News and Media

Most Innovative Companies 2023, Fast Company’s definitive chronicle of the novel ideas transforming business and society, was 100% produced by people. We may have asked ChatGPT—the AI chatbot created by our No. 1 company, OpenAI—about certain companies, but only because we wanted to see how it would reply. A very...Continue Reading

After several false starts since the onset of the pandemic, events are back in full swing. And for business gatherings, they’re taking on greater meaning than ever before.  “It used to be you could bring in pizza once a month for your team and that was good,” says Seth...Continue Reading

Grow Minnesota! staff can help your business navigate the multitude of resources and tools available to Minnesota businesses. Our team visits with businesses to learn about their operations, key challenges and growth plans. We then follow up with a customized report to identify available resources and provide further guidance on...Continue Reading

Major manufacturers from across the state were honored at TCB’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley Thursday night. The 2023 award winners were Arctic Cat, Cherne Industries, Ericco Manufacturing, Faribault Mill, Pride Solutions, and Upsher-Smith Laboratories. In a mini on-stage interview at the event with...Continue Reading

Minnesota gained 14,100 jobs over the month in January, up 0.5%, on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state's private sector gained 12,000 jobs, also up 0.5%. From December to January, Minnesota's unemployment rate stayed at...Continue Reading

Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured products reached a record high of $27 billion in 2022, according to a report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The state's exports continued their growth streak from 2021, jumping 16% over the year. "Minnesota's record...Continue Reading

Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the Pilot Re-Entry Competitive Grant award recipients. Thirteen organizations across the state are being awarded a total of $3 million to provide training and employment services to more than 650 people coming home from Minnesota correctional facilities. Organizations...Continue Reading

Jake Maras, construction foreman on the newest downtown development project here, looked out the fourth-floor windows at the city's iconic Barn Bluff on the Mississippi River. On the streets below, shoppers strolled among the red-brick buildings that give a timeless feel to this historic river community. Read the...Continue Reading

Public transit in the U.S. is in a sorry state—aging, underfunded and losing riders, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many proposed solutions focus on new technologies, like self-driving cars and flying taxis. But as a researcher in urban policy and planning, I see more near-term promise in a model that’s...Continue Reading

 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the appointment of L’Tonya Davis as its first permanent Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO). The CDIO will lead USDA in its ongoing efforts to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) across the Department and will oversee the implementation of USDA’s...Continue Reading

As the "boss," I knew meeting me for the first time would be intimidating for many employees. But unfortunately, the employee engagement I fought so hard to build came to a sudden halt during the pandemic. And I know I'm not alone. According to Gallup research, by early 2022,...Continue Reading

Ever since the release of ChatGPT and Microsoft's Bing AI tool (or should we call it Sydney?), pundits have been spinning in circles analyzing the many threats, opportunities and transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence on everything from plagiarism to employment and government policies. Having made this irrevocable leap into machine...Continue Reading

Kansas-based Integra Technologies plans to invest $1.8 billion in a large-scale semiconductor facility in Wichita. This is the second-largest private investment in Kansas history. The facility will establish Wichita as integral to a national effort to reshore semiconductor manufacturing capacity and strengthen national security. Read the complete article from Expansion...Continue Reading

If winning back-to-back championships establishes dynasties, what do you call it when you win 10 years in a row? In Chicagoland, they hand the ball to the ref and they act like they’ve been there before. Because they have. Read the complete article from Site Selection Magazine here. Continue Reading

SURTECO North America, located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has purchased Omnova Laminates, Performance Films and Coated Fabrics. The acquisition will solidify SURTECO’s position as market leader for decorative surfaces in North America. Omnova produces decorative papers and performance films, as well as 2D and 3D decorative vinyl with...Continue Reading

Stellantis announced that it will invest $155 million in three Indiana facilities to help power future electric vehicles assembled in North America, growing the company’s total investments in Indiana to nearly $3.3 billion since 2020 to support its global electrification goals. “Indiana has a strong tradition of advanced manufacturing...Continue Reading

Google has been pushing for all websites to move to “https” communications (sometimes referred to as SSL) so that the web is safer to browse. Having an https connection will protect your data and your website visitors. Because Google rewards safe website practices, your website must adopt them to ensure...Continue Reading

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that nearly $10 million is being invested in forest nursery and native seed partnerships, thanks to funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Of the total funding, $4.5 million is being invested in twenty-nine facilities from states, U.S. Island territories and commonwealths to...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

We are proud to release the beautiful new design of our suite of nine standalone GIS data tools, known as Intelligence Components. These powerful interactive data tools can be quickly and easily added to any of your web pages, drawing more visitors, and keeping them engaged with intuitive research, analysis...Continue Reading

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $59 million across the country (PDF, 153 KB) to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, expand market opportunities for farmers and create jobs in rural areas. Read the complete article from U.S. Department of Agriculture here. Continue Reading

The Site Selectors Guild, Inc. (the “Guild”) is the only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants. Guild members provide location strategy to corporations across the globe and for every industry, sector, and function. Founded in 2010, the Guild now comprises 62 members, many of whom are shareholders...Continue Reading

Talent recruitment and workforce development is top of mind for economic developers looking to meet the needs of growing companies, while ensuring their community can support additional business growth and attraction. Those who are fortunate to have strong partnerships with local community colleges may find that programs are already in...Continue Reading

Self-care has become an all-encompassing term that has strayed from the importance of everyday commodities that keep us in good health and spirits. Though pampering and "treat yourself" moments still have value, here are ten ways to invest in yourself to produce long-lasting, positive results. Read here for the...Continue Reading