News & Events

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...

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.

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.

Launching a Minnesota business? State has $2.5M to help you get started

Thursday, October 03, 2019

Launch Minnesota, the new Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) program that carves out $2.5 million for startup entrepreneurs, is taking shape. Announced earlier this year, the bipartisan initiative now has some specifics. Applications will be taken starting Oct. 30 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Eligible companies must be headquartered in Minnesota, younger than 10 years old and less than $1 million in revenue. Read full article.

Minnwest Bank : Supporting the Dreams of the Redwood Community

Wednesday, October 02, 2019

Redwood County’s Minnwest Bank is one of Minnesota's largest banks. Despite its widespread growth, it keeps its small-town spirit and willingness to listen to and support patrons. The family-owned bank has grown to 33 locations and more than $1.9 billion in assets. It is now considered the second largest Ag lender in Minnesota. Minnwest knows that the support of the local community is the reason it thrives, and it aims to give back. Minnwest Bank Builds Relationships and Gives Back to the Community Building relationships has always been a key component of Minnwest Bank’s business platform. They strive to build long ter...

Service Enterprises, Inc. to celebrate 50 years of service in October

Tuesday, October 01, 2019

Service Enterprises, Inc. is celebrating its 50th anniversary this October. A variety of events will be happening throughout the month, which are meant to reflect on the organization’s history and also look toward the future as SEI continues to break down barriers for individuals with disabilities. Employees will be participating in SEI Spirit Week activities including theme dress-up days, a celebration with current staff and clients and a Billiards and Bullseye fundraiser held in Marshall later this month. Read full article.

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...

September is Workforce Development Month

Monday, September 09, 2019

Governor Walz declared September as Workforce Development Month in the State of Minnesota. At DEED, we are kicking off a month-long series of events to examine and address the opportunities and challenges in growing Minnesota's workforce. Minnesota has a lot to be proud of when it comes to our state's workforce. We reached 3,108,951 total jobs in June and have added 348,054 new jobs since 2011. Wages have also increased by 24.1% during that same time period. But we know that challenges exist. Businesses are struggling to find and retain workers, and our state currently has nearly 137,000 vacant positions that need to b...

Tech Startups: The FCC continues to close the digital divide with $121M in funding to connect and expand broadband internet to rural homes and businesses in 16 US states

Friday, September 06, 2019

EXCERPT: “The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it has authorized over $121 million in funding over the next decade to expand broadband to 36,579 unserved rural homes and businesses in 16 states, representing the fourth wave of support from last year’s successful Connect America Fund Phase II auction. Providers will begin receiving funding later this month. This is FCC’s fourth round of funding from Connect America Fund Auction that started this month. Read full article.

NYT: Hey, College Graduates: Don’t Dismiss Rural America

Sunday, September 01, 2019

And in related news, this from The New York Times… EXCERPT: “When I talk to undergraduate students about their postgraduate plans … the answer inevitably reveals a common assumption: Big cities are where highly educated people must go to succeed economically and socially….But these preconceptions are not only incorrect, they are also unduly limiting the opportunities of new college graduates…. Read full article.

Help Lead Our Workforce Development Grantmaking Center of Excellence

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Earlier in the year, we rolled out a plan to make our competitive grantmaking processes more transparent, fast and fair. Now we’re searching for a director of Employment and Training Programs who can get behind these processes, work strategically and thoughtfully with state and federal partners, and build a center of excellence in grantmaking that will be central to Minnesota’s workforce development needs. We're looking for a proven leader, who knows Minnesota's workforce development, economic development and education policies and programs inside and out. Read full article.

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...

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...