get the short end of the stick — even as they outnumber men in most states. For instance, women represent nearly two-thirds of all minimum-wage workers in the U.S. Their political representation also suffers, as women make up 51% of the U.S. population but only 25% of the Senate and 23.4% of the House of Representatives. And the prevalence of sexual harassment remains a prominent issue in 2019’s political landscape. In order to determine how women are faring and where they can find the best opportunities relative to where they live, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District...

DEED Names Assistant Commissioner for Economic Opportunity

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

Will lead strategic, department-wide efforts to address economic disparities ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that Hamse Warfa has been named Assistant Commissioner for Economic Opportunity. This external-facing role will work with stakeholder groups, DEED partners, and local officials and boards across the state to advance economic equity in our State and amplify DEED programs that target under-invested and under-capitalized communities of color. Additionally, the position will work internally with DEED's senior leadership team to bring a lens of equity into the agency and champion department-specific objectives against priorities for economic equity. This role will lead DEED's Office...

MSP named best airport in North America for 3rd year in a row

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

It shared the honor this year with Detroit. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport continues to fly high atop the rankings for the best airports in the world. The Twin Cities travel hub was named the best airport in North America for its size for the third year in a row by Airports Council International (ACI). It shared top billing in North America for airports that handle 25-40 million passengers with Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Read full article.

Building up gender diversity

Monday, April 29, 2019

If enrollment growth at Dunwoody College of Technology is a good tape measure, women are poised to made big strides in Minnesota’s construction industry. Women currently make up about 18 percent of all students in the school’s popular construction management program, up from just 2 percent a decade ago, said Heather Gay, who has taught at Dunwoody since 2008. Those rising numbers are no accident, school officials say, as Dunwoody has been deliberate about bringing more women into the school’s technical programs. Read full article.

Budget for One Minnesota: Minnesota Innovation Collaborative

Sunday, April 28, 2019

States and cities that create attractive environments for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovative talent are quickly distancing their economies from those who do not. For every one job created in the innovation sector, five more jobs are created in adjacent sectors – the strongest network effect in job growth today. Minnesota must put our economy on the cutting edge of this ecosystem by making strategic investments in our innovation ecosystem. The proposed Minnesota Innovation Collaborative (MIC) contains a series of initiatives focused on growing Minnesota’s innovation economy by accelerating the growth of our startup ecosystem and attracting top technology talent to the state. Comprised...

Budget for One Minnesota: Community Prosperity

Saturday, April 27, 2019

Prosperity and opportunity for all people in all parts of our state stems from the well-being of their community. Governor Tim Walz’s budget ensures that communities are thriving – not just surviving. His budget expands access to affordable childcare and housing, invests in infrastructure and broadband internet, and gives local leaders the tools they need to succeed. In total, the Budget for One Minnesota represents an investment of $432 million in community prosperity investments over the next two years, with an additional $1.9 billion in transportation and infrastructure. Read full article.

Minnesota adds 3,800 Jobs in January

Friday, April 26, 2019

Unemployment rate ticks up to 3 percent ST. PAUL - Minnesota added 3,800 jobs statewide during the first month of 2019, and the state's unemployment rate increased to 3 percent, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in January. December's previously announced gain of 500 jobs was revised downward to 800 jobs lost. The state's unemployment rate in December was also revised upward to 2.9 percent. Over the year, Minnesota has added 7,803 jobs since last January, the lowest over-the-year job gain since regaining positive growth following...

Minnesota Innovation Collaborative

Thursday, April 25, 2019

The Minnesota Innovation Collaborative will support a series of new initiatives designed to accelerate the growth of startups and innovative companies. Each initiative is uniquely designed to lower the risk required to fund, start, or grow a venture-backed startup in Minnesota. The MIC will bring all of these initiatives together under a new office that acts as a touchstone for the state to support and enhance our visibility and interest in the innovation ecosystem. Read full summary.

BUSINESS HONORED FOR GIVING BACK

Monday, April 22, 2019

St. Cloud Technical and Community College announces Workforce Development Scholarship

Friday, April 19, 2019

Wellness at work takes root

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

The seeds of a Worksite Wellness Consortium were planted in 2017, and they’re taking root as meetings continue, a website gets enhanced, and businesses network over a like-minded initiative. “We’re excited we’re still going. We still feel like we’re in our infancy,” said Judy Hulterstrum, executive director of Litchfield Chamber of Commerce. Read full article.

Enjoy making things? Find a future as a machinist

Monday, April 15, 2019

AVON — When Dave Petron started working at Columbia Gear in Avon more than a quarter-century ago, he was immediately drawn to the job because the final product was something he could actually hold in his hands. "You see this is going to make something," he said. "That was the coolest thing when I first started." "Then you drive by and see a John Deere bulldozer and think, 'Hey, we made that.' You can pick out the parts that you made." Read full article.

You can order a drink at the Flat Iron again, but it's not a beer

Friday, April 12, 2019

It's been 25 years since you could belly up to the bar and order a drink at the Flat Iron in downtown St. Cloud. Today you'll see customers chatting around the bar, but it's not beer they're drinking. Instead, Travis Stoerzinger is serving up healthy shakes and energy drinks at his new business Flat Iron Nutrition. "We consider this healthy fast food," Stoerzinger said. "All the shakes are under 300 calories and all have at least 24 grams of protein." Read full article.

IoT Gives Minnesota Companies a ‘Smart’ Way to Do Business

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Minnesota companies are on the front lines of the IoT revolution A University of Minnesota spinout company is working to develop an artificial liver that could dramatically reduce the number of patients who die waiting for a liver transplant. Another Minnesota company has developed a novel means of delivering primary care to low-income seniors, keeping them healthy while saving them money. These are just two examples of the innovations emerging from Minnesota’s health and bioscience industry – with a direct and indirect annual economic impact of $23 billion and 167,000 jobs – is one of the largest in the country, according to industry...

Expo Gets Youth to Think About Careers; Employers, the Next-gen Workforce

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

An HR executive, truck loader, court reporter and physical therapist will be among 25 Minnesota professionals who are blind, DeafBlind, or low-vision networking with blind students at the 2019 Career Expo sponsored by State Services for the Blind. The Expo highlights the diversity of career paths for job seekers who are blind. This free event, focused on high school and undergraduate students, will be held Sat., April 27 at Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, Conference Center B. Expo attendees will connect with employees working in a variety of jobs and careers, the tools they use, and the techniques that have...

Why Minnesota is an International Attraction

Monday, April 08, 2019

Sports, arts and outdoors combine to put tourism spotlight on the state William Shakespeare famously wrote that all the world is a stage. In Minnesota, the state is becoming a stage that attracts all the world. Minnesota has long received attention for its natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. In addition, the state has one of the most vibrant arts scenes in the nation, with exhibits and performances that attract a worldwide audience. Read full article.

Midtown Square is getting a face-lift. Here's what to expect with the remodel

Monday, April 08, 2019

ST. CLOUD — Midtown Square is getting a face-lift this spring. General Manager Ben Copperthite said exterior construction is expected to begin on the building's south side and wrap halfway around the east and west facades. The first phase of the exterior renovation is expected to be completed in mid-June. Remodeling work will then move to the interior of the building, along with improvements to the parking lot and the remaining exterior walls, which is expected to be completed by September. Businesses inside the shopping center will be open during construction. Read full article.

Cold Spring Brewing plans 300,000-square-foot warehouse expansion in St. Cloud, adds 100 jobs

Saturday, April 06, 2019

ST. CLOUD — Cold Spring Brewing Co. is expanding its warehouse capacity by more than 300,000 square feet by leasing the former Creative Memories manufacturing space near Interstate 94 and Opportunity Drive in south St. Cloud. The lease brings CSBC's total warehousing capacity to over 1 million square feet and is expected to create more than 100 new jobs for fork lift drivers, production staff and warehousing staff, according to a press release from the company. Read full article.

How to make sense of the NFL’s fanciful Super Bowl economic impact numbers

Friday, April 05, 2019

In their 2004 paper “Super Bowl or Super(Hyper)Bole?: Assessing The Economic Impact of America’s Premier Sporting Event,” economists Robert Baade and Victor Matheson studied Super Bowls from 1970-2001 and concluded the game contributed about one-quarter to the local economy what boosters promised. With additional research, Baade thinks it’s closer to one-tenth. “Economists have a rough rule of thumb: Move the decimal point one place to left, and you’re far more likely to come up a better measure of economic impact than the NFL number,” said Baade, a professor of economics at Lake Forest (Ill.) College. Read original article.

In Business: Chamber, Downtown Council announces 2019 award winners

Friday, April 05, 2019

Doug and Carol Severson, owners of Handyman’s Inc. in St. Cloud, are the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce's 2019 Small Business Owners of the Year. Jeff and Steve Mies, owners of Mies Outland, were awarded the chamber's 2019 Business Central Mark of Excellence: Family Owned Business award, and Brenda Eisenschenk, owner of inteleCONNECT, Inc., was named the 2019 Woman in Business Champion. Read full article.

Most & Least Educated States in America

Wednesday, April 03, 2019

For a growing number of Americans, a good education is the ticket to a better future. College opens doors to more career opportunities, higher earnings and new social connections, among other benefits. But how much schooling one receives also matters to some extent. Generally, the higher the level of education one completes, the higher their income potential and the lower their chances of unemployment become. In this study, WalletHub examined the key factors of a well-educated population: educational attainment, school quality and achievement gaps between genders and races. We compared all 50 states across 20 total metrics grouped into two categories. The data set ranges...

How Minnesota Uses Its Resources to Drive and Thrive Entrepreneurship

Monday, April 01, 2019

A network of resources, wealth of talent, access to capital fuel entrepreneurial growth Minnesota offers a full menu of resources that drive entrepreneurship — from access to a wide network of investors and venture capitalists as well as public and private research & development accelerators to university-based entrepreneurial programs and business incubators. Add to that the state’s deep pool of talent and Minnesota has easily a top choice for entrepreneurs. Read full article.

Female Entrepreneurs Are the Next Wave of Business Success

Friday, March 29, 2019

The main barriers to female entrepreneurship--and the top tips to overcome them. Last week, I wrote an article which talked about U.S entrepreneurship being at a 40-year low. Research suggests that there are are some seeds of growth and the latest studies have highlighted that female entrepreneurship will provide one of the best routes to future business success. Let's be honest: To date, there has been a huge gender disparity between the number of startups, particularly in the tech industry. We can all easily reel off names like Zuckerberg, Bezos, Musk, Gates, Jobs, Branson, Dell, Gates, and Cuban. In contrast, a list of today's top 25 entrepreneurs compiled by Ranker features...

How Minnesota’s manufacturing executives feel about the year ahead

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Manufacturing executives in Minnesota are optimistic about their revenue prospects, but they’re also concerned about a workforce shortage that remains a major hurdle for industries across the country. “Our first quarter bookings are stronger than in 2016 and 2017,” said Sarah Richards, president and CEO of Jones Metal, a metal fabrication company in Mankato. “We also have some businesses that should be coming in the second and third quarters. So I think we’re going to see a growth here.” Indeed, that positive outlook is widespread among business leaders in the industry — and it stems from the recent economic improvement the U.S. has...

Minnesota Workers Get a Raise

Monday, March 25, 2019

While Minnesota’s labor market has been getting tighter for several years, one expected outcome of that trend has been late to emerge – wage growth. But a story by Dave Senf in the latest issue of Trends magazine documents that wage growth is finally occurring in many industries in the state. For the first time in years, Minnesota workers have bargaining power for pay increases or opportunities to switch to jobs offering fatter paychecks. Read full article.

Updated for 2018: Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota in ‘Minnesota Blue’

Friday, March 22, 2019

The 2018 edition of “A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota” is now available from DEED’s Small Business Assistance Office. This popular guide – now in its 36th edition and free of charge – summarizes the major issues faced by anyone starting a business in Minnesota. The 2018 edition of the guide contains in-depth information that is crucial to business success, yet too costly for many small-business owners to obtain on their own. It covers a wide variety of topics, from basic process questions to far more complex regulatory, financial, managerial and business-structure questions. Read full article.

Innovative Career Services Available at Minnesota WorkForce Centers

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Minnesota WorkForce Centers continue to improve services for career seekers across the state. While the WorkForce Centers are known for workshops on job search, the MinnesotaWorks.net job board and networking groups, customers are discovering expanded career services to help them land a good job faster in a career that fits their skills and interests. “While the Minnesota WorkForce Centers have helped thousands of career seekers learn effective ways to find work, we are developing new ways to help them become more efficient in their career search,” said David Niermann, job service field operations director at DEED. Read full article.

New Flyer president talks electric buses, transportation revolution in the coming decade

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

ST. CLOUD — New Flyer of America's new president, Chris Stoddart, believes we are in the midst of a "transportation revolution." Electric, zero-emission buses now account for 5 percent to 10 percent of the transit bus manufacturer's production. Stoddart thinks that proportion will grow to more than 80 percent in the next decade. "It's a dream opportunity to be able to be on the forefront in this next decade of transportation," Stoddart said. "It's a pretty exciting time. I'm really anxious to see where we'll be in the next 10 years." Read full article.

Unemployment Reaches Historic Low; Business Survival Rate Tops in the Nation

Monday, March 18, 2019

In November, the Minnesota unemployment rate fell to 3.1 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent. The state lost 4,000 jobs in November. Over the past year, Minnesota gained 34,566 jobs, an increase of 1.2 percent, while U.S. jobs grew 1.4 percent. Read more. Through two consecutive months of employment declines, Minnesota’s labor markets are surprisingly strong. We’re seeing a decline in our unemployment rate to levels last seen before the 2001 recession, as our labor force participation rate (70.6 percent) increases to six year highs – and with an aging population. The decline in the number of unemployed to below 100,000...

City's new Business Development Director will lead economic recovery program

Monday, March 18, 2019

ST. CLOUD — The city of St. Cloud has hired a Business Development Director after it was granted federal funding to assist in retaining jobs and growing businesses following Electrolux's closure announcement. Jennifer Erickson started her new position and will facilitate a two-year economic recovery coordinator program. Erickson has experience in both the private and public sectors, having worked in a variety of industries and state government. She most recently worked for Greater MSP, the Minneapolis-Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership. Read full article.

Minnesota Gains 8,900 Jobs in December

Friday, March 15, 2019

Statewide unemployment rate at 3.1 percent, lowest level in more than 17 years ST. PAUL – Minnesota employers added 8,900 jobs in December 2018, with 8,700 of them coming from the private sector, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state gained 44,200 jobs during the calendar year, a growth rate of 1.5 percent. The U.S. rate of job growth last year also was 1.5 percent. Read full article.

Sauk Rapids company working to make teachers and students safer with Badge Messenger

Friday, March 15, 2019

SAUK RAPIDS — A Sauk Rapids company is launching a device it says will make schools safer and communication easier for teachers with just the push of a button. Badge Messenger is a light-weight, non-intrusive messaging device teachers can wear on a lanyard and use to send alerts to the school office. It was inspired by a local educator who wanted to make asking for help — from a maintenance or health issue to a safety or security incident — easy for teachers to do in a non-disruptive way. Read full article.

Updated DEED Business Guide Now Available

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Thirty-sixth edition covers major issues faced by people who start businesses ST. PAUL – The 2018 edition of “A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota” is now available from the Small Business Assistance Office at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This popular guide, which is now in its 36th edition and free of charge, provides a concise summary of the major issues faced by anyone starting a business in Minnesota. Read full article.

Here's a look at the newest apartment buildings coming to St. Cloud

Thursday, March 14, 2019

ST. CLOUD — Two new apartment complexes are under construction in St. Cloud. Along with Talamore, a senior community being built near Crossroads Center, 280 more rentals units are slated for the city. Four retail spaces and 100 apartment units are planned for Crest View Village and 144 apartment units and 36 town home units are planned for The Bluffs at Liberty Glen. Both developments started construction last fall. Read full article.

Four Greater Minnesota Cities Awarded Infrastructure Grants

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Funding will support economic development in Royalton, Brooten, Marshall and Luverne ST. PAUL – Grants totaling $5.24 million were approved by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for infrastructure projects in four Greater Minnesota communities. DEED awarded the funding from its Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program for projects in Royalton, Brooten, Marshall and Luverne. The grants were approved during the fourth quarter of 2017. Read full article.

Tax credits proposed to spur business investments in Minnesota

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Gov. Tim Walz, legislators want to reinstate the angel tax credit program. State lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz want to replenish funding for a lapsed program that gave tens of millions in tax breaks to investors who helped start businesses in Minnesota. The state could spend up to $20 million a year on investors who support startups, under a proposal in the Legislature. Walz did not commit to an exact amount but told members of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce that the tax credits will be part of the budget he unveils. The angel investment program previously operated from 2010 through 2017, and the...

American manufacturing companies have a spring in their step

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Foxconn's latest reversal suggests manufacturing is undergoing a revival, especially among agile smaller firms and those using advanced techniques. When Taiwanese giant Foxconn announced plans to build a massive factory for high-end televisions in 2017, many cheered, including President Donald Trump. Electronics manufacturers had long ago abandoned America for cheaper countries, especially China, so the investment seemed to mark a reversal, albeit one that came with a significant amount of subsidies. But what Foxconn will do in southeastern Wisconsin is now in question. The company has discovered that it is hard to get thousands of Midwesterners to work long hours at stressful...

Demand for workers in Minnesota could expand sharply, raising pressure on employers, educators

Monday, March 11, 2019

If Minnesota doesn't make progress adding trained workers in near term, the state risks losing out on billions of dollars in future economic growth. Gonkama Johnson, a recent graduate of Summit Academy’s IT training program, works downtown at fast-growing Atomic Data. Johnson, 30, once jobless and homeless, has filled one of the 9,500 open local IT jobs listed by the Minnesota High Tech Association. “It’s not just a job,” Johnson said last week. “I’m in a career now. I’m staying humble and on track.” Read full article.

University of Minnesota launches startup incubator to aid new ventures based on university research

Friday, March 08, 2019

The University of Minnesota announced the launch of a startup incubator to support companies that are spun out of research undertaken at the university. The "Discovery Launchpad" program was developed by the university's Venture Center to support researchers who want to bring new technology to market. It's currently working with eight startups and plans to graduate eight from the program this fiscal year. Read full article.

Walz Budget Plan Includes Restoration of Angel Tax Credit Program

Thursday, March 07, 2019

The Medical Alley Tech Association lauds the move, noting that the Angel Investment Tax Credit generated at least $108 million in investment in the state’s health tech industry over a five-year period. In Governor Tim Walz’s two-year, nearly $50 billion budget plan, heavy emphasis was placed on funding education, roads, and health care. However, Walz also served up support for the startup community with a proposal to restore the state’s Angel Investment Tax Credit (AITC) program. The tax credit was a state-sponsored rewards program for investors who take high-risk bets on technology-focused products, entrepreneurs or startups. It provided investors or investment funds with...

Study: Minnesota is No. 3 in the nation for life expectancy

Tuesday, March 05, 2019

The results are based on average life expectancies over a 6-year period. A person born and raised in Minnesota can expect to live 5.5 years longer on average than someone born in Mississippi. That's according to 24/7 Wall Street, which ranked each state after analyzing life expectancy data between 2010-2015 from the National Association of Public Health Statistics and Information Systems and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. It notes that Minnesota's life expectancy at birth was 80.8 years in 2015, third only behind California (80.9 years) and Hawaii (81.3 years). By contrast, last-ranked Mississippi had a life expectancy at birth of 75.3 years in 2015. Read full article.

Q & A: New DEED leader talks budget, workforce

Sunday, March 03, 2019

Minnesota’s new economic point person is bringing a tech executive’s love for innovation to the role. Northfield native Steve Grove, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development, has spent the past 12 years as a senior leader at YouTube and Google, most recently leading a team focused on innovations in journalism. A Minnesota native, he moved back to the state in April 2018 with his wife, Mary, a San Diego native (“This is definitely her first Minnesota winter,” Grove says) and 2-year-old twins. He wasn’t initially looking for a government job, he says, but after Gov. Tim Walz won in...

Budget for One Minnesota: Child Care Investment and Integrity

Friday, March 01, 2019

For many Minnesota families, child care is a necessity, yet a growing number of Minnesotans can’t access it – it just doesn’t exist. The number of licensed family childcare providers has decreased almost 30 percent in Minnesota since 2005, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Census data from 2014 show that about 310,000 children in Minnesota ages 0-5 have both parents or guardians in the workforce and likely need some form of child care. Lack of affordable, quality child care is a significant barrier to workforce participation that can negatively affect job and wealth creation, business expansion and retention,...

Getting more than a buzz: St. Cloud uses beer, byproducts to fuel wastewater plant

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

ST. CLOUD — Whenever you dump something down the drain, it goes to the city of St. Cloud's NEW (Nutrients, Energy and Water) Recovery Facility, where nutrients are recovered, waste is treated, and clean water is sent back into the environment. But large-scale beverage producers — who have high-sugar waste filled with potential energy — get special treatment when it comes to the byproducts created at their facilities. Read full article.

Let's Go app launching in St. Cloud helps date nights by matching activities, calendars

Friday, February 15, 2019

ST. CLOUD — A group of St. Cloud natives and St. Cloud State University alumni are launching an app they hope will change the way people do online dating and how couples come up with new date night ideas. Austin Bohlig, originally from St. Cloud and a St. Cloud State grad, is the founder and CEO of Let's Go — a free relationship app that helps craft date experiences for singles and couples. Read full article.

Here's the local craft beers that won at the Best of Craft Beer Awards 2019

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Two local breweries took home medals at the 2019 Best of Craft Beer Awards competition held in Bend, Oregon. More than 2,000 entries came in from around the world and judges from around the country awarded 262 medals in 90 categories. Spilled Grain Brewhouse in Annandale and Third Street Brewhouse in Cold Spring were the two local breweries that took home honors in the competition. Read full article.

Daniel finds passion in transportation

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

"I'm always known as the 'Bus Guy.' People can't remember my name, but they remember me as the 'Bus Guy.'" Click here to watch video.

Francis helps Central McGowan be "the 71-year-old startup"

Monday, February 11, 2019

"We're trying to be the 71-year-old startup. We know that our future is good if we're continually open to change and changing the organization." Click here to watch video.

Strand perseveres in both career and life

Friday, February 08, 2019

In the roughly year-and-a-half since INDY's inception, Kayla Strand has helped more than 25 families with cancer warriors in Minnesota. Video sourced from the SC Times

Wiger helps Central Minnesota grow, evolve

Thursday, February 07, 2019

"I would love to see St. Cloud and greater Minnesota continue to grow, thrive and evolve, and really be a community that others look to as an example of collaboration." Video sourced from the SC TImes

"Entrepreneurial spirit" drives Wendlandt

Wednesday, February 06, 2019

"I didn't want to work in the system that was out there, so I decided to make my own system." Video sourced from the SC TImes

Meet the 5 Under 40 Class of 2018

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

The annual St. Cloud Times' 5 Under 40 awards recognize leaders in local businesses who also embrace community involvement that makes a difference across generations. The award winners innovate, inspire and make Central Minnesota better. Meet the 5 Under 40 Class of 2018: Ryan Daniel, CEO, Metro Bus, St. Cloud. Joe Francis, president and CEO, Central McGowan, St. Cloud. Kayla Strand, founder, INDY Foundation (I'm Not Done Yet), Sauk Rapids. Cody Wendlandt, medical director, Sartell Family Medicine, Sartell. Shannon Wiger, director of business development/vice president, Moss & Barnett/Spring Hill Capital, LLC, St. Cloud Learn what sets these leaders apart by reading profiles and viewing videos inside this section. Continue to...

Christine's Cheesecakes opening brick-and-mortar retail store in Waite Park

Monday, February 04, 2019

WAITE PARK — Christine's Cheesecakes — long available only at select restaurants, festivals or by special order — is moving into a brick-and-mortar retail location in the Riverwood Mall. Owner Christine Skoog plans to be open for Valentine's Day. Skoog has been baking cheesecakes for nearly seven years, first out of Cafe Renaissance and currently out of Anton's Restaurant. Previously, catering orders or special orders had to be placed in advance, or customers could get treats from her stand at festivals and events or from restaurants offering her confections on their menus. Continue to full article

The 5 biggest economic stories in Minnesota from 2018

Friday, February 01, 2019

It was a year with highs and lows for Minnesota’s economy, marked by turnover in the state’s technical college system, trade war uncertainty, rosy economic numbers and an escalating shortage of workers. Here, a look at the year in Minnesota’s economic development: 1. A new leader for Minnesota State After two failed nationwide searches for a new chancellor, the board of trustees at the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities tapped someone close to home: interim Chancellor Devinder Malhotra. Over its nearly two-year long search process, the board rejected six finalists to replace the outgoing Steven Rosenstone. Malhotra, who was not formally part of...

‘If we are not making investments in our future, we will be in trouble’: a Q&A with outgoing DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy

Wednesday, January 30, 2019

Shawntera Hardy, the commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is one of the many Cabinet members from Gov. Mark Dayton’s administration who have not applied to stay on the job once DFLer Tim Walz takes over the governor’s mansion in January. Hardy has been the head of DEED for a relatively short two-year stint, but she will soon be moving on. She has a Bush Foundation fellowship lined up and plans to rejoin Civic Eagle, the technology company she co-founded that helps users track bills and other action at state legislatures. Continue to full article

BUSINESS HONORED FOR GIVING BACK

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

(KNSI) - A St. Cloud business has received a high honor from Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity. H&S Heating and Air Conditioning has been inducted into Habitat for Humanity's Business Partner Hall of Fame for demonstrating a consistent, long-term interest in helping the organization reach its goals. "In addition to their donations of time and talent, H&S Heating owners Emily and Jeremy Salzbrun are energetic Habitat advocates out in the community," said Dave Jacobs, CMHFH Board President. Continue to full article

CareerOneStop Team wins multiple awards in Innovation for its CareerBot

Monday, January 21, 2019

The CareerBot chatbot debuted in late April to help users find what they’re looking for on CareerOneStop.org. The CareerOneStop.org team at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development won three awards from different organizations recognizing their work on CareerBot, the artificial intelligence chatbot designed to help users of the CareerOneStop website find exactly what they are looking for without needing to learn the site’s web layout. The 8-month-old AI helper won the Granicus Digital Strategy Award in Innovation, a State Government Innovation Award (SGIA) from University of Minnesota, and a Government IT Symposium (GOVIT) Award. CareerOneStop.org features 61 interactive tools, special purpose portals, and hundreds of content pages....

Magazine Highlights Minnesota as a Top Spot for Business

Friday, January 18, 2019

The new edition of Minnesota: Thriving in the North spells out the benefits of doing business here. It highlights the state’s inviting business climate, innovative atmosphere and world-class workforce. The publication, available in both print and digital versions, is part of DEED’s ongoing work to promote the state’s advantages for business investment and expansion, as well as its culture of innovation and quality of life. Continue to full article.

Wellness at work takes root

Friday, January 18, 2019

Pinnacle Climate Technologies announces new headquarters

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Pinnacle Climate Technologies, Inc. is moving into a new corporate facility at 1660 13th Avenue NE in Sauk Rapids. The move will accommodate rapid company growth and expand Pinnacle's space from 80,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet. CEO Ron Ten-Berge said the new facility allows the company to consolidate under one roof, including its design, engineering and test facilities. Founded in 2015, Pinnacle Climate Technologies, Inc. is a heating and ventilation manufacturer serving the industrial, commercial, horticulture, agriculture, rental, and retail industries. Click here for the complete article.

THRIVING LOCAL: HANDYMAN’S HARDWARE TAKES OVER EAST ST. CLOUD

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Starting out in the family company in 1976, Doug Severson is now the owner of Handyman's Hardware in St. Cloud. "The business was started by my parents in 1965. They were the first employees for about the first ten years and then after that we added a few employees. We started out about two blocks west of here and have been in this location since 1975." Handyman's Hardware is our next featured business in our Thriving Local series. Mark Held is the general manager. He says they'll help guide you through all of your projects. Click here for the complete article.

St. Cloud Technical and Community College announces Workforce Development Scholarship

Monday, January 21, 2019

Minnesota State announces the availability of 400 new scholarships of $2,500 each for students enrolling in high-demand programs at state colleges, including 14 scholarships that will be dispersed by St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC). The scholarships will be available fall semester 2018 to new students enrolling at any Minnesota State college in associate degree, diploma, or certificate programs that prepare graduates for careers in high demand. Continue to full article

News and Media

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