News and Media

Initiatives Seek to Address Supply Chain Issues in 2022

Friday, January 21, 2022

Supply chain disruptions were an overwhelming theme in 2021, impacting the entire country from global business conglomerates to small-town consumers. Automobile production has been limited by an inadequate supply of semiconductor chips, while local communities have faced grocery and construction material shortages for months now. Efforts to address supply chain issues will dominate the business landscape in 2022. One national effort expected to significantly combat these supply chain issues will be the Trucking Action Plan, a joint program of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Launched late last year, the Plan is part of th...

Three steps for long-term care employers to take to help recruit employees

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

If you are recruiting employees for long-term care (or really any health care position!) right now, you don’t have time to wade through a treatise on outreach practices. You are one busy individual and you need some tips you can scan at a glance – then implement what’s right for you. Here are three tips – with some ideas for implementation below them – that have proven helpful for Monarch Healthcare Management. Monarch operates short-term rehabilitation as well as long-term care facilities, so we are focused on hiring employees in high-demand in those settings. We can hire people as young a...

DEED will Launch the Second Round of Main Street Economic Revitalization Funding on Thursday, January 27.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will launch the second round of Main Street Economic Revitalization Program funding on Thursday, January 27, 2022. This $80 million statewide economic redevelopment program will award grants to partner organizations to establish programs targeting specific main streets and commercial corridors within their regions that will, in turn, fund economic development and redevelopment projects. A total of $41 million will be available in this second round of funding. DEED will hold an information session to provide more information about this program on February 8, at 11:00 a.m. Read full article.

Megan earned her Minnesota Nursing Assistant Certificate thanks to Leading CareerForce partner

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

As a high school junior in Montevideo, Megan had a great work history but was struggling with transportation to and from her cashier job at a retailer due to the lack of a driver’s license. That’s where Minnesota Youth Program grantee and leading CareerForce partner Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council (SWPIC) came in. SWPIC staff helped her take the steps necessary to prepare for and obtain her driver’s license and at the same time encouraged her to attend a Nursing Assistant Career Pathway course. Thanks to her hard work and dedication, plus support from SWPIC, Megan successfully earned her Minnesot...

2021-2022 Leadership Minnesota Participant Profiles

Monday, January 17, 2022

Minnesota’s economic engine is powered by more than 100,000 businesses, a diverse landscape interconnected in ways not understood by the casual observer. For a select group, Leadership Minnesota opens the window to a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our state’s economy tick. This exclusive program also helps you understand how public policy crafted at the Capitol impacts the vitality of each and every Minnesota company. By establishing a rich network of Minnesota business leaders, your shared experiences make you more effective leaders at your workplace. Check back to this page as more of our wonderful 2021-2022 Leadership Minnesota participants are profiled! Rea...

Top 5 Reasons To Apply For Leaders Lab 2022

Monday, January 17, 2022

Leaders Lab is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage Minnesota’s developing business leaders (approximately late 20s to 40). It will enhance your personal and professional growth, connect you with business leaders statewide, and provide understanding into what drives Minnesota’s economy and how policy affects the success of business in our state. The program consists of four, two-day sessions. Why should you apply for 2022 Leaders Lab? Take it from some of our recent participants: the top 5 reasons to apply for Leaders Lab this year. Read full article.

Health care employers welcome New American employees

Friday, January 14, 2022

Earlier this month on the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Immigrant and Refugee Forum, which is hosted by DEED Assistant Commissioner for Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Anisa Hajimumin, three local health care employers talked about ways they welcome New American employees. The three guests talked about the many health care opportunities in home health care and assisted living. Those are fields which welcome immigrant and refugee employees and can provide New Americans with a stepping stone to higher paid work in health care or in other fields. Read full article.

NEW! 3D rendering feature helps prospects picture their investments

Friday, January 14, 2022

The digitization of the site selection process - already well underway in years past - has unquestionably been greatly accelerated by the pandemic. From online proposals and virtual tours to customizable local data layers, GIS Planning has cemented its position as the leader of economic development location analysis software with a constant stream of innovations, new features and new tools to help communities promote themselves online. True to form, we're kicking off 2022 by renewing our commitment to cutting-edge functionality with the launch this week of our new 3D rendering feature in ZoomProspector. 3D rendering manufacturingThe easy-to-use 3D modelling feature i...

Minnesota Dairy Farmers Get a Small Win in Trade Ruling Against Canada

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Times are tough for Minnesota dairy farmers. High labor and feed costs and fluctuating prices for products like milk, cheese and butter make for uncertain business. Many farmers are giving up: in 2021, Minnesota lost 154 of its roughly 2,100 dairy farms. But a recent settlement brokered under the auspices of the USMCA trade agreement, the Trump-era replacement for NAFTA, brought some good news for Minnesota dairy farmers and the industry in the U.S. generally. After a ruling by a special disciplinary panel that found Canada was violating its agricultural trade agreement with the U.S., Canada is now required to chang...

Mohamed’s journey from farming in Somalia to working in a Minneapolis operating room

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Mohamed fled his home in Somalia 30 years ago, surviving a terrible accident during his escape that left him with third degree burns over 30% of his body. He endured months on the road and in a refugee camp without proper medical care for his terrible injuries. When he finally did receive such care in Kenya, three months after he was burned, that care changed his life. A kind nurse who cared for him as he endured skin graft surgeries inspired him to someday provide such care for others. Read full article.

State DEED Commissioner Hears from Businesses and Tourism Leaders on Importance of Talent and Collaboration for Economic Development

Thursday, January 13, 2022

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove and Executive Director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, Lauren Bennett McGinty, hosted a roundtable focused on the “Build What Matters” campaign and how tourism, talent, and small businesses tie directly to economic and community development. Minnesota has long been home to businesses and people who make our state extraordinary. During the discussion, representatives from tourism, commerce, and business talked about how they are continuing that tradition. Read full article.

Why a National Cannabis Company Took Interest in Minnesota

Thursday, January 13, 2022

From an outsider’s perspective, Minnesota’s medical cannabis market probably doesn’t seem like the most promising business opportunity. Today, the state’s medical cannabis program serves just shy of 30,000 patients, a small fraction of the 5.7 million people living here. Compare that to a place like Oklahoma, which legalized medical marijuana just three years ago and already has hundreds of thousands of residents enrolled in its program. Though Minnesota’s medical cannabis program has been in place since 2015, it’s much more restrictive than programs in other states, even historically red states like Oklahoma and North Dakota. Read full article.

Andu makes a difference in the lives of others by working in senior care

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

“In my life I like to help people and also if someone is happy (because of) me it makes me happy, so I love to help people.” Andu is so dedicated to his important work that he has not one but two full time jobs, one as a Nursing Assistant and one as a Trained Medication Assistant, both in senior care. Read full article.

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Covid has had a devastating impact on many small businesses, forcing hundreds of thousands of them to shut down. Now comes word about the impact the disease has had on small business owners. A new survey from Capital One Business found that many of the owners are exhausted. And for good reason. According to the company, the survey found that “small business owners are acutely feeling the impact on their mental well being and their ability to maintain work-life balance as a result of navigating pandemic-related disruptions and fluctuating mandates across the country for nearly two years. Read full article.

Asha is dedicated to serving members of the Somali community in Minneapolis

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

“It feels like I’ve vaccinated half of the Somali community in Minneapolis!” says Asha, who was trained as a nurse in Somalia and earned her RN license shortly after arriving in Minnesota in 1989. Asha works as a community health nurse at the M Health Fairview Health Commons-Cedar Riverside, located within the Riverside Plaza tower complex, where many Somali community members live. The Health Commons mission is to provide free, culturally sensitive healthcare services based on respect, relationship building, hospitality, and collaboration in order to reduce health disparities and improve access to care. Read full article.

Minnesota Exports Continue to Grow: Up 19% in the Third Quarter

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

St. Paul - Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured products continued to grow, increasing by 19% to $5.7 billion in the third quarter of 2021, according to a report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). State exports increased $916 million over the third quarter of 2020, continuing their strong recovery from pandemic disruptions that began in 2020. With 47 states experiencing positive export growth between the third quarters of 2020 and 2021, U.S. exports of goods increased 23% during this period. Compared to the pre-pandemic third quarter of 2019, the state’s exports were u...

From Planning To Implementation: The Ultimate Guide To Economic Development Strategic Planning

Monday, January 10, 2022

Economic development strategic planning is on the minds of most economic developers. Every community will be facing a need to rebuild its local economy as we begin to emerge from the pandemic in 2022. But even in the best of times, only three things can happen to any economy: It can expand. It can stagnate, or it can diminish. That’s why building and maintaining a strong, vibrant, local economy requires a highly proactive strategic plan. 7 STEPS TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLANNING These seven steps will help you create a practical map to help your decision-makers work together to ensure the bes...

Quick And Easy Ways To Optimize Video On Social Media

Monday, January 10, 2022

You should be optimizing your video on social media because you already invested in quality video. You know it’s the most effective medium for telling your story. Not only is it compelling, it’s also an easy experience for your audience to engage with. Now it’s time to optimize video to get the best ROI possible by drastically increasing your content output while grabbing attention and gaining followers. Studies have shown that people are twice as likely to share video than other visual content. Thanks to social media, there are a lot of ways to engage viewers. THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN I...

Innovation Corridors Have Economic Assets Driving Business Growth

Wednesday, January 05, 2022

It’s no secret that the recipe for economic success usually includes generous portions of innovation and technology. That has been part of the economic development story for many years in such places as Boston, Seattle, the Research Triangle, and Silicon Valley. But just as you can find more and more cutting-edge restaurants and exceptional craft breweries in sometimes surprising places beyond the most obvious locales, the innovation-based recipe for success is being served up in smaller communities, too, far beyond the places that may first come to mind. When it comes to building an innovation corridor or innovation district, the traditiona...

Best Economic Development Resources For 2022

Tuesday, January 04, 2022

We present to you the Best Economic Development Resources for 2022. Each year, backed by research, conferences, and the latest trends, the Golden Shovel Agency team puts together a list of what we consider to be the best economic development resources. BEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES Take some time to appreciate these best economic development resources and be sure to open/download your favorites to learn from and reference during your projects. Read full article.

Best Economic Development Videos For 2022

Tuesday, January 04, 2022

We present to you the Best Economic Development Videos for 2022. Each year, backed by research, trends, and videography expertise, the Golden Shovel Agency team puts together a list of what we consider to be the most impactful economic development videos. BEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VIDEOS FOR 2022 Take some time to appreciate the work these economic development organizations have accomplished and be sure to take notes of your favorite elements for when you’re ready to create your own economic development videos. Read full article.

Best Economic Development Websites For 2022

Tuesday, January 04, 2022

We present to you the Best Economic Development Websites for 2022. Each year, backed by research, conferences, and the latest trends, the Golden Shovel Agency team puts together a list of what we consider to be the best economic development websites. This is always difficult, as there are many deserving organizations, but we try to keep it to our top 10 list. Note: there is no particular order to this list. BEST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEBSITES FOR 2022 Take some time to appreciate the work these economic development organizations have accomplished and be sure to take notes of your favorite elements for whe...

Seven Signs Of A New Site Selection Reality

Tuesday, January 04, 2022

As the world enters its third year of COVID-19, site selectors are doubling down on predictions they made a year ago. From reshoring and supply-chain tightening to remote working and worker shortages, site selectors are telling us that the trends exacerbated by the global pandemic will become even more pronounced in 2022. When we surveyed national site selection consulting firms in November of 2020, the world had just entered its ninth month of the coronavirus pandemic. Site selectors told us then that their clients were already regrouping by redirecting resources to support reshoring efforts, relocation of workplaces to satellite facilities, an...

Views and History combine for Memorable Red Wing Park Experience

Tuesday, January 04, 2022

Red Wing is putting the finishing touches on upgrades to Memorial Park Overlook, continuing a long history of celebrating the history and natural spaces of the area. Residents and visitors alike can now enjoy the improved viewing and parking to enjoy the panoramic views of the Minnesota River Valley. A project to replace the Memorial Park overlook on Sorin’s Bluff was completed this fall with a design led by public input to separate vehicles from pedestrians at the overlook and retain the excellent views afforded there. The project budget of $335,000 was approved by the Red Wing City Council in 2020...

In India Hybrid is the New Back to Work

Monday, January 03, 2022

In India, COVID-19 was nothing short of a humanitarian crisis disrupting lives, business and the ways in which people worked. As the pandemic set in, much like other parts of the world, tens of millions of employees adjusted to working from home (WFH). Daily tasks such as meetings, customer interactions and conferences were conducted from bedrooms, living rooms or dining room tables as traditional offices were closed for months. Initially, India’s public and private sectors offered WFH options for only a small fraction of their workforces, but this changed rapidly. While companies focused on ensuring business continuity and launching initiative...

The 2022 Regional Workforce Development Rankings

Monday, January 03, 2022

Students on the brink of graduating from their community college, university or vocational technology school don’t necessarily know whether their state ranks well in workforce development relative to other states. Military personnel ending a tour of duty at a base and transitioning to the private sector are likely in the same situation. Students usually pick the best higher education situation for the degree or certificate program they’re after. Soldiers, sailors and other servicemembers were stationed where they were stationed. On graduation or exit from service, they then can evaluate locations where their career aspirations will best be met. This labor poo...

The 10 Best VPNs To Shore Up Your Internet Security in 2022

Saturday, January 01, 2022

This day and age, every entrepreneur should use a VPN. With so many nefarious actors on the internet, you don't want to get targeted and risk your valuable data being leaked on the web. Protecting your information is paramount in the digital age and with these VPNs, you'll be well set up to protect yourself. 1. Disconnect VPN Premium: Lifetime Subscription The New York Times writes, "We researched and tested four tracker blockers and found their results varied widely. In the end, the app Disconnect became our anti-tracking tool of choice." That glowing review shines a light on Disconnect's extra value prop...

‘We have work to do’: What to know about the state of the state’s high-speed internet infrastructure

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

The last two years have been pivotal ones for the future of high-speed internet access in Minnesota. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted and exacerbated the lack of broadband in many parts of the state as people shifted to remote work and school. Congress poured unprecedented amounts of money into subsidizing construction of new infrastructure like fiber-optic cables in Minnesota and across the country. Read full article.

Recruiting 101: Writing an Effective Job Posting to Attract Talent

Friday, December 10, 2021

In today’s candidate driven market, employers find themselves competing with industry and non-industry companies for the best talent. Unlike talent recruiting of the past, employers are going the extra mile to entice candidates – making a case for why their company is the right company for them. In this market, it is the candidate that holds all the cards. The first opportunity to impress applicants and stand out from other employers is with the job posting. Employer job postings are the first line of communication between the employer and potential employee. It’s important an employer’s job posting catches and keeps th...

The List: Startup Founders with Corporate Training

Friday, December 10, 2021

Name a startup medtech company in Minnesota, and there’s a good chance its founder gained experience at Medtronic, Mayo Clinic, or Boston Scientific. A new packaged food item or consumer product? Look for Target or General Mills on the founder’s LinkedIn profile. Minnesota’s Fortune 500s and other large companies are magnets for talent and, often, are launch pads for future entrepreneurs. The Minnesota startups listed here were founded by entrepreneurs who began their careers at large companies in the Twin Cities; the businesses range from new ventures on the fast track to well-established brands with big potential. And as impressive a...

Business Succession Planning: 5 Key Resources

Thursday, December 09, 2021

Business succession is a critical issue for businesses leaders and their stakeholders alike (e.g. employees, customers, suppliers, and local communities). Research from the Minnesota Center for Employee Ownership (MNCEO) and Project Equity shows that roughly half of employer businesses in Minnesota have owners over the age of 55, reaching an age of likely ownership transition. Concerningly, however, an overwhelming majority of businesses (85%) do not have succession plans. Read full article.

Communicating Your Project’s Value to Local Stakeholders

Thursday, December 09, 2021

Congratulations. Your business is growing! Revenue is up, and you just launched a new product that is flying off the shelves. The only problem is you need to hire more people and you have no place to put them. You have hired a site selector, and they have found the perfect location — good access to interstates, labor, and everything else you could want. The only concern is the public. The community likes its small-town rural feel and is worried your project will change their lifestyle too much. You need an economic impact study. Put simply, an economic impact study estimate...

From Small Town Minnesota To The State's Highest Court: Chief Justice Lorie Gildea Keynotes Women In Business

Thursday, December 09, 2021

Recently, the Minnesota Chamber hosted one of its most popular events each year, Women in Business: Annual Legislator Luncheon. Women business leaders and women state legislators joined together to network and learn how decisions at the Capitol impact businesses throughout the state. "As always, great attendance by legislators and networking opportunities," said one attendee of the event. Legislators from both sides of the aisle shared how they became involved in public service. From starting as a Sunday school teacher, school board member, or local official, one theme was clear: don't be afraid to try your hand at public service. Read full article.

Creating a Work Environment For Employee Growth and Development

Wednesday, December 08, 2021

In August, Rocki Rockingham was named Chief Human Resources Officer for GE Appliances. Area Development’s editor recently asked her about the company’s strategy to build upon its recent global “Great Place to Work” recognition and to create a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. Area Developemnt: Despite the high unemployment rate created by the pandemic, companies are still struggling to find skilled labor. How does GE Appliances’ workplace culture factor into attracting these workers? Rocki Rockingham: Having a great culture is critical to attracting talent and our success. This year, 81 percent of employees said GE Appliances is a grea...

Q&A: Red Wing Port Authority leader focuses on riverfront

Tuesday, December 07, 2021

Over a month into his new role as executive director of the Red Wing Port Authority, Kyle Klatt already has big goals for the riverfront community. They range from pedestrian trail expansions to work on new multifamily developments to further investments in its riverfront. Klatt joined the city’s economic development agency following development and planning roles with several Minnesota cities. “The river has always been critically important for Red Wing, going back to its days as a wheat shipper,” Klatt said. He’s replacing Dan Rogness, who is retiring after serving as executive director since March 2017, according to a news release. Read the intervie...

Talent-Based Location Strategies

Tuesday, December 07, 2021

As the U.S. economy continues its recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are encountering an increasingly difficult talent landscape fraught with challenges related to the attraction and retention of the talent upon which their business relies. This is particularly true for the most advanced technical job roles. Amid this environment, companies are relying on their site selection consultants to develop talent-based location strategies that help ameliorate these challenges. Utilizing market data in more creative ways can help companies gain competitive advantage by identifying new pools of accessible technical talent. Read full article.

Labor Challenges in the Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors Persist

Monday, December 06, 2021

As the U.S. economy emerges from the 2020 recession, the U.S. labor market remains an area of concern for occupiers, investors, and the commercial real estate industry. The impact of the pandemic on the labor market has been sharp and severe, especially within urban areas. Although the economy is now well on its way to recovery, significant challenges remain, including labor supply-demand imbalances and a drop in labor force participation. A Constant Pain Point With unemployment benefits having ended for millions of Americans on September 5, it remains to be seen how labor markets will respond. The COVID-19 pandemic sparked the acceleratio...

Supply Chain Issues: How Are Global Shortages Affecting Local Customers?

Monday, December 06, 2021

The supply chain is made up of the many steps that brings a product to a customer. But right now the chain seems to be broken, or at least crimped in places. Store shelves are partly empty, deliveries are delayed, and prices are rising. Bottlenecks at many steps along the way are keeping products out of the hands of consumers. When the supply chain will return to normal is anyone’s guess. And the economy is paying the price. The supply chain for any given company can start with suppliers of raw materials and other inputs. Once a product is made, i...

Ramping Up Cybersecurity in the Industrial Sector

Friday, December 03, 2021

The world of real estate is making significant strides toward adopting the latest and most innovative technologies. But with more tech comes heightened risk. One of the latest ransomware attacks this year impacted up to 1,500 businesses globally by targeting U.S. IT company, Kaseya. Brazilian meatpacking company, JBS, also experienced a cybersecurity attack that forced the company to shut down operations, which could have been detrimental to its supply chain and to the U.S. food supply. In January 2021, a hacker was able to break into a water treatment plant system (by stealing an employee’s username and password) in a...

Webinar: Data & diversity-Talking about numbers & economic development

Friday, December 03, 2021

Data can serve as an important starting point for conversations about an inclusive economy, a way to objectively document disparities and guide outreach, policy and action. But where that data comes from (if it's even available) and how it's used isn't always simple and straightforward. Join us for a free webinar (Thursday, December 9th) to hear perspectives from three different experts in a panel discussion. Read full article.

Big Tech Schools Us

Thursday, December 02, 2021

Even as state and regional education systems and business coalitions roll out reams of computer, tech and STEM skills certification and boot camp programs, Big Tech behemoths is doing the same. Companies such as Google, Intel, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, LinkedIn and beyond have developed their own academic portfolios in order to fill a need for talent that only promises to keep climbing. Skeptics might point to such programs as community development sops — the sort of philanthropy-tinged outreach a company does to convey its goodwill and commitment to a region even as it hunts out ever more competitive advantage. But ther...

DEED Awards Promote Business Growth in 11 Minnesota Communities

Thursday, December 02, 2021

St. Paul – Eleven Minnesota businesses are investing up to $607 million in the state, leveraging DEED awards totaling $6 million-- a little less than $3 million from the Job Creation Fund (JCF) and a little more than $3 million from the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF). Eleven businesses, five in Greater Minnesota and six in the Twin Cities metro, are receiving funding awards once they meet all the established criteria. These projects are expected to create 658 new jobs at their project sites and retain 372. Read full article.

Minnesota Business Leaders Discuss Challenges And Opportunities In The State's Economy

Thursday, December 02, 2021

The Minnesota Chamber released the 2022 Business Benchmarks report at the recent 2021 Economic Summit. Each year, the Minnesota Chamber releases this report to make sense of all of the rankings that are reported all of the time. Our goal through this report is to break down these rankings by economic category and bring to you the best, most reliable rankings. What factors go into determining Minnesota’s competitiveness in infrastructure or innovation? And it's important to learn about these topics from those who know them best: Minnesota business leaders. At the 2021 Economic Summit, a panel of business leaders spoke t...

Which Video Format Is Right For My Organization? 4 Types Of Virtual Tours

Thursday, December 02, 2021

Wondering what types of virtual tours will increase your outreach exponentially? Offering a compelling location tour that doesn’t require travel. Site selection is a process of elimination, and VR is the most effective way to showcase your location convincingly and stay on top of site selectors’ lists. Not only does VR give them the chance to experience the best of your community before setting foot on location, but it’s also the best way to shine a spotlight on regional assets that are hard to describe. Moreover, VR tours are memorable. The Types Of Virtual Tours You Offer Will Depend On The Type Of Investors You Want To Attract. Here are four popular directions this exciting mode of travel ca...

DEED Awards more than $2.2 Million in Job Training Grants

Wednesday, December 01, 2021

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded 13 workforce development grants totaling nearly $2.2 million under the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) to assist businesses and educational institutions in training workers to keep high-quality jobs in the state. These grants were awarded by the MJSP board October 25th. “This program helps us strengthen our workforce and fill vacancies by giving Minnesotans the skills they need to grow in their careers,” said Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Steve Grove. “Now more than ever, partnerships like these between the public and private sector will hel...

Governor’s Council on Economic Expansion Recommendations

Wednesday, December 01, 2021

The Governor’s Council on Economic Expansion released their recommendations for expanding Minnesota's economy. Their first phase of work was to put forth potential policy changes and recommendations to advance equitable economic growth. The Council's recommendations are focused on the following priority areas: Housing Workforce Entrepreneurship and small business Read full article.

How States Can Avoid Costly Pitfalls While Rebuilding Their Economies

Wednesday, December 01, 2021

In 2010, Michigan’s economy was reeling. The Great Recession had hit the state hard and U.S. automakers were struggling to survive. Seeking to ease the pain, state officials authorized tax credits under the Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA) program as part of long-term deals with distressed automakers. But the program did not include fiscal protections to control the state’s costs. This would prove to be a damaging misstep years later when Michigan had to close a multi-million-dollar budget gap with spending cuts after automakers began claiming credits in larger amounts than expected. How did this happen? When developing the agreements, th...

One Big Idea: Bring Skilled Trades to Students

Wednesday, December 01, 2021

As a Career Advisor and Youth Service Coordinator with CareerForce Moorhead, Deb Grant helps youth learn about job possibilities as they exit their high school years. One key to that process, Grant said, is exposing students to opportunities they never knew existed. “We tell kids anything is possible, but one student had an excellent reflection for me,” said Grant. “She said, how can I know what I want to be if I do not know what is out there?” Read full article.

Where Talent Is Concerned, Diversity Equals Opportunity

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

The first release of 2020 U.S. Census data has been made public and confirms a trend that demographers and interested observers (including site selectors) have been watching develop for several decades: The U.S. population is growing more slowly, aging more rapidly and continuing to diversify. Here is a snapshot of some of the most interesting findings. Read full article.

It’s EVerywhere

Monday, November 29, 2021

Ford’s decision to make its biggest-ever investments in electric vehicles at sites in Tennessee and Kentucky serves to solidify the southern U.S. as America’s Ground Zero for EV production. In late September, the Detroit-based automaker announced plans with South Korean battery maker SK Innovation to invest a combined $11.4 billion to build an electric offering of the storied F-150 and batteries to support the coming generation of electric vehicles. The biggest part of the investment, some $5.6 billion, is to go toward BlueOval City, a truck and battery plant to be built at the 4,100-acre (1,670-hectare) Memphis Regional Megasite, which ha...

63% Of Millennials Approve Of Automation In The Workplace—And Other Small Business Tech News This Week

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them? 1 —According to a new report, 63% of millennials approve of automation in the workplace. A new study released by Hyperscience found that 81% of participants felt that using automation in the workplace can have a positive impact. The same report also found that 75% of study participants felt that they had a good grasp on what automation entails, although 55% mentioned well-known misperceptions when asked to elaborate on automation. The survey found that 66% saw an added value fo...

Three Ways To Continue The Momentum Of Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 27, 2021

The holiday season is upon us, and small businesses have an opportunity to take advantage of pent-up demand and the overall rebound of the American economy in the post-Covid world. Consumers are ready to spend, and Small Business Saturday promotions will help lure holiday shoppers back to brick-and-mortar stores. Small business owners have much to be thankful for in 2021, compared to a year ago. Restrictions placed on businesses have eased, and people are willing to travel and spend again. Although an estimated 30% of small businesses closed during the pandemic and never recovered, the majority of small firms have gotte...

Building A More Equitable Economy For Businesses, Workers, And Communities: A Conversation With Deputy Secretary Of Commerce Don Graves

Monday, November 22, 2021

Covid-19 ravaged our economy and American businesses, workers, and communities are still working to recover. The crisis also further highlighted long standing inequities in our society, but also presents a key opportunity to build back better than before. Just last week, President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, and negotiations are ongoing in Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act. And as the government begins to implement these historic pieces of legislation (let’s not forget the American Rescue Plan), equity and inclusive economic growth must be front and center. Read full article.

Holiday Shopping List: Small & Local!

Monday, November 22, 2021

Holiday shopping traditionally kicks off at the end of November with events like Small Business Saturday. The event falls on November 27 this year and is critical to small businesses across the country. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that from 2010 to 2018, $103 billion in sales has been generated for small businesses on Small Business Saturday. In 2018 alone, it reported 104 million shoppers spent $17.8 billion! The event is the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors alike to visit the small businesses that make Red Wing so unique. The Red Wing Port Authority offers tips fo...

Red Wing Park Project Builds Community

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Flowing through the limestone bluffs bordering southeastern Minnesota, the Mississippi River has witnessed thousands of years of human activity. One of those bluffs rises above present-day Red Wing. Native peoples valued it as a sacred center of life and nineteenth-century settlers have looked to it for mining, recreation and tourism. Under its current name, the He Mni Can - Barn Bluff Regional Park received needed renovations such as trail restoration and a new Welcome Plaza as part of a comprehensive plan. But more than just physical improvements, the project was about building a better community. Multi-cultural history The current park was designate...

Leadership Transition at Red Wing Port Authority Announced

Thursday, November 11, 2021

Kyle Klatt Succeeds Retiring Executive Director Dan Rogness Red Wing, Minn., October 27, 2021 – The Red Wing Port Authority, Red Wing’s primary economic development agency and the city’s administrator of commercial waterfront leases, announced today that Kyle Klatt will succeed Dan Rogness as its executive director. Klatt, a Red Wing native, joined the Port Authority in September in anticipation of Rogness’s retirement. Klatt joins the Red Wing Port Authority from the city of Rosemount where he had served as a senior planner since November 2016. Prior to his role in Rosemount, Klatt served as a community development director for city o...

The 2 Types of Fear That Stop Most Entrepreneurs and How You Can Use Them to Fuel Your Success

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Too often, we talk about fear as if it were only for people destined to fail. Cowards who never had the courage to succeed. But, if we're honest, we can admit that we all feel some fear. In particular, we have all feared that we are not good enough and that we are not loved. In this video, Entrepreneur Network partner Raul Villacis explains how you can not only embrace those fears, but tap into them and turn them into fuel. Read full article.

Canada’s Diversity and Positioning Is Promising

Tuesday, November 09, 2021

While this past year called for worldwide resiliency and adaptation, foreign investment flows slowed down globally, and Canada was no exception. In fact, global FDI flows plunged by 35 percent in 2020, down to $1 trillion. For comparison, these levels are 20 percent lower than FDI in 2009 after the global financial crisis. Similarly, Canada’s foreign investment performance dipped by 49 percent, led by a decrease of 57 percent in FDI inflows from the United States, and Canadian direct investment abroad dropped by 41 percent. Consequently, Canada’s source of FDI is now more geographically diverse, with Europe and Asia no...

Front Line: Finding, Creating, and Supporting Talent

Monday, November 08, 2021

“You win or lose based on the talent you have and the culture you create that allows your talent to thrive.” That’s the word shared by Steve Presley, chairman and CEO of Nestlé USA, and it’s wisdom with which most successful corporate leaders would agree. Presley says his company found the necessary talent in Virginia, where it moved headquarters operations three years ago. Finding, creating, and supporting that level of talent is what the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is all about. It’s a workforce incentive that’s far more than simply a training program, according to Mike Grundmann, who oversees the program a...

Solutions for Decisively Navigating the Location Decision

Friday, November 05, 2021

Site selection professionals travel all over the United States, looking at hundreds of potential sites for development with a goal of finding suitable sites for their clients. What does it mean to achieve success? Ultimately, they must be incredibly efficient in evaluating and narrowing site lists, while balancing a seemingly endless spectrum of potential conditions and visualizing optimal scenarios for the end user’s product/facility. In the context of site selection, many challenges need to be decisively navigated. High-definition vision: Real solutions that decisively navigate site selection are key to generating a successful site plan, which ensures the end users’ requirements ar...

In Focus: The Future of Sustainability in Real Estate

Thursday, November 04, 2021

With heightened pressure for businesses to adopt sustainable business practices, the commercial real estate industry has a viable role to play in the fight against climate change. In fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the built world accounts for more than 40 percent of the planet’s carbon emissions, which means that the real estate industry can play a major role in the solution. Climate change is also becoming a financial risk for companies. With the misconception that sustainability equipped buildings are extremely costly, there are many considerable no- to low-cost options available for decarbonization, according to JLL’s lates...

First Person: Creating a Work Environment For Employee Growth and Development

Wednesday, November 03, 2021

In August, Rocki Rockingham was named Chief Human Resources Officer for GE Appliances. Area Development’s editor recently asked her about the company’s strategy to build upon its recent global “Great Place to Work” recognition and to create a workplace culture that attracts and retains top talent. Area Development: Despite the high unemployment rate created by the pandemic, companies are still struggling to find skilled labor. How does GE Appliances’ workplace culture factor into attracting these workers? Rocki Rockingham: Having a great culture is critical to attracting talent and our success. This year, 81 percent of employees said GE Appliances is a grea...

Preparing for Launch of an Aerospace Business

Tuesday, November 02, 2021

Fueled by an explosion of technological innovation and entrepreneurial enthusiasm, dozens of new space and aerospace startups are coming online each year. Such is the power of brilliant people with big ideas. From small electric-powered aircraft, some with vertical takeoff and landing abilities, to space planes that take off from ordinary runways before hybrid rocket engines launch them into space, these inventions are no longer the stuff of science fiction. They are real, spectacular, and ushering in new approaches to travel and space exploration. Read full article.

Grow Minnesota! 2021 Fall Quarterly

Monday, November 01, 2021

Grow Minnesota! is stronger because of the collective work of its extensive partnership. Local chambers of commerce and economic development entities that focus on retaining and growing Minnesota businesses comprise the partnership. Grow Minnesota! partner organizations receive access to a wealth of resources. Our partners are working year-round to strengthen and improve the business climate in their communities, while also contributing to: Continue to improve businesses’ knowledge of our resources and support for their growth in Minnesota. Solve businesses’ problems that impede their success in Minnesota. Read full article.

How COVID-19 Permanently Digitized Site Selection (Part II)

Monday, November 01, 2021

In my last post, I described how the COVID pandemic has irrevocably changed the practice of corporate site selection and economic development. This has also been fostered by large business media outlets telling many new stories of how COVID has disrupted and enabled new ways to replace traditional business practices. Fast Company screenshotFor example, Fast Company (approximately 20 million page views each month) published the story “How this engineering company found its new production plant over Zoom.” Read full article.

The Path Forward for Tech Talent Diversity

Monday, November 01, 2021

The tech talent workforce is steadily getting more diverse each year as employers emphasize it in recruitment and retention strategies. Still, diversity remains a challenge for tech employers, and to address it we must first understand its scope and implications. By most measures, tech talent in the U.S. long has lacked diversity in comparison to the general workforce. This lack of diversity means tech employers are missing out on significant sources of talent and new ideas. CBRE has examined the scope of this issue by including analysis of tech diversity for the first time in its annual Scoring Tech Talent report. Fo...

‘Starlink,’ SpaceX’s internet service, is growing in Minnesota. What that could mean for the future of rural broadband.

Friday, October 29, 2021

When Kati Stage moved from the Twin Cities to Embarrass in rural northern Minnesota last summer, her only choice for internet was HughesNet, a satellite service she said was slow “since day one.” Then, in November, she one day noticed a “strange long line of lights” pass above her in the sky. After some Googling, she found out what it was: Starlink. The service, owned by Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX, offers broadband through a growing network of low-orbiting satellites, which now number more than 1,700 and can look like a string of lights as they move. Read full article.

Gov. Walz Makes Business Pitch to “Join Us” in Minnesota

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Gov. Tim Walz and the state’s economic development leaders intend to get more aggressive about pitching Minnesota as a place to start and grow business. On Wednesday, they unveiled a new website, JoinUsMn.com that makes the case for building business in Minnesota with information on key industries, talent, and quality of life. “We’re talking to hundreds of companies a week. This gives us a core DNA,” said Department of Employment and Economic Development commissioner Steve Grove. “We don’t sit on top of a giant marketing budget. You’re not going to see a Super Bowl commercial from us. Our goal here i...

How COVID-19 Permanently Digitized Site Selection

Thursday, October 28, 2021

Have you ever had a meal, gone on a date, or enjoyed a vacation so good it made you never want to repeat the lower quality experiences you’ve had in the past? Why would you want to eat bad food, date a loser, or suffer scratchy hotel sheets when you knew there was a better way for you to live and you could keep living that way? That ah-ha moment is the same realization that happened with corporate site selection during COVID, and why professionals will not go back to the old way of doing business. close up of businessma...

Putting Down Roots in a Neighborhood With Potential

Thursday, October 28, 2021

The Root District could be the next hot Minneapolis neighborhood you never knew existed. Best known for the Minneapolis Farmers Market, the area just west of downtown is dominated by warehouses and industrial lots. But the area could be poised for a boom when it gets a stop on the Green Line of the Minneapolis light rail, scheduled to be completed by 2023. Jackson Schwartz saw the potential back in 2016, and he’s spent much of the pandemic prepping for the expansion of his own business and the surrounding neighborhood. Read full article.

DEED Launches New Platform to Pitch Minnesota to the World

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) launched a first of its kind coordinated campaign with businesses and economic development partners across the state. The goal is to share with the world why Minnesota is a phenomenal place to build a business or advance your career. The platform is founded on Minnesota's long history of building things that matter. Minnesotans have pioneered open heart surgery and supercomputing, invented in-ear hearing aids and the pacemaker, and we've created such innovations as the concrete grain elevator, post-it notes, and water-skiing. Read full article.

Celebrating Minnesota Manufacturers

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Throughout the month of October, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has been celebrating the critical role manufacturing plays in our state’s economy and drawing attention to the many great employment opportunities in the sector. DEED’s Workforce Strategy Consultants organized virtual and in-person events, like the CTE Jamboree in Cold Spring, MN (see photo at right). CareerForce staff and partners hosted hiring events ranging from events focused on single local manufacturing employers to events featuring manufacturers across the state. DEED helped get the word out about the dozens of Minnesota manufacturers offering virtual tours to students an...

How Do Minnesota Businesses Leverage Digital Technologies?

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

The Grow Minnesota! program surveyed 360 small and medium-sized businesses this summer to better understand how they are investing in digital technologies and what they need to better leverage these tools for innovation and growth. Why is this important? A growing body of research shows that digital technologies are driving performance outcomes for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the U.S. and around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated this trend. Read full article.

How to Stamp Out Employee Burnout

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

There’s been much made of an impending “turnover tsunami” lately, with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) being one of the first to sound the warning bell for organizations working hard to fill open positions and, especially, to recruit talent for hard-to-fill roles during a pandemic that continues to create challenges for employers and employees alike. Before the pandemic, employees had been suffering from a range of mental health issues business owners were attempting to address. Since the pandemic, these issues have only gotten worse. Read full article.

The Global Minimum Tax Agreement: Why It Matters For America’s Small Businesses

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

ROME, ITALY - OCTOBER 07: G20 Summit in Rome, Italy on October 07, 2021. (Photo by Turkish Grand ... [+] ANADOLU AGENCY VIA GETTY IMAGES This week, leaders from the G20 (or Group of Twenty), an intergovernmental forum of 19 countries and the European Union, are meeting on a number of issues related to the global economy. One critical item is an international tax agreement on a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% for multinational corporations. This agreement forged by the Biden Administration with nearly 140 countries is the first of its kind and could be a milestone in ta...

7 Reasons Your Community Needs A New Strategic Plan To Grow

Monday, October 25, 2021

If there is one thing economic developers have in common, it’s a strategic plan to grow. Experience has taught them that taking a measured, proactive approach is a cornerstone to success. Have you put off creating a new strategic plan? Here Are Seven Reasons To Make Creating A Strategic Plan Your Priority 1.) A Strategic Plan Brings Community Partners Together. According to LISA HURLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF YORK COUNTY DEVELOPMENT IN NEBRASKA, good communication and solid collaboration between government agencies and nonprofits is essential when it comes to tackling issues. "We can't solve every issue by ourselves. It takes collaboration,” she says. Hurley goes on to stress the importance of updating the strategic plan annually, and making sur...

How To Build Your Video Library And Create A 12-Month Video Strategy

Monday, October 25, 2021

A 12-month video strategy can be the most valuable component of your EDO marketing plan. After all, nothing is more enlightening than a story. But when promoting your community, what stories should you tell . . . ? More of them! A 12-Month Video Strategy Will Help You Maxime Your Bedget, And Tell More Stories. The secret to great video production is pre-production. When you plan thoroughly, fewer resources are wasted, and more of your budget ends up on the screen where it belongs. Good screenwriters know this. When successful Hollywood screenwriters start a project, two key questions are etched in their minds. Read full article.

Inclusive Communication: Opening Up Doors of Understanding

Monday, October 25, 2021

You post a position. A week later, you receive a stack of qualified applicants. You see a resume that looks intriguing, and you think, “I have to bring this person in.” You find a phone number on the resume, and when you call it you hear a voice saying, You will now be connected to an interpreter. Wait…what?! Your focus changes abruptly. Instead of connecting with an intriguing candidate, you’re about to have a conversation, through an interpreter, with a person who has a disability. You start second guessing yourself and wonder why you even made that phone call. You’re not alone...

Farmers are getting paid to fight climate change by cultivating a new cash crop: carbon

Sunday, October 24, 2021

LITTLE FALLS — Minnesota agronomist Amy Robak describes budding carbon markets as the wild west. And she's not the only one who sees it that way. "There's no regulatory bubble around it," Robak said. There's still debate about just how much carbon farmers can intentionally draw from the air and deposit into the soil, a process called carbon sequestration. Read full article.

Laurie's great advice: treat job search like full-time job

Friday, October 22, 2021

Laurie had been working with CareerForce specialist Angele Hartell and other CareerForce staff for several months. That good work paid off when Laurie was offered the exact position she’d hoped for. Laurie recently called Angele to share the good news. The two celebrated her success over the phone, then reflected on how she achieved it. “I think people need to realize two things,” Laurie stated. “Job search really is like a full-time job, and for many people, it starts with acknowledging the feelings of loss and grief about the last job ending.” Angele agreed: “If people don’t intentionally manage their thoughts an...

One Big Idea: Bring Skilled Trades to Students

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Sharing Disability Stories: Making an Inclusive Impact

Monday, October 18, 2021

“I read the job notice and saw that disclosing my disability would not be seen by the hiring manager and would not affect the application process. Still, I checked the “choose not to disclose” box.” This is a dilemma that faces job seekers with disabilities when they are considering applying for your jobs. Trust us: If this can be daunting for us, as people with a disability who also happen to be disability activists, it is certainly a daunting dilemma for everyone else. Self-identification, or Self-ID, as a person with a disability is often not explained very well in the context o...

Overcoming Barriers, One Step at a Time

Friday, October 15, 2021

When you think about it, a white cane is a pretty rudimentary tool. There’s nothing high tech about it. There’s not much by way of design or engineering to speak of. It’s just a long skinny pole. And it’s white. Back in 1921, a blind man named James Briggs painted his walking stick white in order to have greater visibility on busy streets that were becoming more and more congested with automobiles. The use of a white cane to signify that a pedestrian was blind soon gained acceptance in Europe and the United States. In a similar way, dogs have been working togethe...

Why two Minnesota colleges are starting meat cutting programs

Friday, October 01, 2021

Starting next year, two colleges in the Minnesota State system plan to offer courses in a field not usually associated with higher education: meat cutting. The Staples campus of Central Lakes College and Ridgewater College in Willmar and Hutchinson are launching programs aimed at training the next generation of animal slaughter, butchery and processing workers. Central Lakes is even getting $150,000 from the Minnesota Legislature for its program, in part because lawmakers view it as a way to train workers for smaller and mid-sized processing facilities that make farmers less reliant on a handful of massive slaughterhouses — plants that shut dow...

2021 Leaders Lab Profiles

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

Leaders Lab is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage Minnesota’s developing business leaders (approximately late 20s to 30s). It will enhance your personal and professional growth, connect you with business leaders statewide, and provide understanding into what drives Minnesota’s economy and how policy affects the success of business in our state. The program consists of four sessions two-day sessions. To learn more about Leaders Lab, click here. Check back to this page as more of our wonderful 2021 Leaders Lab participants are profiled! Read full article.

In Focus: Creative Funding to Enable Sustainability

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Many building managers have realized that — in the same way that they have a responsibility to keep their occupants safe and healthy — they also have a responsibility to keep the planet safe and healthy. In fact, Johnson Controls found in its 2020 Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey that 65 percent of participating organizations have an internal or public goal for energy or carbon reduction. A global leader for smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, Johnson Controls has delivered more than 3,000 energy-savings projects globally that reduced carbon emissions by more than 30.6 million metric tons and achieved $6.6 billion in energ...

Front Line: U.S. Supply Chains Face Critical Stage

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

It’s too soon to gauge the ultimate result of the Biden administration’s efforts to address long-standing vulnerabilities in the nation’s supply chains. But findings from the comprehensive Executive Order (E.O.) 14017 “America’s Supply Chains” released on June 8th set out to put the nation on a stronger course. Following the release of the report, officials told reporters during a White House briefing that the administration had created a task force that would tackle near-term bottlenecks in construction, transportation, semiconductor production, and agriculture. The group would be led by President Biden’s Cabinet secretaries. Some in industry view the effort as much needed...

Getting the EV Industry Charged Up

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Electric vehicles (EVs) have had a good year. According to Cox Automotive, EV sales accounted for 7.8 percent of total sales in the first quarter of this year, a significant increase over their 4.8 percent share during the same period in 2020. And though that increase translates to a relatively small number of EVs actually hitting the road, at least compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles, opinion research and buying patterns show a rising interest in EVs from American consumers. At least some of that rising interest is attributable to concern about the environmental impact of ICE vehicles...

Front Line: Changing the Definition of MSAs

Monday, August 16, 2021

Earlier this year, the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced a proposed change that would double the minimum population threshold for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) from 50,000 to 100,000. MSA designations are used to identify cities and surrounding communities linked by social and economic indicators as established by OMB for the purpose of allocating federal funds. Metropolitan and non-metropolitan designations are used by agencies across the federal government to determine eligibility for funding and services. The OMB proposal to revise the standard could threaten access to vital federal resources for about 150 communities across the country, according to the bipartisa...

2021 Gold & Silver Shovel Awards Recognize State and Local Economic Development Efforts

Friday, August 13, 2021

AROUND THIS TIME A YEAR AGO, a lot of life seemed to be in a holding pattern, with progress on many things at a near standstill amid the COVID-19 pandemic. But not everyone allowed adversity to stand in the way of opportunity. Indeed, while most of us were learning the term “social distancing,” exploring the ins and outs of masking, searching for toilet paper, and perfecting the art of sourdough baking, economic development leaders in quite a few states remained plugged into their phones and Zoom meetings, making impressive location deals. By many measures, 2020 was a downer of a busines...

Apple Rediscovers Its Core

Thursday, August 12, 2021

The sixth annual State of Manufacturing Report released by Fictiv in late April found that 95% of industry leaders see digital transformation as essential to their company’s success, and 62% see re-shoring as one part of future-proofing their manufacturing. Apple on that same day in late April backed up those findings. The company pledged to add 20,000 jobs while contributing more than $430 billion to the U.S. economy over the next five years. The new five-year investment goal is 20% higher than the $350 billion goal set in 2018, which the company has outpaced. The 20,000 new jobs are in addition t...

Which Way for Rural America?

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

The challenges facing rural America are well-known and exhaustively documented. Chronically shrinking populations beget shrinking tax bases and shriveling public services. Town squares board up. Hospitals close. The most promising youth light out for elsewhere, just as lack of reliable internet now helps to quash most any notion of winning back folks from the city, post-pandemic. It’s also been noted that many rural communities have fallen victim to a vicious cycle. “Some communities are dominated by people that really don’t want any change,” says Ron Tillery, executive director of the Phelps County Development Corporation in Phelps County, Nebraska, a top performer i...

Alternative Protein Facilities Gain Traction

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

This is not your father’s veggie burger — if he was ever near one. Today’s meat-alternative burgers and other foods are based on plant- or cell-based alternative proteins, and the global market for such products is exploding. According to analysis from Meticulous Research released in March, the alternative proteins market is forecast to grow by 11.2% from 2020 to reach $27 billion by 2027. Geographically, North America accounted for the largest share of the overall alternative protein market in 2020, according to the report, “Alternative Protein Market by Stage/Type — Global Forecast to 2027.” This region’s large share is mainly attribute...

The Numbers Don't Lie: Where Data Center Projects are Going Today and Tomorrow

Monday, August 09, 2021

Of the 400 major data center facility investments tracked globally by Site Selection and the Conway Data Projects Database since January 1, 2018, precisely 198 have taken place in the United States. Accepting that there are a few (dozen?) projects we’re probably not learning about in China, here are the non-U.S. countries where we’ve found the most projects landing that involve at least $1 million invested, 20 new jobs or 20,000 new sq. ft. of space. At the international metro level, London continues to lead the way, but India is the only country with multiple metros in the Top 10. Read full article.

Minnesota’s Angel Tax Credit Program Renewed

Friday, August 06, 2021

Minnesota’s Angel Tax Credit program has been very popular with investors and entrepreneurs since it launched in 2010. Early in this year’s legislative session, backers of the program put out the call to renew the program citing its importance to the state’s startup ecosystem and the Minnesota economy as a whole. But somehow amid the focus on Covid-19 recovery and other big issues at the Capitol this year, news about fate of the tax credit program got lost in the shuffle. The program received $15 million in new funding: $10 million for 2021 and $5 million for 2022. Gov. Tim Wal...

Are PEPS The Next Frontier For Employer Retirement Plans?

Thursday, August 05, 2021

Offering your employees benefits makes you competitive. But providing benefits can be expensive and complicated to manage. Are you a small business trying find top talent? Is it a struggle to afford the benefits – like a 401K for employees – that candidates expect? The Minnesota Chamber and Securian Financial formed a strategic alliance to offer high-quality, affordable solutions to help you compete. Pooled Employer Plans (PEPs) are retirement plans that bring down cost by allowing multiple employers to participate. These plans help streamline administration and allow for better investment access for smaller businesses that was previously only achievable fo...

DEED Offers Career Opportunity Webinars As Pandemic Unemployment Benefits End

Thursday, August 05, 2021

ROCHESTER, Minn. - Community members who receive extra pandemic unemployment benefits have a month to attend a number of webinars aimed at helping Minnesotans find a new career path. The unemployment benefits through Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), will be ending on September 4. Currently, participants are receiving an additional $300 a week on top of regular unemployment benefits. However, the Department of Employment and Economic Development wants to help Minnesotans prepare for the transition. Read full article.

Evolving DEED's strategy in the CareerForce system to grow opportunity

Wednesday, August 04, 2021

Minnesota's CareerForce system, a network of partners designed to help Minnesotans find jobs, is essential to our economic recovery from the pandemic. DEED plays an important role in this system, and we're committed to evolving our efforts to better connect Minnesotans with family-sustaining work – and help employers find the workers they need to grow and thrive. The pandemic highlighted – and in many cases accelerated – disparities that existed long before COVID-19, which workforce development leaders in the state, like DEED, need to address. Guiding our work is the One Minnesota strategic plan, which provides vision for all state agencies t...

Mall Of America Community Commons Entrepreneurs Shine At Women In Business

Thursday, July 29, 2021

At the Minnesota Chamber's recent Women in Business Conference: Changemakers from challenges, a group of four women entrepreneurs who took part in the Mall of America’s Community Commons program shared their inspirational stories. Community Commons is a space within Mall of America that offers a temporary home for 17 businesses impacted by the unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul. "Community Commons is a project that was developed in response of the community unrest last spring," said Jill Renslow, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Mall of America who moderated the conversation. "Just over a year ago as we watche...

2020-2021 Leadership Minnesota Participant Profiles

Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Minnesota’s economic engine is powered by more than 100,000 businesses, a diverse landscape interconnected in ways not understood by the casual observer. For a select group, Leadership Minnesota opens the window to a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our state’s economy tick. This exclusive program also helps you understand how public policy crafted at the Capitol impacts the vitality of each and every Minnesota company. By establishing a rich network of Minnesota business leaders, your shared experiences make you more effective leaders at your workplace. Check back to this page as more of our wonderful 2020-2021 Leadership Minnesota participants are profiled! Rea...

‘Attention please’: The new voices of MSP airport

Monday, July 26, 2021

Passengers returning to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for the first time in a while may notice some new voices on the public address system. The airport decided to take a different approach to reminding travelers to report suspicious bags, mind the end of the moving walkways and wear face masks. Customer service managers held open auditions for airport employees last fall to be the next “Voices of MSP,” as the program is called. Read full article.

A Black Owned Business Guide

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

In 2020 there were more Black-owned businesses started than during any point in the last quarter of a century, yet less than 1% of Black-owned businesses received venture capital funding during that same time period. While all small businesses were hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, Black businesses were hit the hardest with 41% of all Black-owned businesses being forced to close. In 2021, Black small business owners still struggle to find their footing and achieve the financial success of their cultural counterparts, largely due to lack of access to the tools necessary for sustainability. They also rarely achieve the sam...

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