News & Events

Proactive Management of Incentives Deals

Monday, August 03, 2020

If you or your clients have incentives contracts, now is the time to examine your incentive agreements to understand the potential risks if your company is unable to perform key obligations. The first step in any crisis is to determine exactly what the problem is. Review your incentive agreements to confirm with specificity your obligations. Second, closely review the language of your agreements to determine if any of your obligations can be delayed due to a “force majeure” provision, a “market conditions” provision, or a similar provision. Third, as soon as the crisis begins to abate, and perhaps sooner in certai...

Parkview Senior Living Maintains Quality Resident Care During COVID-19

Thursday, July 30, 2020

All businesses have been forced to make changes due to COVID-19, but Redwood Area Development Corporation Member Business Parkview Senior Living is one of many senior homes that has taken an especially big hit. Administrator, Megan Zetah, shares with us the necessary changes that were made amidst the pandemic and how it has affected the residents and their family members. Parkview Senior Living, located in Belview, MN, provides various levels of quality care to its patrons, including outpatient therapy, adult day services, independent and assisted living apartments, short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services. The 30 bed skilled nursing facility and apartment...

How to Become a Successful Entrepreneur During the Pandemic

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Other than operating a business directly in a warzone, these are some of the most challenging times to be an entrepreneur. The pandemic has brought a range of obstacles to the frontline of the entrepreneurial spirit and is pushing all of the boundaries of business owners. Coronavirus (Covid-19), protests, destructive riots causing damage to stores, floods, and many other events that have occurred in a short block of time sending shockwaves globally. This does not even account for the latest virus that was recently discovered: the Financial Coronavirus (also known as Financial Covid-19), which was covered in my recent story on Thrive Global. Severe restrictions being placed o...

Rethinking Business And Revenue During The Pandemic

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

The year 2020 has undoubtedly been one of the most difficult in recent memory. As the world navigates the coronavirus pandemic, businesses are struggling to find their way in an uncertain environment. In fact, a June survey of 330 U.S. finance leaders by PwC found that many senior managers feel challenged by the need to creatively manage their businesses during the pandemic. The survey discovered that about half (47%) of finance leaders expect their company’s revenues to decline more than 10% in 2020. We can even see this in large, seemingly recession-proof companies. According to CNBC, Google will see a drop of more tha...

For some small farms, Covid-19 pandemic has been good for business

Monday, July 27, 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has sown chaos throughout the food sector, triggering shortages of some products and gluts of others. But some family farms have found their own fortunes lifted by the upheaval. That's one of the takeaways from a Pioneer Press story that talks with small-scale farmers that have seen demand soar for products like zucchini, pick-your-own fruits and locally raised meats. Read full article.

Minnesota Mask Requirement: Slowing the Spread of COVID-19 to Keep Our Economy Open

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Over the last months, we've heard repeatedly from Minnesota businesses that we need to continue to control the spread of the coronavirus in order to sustain the economic rebound underway. Our state's businesses know that in order to keep making strides in bringing our economy back, we've got to take care of each other – and the easiest way to do that is to wear a mask. In recent weeks, more and more Minnesota business have led the way on this requirement. From big chains like Target, Best Buy, and Cub Foods, to local shops and establishments across Minnesota, business owner...

Support for Businesses and Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented change to the United States. Individuals and businesses alike are facing uncertainty unlike anything experienced in recent times. Lost income and health concerns coupled with the absence of social structures typically provided by extended family, friends and other relationships have given rise to high levels of stress and anxiety. Now, more than ever, the availability and accessibility of social services and assistance is critical to weathering this storm physically and mentally. Employment Assistance For many, simply having steady employment is the most important source of calm and reassurance needed for daily living. Those looking for employmen...

What we’re hearing about the Workforce Optimization Cycle

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

We are getting great feedback on the Workforce Optimization Cycle (WOC) resources Workforce Strategy Consultants developed to help Minnesota businesses plan for and meet their workforce needs during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The six stages in the cycle help employers walk through assessing their business, projecting labor demand, identifying workforce gaps, developing workforce strategies, communicating about and implementing strategies and monitoring, evaluating and adapting strategies to meet changing needs. Read full article.

10 Ways To Change Your Traditional Office As You Head Back To Work

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Many states are beginning to reopen after an intensive COVID-19 lockdown, which means people are heading back to traditional offices (if they’re not in one of the “rollback states” reverting to previous conditions). However, just because reopening is taking place doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. Many of your employees and clients will have concerns about coronavirus transmission; they may have anxieties about their health and safety. If you want to make people feel healthier, safer, and more secure, it’s your responsibility to open your office with new rules and restrictions in place. Read full article.

Will COVID-19 Kill Globalization? What You Need to Know

Monday, July 20, 2020

Recent trade battles with China, Mexico, Canada, and Europe have reduced trade flows. Now, with the outbreak of COVID-19 severely impacting international commerce, many argue that globalization will soon be dead. Globalization is not dying. Rather, it’s evolving, and existing trends are accelerating. American companies and workers would be wise to prepare for what’s ahead. Read full article.

More Than 27,400 Businesses Applied for Small Business Relief Grant Program

Friday, July 17, 2020

St. Paul, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced that it has completed the lottery drawing for the winners of the Small Business Relief Grant Program. The program will award $10,000 grants to small businesses that have suffered financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and was passed with bipartisan support in the Minnesota Legislature during the 2020 1st Special Session and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz. Read full article.

Union Kitchen & Sports Bar in Wabasso Revamps Operations During COVID-19

Friday, July 17, 2020

Union Kitchen & Sports Bar in Wabasso is a striking example of the tenacious spirit of local business owners in the community. The challenges brought on by COVID-19 have affected all types of small businesses, from retailers to restaurants. Union Kitchen & Sports Bar rearranged its business model in order to stay open for the community and combat these hardships. Union Kitchen & Sports Bar Adapts During COVID-19 Having recently changed ownership to Rubi Kaufenberg and her husband Brad, COVID-19 roadblocks could have easily discouraged the new team. Instead, the Kaufenbergs adapted. “We decided to offer take-out and curbside pick-up. We created a...

Connecting Minnesotans who need work with jobs in demand

Thursday, July 16, 2020

The federal $600 a week payment for people receiving unemployment benefits is slated to end at the end of July, unless Congress takes action. While regular unemployment benefits will continue for eligible people, the loss of the emergency benefit will have a significant impact on many Minnesota families. Over the last several months, the additional $600 a week has helped Minnesotans who lost work or had their hours significantly reduced pay for housing, food, and other necessities for their families during these difficult times. When the temporary payment ends, many people will struggle to make ends meet. Read full article.

Guidance for Employees Going Back to Work During COVID-19

Thursday, July 16, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has swept across the country, bringing unprecedented changes with it. Employees and employers are working together to determine how to best protect everyone’s health as they get businesses back on track. Naturally, questions abound for the employees in a wide range of industries who must now adapt to new workplace practices. who must go to work to provide for their families. So the question is, for those who must go to their places of employment, what can they do to protect themselves, their families and others? Workplace Environment Every employee should expect their employer to attempt to lead the effor...

Direction for Employers Opening Facilities During COVID-19

Tuesday, July 14, 2020

After intense reaction to COVID-19, employers across the country are beginning to reopen their business or consider doing so. One of the most significant questions arising is how to resume operations while protecting employees and customers. Simply opening the doors or restarting manufacturing equipment is not enough. Every business should act now to adapt their operations through new policies and expectations to protect against workplace exposure. Thankfully, significant resources exist for employers to thoughtfully lead the process of opening their businesses again. Understanding each business's ability to reopen will generally be driven by state and local governments. The U.S Chamber o...

COVID-19 and Site Selection in the Near and Long Term

Monday, July 13, 2020

Companies and communities are attempting to navigate through the current crisis, but as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, how will corporate location strategy be affected in the near and long term? Recessionary Forces The level of damage to the economy will depend on the spread of the virus, the healthcare response to the virus, and the effectiveness of the government stimulus and aid programs. This was clearly exemplified in the analysis and research completed by McKinsey & Company in “Safeguarding our lives and our livelihoods: The imperative of our time.” The accompanying graphic contains the group’s projection of the recovery and what w...

First Person: Handling Plant Shutdowns and Re-Openings During the Pandemic

Monday, July 13, 2020

AD: The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused some manufacturing plants to temporarily suspend — wholly or in part — their operations because of employees suffering illness. What — and who — is involved in coordinating the suspension of operations? Vetter: To my knowledge, I don’t believe that we have seen this type of activity happening within our food and consumer products clients’ operations. In fact, what we are experiencing is a ramp up in production on their existing lines. Lines that had some, or even significant amounts of idle time in their production schedule prior to COVID-19, have now been replaced with increase...

Proactive Management of Incentives Deals

Monday, July 13, 2020

Successfully Returning to the Workplace Post-COVID

Monday, July 13, 2020

With the easing of restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 outbreak, organizations are starting to bring employees back into the workplace. A successful re-entry program will ensure the safety of company personnel and the public, obviate charges of discrimination and invasion of privacy, and avoid actions that inadvertently violate federal, state, and local employment laws. Employers should set a positive tone to motivate their personnel in a difficult environment. Read full article.

Local Governments Plan for Impact of COVID-19

Friday, July 10, 2020

Communities across the country have responded to the COVID-19 crisis by implementing various stages of stay-at-home practices and shutdowns of nonessential businesses. While those practices seem to have directionally reduced the feared spikes, they leave less money for local governments to pay for expected services such as public safety, trash collection, road work, and other programs. Now, governments seek how to maintain those services in their upcoming fiscal year budgets in the face of less revenue and more expenses. Increased local expenses The COVID-19 crisis has led to an increase in unexpected expenses for local governments across the nation as they bea...

Stick the Landing: How to Help Optimize Workplace Reentry

Friday, July 10, 2020

We are at a pivotal point in time, surrounded by growing uncertainty. Yet we know one thing for certain: The way we work will change following this pandemic. That includes everything from the ways we interact with one another, to the tasks we take on, and the physical environment we work in. Organizations carefully planning their safe return to the workplace will find key allies in corporate real estate experts who specialize in office location, planning, layout, and design. The workplace structure will need to be reimagined as employees cautiously return to the office and employers prioritize their safety and well-being...

143-Year-Old Company's Online Sales Up 80 Percent During Covid

Thursday, July 09, 2020

There are some items people prefer to buy in person--those with a high sensory factor, like yarn, have fallen into that category in the past. When it comes to picking out yarn, there is something about being able to see the vibrancy of the colors in person, and to feel the strands in your hands to know if it is worth using for a project or going to be a scratchy nightmare. When coronavirus led to the closing of non-essential businesses, it would have been easy for a yarn company to say, "People don't want to buy yarn online--we should take thi...

5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Prepare for the Post-Coronavirus Business World

Thursday, July 09, 2020

Social distancing. Telemedicine. Self-quarantine. These are all words that at the start of 2020 weren't part of our vocabulary, but several months into the new decade we are all hearing and using them daily. There is no denying that the coronavirus outbreak has dramatically changed just about every facet of just about every person’s life around the world. From a business perspective, the stock market saw its largest one day loss and largest one day gain in history. The U.S. saw the largest job-loss report ever. We are in uncharted waters, and how long we will remain in them remains uncertain. However, there i...

A&W Furniture and Laney Lu's Boutique Stands Firm Despite COVID-19

Thursday, July 02, 2020

COVID-19 brought many challenges to people and businesses alike during the past few months. While some stores have been forced to permanently close their doors, many are able to survive, and even thrive, in the face of this adversity. A&W Furniture is one store that remains stronger than ever. A&W Furniture and Laney Lu’s Boutique A&W Furniture of Redwood Falls is a family owned and operated 2nd generation store that is continually evolving to meet the ever changing furniture needs of the community. The store was opened over 30 years ago by husband and wife team, Bob Wetmore and Mary Ahrens-Wetmore. I...

Greater Minnesota solar projects highlight utility plans for speeding up the green economy

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

When Minnesota’s largest utilities released plans for putting people to work during a sagging economy while also speeding up the state’s transition to green energy, solar energy topped two of the companies’ lists. The June proposals by Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power, which include solar projects at four sites in Greater Minnesota, came at the urging of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, which had asked the big utilities it regulates to move up the completion dates of energy projects that were in the works. Read full article.

Minnesota ag department informs farmers of new COVID-19 preparedness plan requirements

Sunday, June 28, 2020

Farms, farmers markets and other agricultural businesses were designated critical businesses under an executive order from the governor that was announced in April 2020. By June 29, 2020, all critical sector businesses, including all farms and farmer’s markets, are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 preparedness plan that complies with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) COVID-19 guidelines as well as OSHA standards. Read full article.

9 Ways to Lead Your Team Into an Unknowable Future

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

The workplace is changed. As parts of the world begin to loosen coronavirus-related restrictions, organizations are emerging from COVID-induced hibernation. These transitions back to work are gradual. Uncertainty will remain for months as threats of renewed waves of coronavirus persist. We are anticipating a new normal — but what we need is a new now. The radical change of these times demands empathic leadership to keep teams engaged, cohesive and forward-focused. Leaders must demonstrate a spirit of purpose and optimism to reinforce the idea that an uncertain future has the potential to be a better future. Here are nine steps for leading your team into an unknowabl...

Nearly $19 Million Awarded for Development Projects in Small Cities

Monday, June 22, 2020

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grants totaling nearly $19 million for infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in 32 Minnesota cities. SCDP grants are part of the Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The SCDP grants pay for rehabilitating housing and commercial buildings and updating public infrastructure in small cities and counties. Read full article.

DEED announces partnership with Coursera to provide free online learning content to Minnesotans

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

ST. PAUL, Minn . – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today a new partnership with Coursera, the leading online learning platform that offers courses from 200 top universities and businesses around the world, including more than 60 courses from the University of Minnesota. This partnership is made possible by the Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative . Read full article.

How Is the Pandemic Affecting Location Decisions in the Food & Beverage Industry?

Friday, May 15, 2020

I've been fortunate to have some great conversations with economic developers over the past few weeks, with many questions on the pandemic's impact on site location decisions for the food and beverage Industry. While nothing is certain, I've read and attached links to some important insights which I would like to share with those who currently or plan to target this industry. Be very aware that: Disruption of reliable demand and labor shortages have resulted in huge supply chain inefficiencies, leaving too much food in the wrong places. New facility locations that process products that heavily rely on predictable supply chain will n...

More relief available for Minnesota small business amid coronavirus crisis

Friday, May 15, 2020

As small businesses throughout the state continue to struggle amid the COVID-19 crisis, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development this week announced the implementation of the Minnesota Small Business Loan Guarantee Program. This program is part of a $330 million bill signed by Gov. Tim Walz over the weekend, and provides another option to help small businesses that might be struggling right now. Read full article.

Shifting business to battle the coronavirus

Friday, May 15, 2020

Ben VandenWymelenberg graduated in 2012 with a bachelor of science in architecture—but not before hitting on something big. While procrastinating on his senior year project, VandenWymelenberg struck gold with an idea and rushed to the workshop to produce his first wooden phone case. A few months later he launched WOODCHUCK USA, producing sustainably sourced, handcrafted wood products. Read full article.

Essential PR Tools and Tactics - Elevate the Visibility of Your Business While Being Sheltered in Place

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Promoting your business during the coronavirus outbreak presents unique opportunities. New technologies, subscriber lists, social media and strong digital connections are more important than ever, and more powerful than ever before. Attend this session, presented by PR expert Patricia Maldanado, where we'll provide the tools and steps you can take to make sure your business remains visible to your customers, potential customers, and even the media. Now more than ever, the steps you take to promote your company, its work and products plays an essential role in ensuring its relevance and survivial. Read full article.

10 Site Selection and Economic Development Takeaways from the COVID-19 Crisis

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Over extended and overly risky supply chains are no longer tolerable. Coronavirus is providing new and forceful momentum for the reshoring of manufacturing investment back to the U.S. from China and elsewhere. Our nation’s medical devices and biopharma sector — now dangerously concentrated in China — must be the first in line to disinvest there and reinvest back here in the States. Currently, less than 30% of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) -producing facilities are in the U.S. - while the number of Chinese facilities has more than doubled since 2010. The recent bipartisan bill introduced by Senator Blackburn (R-Tennessee) an...

The Secret To Retail Success Post Coronavirus? Adopting A Consumer-Centric Approach

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Fashion retail was facing unprecedented upheaval long before any of us had even heard of coronavirus or could imagine a situation where all stores would be forced to close and the world would be in global lockdown. This pre-coronavirus need for change was being driven by shrinking margins and an increase in nimble new entrants to the market who were growing their market share at a rapid pace, striping away sales from large incumbent brands and retailers. For the majority of retail businesses, trying to evolve and keep pace in recent years has been a painful experience as it’s meant questionin...

Small Business Survival Series: Bruce Katz

Thursday, April 23, 2020

Bruce Katz: I run a finance lab at Drexel University and work as a partner with Accelerator for America. I’ve been very focused on trying to codify these local relief funds that are emerging around the country. Grant Baskerville (Sorenson Impact Center): Bruce, if I can pick up on the excellent piece that you coauthored with Colin Higgins and Michael Saadine, you very effectively stratify the different levels of activity that happen city, state, and federal levels. We’d love your input on this. Read full article.

Getting by: How businesses in one Greater Minnesota town are dealing with ‘social distancing’ disruptions

Thursday, April 02, 2020

At The Tavern on Main, a downtown café and bar in Litchfield, Minnesota, Bethany and Michael Lee had to lay off 13 workers as they try to salvage their business during the disruptive “social distancing” brought on by the COVID-19 crisis. The Lees had to shutter their dining area, which doubles as a popular bar in the evening. But they have been selling enough takeout orders to generate about a quarter of their usual business – enough, they hope, to get them by until things return to normal. Read full article.

Tips to Help Businesses Navigate Through the Response to COVID-19

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Many local businesses are struggling financially as the response to COVID-19 has led to a reduction in consumer spending, less foot traffic, some business closures, contract and payment delays. Business will eventually get back to normal, but what do you do in the meantime? Many small businesses do not have the resources necessary to combat these hardships, but we have compiled a list of suggestions that could help. #1 Seek financial assistance Now is the right time to seek financial assistance in the form of loans and grants. It is important to be proactive. Even if you are unsure how much capita...

5 Ways to Truly Deliver on Your Next Business Plan (and Impress Investors)

Saturday, March 14, 2020

In my work with new and aspiring entrepreneurs, I find that most struggle with putting together a written business plan, often pointing out that someone they know started a business without anything written down. My experience is that the discipline of documenting a plan will improve your likelihood of addressing all the right issues, as well as finding the right partner or investor. Click here to read full article.

Take Your Business Global in 2020

Saturday, March 14, 2020

When brainstorming how to grow your business in 2020, think big. Expand your plans beyond just your local community and consider selling goods or services internationally. According to a study by the Institute for International Economics, U.S. companies that export not only grow faster, but are also 8.5 percent less likely to go out of business than non-exporting companies. What’s more, growth opportunities abound for exporters, since nearly 96 percent of consumers live outside the U.S., and two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries. Ultimately, exporting can help small businesses – who make up 98 percent of al...

11 Scrumptious Restaurants In Minnesota You Never Even Knew Existed

Monday, March 02, 2020

Just when you thought there were no more great restaurants to try in Minnesota, more new ones come out of the woodwork. Across the state, diners, cafes, and family restaurants delight diners with inventive dishes, homestyle favorites, and fresh ingredients. These 11 scrumptious restaurants may not be the most well known, but you’ll love their scrumptious food. Read full article.

Schult Homes: Building Superior Homes in Redwood Falls and Beyond

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Schult Homes has been a long standing member of the Redwood community and the Redwood Area Development Corporation. The company opened its doors in the area in 1974, and has been building beautiful homes with superior workmanship in the region since. Scott Thomas, Facility General Manager of Schult Homes, explains how being located in Redwood Falls has positively impacted the business and the area. Who is Schult Homes? Schult Homes, an extension of the Clayton Homes family of brands headquartered in Maryville, Tennessee, manufactures HUD and MOD code homes. Clayton Homes is a Berkshire Hathaway company and one of the Nation's leadin...

Minnesota manufacturers expect stability in 2020

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

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

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

Thursday, February 20, 2020

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

Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site pumps up its marketing efforts with a 360 video

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

The Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site is now using 360-degree video and virtual reality to book more visits by groups wanting educational experiences, diversity training, research opportunities and field trips for their school, business and community organizations. When Cheyanne St. John, Lower Sioux Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) director, was introduced to 360-degree and virtual reality video through Golden Shovel’s PlaceVR technology, she immediately recognized that this was a way to improve how they communicate their ability to customize programming to meet different needs and stand out as an extraordinary experience. Read full article.

Minnesota rebrands workforce career centers

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

One place to spend time searching for a job or positioning for a promotion is CareerForce. That’s the state’s recently rebranded workforce center system, with dozens of statewide locations and a new website at careerforcemn.com. “There’s never been a better time to find opportunities and have a little bit of time to explore them,” said Mike Lang, CareerForce job service director for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). “With this tight labor market and the need to retain employees, this is a great time to negotiate and find opportunities that you would often not see during a period of hig...

States, Governors Focus on Broadband Expansion

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

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

The Redwood Area Communities Foundation: A Core Supporter of the Community

Monday, February 10, 2020

The Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF) is a core community developer. The support offered to the community by RACF is unrivaled in impact. Don Yrjo, Chairman of RACF, gave insight as to what makes the foundation special and vital to the Redwood area. The Redwood Area Communities Foundation Defined The Redwood Area Communities Foundation is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit entity organized for the welfare and benefit of Redwood County residents and organizations. The RACF’s focus is on those who live or have their principal place of business in Redwood County or within a 10 mile radius. The RACF was established in 1988. Th...

Minnesota Manufacturers Expect Stability in 2020

Tuesday, February 04, 2020

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

Walz meets with farmers at expo

Thursday, January 30, 2020

MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made an appearance at the MN Ag Expo on Jan. 22 to show his appreciation for farmers and promote the state's environmental programs. The annual expo is hosted by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and features about 100 exhibitors on its trade floor. "Everybody eats, and I think tying consumers to producers is a smart thing to do," said Walz of the importance of the expo. Read full article.

Minnesota Ag in the Classroom offering resources to incorporate ag education in all classrooms

Monday, January 27, 2020

Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom provides free resources and professional development opportunities across the state that meet the K-12 academic standards and allows teachers of all studies to incorporate ag literacy into the classroom. It’s a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Read full article.

Minnesota Farm Bureau receives national honor

Sunday, January 26, 2020

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) was one of six states receiving the New Horizon Award during the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st annual convention in Austin, Texas on Sunday. The award recognizes the most innovative new programs. MFBF was recognized for its work on the opioid epidemic, as well as the promotion of the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union Farm Town Strong effort (farmtownstrong.org). Read full article here.

Minnesota Unemployment Rate Holds Steady at 3.3%

Thursday, January 23, 2020

St. Paul – Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained a steady 3.3% during December, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December also held a steady 3.5%. Minnesota gained 3,978 jobs from December 2018 to December 2019, a 0.1% increase. The private sector average wage rate was up 24 cents in December for a 4% rise over the year. Read full article.

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 developmen...

10 Site Selection and Economic Development Takeaways from the COVID-19 Crisis

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Minnesota rebrands workforce career centers

Wednesday, February 12, 2020