News & Events

Lower Sioux Health Care Center Promotes Whole Health and Wellness in Community

Monday, September 09, 2019

The Lower Sioux Indian Community has seen stellar improvements in tribal health in recent years with the addition of a health care center that offers a large scope of medical services. The Lower Sioux, part of the Mdewakanton Band of Dakota, is a federally-recognized tribe located in Redwood County. In seeking to maintain whole health, safety, and happiness for the community while also staying true to traditional values of the Dakota, the idea for the Lower Sioux Health Care Center was born. The center serves the tribe’s population of nearly 1,000 people. A Simple Idea Becomes All-Inclusive Care Darin Prescott, Clinic CEO...

KLGR Community Cafe: improvements at Redwood Falls airport

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Every year, about 14,000 planes or helicopters either land or take off from the Redwood Falls airport. Because of that increasing use, the city has spent the past several years working on improvements or enlargements to the airport. According to Jim Doering, Public Works Project Coordinator for Redwood Falls, in 2012 the city already had a waiting list of airplan owners wanting to make use of the airport’s existing hangers: Read full article.

PFA Approves $20.8 Million for Projects in Three Greater Minnesota Cities

Thursday, August 01, 2019

Awards will fund water infrastructure projects in Oronoco, Marshall and Detroit Lakes ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) today announced $20.8 million in loan and grant funding for water infrastructure projects in Oronoco, Marshall and Detroit Lakes. “These three Greater Minnesota cities are utilizing PFA resources to improve their community wastewater infrastructure,” said Governor Tim Walz. “I congratulate these three cities on their awards.” “Investing in a water infrastructure prepares these communities for future economic growth,” said Steve Grove, PFA chair and commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “The PFA continues to be a critical tool i...

Minnesota Hops Take a Giant Leap Forward

Thursday, July 11, 2019

What exactly do Minnesota-grown hops taste like? Beer lovers, gather round, we are in receipt of some of the biggest Minnesota-beer news of all time. First off, Minnesota's poised to break our all-time hops harvest this year, with 100,000 pounds coming out of Mighty Axe hops in Foley, just north of St. Cloud. That's more than before Prohibition, it's more than ever. But that's only the start of this story, because Mighty Axe founder, hops-champion, and CEO Eric Sannerud feels so strongly that the hops he's growing are unique in the world, in terms of their flavor and aromas, that he's rebrande...

Veterans Are Vital to Minnesota's Workforce

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

Governor Tim Walz has declared July “Hire a Veteran Month" to encourage Minnesota employers to connect the state's 153,000 military service members of working age with employment opportunities in July and throughout the year. Read full article.

Governor Walz Proclaims “Hire A Veteran Month” in Minnesota

Monday, July 01, 2019

Proclamation recognizes 327,000 Minnesota veterans for their service ahead of Veterans Career Fair ST. PAUL – Governor Tim Walz has declared July 2019 "Hire a Veteran Month" in the State of Minnesota. Governor Walz's proclamation encourages all Minnesota employers to help connect military service members with employment opportunities during the month of July, and to continue hiring veterans throughout the year. "Veterans returning from deployments face higher unemployment rates and experience more challenges entering the workforce," said Governor Walz. "I encourage all Minnesota employers to give veterans the uppermost consideration when hiring." Read full article.

Sights and sounds of the Redwood Falls community parade

Saturday, June 29, 2019

View parade photos here.

DEED Awards Small Cities Development Grants

Friday, June 28, 2019

More than 40 grants totaling more than $24 million approved for Greater Minnesota communities ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded more than $24 million for 43 infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in Greater Minnesota. The Small Cities Development Program is part of the Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and is funded by Congress. The program helps pay for rehabilitating housing and commercial buildings and updating public infrastructure in small cities and counties. Read full article.

Startups and Investors: DEED Relaunches Angel Tax Credit Program

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

The Minnesota Angel Tax Credit, a popular incentive program that has helped 430 startups since 2010, will start accepting applications again on July 1, 2019. The Angel Tax Credit program is now part of Launch Minnesota, a new initiative to grow Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. The incentive program stimulates private investments in emerging Minnesota businesses by providing a 25 percent credit to investors or investment funds that put money into startup companies focused on high technology, new proprietary technology, or a new proprietary product, process or service in specified fields. By encouraging investors, this program helps new businesses at a critical time in their development. Rea...

Seeking Partners for Child Care Economic Development Grants, and Business Development Grants

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Getting high quality business development assistance at the right time is critical for the success of entrepreneurs and small businesses. I believe the state’s commitment to providing this assistance is one reason Minnesota ranks third in the nation in five-year business survival. Another way we can assist in economic development is through grants to help communities address shortages in child care. As a father of two toddlers myself, I understand how a lack of quality care impacts not only the parents who need it in order to work, but also the businesses that desperately need workers and want to employ them. We’re focused on supporting the economi...

Redwood Area Community Festivals

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Community events and festivals celebrate the characteristics and amenities that make a town distinctive. They help create a sense of place and foster community pride among residents. Beyond improving quality of life, such events have social benefits. They bring people together and deepen relationships. They engage people — whether it’s organizers through their volunteerism or attendees through participation. Festivals also have an economic impact. When you attend a local event, you’re supporting local food vendors and artisans. Events also draw in visitors who then patronize local gas stations, hotels and restaurants. Redwood County has a range of wonderful community festivals and events throughou...

Technical Assistance, Webinars Available for Workforce Development Grant Program Applicants

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting requests for proposals (RFPs) from qualified organizations across the state for five competitive workforce development grant programs designed to increase economic opportunities for people of color, women, youth, people with disabilities and veterans. “The goal of the funding is to address economic disparities and to make Minnesota a state where everyone – regardless of their background or skill set – has an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our economy,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. Organizations may submit grant proposals for one or more of the five programs. Informational webinars will be availabl...

Young Redwood Falls entrepreneur driven by values

Wednesday, June 05, 2019

For years, we’ve heard about “brain drain,” the phenomenon where young folks leave rural towns to attend college and pursue better opportunities in cities. But research into Minnesota’s shifting rural demographics now shows a positive reverse trend of “brain gain” — where young adults migrate back to their hometowns with families in tow and expertise to offer. Tony Madsen of NewLeaf Financial Guidance is a local case in point. He grew up in Redwood Falls and left to attend college at Augustana University in Sioux Falls. Madsen worked for a number of years in the Twin Cities metro area for ...

Jeff Shuford: 5 unique ways small business owners can increase their odds of long-term success

Monday, June 03, 2019

If you want to increase your odds of long-term success as a small business owner, it’s time to get strategic with your approach to growth. Aspiring to build a thriving small business is admirable, but is much harder than some entrepreneurs imagine. “Build it, and they will come” does not apply to small business startups. If you need help learning how to increase your odds of long-term success as a small business owner, pay attention to the following five tips for entrepreneurs: Read full article.

Business Expansions Reflect State’s Diverse Economy

Sunday, June 02, 2019

Minnesota’s diverse economy is reflected in the 226 business expansion projects that were publicly announced in 2018 and tracked by DEED. These projects were spread across the state and involved companies of all sizes in more than 40 industries. While complete data is not available for all of the projects, these expansions represent at least 8,829 new jobs and 1,672 retained jobs. They also reflect new investment of at least $2.4 billion and over 7.5 million square feet. Read full article.

Minnesota adds 3,600 jobs in April

Saturday, June 01, 2019

Construction led all sectors annually, gaining 10.5 percent over the previous year ST. PAUL – Minnesota gained 3,600 seasonally adjusted jobs in April, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota annual job gains were up 14,434 or 0.5 percent since last April, however, the first four months of 2019 have only netted 700 additional jobs. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 3.3 percent, an increase of one tenth of a percent. In so doing, the number of unemployed Minnesotan’s topped 100,000 for the first time since August 2017. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.6 percent. Ove...

Delineator Posts Coming To A Highway Near You

Monday, May 13, 2019

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says a safety improvement project will see delineator posts installed along all unlighted, four-lane rural highways. Starting May 20th, a MnDOT contractor will install nearly 6,000 posts, beginning with I-90. Portions of other highways scheduled for work throughout the summer-long project will be Highway 14, Highway 60, and Highway 169. The project aims to provide visual separation between the road and the surrounding land through the use of a diamond-shaped reflector at the top of each post. The statewide project began in the fall of 2018 and will be completed by the end of the summer. Read ful...

RVHS Evening of the Stars scholarship winners

Friday, May 03, 2019

Dollars For Scholars Scholarships were awarded at the Evening of the Stars event. Attached is a list of the winners. 950 scholarships totaling over $500,000 have been awarded since they started in 2002. Read full article.

Celebrating Small Businesses

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

May 5–11 is National Small Business Week across America. Redwood County has a wealth of dedicated and creative small business owners who contribute to the vibrancy and character of our communities, while employing many of our local residents. Locally owned businesses help to define our communities. They improve our quality of life. During National Small Business Week and beyond, these companies deserve our appreciation and support. Show your appreciation by visiting small businesses You can show your appreciation for the local business owners who contribute to our community's vibrancy and success all year round. It's as simple as choosing to spend your dollar...

Redwood Falls to begin next phase of electricity distribution conversion in the downtown area

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

In 2018, the City of Redwood Falls began the conversion of the downtown business district to an underground electrical system. Due to an early onset of cold weather, the first phase of that project was not completed, but as that work continues the process to start the second phase of the project is also going to begin. That process moved forward April 16 when the city council approved a request from Chuck Heins, city public utilities superintendent, to solicit bids for the next phase. The work as part of Phase 2 includes the alley between Third and Fourth streets from Minnesota Street eas...

Wood & Conn of Redwood Falls honored by Sukup

Monday, April 29, 2019

Wood & Conn Corporation of Redwood Falls has been recognized by Sukup Manufacturing Co. for outstanding sales and customer service for 2019. The company received the president’s club sales award during the recent dealer meetings at Sukup headquarters in Sheffield, Iowa. Dealers were recognized with sales achievement awards for high volume sales of Sukup grain handling and storage equipment and/or Sukup Steel Buildings. Diane Hughes, sales supervisor for Sukup Manufacturing, said award recipients have worked closely with their customers to meet their needs for better grain handling and storage solutions. Read full article.

Redwood County highway department settling into new Redwood Falls location

Friday, April 26, 2019

In August 2017, Keith Berndt started his new job as the Redwood County engineer. In that role, he began having discussions with the county commissioners about the future of the highway department, and on the list of priorities was addressing the highway shop located west of Redwood Falls. As Berndt investigated the shop, which included having conversations with those who are employed by the county regarding the building, he soon learned that finding a solution needed to be a priority. Ultimately, that task took a different path than most expected, but those who have been part of the process of the ne...

Budget for One Minnesota: Broadband

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Access to robust broadband is a critical factor in the economic and social sustainability of all Minnesota communities. In 2014, the state of Minnesota set a goal of border-to-border broadband access by 2022, signaling that access to quality broadband service should be a right for all Minnesotans. Read full blog post.

Budget for One Minnesota: Closing the Opportunity Gap

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

A report by 24/7 Wall Street ranked Minnesota as the second-worst state in the country for racial equality. Although U.S. Census figures show income gains and lower unemployment rates for Minnesotans of color, we’re still experiencing drastic inequality in these areas across the state. Governor Walz’s Closing the Opportunity Gap investment continues direct appropriations made in the 2018-2019 biennial budget and funds competitive youth employment programs that target at-risk youth. Read full blog post.

Growing Our Leadership for Minnesota's Workforce

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

One of the most important areas of focus for our work at DEED is to help Minnesota workers from all professional backgrounds find great jobs, and to help companies large and small meet their hiring needs – enabling our economy to grow and thrive. That’s why we’ve decided to expand the leadership team within the DEED commissioner’s office by creating two Assistant Commissioner positions to lead our workforce efforts. We’ve just posted these two unclassified jobs – one is as an Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Services (Keyword 31802) and one is as an Assistant Commissioner of Workforce Development (Keyword 31799). You can find out mor...

DEED Awards $2 Million in Redevelopment Grants and Loans

Monday, April 22, 2019

Five sites Awarded Funding for Demolition and Redevelopment DEED awarded four redevelopment grants for the cities of Mankato, Minneapolis, Woodbury and Edina. Fergus Falls Port Authority was also awarded a Demolition Loan from the agency. “Redevelopment can be a costly and time-consuming process for local municipalities,” said Governor Tim Walz. “With DEED’s assistance, these projects will attract or retain 455 jobs and increase the local tax base by as much as $1.76 million.” “Turning blighted and underutilized sites into productive uses is a good investment,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “The criteria for DEED’s Redevelopment Grant Program and Demolition Loan programs ensure tha...

Why Minnesota's Broadband Push is Crucial to Rural Residents

Friday, April 19, 2019

Rural communities in Minnesota fail to conduct timely business because they lack fast Internet. In one town, it's the difference between employment and mass layoffs. A new state bill would fund broadband for two years. (TNS) — International Falls, Minn. – After more than 30 years of doing business in this longtime mill town, Optum Health plans to close its health care claims office this summer. The good news is the company's 90 workers can keep their jobs. The bad news is that offer is good only if they're able to work remotely. And those who live outside the city limits ma...

Recognizing Economic Developers in May

Thursday, April 18, 2019

May 6-11 is International Economic Development Week (EDW). It’s an opportune time to reflect on the importance of local economic development efforts to building a vibrant and sustainable community. The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) created EDW in 2016 to help raise awareness for the profession. Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) are often misunderstood because their activities happen behind the scenes, outside of the public eye. EDW is a chance to recognize economic developers, the local leaders and organizations that work tirelessly to recruit investors, develop businesses, create jobs, enhance the tax base and ultimately improve the quality of life of their communities. Di...

DEED seeks $70 million for rural broadband

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

After a five-year effort to bring broadband internet to rural Minnesota, state leaders believe the finish line is in sight. Under Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development would spend $35 million in both 2020 and 2021 to support the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program. That $70 million will put the state on track to hit a statutory goal of extending broadband to all Minnesotans by 2022, DEED Commissioner Steve Grove said. Read full article.

Building up gender diversity

Monday, April 15, 2019

If enrollment growth at Dunwoody College of Technology is a good tape measure, women are poised to make big strides in Minnesota’s construction industry. Women currently make up about 18 percent of all students in the school’s popular construction management program, up from just 2 percent a decade ago, said Heather Gay, who has taught at Dunwoody since 2008. Those rising numbers are no accident, school officials say, as Dunwoody has been deliberate about bringing more women into the school’s technical programs. Read full article.

Budget for One Minnesota: Minnesota Innovation Collaborative

Friday, April 12, 2019

States and cities that create attractive environments for startups, entrepreneurs, and innovative talent are quickly distancing their economies from those who do not. For every one job created in the innovation sector, five more jobs are created in adjacent sectors – the strongest network effect in job growth today. Minnesota must put our economy on the cutting edge of this ecosystem by making strategic investments in our innovation ecosystem. The proposed Minnesota Innovation Collaborative (MIC) contains a series of initiatives focused on growing Minnesota’s innovation economy by accelerating the growth of our startup ecosystem and attracting top technology talent to the state. Comprise...

Budget for One Minnesota: Community Prosperity

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Prosperity and opportunity for all people in all parts of our state stems from the well-being of their community. Governor Tim Walz’s budget ensures that communities are thriving – not just surviving. His budget expands access to affordable childcare and housing, invests in infrastructure and broadband internet, and gives local leaders the tools they need to succeed. In total, the Budget for One Minnesota represents an investment of $432 million in community prosperity investments over the next two years, with an additional $1.9 billion in transportation and infrastructure. Read full article.

Preparing the Workforce of the Future

Thursday, April 04, 2019

Projections indicate that Minnesota may have 400,000 unfilled jobs by 2024 due to a wave of Baby Boomer retirements and a shortage of skilled workers to take their place. While two-thirds of these jobs require post secondary education or training, a four-year college degree isn't always necessary. Thanks to a generous donation from philanthropist Orrin Estebo, the Redwood Falls Area School District will have the tools to proactively address the imminent workforce skills gap to ensure talent needs are met in areas like manufacturing, construction and healthcare. The idea for the Orrin S. Estebo Career Development Center was born a couple o...

Expo Gets Youth to Think About Careers; Employers, the Next-gen Workforce

Monday, April 01, 2019

An HR executive, truck loader, court reporter and physical therapist will be among 25 Minnesota professionals who are blind, DeafBlind, or low-vision networking with blind students at the 2019 Career Expo sponsored by State Services for the Blind. The Expo highlights the diversity of career paths for job seekers who are blind. This free event, focused on high school and undergraduate students, will be held Sat., April 27 at Minnesota Department of Education, 1500 Highway 36 West, Roseville, Conference Center B. Expo attendees will connect with employees working in a variety of jobs and careers, the tools they use, and the techniques that hav...

Minnesota adds 3,800 Jobs in January

Friday, March 08, 2019

Unemployment rate ticks up to 3 percent ST. PAUL - Minnesota added 3,800 jobs statewide during the first month of 2019, and the state's unemployment rate increased to 3 percent, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in January. 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...