News and Media

Dan's News and Views Blog: November-December 2019

Friday, November 08, 2019

St. James Hotel Renovations Continue The Veranda Patio renovation in spring 2019 was the beginning of a five-year plan to bring the St. James to new heights. Starting in December 2019, The Veranda Restaurant will undergo major renovations to follow the patio’s look of modern sophistication and class. In addition to restoration of The Veranda, a tasting room separate from the restaurant is also being added. Work will begin early December through spring 2020. The renderings below show what the updated restaurant and tasting room will look like when completed. Red Wing’s Mayo Clinic Health System Recognized For the fourth consecutive year, May...

Celebrate Manufacturers Month with Events in the Red Wing Area Throughout October

Wednesday, October 09, 2019

In celebration of Manufacturers Month, the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce has developed a full schedule of exciting activities to highlight the importance of manufacturers. Each year in October, local area manufacturers and the contributions they add to our community are spotlighted. There will be events throughout the month of October, including the Annual Manufacturing Appreciation Luncheon, the 12th Annual Business Expo, a Trivia Night, and educational seminars. There is also a full schedule of local manufacturer factory tours! All local manufacturers and their supporters are invited to attend the events. Annual Manufacturing Appreciation Luncheon The Chamber, along with the Re...

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 w hen 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 t...

Minnesota Exports at $5.7 Billion in Second Quarter

Friday, September 06, 2019

Exports fell four percent between the second quarters of 2018 and 2019 ST. PAUL – Sales of Minnesota agriculture, mining and manufacturing exports from Minnesota fell 4% between the second quarters of 2018 and 2019 to $5.7 billion, according to a report released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports fell by 3% during the same period. Minnesota exports fell in North America (down 6%), Asia (down 4%) and Central & South America (down 19%). However, exports increased to selected nations such as Japan (up 6%), Germany (up 8%) and Australia (up 18%). “Minnesota is committed to unleashing economic opportunitie...

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. Read full article.

Study shows Minneapolis is a good place to retire

Thursday, September 05, 2019

(Minneapolis MN-) With only 23 percent of Americans reporting that they are “very confident” they will have enough money for retirement, the personal-finance website WalletHub released its report on 2019’s Best & Worst Places to Retire. To help Americans plan for a comfortable retirement without breaking the bank, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 46 key measures of affordability, quality of life, health care and availability of recreational activities. The data set ranges from cost of living to retired taxpayer-friendliness to share of the population aged 65 and older. Read full article.

PFA Awards?$7.5 Million?in two Greater Minnesota Communities

Tuesday, September 03, 2019

Le Sueur County and the City of Pipestone to receive awards for water infrastructure projects ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) announced that Le Sueur County and the City of Pipestone will both receive awards for water infrastructure projects. “These water projects will protect Minnesota’s waterways and provide reliable water systems,” said Governor Tim Walz. “This is a perfect example of how state programs can help protect natural resources and improve infrastructure.” “Making sure Minnesotans have access to water is one of the most important responsibilities of government.” said Steve Grove, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economi...

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

Monday, September 02, 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.

Recognizing Success in Foreign Markets

Thursday, August 22, 2019

We're pleased to announce that the Minnesota Trade Office is accepting nominations for the 33rd Governor's International Trade Awards. These awards honor Minnesota companies that have shown exceptional progress and success in foreign markets and recognize the tremendous positive impact that exports and trade have on the state's overall economy.?Last year, we reached a record-high: Minnesota businesses exported $23 billion worth of goods to countries all over the world. We'll be accepting nominations for the Governor's International Trade Awards until Friday, September 13, 2019. The winners will be recognized at an event on Friday, October 11. 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.

Dan’s News & Views Blog July - August 2019

Thursday, August 08, 2019

Mid-Year 2019 – Building Construction Activity Through the second quarter of 2019 (6 months), the City of Red Wing’s building construction activity is ahead of the same 6-month time period in 2018, and examples of construction activity follows: Total permit valuation in 2019 = $24.3 million compared to $20.3 million in 2018. Total residential valuation in 2019 = $13.8 million compared to $7.2 million in 2018. Total commercial/industrial valuation in 2019 = $4.5 million compared to $4.3 million in 2018. Total new construction valuation in 2019 = $11.5 million compared to $7.7 million in 2018. Anytime Fitness (1105 Bench Street). Red Wing Construction began a ne...

Regional Reports: The Turning Tides of Red Wing

Monday, August 05, 2019

The old, established river city is crafting a future while maintaining historic traditions. It’s easy to think of Red Wing as little more than a picturesque town on the Mississippi downriver from St. Paul. And that picture isn’t exactly wrong. Red Wing’s downtown has charm. There are shops, restaurants, and the venerable St. James Hotel. But there’s much more to Red Wing than historic charm. The city of 16,572 is also home to a remarkable diversity of businesses. About 21 percent of all jobs in Red Wing are in manufacturing, a sector that includes famed “craft manufacturers” Red Wing Shoes and Red Win...

Red Wing’s Working Waterway

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Did you know that the Mississippi River facilitates the transport of more than 50 percent of Minnesota’s agricultural exports? Commercially navigable waterways, like the Mississippi and its related infrastructure, enable multimodal freight transportation and make the state more economically competitive. Red Wing is one of four river ports in the state. There were 1,057,372 tons of commodities moved through our port in 2016. Transporting goods by river has a number of advantages. Waterways take stress off overburdened highways and railways. Barges are more fuel-efficient and have less environmental impact than trucks and trains. One standard barge tow can carry 216 rail car...

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference

Monday, July 15, 2019

Entrepreneurs, business leaders, econoimic development professionals, and community leaders: don't miss this conference! Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economies, creating jobs, paying taxes, and contributing the the quality of life. A vibrant main street attracts and retains residents. Entrepreneurial endeavors can grow into large firms - I'm sure you can think of a few that have! Elected and appointed city leaders play an important role in supporting and enabling small business and entrepreneurship. Plan to join Extension, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Blandin Foundation, the Small Business Development Centers and many others for a conference from noon September 5th to noo...

Getting down to business: Port Authority, Small Business Development Center host free workshops

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Five free business workshops will be offered to the public starting July 11. Red Wing Port Authority and Small Business Development Center will present a series of workshops during the second Tuesday of the month in July through November. Mark Thein, who works with the SBDC, appeared before the Port Authority Board in June to talk about the services SBDC offers to entrepreneurs such as help developing a business plan. The organization also works to provide "those start-up steps that entrepreneurs might not always know about." The services provided by the SBDC are free. In an interview with the Republican Eagle, Thein explained tha...

Measures will embellish and improve Red Wing parks

Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Red Wing City Council's July 8 meeting was a win for the beautification of local parks and the downtown area. Several items on the agenda pertained to the improvement of Red Wing's parks and recreational areas. Read full article.

PFA Approves more than $36 million for projects in five Minnesota cities

Tuesday, July 09, 2019

The PFA approved funding for Columbia Heights, De Graff, Little Falls, Ortonville, and Perham ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) approved just over $36 million in grant and loan funding for water infrastructure projects in Minnesota. The cities of Ortonville, De Graff, Perham, Columbia Heights and Little Falls were approved for funding. “These projects will revitalize existing water infrastructure,” said Governor Tim Walz, “Thanks to the hard work of the PFA and these local governments, these Minnesota cities will have clean drinking water and safe waterways for years to come.” “Water infrastructure is a vital resource to a growing community,&rdquo...

DEED Awards Over $3 Million for Contamination Cleanup

Friday, July 05, 2019

Fifteen grants will attract $245.7 million in private investment ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded funding under the Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grants Program for 15 different projects totaling more than $3,400,000. The projects are expected to create and retain jobs and add over 200 affordable housing units. Read full article.

Veterans Are Vital to Minnesota's Workforce

Thursday, July 04, 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. As part of “Hire a Veteran Month,” DEED is inviting job-seeking veterans, active military members, and their spouses to attend the 13th Annual Veterans Career Fair on Wednesday, July 24 from 2-6 p.m. at the Earle Brown Heritage Center (6155 Earle Brown Drive) in Brooklyn Center. The event will provide networking opportunities with over 100 on-site employers who have been encouraged to offer full-time jobs with benefits an...

Governor Walz Proclaims “Hire A Veteran Month” in Minnesota

Wednesday, July 03, 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." As part of "Hire a Veteran Month," Minnesota veterans are encourage...

DEED Recognized in Recent State, National Awards

Tuesday, July 02, 2019

DEED Economic Analysis Team Wins C2ER Excellence Award DEED economic analysts Ed Hodder and Magda Olson, led by Director Neal Young, recently won an Excellence award in the category of "Policy Analysis Supporting Federal, State, or Local Initiatives" from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The C2ER awards program recognizes the contribution of research activities to the success of local, regional, or state/provincial economic development initiatives. The purpose is to increase the quality of economic development research by identifying projects that have real merit and sending creative ideas for research activities out into the broader universe. The award was announced on June 6...

DEED Accepting Angel Tax Credit Applications Starting July 1

Monday, July 01, 2019

$10 million available in 2019; with an additional $10 million available in 2021 ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will begin accepting applications from businesses, investors and funds to participate in the Minnesota Angel Tax Credit program on Monday, July 1. The Minnesota Legislature authorized $10 million in tax credits for 2019, with another $10 million in 2021. Half of the funding each year is reserved for minority, women and veteran owned and managed businesses, as well as businesses located in Greater Minnesota. Read full article.

Launch Minnesota: Help Shape Minnesota's Startup Ecosystem

Sunday, June 30, 2019

Earlier this month, I wrote about the creation of Launch Minnesota, a new program at DEED designed to nurture technology startups and entrepreneurs across the state. We’re excited to get Launch Minnesota off the ground, but we need your help in building a team that can make state government a meaningful contributor to Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. DEED is looking for an Executive Director to run Launch Minnesota, but this isn’t your typical state government job. You’ll be based in a co-working space working directly with startups and entrepreneurs every day. This is truly a unique way to help shape Minnesota’s startup ecosystem. Thi...

DEED Awards Small Cities Development Grants

Saturday, June 29, 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

Friday, June 28, 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...

Free Business Workshops “Start with Resources”

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

The Red Wing Port Authority and the Small Business Development Center will be hosting a series of FREE Business Workshops. All Seminars will be held on the second Thursdays of each month from 5pm to 7pm at Community Development Building located at 419 Bush Street. The workshop schedule is as follows: July 11 - Entrepreneurial Essentials August 8 - Financing Your Business September 12 - Marketing Your Business October 10 - Business Plan Development November 14 - Business Legal Structure (Legal Corps) To register for the free seminars listed above contact: Shari Chorney, Port Authority Manager, 651-385-3639 or shari.chorney@ci.red-wing.mn.us

Indiana Jones, minus the whip: Cannon Falls grad wants to travel the world, examine ancient civilizations

Sunday, June 09, 2019

From her many hiking experiences and dipnetting in Alaska to helping run a vineyard on her family farm and overseeing her school's newspaper, Cannon Falls senior Laura Johnson has already led a pretty interesting life. Johnson graduated on May 31 and will continue her education at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, S.D., where she'll double major in anthropology and journalism. Johnson is the only member of her family to be born in Alaska and described living in the state as "pretty wild." Read full article.

Prime Site Could Drive Economic Growth in Red Wing

Sunday, June 09, 2019

Manufacturing has changed a great deal in the last century. Technological innovations have vastly improved industrial processes in terms of safety, productivity and efficiency. Innovative manufacturing methods are being held up as a key to helping rebuild and strengthen the U.S. economy. That’s because the creation of high value products for consumers generates more profit and demands skilled labor, which translates to high wage jobs. The City of Red Wing welcomes light industrial and advanced manufacturing projects. The Red Wing Port Authority (RWPA) staff had the foresight to acquire a property more than a decade ago, which offers such businesses a prim...

Trio honored as outstanding alumni for Minnesota State

Saturday, June 08, 2019

Days after the guitar show took place at Minnesota State College Southeast, three instructors from the instrument repair and building programs were honored by the college. Greg Beckwith, Brian Boedigheimer, and Steve Rossow were named Outstanding Alumni at the May 15, 2019, commencement ceremony, honoring the three graduates from the same school they graduated from years ago. Beckwith (1992), Boedigheimer (1994) and Rossow (2001) have made the instrument repair and building programs world renowned, according to a press release from the school. Read full article.

Dan's News & Views Blog: March/April 2019

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

The Anderson Center Photo Credit: Wendy Amundson The Anderson Center’s historic water tower is known as a prominent landmark in Red Wing. Built in 1915, the tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recently, the Anderson Center secured a $107,500 grant from the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Program to repair and prevent future damage to the tower’s balcony. Work on the balcony is expected to begin late spring and be completed by the end of 2019. A portion of the project cost is covered by a three-year grant from the Red Wing Area Fund. Named one of the to...

You Can Improve the Economy of Our Communities by Shopping Local

Monday, November 04, 2019

November 30 is the 10th annual Small Business Saturday, a shopping holiday that encourages consumers to support small, local and independent businesses instead of spending money online or in big box stores. In preparation for Small Business Saturday, the 18th Annual Holiday Stroll will take place on afternoon of Black Friday, November 29. Stores will be open from 3pm-9pm, offering holiday discounts and refreshments. See Santa and Mrs. Claus, baby reindeer and fireworks in the beautifully decorated downtown district. Following the holiday stroll, consumers are welcome back to local businesses on Saturday to finish holiday shopping and support the local economy. Th...

Dan's News & Views: May/June 2019

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

National Preservation Month May is National Preservation Month, making it the perfect time to honor and explore historic places. To help celebrate, the Red Wing Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) annually presents its Awards of Merit to individuals, institutions, and businesses who have been involved in exceptional local historic preservation projects. This year, the HPC presented the Award of Merit to the City of Red Wing and the Sheldon Theater for the recently completed interior and exterior renovation of the T.B Sheldon Memorial Auditorium. The project, which spanned approximately seven years, addressed needed exterior maintenance and restoration, and interior refreshing and modernization which wer...

Dan's News & Views Blog

Monday, June 10, 2019

News and Media

2nd Best State Overall

2nd Best Run State in America

America's 3rd Best State for Business

1st in Job Creation Index