RADC News & Events

New Leave a Legacy Southwest Minnesota initiative is focused on philanthropy

Wednesday, December 05, 2018

Throughout southwest Minnesota there are myriad non-profit organizations that are focused on making their communities better and sustaining them into the future. There are also people in the region who are looking for ways to donate to programs that are making a difference. The challenge is that there really has not been a great way to connect those who want to give with those who can best utilize those gifts. Now a new program is being established in the area that can help network people and non-profits together. It is known as Leave a Legacy® Southwest Minnesota. The program is focused on “encouraging philanthropy...

Food Manufacturing in Southwestern Minnesota

Tuesday, December 04, 2018

Food manufacturing is big business in southwestern Minnesota. In fact, with more than 11,000 jobs at 109 establishments, the industry employs workers in that region at four times the concentration statewide, according to a story by Cameron Macht in the latest issue of Trends magazine. The cluster of food production jobs in southwestern Minnesota isn’t surprising, given the area also has a significant number of farms and other agriculture-related enterprises. The food manufacturing sector includes businesses specializing in animal slaughtering and processing, grain and oilseed milling, dairy product manufacturing, fruit and vegetable preserving, and specialty food manufacturing. Despite perceptions that food manufacturing provides...

Great Minnesota Get-Together wins Fair of the Year Award

Monday, December 03, 2018

It really is great. The Great Minnesota Get-Together was named the Fair of the Year Tuesday evening by the International Entertainment Buyers Association, a trade group of people who work behind the scenes of the concert business. The Minnesota State Fair beat out fairs in Wisconsin, California, Delaware and Vancouver, BC, among other finalists for the honor from the Nashville-based group. This year the state fair set a new attendance record, with more than 2 million visitors during the 12-day run. Among this year’s Grandstand concerts: Culture Club, Sugarland, Earth Wind & Fire, the Beach Boys and Niall Horan. The honor was announced at...

Minnesota Manufacturers try to manufacture interest in careers

Friday, November 30, 2018

Scores of Minnesota manufacturers are hosting students this week during Minnesota Manufacturing Week to stimulate interest in critical industries that also pay above average. They included two growing North Minneapolis makers located within a couple blocks of each other: Unison Comfort Technologies, a builder of heating-and-cooling systems that can be as big as a small house for commercial installations; and H&B Elevators, a maker of passenger elevators, from U.S. Bank Stadium to a skyscraper in Dubai. Human Resource Manager Tara Thurs of Unison, said the company employs 345 people, and is looking for 30 more at beginning wages that range from $15.44 an...

Minnesota's ACT scores remain steady, among best in the U.S.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Minnesota's average declined slightly but not enough to alter its best-of-the-nation standing. Minnesota students’ scores on the ACT college entrance exam dipped slightly this year but were still higher than those of any other state where nearly all students take the test. Graduating seniors in the class of 2018 earned an average composite score of 21.3 out of a possible 36, according to test results released Wednesday. That’s down from last year’s state average of 21.5, but still above the national average of 20.8 for the test that measures students’ college readiness in math, reading, science and English. It was also enough to...

Most & Least Energy-Efficient States

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Energy is expensive. In fact, it’s one of the biggest household expenses for American consumers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. family spends at least $2,000 per year on utilities, with heating and cooling of spaces alone accounting for more than half the bill. In 2018, the average consumer spent another $1,968 on motor fuel and oil, up $59 from last year. The Department of Energy estimates that adopting energy-efficient measures in the home could reduce a family’s utility costs by as much as 25 percent. It pays to conserve, especially during a time of increasingly warmer temperatures. As for transportation, the agency...

Sun Country Airlines partners with Minnesota State in Mankato for new pilots

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Sun Country Airlines on Thursday unveiled a partnership with Minnesota State University, Mankato, to offer commercial aviation students full-time employment prior to graduation through a new initiative, the Sun Country Bridge Program. Students in the aviation program at Minnesota State can apply for the program their freshman year, said Jessica Wheeler, spokesperson for Sun Country. Applicants will be chosen on "technical requirements, professionalism, and commitment to their profession," she said Upon completion of the program and the required flight hours, members of the program enter Sun Country's three-month pilot training program for full-time employment. Tom Peterson, an assistant professor of aviation at Minnesota State,...

MINNESOTA'S TOP TOURIST ATTRACTIONS RANKED BY ATTENDANCE

Monday, November 26, 2018

Explore Minnesota, the state's tourism promotion office, announced 2017 attendance figures today for major attractions and events statewide. From the nation's largest mall to stadiums, museums, zoos, parks, big events and more, the top 40 most-visited tourist attractions in the state can be viewed in this Click here for the complete article.

The Experience of American Indian Students in the Minnesota Labor Market

Monday, November 26, 2018

American Indians have the lowest educational attainment rates of any population group in the United States, and Minnesota is no exception. Moreover, American Indians with a college degree have lower post-college earnings relative to other groups. This study compares American Indian post-secondary students to their white peers with the aim of identifying (1) what educational and socio-economic characteristics set them apart from the majority race group, (2) how these background characteristics contribute to the observed employment and wage disparities relative to whites, (3) how geographic location, especially living and working in rural counties, negatively affects earnings, and (4) potential implications of...

Finnovation

Friday, November 23, 2018

The financial technology sector, better known as FinTech, is reshaping the banking and financial services industry, offering products that are more user-friendly, efficient, transparent and automated than in the past. Lending, payments, personal finance and mortgages are among the services that are evolving in this new world of finance. PayPal is a good example of an early entry in the FinTech space, with an online application that supports money transfers and provides an electronic alternative to checks and money orders. GoFundMe and other crowdfunding sites are FinTechs as well. In Minnesota, Sezzle Inc. is probably the state’s best-known FinTech. The Minneapolis-based company,...

A Pause in the Hot Streak

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.9 percent in August, a number not seen since December 1999. The state’s record-low unemployment rate was a seasonally adjusted 2.5 percent in both January and February 1999. (The US unemployment rate in August was 3.9 percent.) Minnesota employers eliminated 200 jobs after three consecutive months of growth. Over the past year, the state has added 50,904 jobs, a 1.7 percent growth rate. US jobs are up 1.8 percent in the past year. Details: Monthly employment changes across the major sectors of Minnesota’s economy were fairly small, with job losers outnumbering gainers seven to three and logging and...

State Unemployment Rate Falls to 2.8 Percent

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Unemployment rate at lowest point since May 1999 ST PAUL – Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.8 percent in September, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). That is the lowest state unemployment rate since May 1999 and only three tenths of a point above the all-time low of 2.5 percent in both January and February 1999. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in September 2018. Minnesota’s labor market lost 1,400 jobs last month. Additionally, August’s job loss was revised downward from 200 jobs lost to 2,500 jobs lost. Over the past year,...

Support Small Businesses on Nov. 24 and Beyond

Monday, November 19, 2018

November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a shopping holiday that urges consumers to patronize small and independent businesses rather than online retailers or big box stores. American Express was behind the first Small Business Saturday, which started in 2010. The initial goal was to counter the negative effects of the recession on small businesses and local economies. The holiday quickly caught on. In 2011, the Senate passed a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday. Consumers have now spent an estimated $85 billion at independent retailers and restaurants over the eight Small Business Saturdays since its inception. Small Businesses Make a Significant Economic...

Redwood Area Concert Association announces the 2018-19 performers

Friday, September 28, 2018

The Redwood Area Concert Association is pleased to announce its concert series schedule for the 2018-19 season and the start of membership sales as of Aug. 22. The concert season will begin Oct. 1, 2018, with the high energy Jersey Tenors. The Jersey Tenors, who were recently touted as the most versatile tribute act in the nation, are a quartet of classically trained Broadway performers who have created an explosive blend of rock and opera with “Jersey Proud” roots. From Frank Sinatra to Figaro to Frankie Valli, audience members will love it all. The series continues Oct. 15, 2018, with William Florian’s...

Carris Health to serve in interim management role for Redwood Area Hospital through 2018

Monday, September 24, 2018

During its July 17 meeting, the Redwood Falls City Council approved the transfer agreement of the Redwood Area Hospital to Carris Health effective as of Jan. 1, 2019. While there are still some months left before the transfer officially takes place, the City of Redwood Falls and Carris Health have entered into an agreement that both believe will help to create a smooth transition of ownership. According to Keith Muetzel, city administrator, discussions have been taking place between city and hospital leadership and Carris Health to determine what will be happening over the next few months, and from those discussions a plan...

Ruprecht’s Meat Market is now open in Wabasso

Monday, September 17, 2018

Chad Ruprecht is a business owner for the second time. Ruprecht’s Meat Market in Wabasso, which offers a variety of retail meat sales and custom processing, is open for business and is located on Main Street in Wabasso. The lights are on from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. The meat shop, housed in the former Wabasso Locker store, opened in July after Ruprecht purchased the building in May. This is a rodeo Ruprecht has been through before. Ruprecht also owns and operates Wanda Processing. Wanda Processing processes only deer, up to 250 a...

Small Businesses are a Big Deal

Thursday, September 13, 2018

As described in last month’s blog post, Southwest Minnesota was home to nearly 27,200 nonemployer establishments in 2016. In addition to being a source of employment and personal income, these businesses are a vital part of the larger regional economy, creating opportunities for growth. In many cases, self-employed businesses have expanded and become employer establishments. Click here for the complete article.

RADC Offers Grant Writing Expertise

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Nonprofits and small municipalities often rely on grant funding to accomplish their missions and keep up with important infrastructure and public works projects. Since 1990, the Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC) has offered grant writing services to area towns and nonprofits. Pat Dingels, grant writing specialist, was the person hired to start the program. Dingels is now a seasoned employee with a wealth of experience in winning a range of grants. She writes about 10-20 grants annually. In her 27 years, Dingels says she’s tackled “every topic you can think of,” from parks and recreation upgrades to farm to table initiatives for...

Hoppkes are new owners of Dari King in Redwood Falls

Thursday, September 06, 2018

Dari King has been an establishment in Redwood Falls for generations. Previous to the Dari King name it was the Dairy Freeze until being purchased and rebranded by the Brakken family. After nearly 55 years, Marge and Dan Brakken were ready to sell. New owners Chris and Melissa Hoppke opened the Dari King as official owners May 1, 2018. Melissa speculated that the Brakkens, who approached them about purchasing it, wanted to find someone that they knew would keep it much the same as it had been. Click here for the complete article.

Fun With Statistics

Tuesday, September 04, 2018

Recently released data from the Census Bureau shows that the population in Minnesota has increased by 51,556 people in the last year and has experienced a growth rate of 5.1 percent since 2010 with the addition of 272,682 residents. Population growth is an important driver of economic sustainability, especially in a tight labor market where employers are struggling to fill vacant job openings, and Minnesota’s expanding population is a positive sign. However, not all areas of the state are benefiting from the influx of new residents. For example, Northeast and Southwest Minnesota have experienced population declines since 2010, while much of the...

Physical therapy services now provided at HEC in Wabasso

Thursday, August 30, 2018

To meet the need of access to health care in rural Minnesota, Health Care Enhancement Centers in Wabasso now offers physical therapy to meet the needs of Wabasso and the surrounding community. Jeny Bauer, a physical therapist with 15 years of experience, began providing physical therapy at HEC in May. “HEC is both proud and excited to offer physical therapy to the community,” said Bauer. Bauer received a degree in biology from Southwest State University in 2000, a master’s degree in physical therapy in 2002 from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and a doctorate degree in physical therapy from Temple University...

Baune’s Catering has your event covered

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

The most in-demand caterer in the area is Baune’s Catering in Wabasso. Local businessman and entrepreneur Brian Baune has taken his parents’ successful cafe business in a different direction by offering catering services for all occasions from weddings to family events. Baune’s Catering is located on Highway 68 in Wabasso and provides all of your event needs under one roof from food to cocktails, and now offers a keg trailer to serve ice cold beer at your event. “No event is too big, or too small,” said Baune. “We can cater an event ranging from 700 people to an intimate party.” Baune’s catering business...

Kohls-Weelborg sales representative, Joel Read, sells vehicle number 5,000

Friday, August 24, 2018

In September 1991, Joel Read began working as the shop foreman at the Ford Dealership in Redwood Falls. Just three years later, he would move into a new role. “In 1994 Ron (Kohls) asked me if I wanted to give selling cars a try,” said Read. More than two decades later, Read is still working for what is now known as Kohls-Weelborg Ford, and recently the sales representative for the dealership achieved a milestone in his career. Continue to full article

Preserving Belview’s Historic Odeon Hall

Friday, August 24, 2018

“Preservation is simply having the good sense to hold on to things that are well designed, that link us to our past in a meaningful way, and that have plenty of good use left in them.” ~Richard Moe, National Trust for Historic Preservation. As this apt quote from Moe illustrates, there are several great reasons to preserve old buildings. Though it’s costly, it also serves as an investment in community. The small town of Belview, Minnesota has made it a priority to preserve its iconic Odeon Hall. Since its construction in 1902, Odeon Hall has served as an important gathering place for...

Christensen Farms donates $25,000 to 11 food shelf groups throughout the midwest

Thursday, August 23, 2018

During the week of June 10, Christensen Farms, one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the country, donated a total of $25,000 to food banks across the midwest. The organization collaborated with local food banks in 11 communities in which it operates, to provide pork certificates to those in need this summer, which included a donation to the Redwood Area Food Shelf. “At Christensen Farms, we are proud to serve the noble purpose of providing safe, nutritious pork to families across the country,” said Amber Portner, Christensen Farms communications manager. “It is our hope that this donation will help provide families,...

Flooded fields and saturated soil conditions impacting area’s crops

Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Flooding, ponding and saturated soils continue to impact crops across southwestern and south central Minnesota. Intense rains, ranging from six to eight inches or more in several counties in southwestern Minnesota July 3, exacerbated the wet conditions. Potential damage to crops depends on several factors, including: Crop stage during the flooding/ponding Duration of the flooding/ponding Air/soil temperatures Rate of drying and soil type Crop development stage is quite variable this season due to a wide range of planting dates. Continue to full article

Serenity Suites in Wabasso officially opens

Monday, August 20, 2018

A dedicated group from the community of Wabasso has spent years working on the idea of an assisted living project, and after much work and dedication that effort has finally paid off. Serenity Suites officially opened this past week and is a new assisted living and memory care home for seniors. Serenity Suites offers six, one-bedroom units with a den, three one-bedroom units and six memory care units. Serenity Suites celebrated with an open house July 15, and new residents began moving into their new units July 16. Serenity Suites offers many features including: meals prepared by a chef, a screened porch, salon...

Minnesota solar market surges

Friday, August 17, 2018

Minnesota’s solar market grew significantly in the first quarter, adding 105 megawatts of power, the fifth most among states during that time, according to data released. Minnesota has total of 849.5 megawatts of solar production, enough power for 116,670 homes, according to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a trade group. A megawatt is one million watts, and by comparison Xcel Energy’s largest coal-fired and nuclear power plants in Minnesota each have a capacity of over 600 megawatts (though they can operate continuously). Continue to full article

Minnesota named third best state for summer road trips

Thursday, August 16, 2018

Safety helps make Minnesota one of the best states in the U.S. to take a drive. When the orange construction cones come out, Minnesotans know it’s time to hit the road. Luckily, we live in a state that’s prime for exploring in the summer, making us one of the best in the nation for taking a good ‘ol fashioned road trip. A recent report by WalletHub found that Minnesota is the third-best state for summer road trips. Continue to full article

In a tight labor market, Minnesota employers look to an under-utilized labor pool: workers with disabilities

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

On the main floor of the Minneapolis-based Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI), Karen Howson is busy arranging piles of flat plastic sheets and transferring them to a nearby production line. From there, her co-workers fold the sheets and then carefully place them under sonic welding machines to form corrugated plastic mail trays that will eventually go to the United States Postal Service. In July, Howson will celebrate her second anniversary as a full-time production line worker at MDI, which designs and manufactures plastic totes, trays, boxes and other products for big and small companies, including Amazon, Caribou Coffee, Best Buy and 3M. Continue to full article

This Minnesota Startup Built a National Directory for Women-Owned Businesses

Monday, August 13, 2018

MAIA launched earlier this year with a straightforward, single-minded goal: to compile a huge list of women-owned businesses and turn it into an easily-searchable online directory. By developing a platform that made it easy to find women-owned businesses, MAIA founders Kateri Ruiz and Angel Rowell hope to make it easy for consumers to find and support female entrepreneurs across the country. Eden Prairie-based MAIA officially launched in late April, and now has more than 700,000 businesses from across the country listed on its site. But this is just the beginning, Ruiz and Rowell told Minne Inno. There are around 11.5 million women-owned businesses in the United...

Redwood County site is an Opportunity Zone

Friday, August 10, 2018

Gov. Mark Dayton recently recommended to the U.S. Department of Treasury 128 low-income census tracts in Minnesota to be designated as Opportunity Zones. Among them is a parcel of land located in Redwood County. Opportunity zones are a new economic and community development program established by Congress in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage long-term economic development and housing investments in low-income communities nationwide. “Expanding access to good jobs and better opportunities has been a top priority for my administration,” said Dayton. Continue to full article

Everything You Need to Know About Minnesota’s Startup Incubators and Accelerators

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

Getting a startup off the ground is hard work, but incubators and accelerators are there to help. They provide early-stage companies with essential resources such as a workspace, mentorship, and often times funding to give them a fighting chance. More and more startups are popping up in the Twin Cities, and right along with them are more accelerators and incubators to help them find success. Accelerators and incubators are similar, but not interchangeable. While incubators offer ongoing support, coaching and connections – operating like a co-working space with benefits – accelerators tend to be structured programs for a certain length of...

Workplace diversity program to be held June 22 in Franklin

Wednesday, August 08, 2018

“Companies that demonstrate inclusive cultures and have a diverse workforce, on average, see 39 percent higher customer service satisfaction, 22 percent higher productivity, higher profitability and less turnover than their counterparts,” according to Gwendolyn Turn, Oracle’s Small and Medium Business expert. Research shows organizations with employees of different ages, races, genders, religions, physical abilities and thinking styles perform better. Embracing diversity makes it easier to attract and retain quality employees, enhance performance and innovation, expand one’s customer base, increase profitability and reduce risk of litigation. Continue to full article

$1.4 million for EV fast chargers available from MPCA

Tuesday, August 07, 2018

On July 5, the MPCAreleased a request for proposal (RFP) for electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations using Volkswagen settlement funds. The purpose of the grant is to reduce air pollution by expanding access to EV charging across the state. The RFP makes available approximately $1.4 million to install fast-charging stations along designated highway corridors around Minnesota. This amount is anticipated to provide about 22 fast chargers. (A separate RFP for Level 2 EV charging stations is expected to be released soon.) Click here for the complete article.

Echo Bottle Rockets childcare program set to open

Monday, August 06, 2018

ECHO Bottle Rockets Child Care is almost ready to take off, and the center’s staff can’t wait to get going. In the last several weeks, they have been busy at work assembling new cribs, organizing games and equipment and waiting anxiously to clear the final hurdles. The ECHO Charter School first launched its innovative, school-based approach to childcare last year when it held informal conversations between teachers and administrative staff. Eventually, the group visited childcare centers in the region and learned about other approaches taken by neighboring communities. The shortage of childcare options impacts the whole region, and, not surprisingly, many communities have joined...

More MN workplaces offering 'Summer Fridays'

Monday, August 06, 2018

According to a recent survey more than 40 percent of employees will get out of work early or may not even have to work at all on Fridays during the summer. MINNEAPOLIS - Companies are working hard to find innovative ways to keep employees happy and it’s not always money. In fact, a recent study found more than 40% of companies offer some sort of flex Friday or Summer Friday hours. Jealous? Yeah, we are too. We stopped by a few Minnesota companies to see how it works and if it’s really as glorious as it sounds. At executive staffing firm Versique, Summer Fridays are...

First State, Peoples State banks sign agreement to merge with Minnwest

Friday, August 03, 2018

Minnwest Bank and First State Bank and Peoples State Bank of South Dakota recently announced the signing of an agreement to merge. Completion of the transaction, which is currently expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2018, is contingent upon regulatory approval. First State Bank and Peoples State Bank are both owned by Northeast Bancorp, Inc. As of March 31, 2018 the banks have combined assets of $121.2 million and $103.7 million in deposits. “Minnwest Bank is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of agricultural communities, and with this merger, we are confident that we can provide a strong financial network...

Jobs Bounce Back in May – After Weather-related Hiring Pause

Wednesday, August 01, 2018

Minnesota’s unemployment rate for May dropped to 3.1 percent, with the addition of 10,200 jobs. With those gains, the state has added 29,188 jobs in the past year, a 1 percent growth rate. Sector details: Manufacturing gained 1,400 jobs in May. Minnesota’s over-the-month growth rate in manufacturing of 0.4% in May was again higher than the US average of 0.1%. Given revised April and preliminary May job numbers, 2018 bodes well for manufacturing. The past four months registered the longest streak of over-the-month gains since December 2014. Job gains were concentrated in Durable Goods manufacturing which gained 1,200 (+0.6%) over-the-month jobs, while Non-Durable...

Morton cosmetologist takes salon business, Hair Traveler, on the road

Wednesday, August 01, 2018

The idea of making business mobile is not a new one. There are many who have taken what they do for a living on the road, whether it be in the form of a food truck or in the world of technology. However, what Sarah Madsen of Morton is doing, at least in Minnesota, is something new. She has put her salon on wheels. Known as the Hair Traveler, Madsen’s mobile salon goes from town to town offering a variety of services to customers – new and those who have been loyal to her for years. No, said Madsen, the idea of mobile salons...

Farming outside of the box: Southwest Minnesota producers talk about non-traditional operations at SFA meeting

Monday, July 30, 2018

To be productive in farming means to have a good crop. While there are many steps along the way to ensure a good yield each year, from selecting the right seed variety to getting timely rains, there is one element of production that is just as critical – the soil. Implementing good soil health practices not only helps in the short-term, but it is a long-term investment ensuring good yields for years to come. Maintaining good soil health preserves and conserves the soil, and for it to be effective in the long term may mean thinking outside of the box. There are many producers...

Minnesota Business Firms Expect Unchanged Conditions for 2019

Monday, July 30, 2018

Firms point to stability in the state’s overall economy ST. PAUL – Minnesota business services firms feel positive about the economy, with nearly 90 percent expecting sales revenue to increase or remain stable next year, according to a joint survey released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Business services firms are less optimistic, however, that productivity and employment levels will grow or remain stable in 2019. Sixty-eight percent expect their supply of workers to remain stable. That’s down from 77 percent last year. Only 7 percent of respondents anticipate labor availability...

Making Minnesota greater again (and again)

Friday, July 27, 2018

The state's 10 regional development organizations have been helping to guide planning for 50 years. They're also keeping up with the times and providing a template for this year's elections. The audience of foodies and curiosity-seekers cheered and groaned at every twist in an epic battle of chefs at the recent inaugural production of “Minced,” promoted as Minnesota’s “finer version” of the New York-based TV show “Chopped.” The local chefs had to work on short notice with exotic ingredients, including dragon fruit, yucca root, chayote squash and prickly pear cactus. The three judges were a cosmopolitan lot, including a local Latina leader...

Minnesota solar market surges

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Minnesota’s solar market grew significantly in the first quarter, adding 105 megawatts of power, the fifth most among states during that time, according to data released. Minnesota has total of 849.5 megawatts of solar production, enough power for 116,670 homes, according to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a trade group. A megawatt is one million watts, and by comparison Xcel Energy’s largest coal-fired and nuclear power plants in Minnesota each have a capacity of over 600 megawatts (though they can operate continuously). Continue to full article

In a tight labor market, Minnesota employers look to an under-utilized labor pool: workers with disabilities

Monday, July 23, 2018

On the main floor of the Minneapolis-based Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI), Karen Howson is busy arranging piles of flat plastic sheets and transferring them to a nearby production line. From there, her co-workers fold the sheets and then carefully place them under sonic welding machines to form corrugated plastic mail trays that will eventually go to the United States Postal Service. In July, Howson will celebrate her second anniversary as a full-time production line worker at MDI, which designs and manufactures plastic totes, trays, boxes and other products for big and small companies, including Amazon, Caribou Coffee, Best Buy and 3M. Continue to full article

Minnesota named third best state for summer road trips

Friday, July 20, 2018

Safety helps make Minnesota one of the best states in the U.S. to take a drive. When the orange construction cones come out, Minnesotans know it’s time to hit the road. Luckily, we live in a state that’s prime for exploring in the summer, making us one of the best in the nation for taking a good ‘ol fashioned road trip. A recent report by WalletHub found that Minnesota is the third-best state for summer road trips. Continue to full article

Need a Financial Boost for Your Startup? MILE Offers Interest-Free Loans

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Loan applications accepted through July 16 DEED is accepting loan applications through a pilot program designed to help early-stage businesses that are developing high-tech products or services in Minnesota. The Minnesota Innovation Loans for Entrepreneurs – MILE – will support Minnesota’s robust emerging technology ecosystem by providing interest-free loans ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. Businesses approved for loans must have a 1-to-1 match from another funder and repay the loan within four years, with no payments required in the first year. The program is an initiative of the Minnesota Investment Fund. MILE funding may be used for working capital, intellectual property development, proof...

MTO Open for Business in New Global Locations

Monday, July 16, 2018

The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) has opened seven international representative locations to provide export promotion and assistance to Minnesota companies selling goods and services globally and to attract foreign investment from companies looking to do business in Minnesota. Offices are located in: Canada Mexico Japan European Union United Kingdom Australia ASEAN region (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei). The seven international representatives are either private contractors or consulting firms with knowledge in international trade and foreign direct investment. Minnesota exported $21 billion of goods to 203 different countries in 2017. Canada, Mexico, Asia and the European Union are Minnesota’s largest export markets. Continue to full...

State Gains 10,200 Jobs in May

Friday, July 13, 2018

Unemployment rate drops to 3.1 percent ST. PAUL – Minnesota employers added 10,200 jobs in May, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). With those gains, the state has added 29,188 jobs in the past year, a 1 percent growth rate. The U.S. rate of job growth during that period was 1.7 percent. Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.1 percent in May, the lowest level since July 2000. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in May. “Minnesota bounced back with its strongest month of job gains in more than a year, following...

Technology and Trades on the Prairie career institute applicants are sought, deadline is July 6

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Technology and Trades on the Prairie will be hosting its second annual career institute July 17-18 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Farmward Cooperative in Morgan. Students in Grades 7-12 are encouraged to register and experience skills required for careers in agronomics, health care, industrial technology, computer technology, video production and more using hands on skills and simulation labs. Those who are planning to attend are asked to enroll as soon as is possible, as registrations will be closing July 6. This event is free to all students who register. Students also receive lunch and snacks throughout the event. Technology and Trades on the...

Vesta: Choosing a Charming Small Town Life

Friday, June 22, 2018

The trend of “brain drain” where young people move from rural to urban areas is slowly starting to reverse itself. People in their 30s-50s have started to move back to small towns, enticed by a slower pace of life, lower cost of living and promise of safe, tight knit communities. Vesta, Minnesota is one of these towns. The Redwood River flows through the southeastern corner of this charming community of about 300 people located halfway between Redwood Falls and Marshall. Vesta’s new city clerk and treasurer, Jacob Kolander, grew up on a farm west of town. He has fond memories of the...

Gov. Dayton Submits Opportunity Zone Recommendation to U.S. Treasury

Friday, May 04, 2018

Gov. Mark Dayton today recommended to the U.S. Department of Treasury 128 low-income census tracts in Minnesota to be designated as Opportunity Zones. Opportunity Zones are a new economic and community development program established by Congress in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage long-term economic development and housing investments in low-income communities nationwide. “Expanding access to good jobs and better opportunities has been a top priority for my Administration. These efforts have been especially important in communities that are experiencing continuing economic disparities,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “The Opportunity Zones program provides Minnesota a great opportunity to work with local community leaders...

Job Training Incentive Program funds

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

We are getting low on Job Training Incentive Program funds. We have about $180,000 remaining for FY18. As such, any businesses that are interested in the JTIP program should be informed of the current funding situation and advised to discuss their options with DEED staff. We do have an allocation of $1,350,000 for FY19 that will be available starting July 1, 2018. For complete details on the program: https://mn.gov/deed/business/financing-business/training-grant/jtip/ Job Training Incentive Program This program provides grants to new or expanding businesses located in Greater Minnesota for the purposes of training workers as quickly and efficiently as possible. Overview Grants of up to $200,000 are awarded...

Minnesota Agribusiness Overview

Wednesday, October 05, 2016

Please refer to pages 30-39.

Redwood Area grant recipients talk about impact of Bandin Foundation funds

Wednesday, October 05, 2016

By Troy Krause In February 2015, a planning meeting was held in Redwood Falls to talk about a new program being offered in Redwood County. The program, which was offered through the Blandin Foundation, was an effort to help the county improve broadband access and enhance technology services in the region for its residents. Grant dollars were made available for local projects that would help with everything from education to services that improved the quality of life for county residents, and this past Wednesday morning a program was held to celebrate the impact of those grant dollars in Redwood County. Called “Strut Your...

Match.com for business Redwood County supports a diverse community of manufacturers!

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Enterprise Minnesota - December 2014 Issue -- Tom Mason, writer When Enterprise Minnesota’s president and CEO Bob Kill traveled recently to Redwood Falls he got to experience first hand how a diverse community of manufacturers can give their community a solid economic base. Kill was invited by the Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC) to keynote their annual Manufacturing Week luncheon. Redwood Falls is a prosperous community of about 5,000 people located a couple hours southwest of the Twin Cities. RADC is considered a well-run and forward-thinking organization thatserves 16 area communities. The day’s chief organizer was Julie Rath, one of two development...