News & Events

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.

The Secret to Retaining Productive Remote Workers Is Remembering They Are People

Saturday, January 04, 2020

Remote workers are no longer young 20-year-olds as many might think. In fact, more and more age groups and industries have significant numbers working remotely, typically from home. A 2017 Gallup poll shows that part-time remote workers climbed from 39 percent in 2012 to 43 percent in 2016. And those who worked remotely 80-100 percent of the time climbed seven percentage points. Clearly the traditional, in-office, 9-to-5 job is in decline. Because research shows that remote workers are often more productive than their in-office counterparts, the numbers of remote workers will continue to rise. Click here to read full article.

Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC) Launches New Website to Help “Build Better Businesses for the Redwood Area”

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Redwood Falls, MN: Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC) recently launched a new and completely redesigned website to make it easier for visitors to find the information they need as well as to feature what makes the Redwood Area such a great place to live and do business. Formed in 1986, the RADC represents the communities and businesses in economic and community development and understands the importance of retaining and expanding existing businesses in the local communities as well as attracting new businesses. To develop and design the site, RADC partnered with Golden Shovel Agency, a national economic development communications firm recognized fo...

Minnesota’s Job vacancies increase in 2019 second quarter

Sunday, December 01, 2019

Minnesota employers reported 146,513 job vacancies in the second quarter of 2019, the highest total on record and an indication that the state’s labor market remains tight, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The job vacancy survey figures were slightly ahead of the same period a year ago, when there were 142,282 job vacancies, which was the previous record. Read full article.

Energy Dialogue Gets Rural MN Involved in Decision-Making

Friday, November 01, 2019

REDWOOD COUNTY, Minn. – Minnesota's Redwood County hosted a dialogue on the effects of potential wind energy development in the community. A newly-released report examines takeaways from the event. 18 county residents heard from four local speakers over three days, and identified challenges and opportunities to development. Tara Ritter, senior program associate with the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy – which co-hosted the event – says the goal was to get people involved before development begins so they can better determine their own future. Read full article.

Knott's Corner Bar & Grill: An Integral Member of the Redwood Community

Friday, October 25, 2019

The Redwood community is home to many outstanding local businesses and restaurants, but Knott’s Corner Bar & Grill is in a league of its own. Anna Knott and her husband, Jonathan, took ownership of the space where the BrauHaus was once located, completely revamping it before reopening the bar in 2014. Anna’s journey from working at the former restaurant, to climbing the corporate ladder and eventually becoming the owner, is an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. When asked what inspired Anna to open the bar and grill, she responded, “Growing up, my mother worked in the restaurant, so my first job wa...

Minnesota Unemployment Rate Drops for Second Straight Month

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Amid a continued labor shortage, the state’s unemployment rate fell a tenth of a percent from August to September. Minnesota’s unemployment rate fell slightly for the second consecutive month in September, going from 3.3 percent to 3.2 percent, according to figures from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The rate also again bested the national unemployment rate of 3.5 percent. The improving unemployment rate comes amid a continually tightening labor market. Read full article.

SW MN airports receive nearly $1.5 million in FFA grants

Friday, October 11, 2019

The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced the award of $26.3 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants to 14 greater Minnesota airports. This is the final round of FAA funding issued in 2019 to maintain and improve aviation infrastructure throughout the state. The grants will be used primarily to preserve pavements and complete plans to address the needs of greater Minnesota communities. Southwestern Minnesota projects and funding included in these FAA grant awards include: Read full article.

Renville, Springfield receive DEED redevelopment grants

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced more than $2 million in grants and loans awarded from the Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Program. DEED awarded Redevelopment Grants to, among others, Renville and Springfield. The city of Renville was awarded $49,435 in Redevelopment Grant funds for asbestos abatement, demolition, and sidewalk replacement on the 1.3-acre site for a medical complex. This site will be redeveloped with an approximately 5,000 square foot county-owned clinic. It is anticipated this project will create 4 jobs and retain 5 jobs. Matching funds will be provided by the city. Read full article.

National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month - People with disabilities have an important role in the success of America’s economy

Monday, October 07, 2019

The Occupational Development Center (ODC) in Crookston is celebrating National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) by sharing their background and understanding of what this month means for their staff, persons served, and partners. The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the theme for the 2019 NDEAM is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” This emphasizes the importance of the role that people with disabilities have in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. Read full article.

Minnesota’s Job vacancies increase in 2019 second quarter

Sunday, October 06, 2019

Minnesota employers reported 146,513 job vacancies in the second quarter of 2019, the highest total on record and an indication that the state’s labor market remains tight, according to figures recently released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The job vacancy survey figures were slightly ahead of the same period a year ago, when there were 142,282 job vacancies, which was the previous record. Statewide, there were 0.9 unemployed persons for each vacancy, meaning there are slightly more open positions than unemployed individuals in Minnesota. 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...

Minnesota rebrands workforce career centers

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Mid County Ag Services, LLC Moves Operations to Wabasso

Monday, December 23, 2019

Mid County Ag Services, LLC, now located in Wabasso, is a full-service provider of a variety of Pioneer brand corn, soybean and alfalfa seed. The company also offers other important services to members of the agriculture community, including field planning, planting, and harvest data management and Granular services like Satellite imagery, nitrogen modeling, and financial analysis. 24/7 seed delivery is another company specialty. Owner and operator Jamison Panitzke took over ownership of the seed business from Jeff Schoer of Schoer Seeds. For many years following college, Panitzke has known he wanted to someday own his own seed/agronomy business, and the timin...