News & Events

Auto Industry Is Betting on Sustainability

Friday, September 03, 2021

Within the plethora of buzzwords that grew in popularity over the COVID-19 pandemic, there is one that will live on stronger throughout the foreseeable future. Beyond terms like lockdowns, mandates, bottlenecks, shortages, SPACs, and inflation, it’s the word sustainability that will have a lasting effect on companies, their employees, and their customers for the next 100 years. This term is the same one that has been nagging on the ear of executives throughout industries for decades. A small annoyance perhaps at the bottom of the barrel, but now it is, or should be, cemented on to-do lists across the globe. ...

2021 Leaders Lab Profiles

Thursday, September 02, 2021

Leaders Lab is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage Minnesota’s developing business leaders (approximately late 20s to 30s). 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. The program consists of four sessions two-day sessions. To learn more about Leaders Lab, click here. Check back to this page as more of our wonderful 2021 Leaders Lab participants are profiled! Read full article.

Shifting Dynamics in a Post-Pandemic World

Thursday, September 02, 2021

Many individuals and small businesses have faced enormous hardships over the last 18 months — illness, layoffs, furloughs, shortages, remote schooling — due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. During this same period, governments too, at both the state and local levels, faced unprecedented challenges as they worked to address the pandemic’s impact on their citizens. Charged with protecting public health and safety, governments have responded to the pandemic by supporting critical infrastructure, especially in healthcare. They’ve established new sources of funding, improved coordination between agencies, and supported vulnerable populations, rapidly deploying stimulus funding while trying to monitor its use and effectiveness...

U.S. Space Race Propels the Nation to New Heights

Wednesday, September 01, 2021

In 1961, President Kennedy proclaimed that the United States should “commit itself to achieving the goal, before the decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth.” Thus began the space race that has over the years spawned numerous innovative companies and exceptional research. One only must consider in awe the launch of private citizens and entrepreneurs Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos into space 60 years later. On July 11, Branson entered the edge of outer space in his space craft, the Virgin Galactic — the result of nearly 17 years of developmen...

Building a Sustainable Global Semiconductor Supply Chain

Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Hemlock Semiconductor in Saginaw, Michigan, is the nation’s largest manufacturer of ultra-pure polysilicon that is sliced by other manufacturers into wafers to be used in solar cells and semiconductors. Area Development’s editor recently asked the company’s senior vice president of Advocacy and Engagement about the recent shortage in the global production of semiconductors that has been causing delays in the manufacture of products utilizing these chips. Area Development: How does Hemlock think the U.S. should respond to China’s efforts to dominate the market for both polysilicon and semiconductors? Brooke Beebe: Policy actions such as the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) an...

Connecting Skills To Opportunities

Monday, August 30, 2021

The State of Nevada is on top of things. For close to 10 years, they’ve been focused on where industry is going and what it means for the future of work in the state. State leaders like Bob Potts, deputy director at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) have recognized its legacy industries (gaming, entertainment, and tourism) have been on a maturing path for decades. They’ve thus been working to identify the state’s comparative advantages in various industries to better diversify. “We looked at advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare, logistics and operations, and energy,” Potts said. “We were doing reverse staffin...

2021 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Sunday, August 29, 2021

EY is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its Entrepreneur Of The Year program, which recognizes CEOs and regional business leaders for their outstanding entrepreneurial accomplishments and major contributions to their communities. Eight business innovators from seven Minnesota companies received the Entrepreneur Of The Year Heartland Award during a second-ever virtual awards program on July 27. Seven states in the nation’s midsection make up EY’s Heartland region. Executives from 19 other Minnesota companies were finalists for the award. Twin Cities Business profiles these accomplished business leaders in this issue, including an up-close look at the Minnesota winners, who were interviewed by TCB’s Gene Rebec...

Jason thanks his CareerForce Vets “Dream Team”

Friday, August 27, 2021

Jason is a U.S. military veteran who sought help finding a job during the pandemic. He reached out to CareerForce Veterans Employment Services staff for help translating his military experience in a way that would showcase his skills to civilian employers. After he found employment, Jason reached out again to say thank you to what he called his job search “Dream Team”. “I found success by plugging myself into the system,” said Jason. “I also tapped into the weekly Eagle Group MN Zoom calls hosted by Stephen Kolcinski and Alan Hill where I was able to meet the team and get feedbac...

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources For Businesses

Thursday, August 26, 2021

How to help employees receive a vaccine: Help employees find where to get vaccinated: They can receive them through the health care provider, at a pharmacy and others. The state offers a vaccine locator map to help employers and employees. Host an on-site vaccination: Just like hosting an on-site flu clinic, a vaccine provider or health care provider could help you vaccine employees on-site. Contact your health care provider or sign up through the Minnesota Department of Health. Read full article.

Lead for Minnesota Fellow, Patrick Garry, to address broadband access in Redwood County

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Lead For America, Land O’Lakes, Inc., the Mayo Clinic, Midwest Dairy and Scoular recently announced the placement of six American Connection Corps (ACC) Fellows in Minnesota, part of a group of 50 individuals placed in communities across the country. These Fellows will work to increase broadband access and digital literacy as well as contribute to critical community development initiatives in communities across Minnesota. Lead for Minnesota Fellow Patrick Garry was chosen for placement in Redwood County to work with the county EDA on broadband access throughout the county. Garry arrived in Redwood Falls on Aug. 9 to begin his work a...

Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company is on track to celebrate 30 years

Thursday, August 26, 2021

The Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company celebrates 30 years of service this month. From Aug. 27-29, the short-line railroad will offer a series of passenger excursion trains to thank its customers, employees and government leaders that have helped make it successful. The Twin Cities & Western Railroad Company’s rail line starts in the Twin Cities, running through Chanhassen and Chaska. The company’s ownership goes west to Appleton, 30 miles from the South Dakota border. When the short-line gets to St. Paul, its customers have the option to hand off their train cars to Canadian Pacific, BNSF Railway, Union Pacific and to ...

The End of Enhanced Unemployment Benefits: What You Need to Know

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

It’s safe to say we live in unprecedented times. A global pandemic, shocks to the supply chain, and myriad other disruptions make this a challenging time to be in business. The goal of The Future of Attracting and Retaining Workforce blog series from DEED’s Workforce Strategy Consultant team is to lay out information to help businesses overcome obstacles and find success. This first blog in our series will focus on enhanced unemployment benefits and what might happen next. What are enhanced unemployment benefits? There are three different federal enhanced unemployment benefits programs with very similar acronyms. One is Pandemic Unemployment compensation, o...

Twin Cities Startup Week Leans Into Arts and Culture

Monday, August 23, 2021

The word “startup” often brings to mind data scientists, engineers, and techies who are working on the next big disruption. Twin Cities Startup Week wants to broaden that perception to showcase innovation in all forms. This year, for the first time, the week-long September festival will put special emphasis on arts and culture. “We wanted to expand how we defined innovation and who can participate by extending invitations to those communities who didn’t feel included in the past,” said Casey Shultz, executive director of BETA, the local organization that produces TCSW. Billed as “one of the largest entrepreneurial festivals in th...

Minnesota Sees Largest Gain in Total Employment Since March

Thursday, August 19, 2021

St. Paul – Minnesota gained 14,500 jobs, up 0.5% in July on a seasonally adjusted basis, and the private sector gained 8,700 jobs, up 0.4%, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). These were the largest gains since March for total employment and the largest since May for private sector employment. Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked down one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.9% in July. This drop was due to people moving into jobs as well as a small decline in the state’s labor force participation, which also ticked down b...

Navigating Your Business Succession And Transition Planning

Thursday, August 19, 2021

ARE YOU LOOKING TO BETTER PREPARE YOUR COMPANY FOR OWNERSHIP TRANSITION NOW OR IN THE FUTURE? The August MN Supplier Match Roundtable helped businesses explore key issues around business succession and transition planning. Are you looking to better prepare your company for ownership transition now or in the future? Our succession and transition experts provided helpful hints in areas such as ESOP conversion, Cooperative (Co-op) business models, business valuation, family business succession plans and more. HOW TO FIND YOUR BUSINESS'S VALUATION AND LOCATE A BUYER "Obviously the seller's perception is, 'Hey, I worked my entire life in this business and it's worth mor...

5 Tips for Attracting the Best Job Candidates in Today's Labor Market

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

The landscape has changed dramatically for businesses accessing the labor market pool. Employers have to rethink how to approach prospective employees if they plan on meeting their hiring demands. Job shortages have created a frenzy where companies are scrambling to adopt a new approach to hiring new team members in pursuit of a different type of job engagement. Every day I coach companies that are desperate to find workers who can support their growing business. Many of these businesses have unfortunately had to turn business away, because they don’t have enough staff to support the influx of work. According to th...

7 Ways to Successfully Manage Managers

Saturday, August 14, 2021

Managing managers can be similar, in some ways, to managing a team — you need to align priorities, communicate goals, provide feedback and serve as a mentor. But the difference in managing managers is that you have to not only oversee their work, but make sure they’re effectively supporting their teams too. In addition to ensuring that managers are producing quality work, you’re setting clear expectations for what a successful manager looks like, observing their leadership within a team and offering direct feedback on their management skills. A successful manager is one who guides their team to perform well and develops the...

Chamber Announces COVID-19 Program To Help Employers Manage Employee Health And Safety

Friday, August 13, 2021

EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE Minnesota Department of Economic Development resources for employers – Information on staffing, hours, unemployment insurance and assistance for small businesses. Coronavirus and unemployment insurance – Specific details on mandatory or voluntary quarantines, changes in hourly work or layoffs, and COVID-19 related costs. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's “worker protections” – A summary of FMLA, sick leave, unemployment insurance. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Frequently asked questions for employers and employees related to COVID-19 Read full article.

The Visionary List: Meet The Women Over 50 Shaping The Future Of Science, Technology And Art

Thursday, August 12, 2021

In 2011, billionaire venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, then 56, told an audience in Bangalore that “people under 35 are the people who make change happen. People over 45 basically die in terms of new ideas.” Khosla defied his own stereotype when, six years later, he became a seed investor in Metawave, a radar company founded by then-54-year-old Maha Achour. The longtime entrepreneur and MIT-trained physicist is using advanced aerial imaging and technology to help self-driving cars operate smoothly through every weather condition. “Experience is everything,” she says of how her age has helped her start and grow her company. “I had t...

Infrastructure bill includes significant funding for Minnesota’s electric-vehicle charging network

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

With the recent Senate passage of a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, states are looking for what level of federal funding they might expect for their own projects. The Biden Administration released preliminary numbers last week, giving Minnesota a glimpse at projects it might be able to complete after final passage of the infrastructure package. Some big-ticket items were $4.5 billion for highways, $302 million for bridge repairs and $802 million to improve public transportation across the state. In addition to those funds, the White House said Minnesota can expect to receive $68 million over the span of five years to “suppor...

Join the Summer Fun at Our Favorite Redwood County Parks

Monday, July 26, 2021

It’s Park and Recreation Month - the perfect time to get outside and enjoy all that the Redwood Area has to offer! From ballgames to camping, the fun is at an all-time high during summers in Redwood County! We have hiking, camping, fishing, frisbee-golf, skating, zoos and more to keep families entertained throughout the summer and year-round. Our community is an incredible place for families and outdoor adventurers. Four Outdoor Recreation Spots in Redwood County There are so many fun things to do in Redwood County that it’s difficult to narrow it down to a short list. Still, here are our favorit...

Mitigate the Risks of Supply Chain Disruption

Thursday, July 15, 2021

If the recent pandemic has taught business leaders anything, it’s that solid readiness planning through diversification and data analysis can reduce the impact when a crisis hits. Nearly half of operations leaders surveyed in the recent PwC US Pulse Survey indicated that reducing supply chain disruptions is “very important.” But few companies are ready to make the costly move of reshoring or nearshoring, even though a recent executive order put an emphasis on the potential upsides of moving supply chains to — or closer to — the United States or allied countries. Recent changes to multinational trade agreements also further complicate supply chain...

Adapting to a New Workplace Ecosystem

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Agile work is increasing due to the pandemic. Having experienced some of the benefits of working from home — such as reduced commutes, increased ability to balance work and life, preferred space to execute individualized focus work, etc. — more office workers are going to expect flexibility in where they work. Recognizing this coming shift is the easy part. Understanding how portfolio and workplace strategies need to adjust — and then executing on those adjustments — is the challenge. In order to explore and better understand how organizations are thinking about these changes, Cushman & Wakefield partnered with CoreNet Global to surve...

A Renewed Focus on Workforce Diversity

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

While 2020 will certainly be remembered for the COVID-19 pandemic, the year also turned out to be transformative on the diversity and inclusion front (D&I). While much of the world sat socially distanced in their homes, we watched as our fellow Americans expressed outrage and grief over the gaps in opportunity and equity experienced by people of color. While it may have been expected that a global pandemic would shape site location strategy, is it possible that D&I initiatives would also alter the future of site location strategies? A Wake-Up Call With the social unrest and calls to action that 2020 brought...

3 Great Ways to Train New Hires

Monday, July 12, 2021

Hiring and training someone new is always stressful. You hope your hire will work out and be highly successful, but you never know who will stay with you for a decade versus whom you'll have to fire in three months. In my career as a serial software entrepreneur, investor in business-to-business SaaS companies, and rapper-fashion designer, I've had to hire countless people. I've interviewed thousands and hired hundreds of people, from writers and video editors, to enterprise salespeople and senior software engineers. Here are some lessons I've learned that can help you set up your new hire to be as successful as possible...

A New Approach to Energy Savings for Your Next Manufacturing Plant

Monday, July 12, 2021

With the rapid increase in natural gas production and over two million miles of natural gas pipelines throughout the U.S., many corporate officials expect accessing gas infrastructure and service to be simple. Unfortunately, many prime industrial sites lack adequate pipeline infrastructure, and project managers have found it increasingly difficult and complex to develop new pipelines. No Pipeline = No Gas Manufacturers typically look to either a local gas distribution company (LDC) or an interstate transmission company to secure access to the energy and manufacturing feedstocks they need. While both good options, often the parties have divergent business objectives. This can result i...

6 Winning Mantras for First-Time Entrepreneurs

Monday, July 05, 2021

As a business mentor, marketer, writer and storyteller, along with a successful stint as an entrepreneur, I get asked this question many times: “Can you share the most important mantras for becoming a successful first-time entrepreneur?” Here are my half-dozen tips for building a successful new business: 1. Timing is everything Many people think that money and a good idea are all it takes to create a successful new enterprise. Read full article.

Advantages of developing an app for your business

Monday, July 05, 2021

Have you ever thought about creating an application for your business? The download and use of apps is one of the trends that dominate the current digital market. As currently not all Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) offer them, having a platform like this is a differentiating factor that surprises consumers and will help position you as an innovative entity . These are some advantages of having your own app. Read full article.

Flexible Work Is Not a New Concept, It's Just Evolving

Monday, July 05, 2021

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a myriad of corporations have overhauled the way they operate. Now, with the possibility of a return to the office on the horizon, but with nearly two-thirds of US workers wanting to remain working from home (according to Gallup), organizations need to develop long-term hybrid work strategies that meet the needs of both employees and businesses. In determining these approaches, leaders should keep one concept at or near the top of the priority list: flexibility. Remote work is no longer an added benefit, but a requirement for a happy and productive workforce, and w...

How Business Leaders Can Foster an Innovative Work Culture

Monday, July 05, 2021

If there’s one thing that sets a successful organization apart, it’s the ability to stay on the cusp of innovation and technology. Creating an innovation-friendly work environment was one of the top priorities on my entrepreneurial journey. With that realization came the understanding that I would need to face the challenges, as well as the chance that I might make some mistakes along the way. Failure is, after all, an important part of the process. The tactics I’ve used to create an innovation-friendly work environment have proven to be a productive ground for success. Now I’m paying it forward and sharing the lessons I have learne...

Maximum Impact: Saving Time and Money with BIM 360

Monday, July 05, 2021

When it comes to efficiency, minimizing less-than-productive meeting time, file transfer, and rework time are key to optimizing project schedules — hazards are lost time and lost money. Collaborative software like BIM 360 reduces time spent in meetings and expedites handoffs, while also effectively eliminating rework by storing data and tracking progress from one central portal. This need has become even more evident as the world entered into the global pandemic. Anyone from anywhere can access project data as long as they have an Internet connection. The ability to work remotely is now a critical infrastructure need no matter who yo...

They will open a school with a focus on entrepreneurship for young people from all over the world

Monday, July 05, 2021

The Global College (TGC) , an international school located in Madrid, announced that it will begin activities in September 2022 with the aim of being an educational benchmark in Europe. This new educational center will train young people from all over the world with a focus on entrepreneurship and technology. The school will offer a two-year program in English for students aged 15-18, anchored in the International Baccalaureate Diploma and IE University's values of entrepreneurship, innovation, diversity, humanities and sustainability. The Global College maintains a strategic alliance with IE University through 3 Institutional Centers: the Center for Entrepreneurship, the Center of Learning Innovation, and the Center for Health, Well-bein...

Minnesota DOT awards funding to seven rail projects

Friday, July 02, 2021

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Seven projects will receive a total of $4.05 million in grants from the Minnesota Department of Transportation under its Minnesota Rail Service Improvement program. The seven, chosen from 21 applicants, were selected for their ability to aid economic development throughout the state. “The number of applicants for the 2021 MRSI grants show there’s a great need to maintain or improve rail freight service in local markets throughout the state,” Peter Dahlberg, Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations program manager, said in a press release. “These local rail connections give local farmers, manufacturers and other local businesse...

Trying to land your first remote job? Here's what to do.

Friday, July 02, 2021

Remote work has become one of the most sought-after types of jobs in the months following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many employers are expanding their remote work positions and others are moving to a “hybrid” model with a mix of in-person days and work-from-home days. LinkedIn reported that remote work postings on its platform accounted for 9.7% all jobs so far in 2021, up from 2% a year earlier — and those jobs are getting a quarter of all applications. But how do you snag a fully remote job if you have no experience — or little experience beyond the most recen...

July is Hire a Veteran Month

Thursday, July 01, 2021

St. Paul – More than 300,000 U.S. military veterans call Minnesota home and more than half of them are of working age. Unfortunately, veterans returning from recent military deployments face higher unemployment and more challenges entering the civilian workforce and advancing in their careers. To help raise awareness about the resources available for veterans and their spouses, as well as the many benefits of employing current and former U.S. military members, Governor Walz has proclaimed July 2021 as Hire a Veteran Month. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has a slate of events planned to mark the month. Governor Walz’...

Minnesota’s Small Business Recovery

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Minnesota’s economy is largely powered by small and medium sized businesses (SMB’s). SMB’s make up 99.5% of all Minnesota firms and employ nearly 47% of all Minnesota workers. Small businesses also drive job growth in the state’s economy. In 2019 SMB’s were responsible for over 22,000 net new jobs, with firms under 20 employees creating the largest share of new jobs. The performance of Minnesota’s small business sector is thus critical to the overall health of the state’s economy. Small businesses were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, and face continued challenges one year after the unprecedented economic downturn i...

Nominations Now Being Accepted for the Governor’s International Trade Awards

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

St. Paul – The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting nominations for the 36th annual Governor’s International Trade Awards. The Governor’s International Trade Awards honor Minnesota companies that have shown exceptional growth and success in foreign markets. In addition to honoring individual recipients, the award recognizes the tremendous positive impact that exports and trade have on the state’s overall economy. “Minnesota companies exported over $20 billion worth of goods to countries around the world last year, boosting our economy and representing our state across the globe,” said Governor Tim Walz. “I am honored to recogniz...

Policymakers Recognize Minnesota’s Workforce Shortage

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

At the Minnesota Chamber’s virtual Washington, D.C. Fly-in, employers from every corner of Minnesota met with Minnesota’s federal delegation to discuss issues impacting their businesses. Without question, the top issue was the workforce shortage facing businesses of all size and location throughout the state. The workforce shortage isn’t new. The Chamber’s Business Education Network has been working to bring together K-12, higher education and community leaders around the state to build sustainable, nimble pathways to local careers or higher education opportunities. But as Minnesota’s economy emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are finding it harder than ever to fill open jobs. What federal solution...

How Technology Can Transform Your Business

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

The pandemic forced many companies to make big pivots, and by utilizing tech, some found ways to actually positively affect their overall business. Nicole Walters, founder and CEO of Inherit Learning Company and star of USA Network's She’s The Boss, recently spoke with Andres Wydler, executive director of StartOut, about the role technology played in shaping how the LGBTQ nonprofit operated over the last year — and the opportunities it unlocked. "By going virtual during the pandemic, we found the opportunity to turn all of our local events into national ones," he explained. StartOut immediately refocused its efforts from in-person to virtual events and, Wydler says, "The community responded incredibly positively. Wit...

Minn. farmers: Cashing in on the carbon bank, fighting climate change?

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

The United States is making a big bet on the role that farmers can play in mitigating climate change. President Joe Biden said he wants American farmers to be the first in the world with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. How they might achieve that goal is still unclear — but one idea getting a lot of attention involves paying farmers to store carbon in the soil. It’s called carbon banking, and some see it as one way to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. While the concept has been around for decades, it’s still finding a foothold in ag-heav...

How Close Is Minnesota’s Economy To Full Recovery?

Monday, June 21, 2021

April 2021 marked the one-year point from the largest economic downturn in Minnesota’s modern history. The shock to the economy last spring was staggering: Minnesota shed more than 400,000 jobs and lost over $36 billion dollars in GDP output, as in-person activities ground to a halt to slow the spread of COVID-19. To put this in perspective, Minnesota’s 2020 job losses exceeded the size of North Dakota’s entire workforce. Yet the unique circumstances surrounding this downturn – both the public health crisis that caused the downturn and the massive federal response to keep families and businesses afloat – meant that the pat...

The mysterious lost workers: What’s driving the shortage?

Monday, June 21, 2021

A drive on just about any Minnesota highway reveals dozens of “Now hiring” signs from desperate employers, some offering hundreds of dollars in signing bonuses. Manufacturers, restaurant chains, agribusinesses, and health care organizations are among the many companies that say they’re in dire need of workers. In the Twin Cities, “Help Wanted” signs hang from windows of independent restaurants, cafés, auto repair shops, and countless other businesses. It’s a remarkable about-face from a year ago, when government-mandated shutdowns and a temporarily contracted economy forced many Minnesotans out of work. It’s also a phenomenon that has produced headline after headline about th...

Covid's Explosion

Thursday, June 17, 2021

High unemployment, the magnifying power of the web and fresh fintech financing are fueling an eruption of startups not seen in decades. And America will never go back to business as usual. In the gritty, gray concrete lobby of Firebrand Collective—a women’s coworking space in Kansas City’s industrial West Bottoms district—Jackie Nguyen makes lattes laced with cardamom and lychee from her colorful mobile coffee shop. A colossal dragon head covers the shop, Cafe Cà Phê, painted the bold yellow and red of the South Vietnamese flag, with dashes of bright blue in a nod to the French influence on the country’s food. “An...

Minnesota Continues Job Growth Trend

Thursday, June 17, 2021

Minnesota added 12,300 jobs for May, the fifth straight month that the state has posted job gains. That’s according to the latest statistics from the Minnesota Department of Economic Development and Employment (DEED). The private sector added 14,800 jobs. But those gains were offset by a loss of 2,500 government jobs for the month. DEED Commissioner Steve Grove was upbeat in a virtual press conference to discuss the latest numbers. Read full article.

6 Inspirational Quotes On Small Business, Breaking Stereotypes And Resilience

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

After one of the toughest years on record for the nation’s more than 30 million small businesses, one thing is certain—the American dream is alive and well. Those who weathered the storm pivoted to meet the moment: 95% of owners adapted their businesses in some way, and 50% launched new products, services or sales strategies, according to a recent survey of 10,000 small businesses by Goldman Sachs. Meanwhile, millions of Americans searching for jobs or purpose in their newly remote work lives fueled an explosion in entrepreneurship not seen in decades. With our Next 1000 list, we’re on a year-round missio...

June Edition of Minnesota Economic Trends

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Every quarter, the Labor Market Information (LMI) Office of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) publishes a slate of research articles that offer insights into important labor market trends. In the June 2021 issue of Minnesota Economic Trends, LMI analysts provide a summary look at Minnesota’s labor market and employment trends in our annual State of the State issue, including articles that focus on regional trends throughout the state. In addition, analysts take a deep dive on one of the driving questions of the day that many employers across Minnesota are asking: where are the workers? Here are some highlights. Rea...

The Next 1000: How And Where Entrepreneurship Has Surged In The Past Year

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

A once-in-a-generation explosion in entrepreneurship is taking place as founders bet on themselves in record numbers. MainStreet U.S.A is back in business—and stronger than ever. When the Covid-19 pandemic brought the economy to a standstill, more than 30 million small businesses across the U.S. were cast into financial freefall. But from the downturn, marked by the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression and a staggering 22 million jobs lost, emerged a surge in entrepreneurship—one that’s continued into 2021. In February nearly 430,000 Americans filed applications for new startups, up 40% from February 2020. According to an analysis of U.S. Census dat...

Building On Minnesota’s Economic Strengths This Decade

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Economic strategy starts with building on core strengths and driving resources toward efforts that help existing businesses change and grow. This has been Grow Minnesota!’s model for over 18 years, and it will continue to be critical as Minnesota seeks to recover and advance its economy this decade. As the Minnesota Chamber Foundation shows in its recently released Minnesota: 2030 report, the state’s economy is poised to face an array of changes over the next decade, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Here are some findings from the Minnesota: 2030 outlook, and ideas for how business retention strategies can play a role in helping the state’...

Redwood Area Development Corporation Celebrates National Homeownership Month During June

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Redwood Area Development Corporation celebrates National Homeownership Month during June by raising awareness about the benefits that homeownership brings to families, neighborhoods, and communities alike. The real estate market is thriving, and RADC member businesses are striving to make homeownership a reality for individuals who dream of owning their own home. Learn more about why homeownership matters and how you can find connections to help you become a homeowner too. Why Homeownership Matters Owning a home is a cornerstone of the “American Dream”. With homeownership, comes a sense of pride, financial stability, and equity. Many homeowners benefit from tax deductions and affordable monthl...

A Turnkey Approach to Manufacturing Location Decisions

Monday, June 14, 2021

When scouting locations for a retailer, an experienced real estate team knows precisely what to look for: sites that have high visibility, easy accessibility, and close proximity to a population base and competing stores. By comparing options that meet this small handful of criteria, the final selection can be relatively simple. Compare that to locating a new manufacturing facility. As many as 70 or more different variables can influence site selection — from infrastructure, logistical, and incentive considerations to permitting requirements, staffing needs, and community acceptance concerns. Site selection models for these facilities, therefore, can be notoriously complex. The strengths o...

How To Find New Investors For Your Opportunity Zones Before It's Too Late

Monday, June 14, 2021

How to find new investors for your Opportunity Zones before it's too late - Opportunity Fund directories, financial advisors, LinkedIn, and old-fashioned networking. Opportunity Zone legislation passed in 2017 and the incentives provided in the legislation are not going to go on forever. Savvy economic developers will take advantage of this limited-time incentive to attract investors to the Opportunity Zones in their community. Opportunity Zones are meant to promote growth in stagnant and underdeveloped regions of the country. There are more than 8,700 Opportunity Zones designated through the U.S. Since there is no way for state and federal programs to properly address th...

3 Steps For Managing Your Small Business’s Taxes

Friday, June 11, 2021

Filing business-related taxes can often be a time-consuming and complicated process, especially for new entrepreneurs. Small business owners need a good understanding of the federal, state, and local taxes required to file. The types of taxes can range from income, employment, excise, and sales. It is critical that business owners are set up for success well before tax season. Here are three steps for managing your small business’s taxes. 1. Find the Right Accountant Most small business owners hire an accountant to ensure that all tax filing and payments are made correctly. Accountants help reduce the amount of time business owners spend o...

Economic Opportunities for Immigrants and Refugees Interested in Agriculture and Food Business?Was Focus of June’s Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Forum

Wednesday, June 09, 2021

At June’s Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Forum, community leaders, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations came together to talk about the economic opportunities and challenges in the agriculture industry for Minnesota’s Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) farmers. The forum also shared a range of resources from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and community-based organizations for BIPOC Minnesota farmers. Emerging Farmers Working Group To kick off the discussion, MDA Assistant Commissioner Patrice Bailey shared information on the Emerging Farmers Working Group in Minnesota. This group is the first of its kind in the country...

In Focus: The Effects of the Pandemic on Industrial Design

Wednesday, June 09, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected every facet of our economy, increasing a cultural reliance on e-commerce that is here to stay. Retailers have responded by minimizing square footage of brick-and-mortar store fronts, keeping less inventory on site, and focusing more on entertainment and experiential retail to keep shoppers engaged. As a result, the need for warehousing and industrial space has exploded, driving the desire for large-scale, innovative facilities that maximize efficiency and logistical operations. The literal driving force behind the industrial surge is the expansion of transportation capabilities worldwide, with international trade becoming the engine of the global economy. Goods ar...

9 Strategies to Boost Small-Business Profitability

Monday, June 07, 2021

When running a small business, profitability is of utmost importance. Businesses that aren't profitable can't stay up and running without a constant influx of cash from a steady source. Continually burning cash is no way to do business. It might seem to work for some companies, but in the long run, cash burn will eventually catch up, one way or another. Small-business profitability by the numbers A U.S. Bank study found that 82 percent of businesses that failed did so because of problems with cash flow, and it's easy to see why. Only 40 percent of small businesses are profitable, and 30 percent lose money on ...

Digital Disruption: Designing A Security Strategy For An Era Of Uncertainty

Tuesday, June 01, 2021

2020 will be seen as one of the most consequential years in any security professional’s career. For many, there will be a bright line dividing how things were before the pandemic from how they are now. A Splunk global survey of 535 security leaders found that the next great security challenge is cloud complexity—including shifts in workloads, new software development models, remote work and heterogeneous public cloud usage. To help leaders tackle these obstacles, Splunk offers a step-by-step guide. Read full article.

Front Line: Infrastructure Upgrades Vital to U.S. Economy

Monday, May 31, 2021

One of President Joe Biden’s first acts was to announce a $2.3 trillion bill to repair and upgrade the nation’s infrastructure. The bill addresses what has become a perennial topic of debate in Congress, and one that has repeatedly been set aside for action at some future date. It has been well-documented across the United States that years of neglect have resulted in roads and bridges in dire need of repair, outdated public transportation, subpar Internet service, and other critical infrastructure needs. In its most recent report card on the condition of America’s infrastructure, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE...

How Marketing Agencies Can Integrate Inclusivity Into Their Organization and Work

Friday, May 28, 2021

While inclusion and diversity have always been essential, they have become even more essential for marketers due to the industry's current pandemic and cultural climate. Simply put, we're dealing with two huge issues right now: a people crisis and an economic issue. By putting our efforts into inclusion, equity and diversity, we can provide a powerful solution to both problems we're facing. However, it's not as simple as changing a few policies and calling it a day. Instead, organizations need to work to expand these efforts to include the challenges of working during a pandemic. We are at a pivotal point where advertising...

More than Simple Supply and Demand

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

The pandemic has upended the labor market in unprecedented ways and it will take some time for the disruption to be resolved. Our new article examines employer challenges in finding workers during pandemic recovery and offers some ideas for new steps employers can take now to find the workers they need. In our work as DEED’s Labor Market Analyst and Workforce Strategy Consultant for Northeast Minnesota, we’ve heard from many employers who aren’t receiving the same number and quality of applications they were receiving prior to the pandemic. This is happening as many employers are hoping to hire more employees t...

Employment Guidance

Monday, May 24, 2021

Employment Guidance Minnesota Department of Economic Development resources for employers – Information on staffing, hours, unemployment insurance and assistance for small businesses. Coronavirus and unemployment insurance – Specific details on mandatory or voluntary quarantines, changes in hourly work or layoffs, and COVID-19 related costs. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's “worker protections” – A summary of FMLA, sick leave, unemployment insurance. Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Frequently asked questions for employers and employees related to COVID-19 Minnesota Council – Society of Human Resource Management (MNSHRM) – Resources for HR professionals (login required). U.S. Department of Labor guide to FMLA in public health emergencies U.S. Department of Labo...

COVID-19 Business Toolkit

Saturday, May 22, 2021

May 21, 2021 This toolkit will continue to be updated as new information and resources become available. Please continue to check back for updates. On May 6, Governor Walz announced new reopening measures for businesses and the lifting of other restrictions. Per MPR, the phased reopening includes the following date- or metric-specific changes: May 7: The state removes limits for outdoor dining and events. It ends the mask order outdoors except at venues with more than 500 people. Pandemic-related closing times for bars, restaurants and other gathering spaces are lifted. May 28: Any remaining outdoor limits and indoor activity restrictions will end. Read full article.

Minnesota’s Unemployment Rate Ticks Down to 4.1% in April

Friday, May 21, 2021

St. Paul – Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked down to 4.1% in April, from 4.2% in March, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The unemployment rate decline was due to people moving from unemployment to employment. The U.S. unemployment rate rose one-tenth to 6.1% in April. For the fourth straight month, Minnesota gained jobs. Minnesota gained 11,300 jobs in April on a seasonally adjusted basis, up 0.4%, following growth of 20,400 (adjusted) jobs in March, 12,400 jobs in February and 51,600 jobs in January. Minnesota’s private sector gained 8,100 jobs o...

Minnesota Has Added More Than 95,000 Jobs in 2021

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Minnesota added 11,300 new jobs in April, the fourth straight month that the state has posted job gains. Data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) shows that the state has now added 95,700 jobs over the last four months. More than half of those jobs were added in January when DEED reported 51,600 new jobs. The latest numbers bring the state’s unemployment rate down to 4.1 percent, a small decline from the 4.2 percent rate last month. Minnesota lost 416,300 jobs from February to April 2020 when the pandemic first hit. Since then, the state has regained 235,30...

Reemployment After COVID-19 Layoffs in Minnesota

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

St. Paul – A new study released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) presents early findings about Minnesota workers who were laid off during March through June of 2020 and the most up-to-date information we have about their employment status. The study by DEED Labor Market Information (LMI) Office analyst Alessia Leibert will be featured in the June issue of Minnesota Economic Trends, a quarterly publication of DEED’s LMI office. Specifically, the study considers: How many and which workers were brought back to jobs at their old employer; Those who continued to work second jobs; Those who found ne...

Minnesota Exports at $5.4 Billion in First Quarter

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

St. Paul – Sales of agriculture, mining and manufacturing exports from Minnesota dipped 4% between the first quarters of 2020 and 2021, falling to $5.4 billion, according to a report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports rose year over year by 2% during the same period. Minnesota exports grew 6% in March 2021 over March 2020, interrupting persistent monthly declines since March 2020. “It’s a positive sign to see our exports increasing in March, a trend we hope continues in the coming months as our economy recovers,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “DEED’...

Business Education Network: Five Years of Transforming Tomorrow's Workforce

Thursday, May 13, 2021

The Center for Workforce Solutions is the first-of-its kind in Minnesota, a business-led initiative to ensure employers and employees possess the necessary tools for jobs of the future. One of three priority areas for the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, it is complimented by our leadership programs, and the Center for Economic Research, which issued its first major report, Minnesota: 2030 in the spring of 2021. One of the major strategy recommendations of Minnesota: 2030 is leveraging Minnesotans – stressing the foundational imperatives to grow our workforce and help individuals develop the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. Th...

Life Sciences Fueling Construction Demand

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

industry is one of the few whose prospects have changed for the better. Called upon to rapidly develop and distribute an all-important COVID-19 vaccine without sacrificing the research and production of existing drugs, the biotech industry is expanding at breakneck speed. Currently, around 13.9 million square feet of life sciences research and manufacturing space is under construction in key markets. In the United States, lab space vacancies have dropped to 7.1 percent, while commercial properties are being converted into R&D facilities on a massive scale. This biotech boom is providing a vital lifeline to the construction industry. Due to the impact COVID-19 has had on variou...

Mitigate the Risks of Supply Chain Disruption

Monday, May 10, 2021

First Person: Engaging the Workforce with Empathetic Leadership

Friday, May 07, 2021

Area Development’s staff editor Mark Crawford recently asked Ericsson’s Dan Kerber, vice president of digital services business operations for North America — who helps companies improve their financial and operational metrics through improved resource management processes — about his thoughts on leadership, especially the need for “soft skills” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Area Development: What are the most important soft skills needed for leadership today? Dan Kerber: There are many important soft skills, but the three I have found most important are communication, giving effective feedback, and empathy. Good communication skills are essential for conveying information, decisions, and your thought processes to your team...

USA Opportunity Zones

Friday, May 07, 2021

Overview More than 8,700 opportunity zones have been designated across the United States, established as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and are intended to foster long-term private sector investments in low-income communities. We can now begin to show the intersection of EDA's public investments and activities (more information will be added) near or within these zones. An initial assessment on the impact of these zones is available in this August 2020 report from the Council of Economic Advisors. What are Opportunity Zones? Qualified opportunity zones were created by the federal 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and designed to spu...

Customer Experience Can Be Data Driven—Here’s How

Tuesday, May 04, 2021

In the digital age, customer experience is king. In the past, delivering a poor experience meant, at worst, getting a negative review or being lambasted on social media. Those things still happen, of course, but increasingly companies are watching their revenue dwindle as more customer-centric competitors rise to take their place. Today, two-thirds of companies compete on customer experience alone (compared to 36 percent in 2010). Delivering a seamless, paperless and broker-free CX is how insurance app Lemonade grew from a promising startup to a publicly traded company worth billions. The simple goal of bringing humanity back to air travel is how JetBlue becam...

Build Sustainability Around Your People, Not Just Your Office

Monday, May 03, 2021

When the pandemic hit, many organizations switched to full-time remote work and almost immediately there were some unexpected benefits seen around the globe. The lack of commute meant fewer cars on the road, and almost zero business travel meant fewer airplanes in the skies, resulting in cleaner air and far fewer emissions in our atmosphere. As a result, many of us, myself included, started to think more about how we could make not just sweeping changes within our organization to maintain a greener world, but also small yet impactful changes at our homes during our time in quarantine. Looking at our wall of K-Cups...

The Top 5 Habits of Peak Performing Entrepreneurs

Monday, May 03, 2021

The world is abundant with many accomplished entrepreneurs, but not all achieve advanced levels of achievement. So, what sets individuals who reach their professional summit apart from those who get stuck in the land of mainstream success? When you look at professionals thriving within their enterprises, you will find certain similarities. They are the individuals with clarity, routines, boundaries and the right mindset to become the leaders we admire. They are the ones who work smarter, not harder. If you want to grow as an entrepreneur, and reach the top of your game, then here are five proven high-performance habits you can incorporate into you...

DEED Awarded $19.5 Million Grant to Keep Ill, Injured Workers in the Workfor

Friday, April 30, 2021

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was awarded a Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) Phase II grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) this week. Minnesota was one of five states to receive such a grant. The four-year $19,518,509 grant through DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Programs (ODEP) will fund MN RETAIN, which helps employees stay at or return to work more rapidly when an injury or illness impacts their ability to work. Its goal is to help keep 3,200 Minnesotans connected to the workforce over the next four years. This phase of M...

Women Over 50 Spearheading The Covid Vaccine Rollout

Thursday, April 29, 2021

The United States has officially distributed more than 200 million Covid vaccines; globally, more than a billion doses have been administered. While there is still a long way to go until the American population is inoculated to the point of achieving herd immunity—and an even longer way to go to reach that benchmark globally—the pace of the progress thus far has been a testament to the power of science, innovation and human determination. It’s also been a testament to the power of women, and particularly women over the age of 50. For the last 14 months, women have been on the front lines o...

5 Key Steps To Building A Better Industrial World

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

In human and economic costs, 2020 was a year without modern precedent. Yet even as the world wrestled with Covid-19 and its consequences, industry stubbornly marched forward—and, finally, into recovery. We may never “return to normal,” but that doesn’t mean we can’t get back to the business of doing business. For many, recovery is an opportunity to accelerate digital transformation efforts and to actualize years of planned technological advancement in a matter of months. In fact, according to a 2020 Forbes Insights survey, 80% of CEOs said Covid-19 accelerated the digitalization of their operations, and 64% said the pandemic accelerated th...

5 Tax Breaks For Parents That Can Make A Big Difference

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Raising a child is pricey—to the tune of almost a quarter of a million dollars over the first 18 years, according to the USDA’s most recent figures. Luckily, the IRS provides some tax breaks to help families with these enormous costs. In 2019, a family qualified for an average tax credit of up to $4,879 for the earned income tax credit (EITC) and child tax credit (CTC) alone, according to data from the IRS and the Tax Foundation. A tax credit not only helps reduce the amount of money you owe taxes on, but some tax credits help generate a tax refund. If you are ...

Recovery Reality: Jobs And Reimagining Our Future

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Covid-19 Funding – Loans And Grants

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Registration for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund will begin Friday at 8 a.m. and the application period will start on Monday, May 3 at 11 a.m. CT. The online application will remain open to any eligible establishment until all funds are exhausted. SBA recommends qualifying applicants prepare by: Registering for an account at restaurants.sba.gov starting on Friday at 8 a.m. CT. Reviewing the official guidance, including program guide, frequently asked questions and application sample by clicking here. The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant reopens at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 26. Here's what you need to know: Register in the portal in advance: https://www.svograntportal.sba.gov/s/ Use the checklist to make sure you have everything you need to complete your application: https://www.sba.gov/document/support-shuttered-venue-operators-grant-application-checklist Revie...

10 Things Economic Developers Must Know About Opportunity Zones

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Ten things economic developers must know about Opportunity Zones include what an Opportunity Zone is, how many there are, your role in attracting investors to your community, and more. Let's walk through them. 10 THINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS MUST KNOW ABOUT OPPORTUNITY ZONES 1. What exactly is an opportunity zone? According to the U.S. Economic Development Agency, "an Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where private investments, under certain conditions, may be eligible for capital gain tax incentives." Residents who live in areas designated as Opportunity Zones tend to suffer from unequal economic growth and access to capital. Opportunity Zones are designed to spur economi...

35th Annual Corporate Survey: Effects of Global Pandemic Reflected in Executives’ Site and Facility Plans

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

The challenges faced in 2020 were unlike any other confronted in our lifetime. The global pandemic wreaked havoc on our personal and professional lives and the U.S. and global economies. The Commerce Department reports that U.S. GDP declined 3.5 percent in 2020, with the economy falling into recession in February 2020 — a month before the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic. The 3.5 percent decline is the worst year for the U.S. economy since at least the end of World War II, as reported by CNBC. As the novel coronavirus caused businesses to shut down, the U.S. unemployment rate rose from ...

Building A Remote Workforce

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

BUILDING A REMOTE WORKFORCE Building a remote workforce is key in an age where more and more employees are choosing to work remotely. 2020 changed the perception of remote work for many employers and employees, bringing with it a rise in worker satisfaction, increased productivity, and better mental health for many. The benefits of the environment and housing market are other indicators that remote work is here to stay. As the trend of remote work continues to rise, you may be wondering how to include remote workers in your workforce attraction strategy. THE REMOTE WORK TREND WILL CONTINUE TO GROW Remote work ha...

Child Care Roundtable: What Minnesota Is Doing to Increase Availability of High-Quality, Affordable Child Care

Wednesday, April 07, 2021

St. Paul – Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove and Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead were joined by staff of the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet and child care advocates and providers at a roundtable to discuss challenges providers have faced during the pandemic and the importance of high-quality, affordable child care in Minnesota’s economic recovery. This roundtable was part of a broader series of discussions the agency is hosting called “The Next Minnesota Economy,” focusing on inclusive economic growth, reskilling our labor market and creating good jobs. “We are about 80,000 slots short in the state of Minnesota fo...

Minnesota Small Business Development Centers Partner with First Children’s Finance to Support Minnesota’s Child Care Industry

Friday, April 02, 2021

St. Paul – Under a partnership agreement announced today, First Children’s Finance will operate as the first statewide satellite center in the Minnesota Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network – providing specialized business and financial assistance to child care businesses across Minnesota at no cost to the businesses. Minnesota SBDC is part of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). “Without access to affordable child care, parents can’t earn a living, businesses can’t recruit reliable workers, and children miss out on early educational opportunities,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “This has never been more apparent than during the pandemic – an...

Governor Proclaims April Technology Workforce Month in Minnesota

Thursday, April 01, 2021

St. Paul – Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed April 2021 Technology Month in Minnesota. It’s an opportunity to draw attention to our technology sector and workforce and its importance to Minnesota’s economy. While the importance of these jobs has been highlighted during the pandemic, technology workers have been in demand in Minnesota’s economy for a long time and represent some of the highest-paid, best jobs in our state. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Labor Market Information (LMI) Office, the state of Minnesota is home to about 110,000 people working in Information Technology occupations. That’s about 3.8% of tota...

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources For Businesses

Friday, March 26, 2021

As of March 30, all Minnesotans 16 years of age and older will be eligible to receive a vaccine. Minnesota has directed providers to prioritize vaccine appointments for people most at risk of getting COVID-19, or those who could develop severe illness if infected. This includes older Minnesotans, those with underlying health conditions, and those in essential jobs. How to help employees receive a vaccine: Help employees find where to get vaccinated: They can receive them through the health care provider, at a pharmacy and others. The state offers a vaccine locator map to help employers and employees. Host an on-site vaccination: Just like hosting an on-site fl...

Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel: Excellent Amenities and Gaming Fun in Morton

Thursday, March 25, 2021

The Redwood area is home to many exciting entertainment and recreational opportunities, including endless gaming action at the Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in Morton, only seven miles east of Redwood Falls. Casino play, live entertainment, a renowned golf experience and abundant dining options are only a few of the excellent amenities awaiting guests at this lively Minnesota establishment. Space to Play Jackpot Junction is Minnesota’s first and friendliest casino with 440,000 square feet and two floors of gaming and gambling space! The casino offers 1,250 of the latest video slot machines, with a variety of themes ranging in denomination from one cen...

Learn These 10 Essential Growth Skills (Facebook, Google SEO, Amazon FBA) to Help Propel Your Business

Thursday, March 25, 2021

One of the most important keys to entrepreneurial success is continuous learning. The world is constantly changing around you and your business, and if you're not constantly learning and staying up to speed with what's happening in the business world, you risk falling behind. We've rounded up resources to learn some of today's most important skills, all of which are an extra 50% off when you use code LEARNIT at checkout. 1. Google Analytics Google Analytics is one of the world's leading web analytics tools and an absolute must-know for anybody operating a website. With GA, you can analyze your site's traffic to better understan...

Roundtable on Youth Jobs and Development Highlights Importance of Engaging Young People in Employment Opportunities

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

St. Paul – Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove and Deputy Commissioner Hamse Warfa held a virtual roundtable on Friday, March 19 focused on the impact of the pandemic on youth jobs. The discussion was attended by employers across the state and is part of a push to place more young people into great jobs this coming summer. The roundtable is part of a broader series of discussions the agency is hosting called “The Next Minnesota Economy,” focusing on inclusive economic growth, reskilling our labor market and creating good jobs. “We want to help employers enable a surg...

Recruiting and Retaining Today’s Manufacturing Workforce

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

AD: How has COVID-19 changed the employee experience in manufacturing, and what facets of this should organizations retain going forward? Zenk: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have been experiencing a drastically different work environment. Thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. and around the world were deemed essential during the pandemic, and their production lines haven’t stopped. They’ve continued to produce essential goods that the global community relies on — from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and cleaning supplies we use in our homes. As some manufacturers increased output and others reconfigured operations to satisfy urgent demands...

The Future of the Workforce Is a “Better Normal”

Friday, March 19, 2021

The world as we all knew it changed earlier this year with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seemingly overnight, everything that we used to think was normal had changed, and things that once were deemed impossible for the workplace became the “new normal.” Now, seven months later, most of us have gotten used to this “new normal” — embracing the work-from-home lifestyle, using new technology, wearing masks, social distancing, and connecting virtually. But what comes next? Eventually this pandemic will end, a vaccine will be readily available, and we will attempt to return back to our “normal” lives. Bu...

Minnesota Business Leaders Lay Out Solutions To Workforce Challenges

Thursday, May 20, 2021

Workforce: A Persistent Challenge Takes Innovation Solutions Recently, the Minnesota Chamber held its annual Workforce Solutions Forum to talk about a fundamental challenge that faced employers for years before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and is likely to continue long after: workforce. The Minnesota Chamber Foundation’s Center for Workforce Solutions is a business-led initiative to ensure employers and employees possess the necessary tools for jobs of the future. Workforce moves far past admiration of workforce challenges. We focus on innovative solutions; to fill positions now and to change the long-term process that can develop a pipeline of workers and meaningful employment in Minnesot...