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Manufacturing is considered the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, supporting 11% of the total workforce. Manufacturing firms come in all sizes and support a variety of industries worldwide. Based in Foley, AMAX Manufacturing, Inc. is a plastic injection molding company that accommodates a wide range of part sizes, materials, and production volumes.Read more...
It is the first day of classes for the students at the St. Cloud Technical and Community College.President Lori Kloos says enrollment is up about six-and-a-quarter percent this fall compared to last fall.“So that's 245 students more enrolled for this fall than were enrolled last fall. That's pretty much across...
Newly engaged couples planning their vows can tour The Shed at Halfway Crossing, a 40-acre event venue between Rice and Royalton, just 20 miles north of St. Cloud. The venue is easily accessible via Highway 10, making it an ideal option for couples who want to escape into the country...
Unlocking Your Workforce Potential: A Guide to Labor Market Insights for Employers Part I
Aug 20 2025On the August Workforce Wednesday, the Workforce Strategy consultants and a panel of experts helped Minnesota employers navigate the wealth of labor market information available to make more informed decisions for their organization. In today's competitive landscape, understanding workforce trends is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. By leveraging...
Since 1917, Sunburst Memorials has provided quality memorials and markers for customers to honor their loved ones. The company has grown from a local memorial provider to a regional brand with 22 retail stores and works with 200 dealers nationwide.Sunburst Memorials is at capacity, producing 7,500 memorials per year. It...
Minnesota’s manufacturing sector plays an outsized role in the state’s economy. It is the state’s second largest sector and has a disproportionate impact on other industries. When manufacturing grows, it spurs activity in construction, real estate, professional services, utilities and other industries that supply the needs of local manufacturers.Given this...
Area Development magazine caught up with its Q2 guest editors, Ford Graham and Steven Pearce from McGuireWoods consulting, to talk about their reporting on data center supply chains. We invited Ermengarde Jabir Director of Economic Research at Moody’s who also explored data centers for a recent Area Development article to...
Minnesota's employment level, unemployment rate and labor force indicators show mild signs of slowing in July, reflecting national trends. But Minnesota's over-the-year job growth was stronger than the nation as a whole, according to new data from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).Minnesota lost 4,400 jobs over-the-month in...
Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced $12 million for workforce development for Minnesotans. The State Drive for 5 program provides competitive grants to provide workforce training and job placement in five high growth industries: caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology, and the...
An old bank building in downtown Foley is getting a facelift with the help of a state grant.Foley City Administrator Sarah Brunn says they awarded one grant through the Main Street Revitalization Grant Program.Thorston Holdings LLC is doing a renovation and exterior improvement to 201 4th Avenue North. Locals call...
Mark Christensen remembers working a construction job in 2005 when a friend climbed a roof and came down with his pockets filled with agates.That moment sparked something in Christensen, who's now a full-fledged "rockhound" — an amateur geologist.His wedding ring is filled with amethyst, a deep purple variant of quartz...
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Businesses in Benton County looking for branded promotional items and apparel can contact OnBrand Promo, LLC. The organization is known for creating "promo that pops, apparel that rocks," and can accommodate diverse business sizes and industries. This company helps businesses stand out by creating memorable items to sell or give...
“I am an RN now!!” exclaimed Emma. “I work at Mercy Hospital on a med surge!"Emma has achieved a major milestone on her caring career journey thanks to program funded by a Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Drive for 5 grant. This unique program allowed Emma to...
Rural America is having a moment. Policymakers and business leaders increasingly see the heartland as indispensable to the nation’s future health and prosperity.What are the unique strengths of rural communities? What are their most pressing needs? And how can rural communities across the U.S. position themselves as viable destinations for...
The conversation around Artificial Intelligence often conjures images of rapid, disruptive change. While the data on AI's potential is vast, what does it mean for businesses on the ground, particularly in Minnesota? On the July 2025 Workforce Wednesday session, we heard from leaders at two Minnesota employers, Vivid Image and...
All summer long, CareerForce is putting a spotlight on the many employment opportunities in health care and social assistance and encouraging people to “Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career”.There are more job openings in health care and social assistance than in any other industry in Minnesota. According to the...
Benton County residents can enjoy delicious meals overlooking the golf course at Coyote Moon Grille. This upscale dining restaurant is known for its prime rib, beer-battered walleye, and hearty comfort dishes. It is also known for its Sunday Brunch, with a flowing buffet of your favorite sweet and savory dishes.Whether...
There’s a lot of buzz—and some concern—about AI’s impact on jobs. You might have seen headlines quoting industry leaders who predict AI could eliminate up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within five years, potentially causing widespread unemployment. While it’s always wise to be prepared, it’s important to maintain perspective.This...
Two portions of the Mill District journey in Sartell moved forward Monday night. As part of the consent agenda, the city council unanimously approved two parts of the development. The council approved awarding the first phase of the water and sanitary sewer mains to Molitor Excavating.The project will extend utilities...
The State of Minnesota has announced over $33 million in funding for small businesses. The funding is part of the Department of Employment and Economic Development's (DEED) State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), and the $33 million dollars is the second of three rounds of funding totaling $97 million. DEED...
More housing options are in the works on the south side of St. Cloud. St. Cloud Community Development Director, Matt Glaesman joined me on WJON. The owners of the property across from Coborn's on Cooper requested to extend the time period to offer Tax Increment Financing on the site. That...
A community is only as strong as the businesses that operate there, and Benton County is packed with organizations that care about their customers, employees, and neighbors. There are multiple construction firms in the region that support business expansion and development efforts. If your company chooses to move or expand...
Leaders Lab is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage Minnesota’s developing business leaders. It will enhance your personal and professional growth, connect you with business leaders statewide, and provide understanding into what drives Minnesota’s economy and how policy affects the success of business in our state. To learn more about Leaders...
We hope all of you had a safe and enjoyable Independence Day holiday. This week is an important one for the Chamber as we start our annual celebration of manufacturers and innovators through our Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest.That’s right – nominations are open this week for the Coolest...
