News

Put “Support Local” in Washington County on Your Holiday Shopping List

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

This holiday season, the team at the Washington County Community Development Agency would like to draw a focus to the wonderful local businesses in our communities and ask residents to support them when possible! Making a trip to shop at downtown stores and dine at nearby restaurants this holiday season will not only help those businesses, but it will also help grow the local economy. Aside from boosting the local economy and watching local business owners smile, shopping locally during the holidays has many other advantages. Find out how you can make a difference by shopping at a local business...

Governor Walz Announces New $10 Million Program to Support Small Businesses

Friday, November 10, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today launched a new effort to support and grow small businesses in Minnesota. The $10 million program will provide low-interest loans to small businesses, promoting the growth and success of Minnesota's small business economy."Small businesses are foundational to Minnesota's economic ecosystem – they're at the heart of our communities, our workforce, and our state's economy," said Governor Walz. "This program will make it easier for small businesses to access loans that are critical for their growth and long-term success and help us build a thriving state economy."Click...

Finn & Gray Shares Entrepreneurship Know-How

Monday, November 06, 2023

For the two women behind Finn & Gray, this saying has quickly become their motto—a way to stand in their power, embrace learning and recognize that they’re creating a life they love.“Sometimes, it feels like we’re building the rollercoaster as it’s going up,” co-owner Amanda Nagy says.Nagy and fellow co-owner Ami Kochendorfer have spent the last four years building a business that empowers other business owners to pursue flexibility and fulfillment on their own terms.Read the full article here.

Meet Woodbury Community Foundation’s Jack Clinton

Monday, November 06, 2023

Citizen of WoodburyJack Clinton visualizes the Woodbury Community Foundation (WCF) as the premier organization helping Woodbury and Washington County residents 30 years from today. His vision is to build up the WCF to sustain and grow as a viable independent entity.An attorney, Clinton’s practice revolves around real estate, estate planning and trust administration. In 2006, Dick Stafford, one of the founders of WCF, engaged Clinton to help attain a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status for the WCF. Since then, Clinton has been a vital part of WCF. He has served on its board as treasurer and part of the executive committee. Currently,...

CareerForce Veterans Employment Specialist helps Jerry translate military experience to civilian career

Friday, November 03, 2023

Tim Labeau is a Veterans Employment Specialist at CareerForce in Cambridge. He shared this story with us about Jerry, a veteran who served as a Medical Platoon Sergeant in the U.S. Army and who was looking for assistance translating his military skills to a civilian career.Read the full article here.

Governor Walz Announces Grants for Infrastructure Projects that will Fund Nearly 1,000 Jobs in Greater Minnesota

Thursday, November 02, 2023

Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today that they have awarded more than $2.3 million in grants to infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota. The projects are expected to fund 946 full-time jobs in three communities."In Minnesota, we know that investing in infrastructure builds strong communities and grows our economy," said Governor Walz. "These infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota will create jobs, attract investment, and improve the lives of Minnesotans."The funding, awarded through DEED's Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program (BDPI), will support projects in Hutchinson, Bemidji, and Princeton.Read the full...

DEED Announces New Targeted Population Workforce Programs

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today launched its new $50 million Targeted Population Workforce Programs initiative, which focuses on skills training and support services to bring populations of workers who have been historically overlooked and often face multiple barriers to employment – particularly people of color – into the workforce at family-sustaining wages."DEED is delivering for Minnesota's workforce, employers and the workforce development organizations that help to connect them through our new Targeted Population Workforce Programs initiative," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "This program will provide workers in underserved communities with the technical and work-readiness skills...

Manufacturing Month: Tour of State-of-the-Art Altoz Facility

Tuesday, October 31, 2023

To recognize October as Manufacturing Month, DEED’s CareerForce and Vocational Rehabilitation teamed up for a tour of the new, state of the art Altoz in Red Lake Falls. During the tour, the teams learned about the facility’s capabilities to manufacture cutting edge landscaping and snow-removal machines, which are sold to towns, sports teams, colleges, and universities not just in the United States, but around the globe. Beyond this, the teams learned about the exciting professional opportunities available at Altoz for CareerForce and Vocational Rehabilitation customers.Read the full article here.

State Services for the Blind Assists Judy in Pursuing a Graduate Degree

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Reading can be a significant component for many jobs, and in training to prepare people for employment. Reviewing policies, going through training materials, consulting manuals and references – such activities are a routine part of lots of jobs across many sectors.When an employer is considering a new hire who has a disability that prevents them from reading standard print, that employer might reasonably wonder whether such a candidate is right for the job. Millions of Americans have a print disability. A print disability can be sensory, physical, or neurological - anything that makes the task of reading difficult.The mission of...

Manufacturing: Looking to the Future

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Minnesota is home to manufacturers across a range of products from food to vehicles to medical devices – and just about everything in between. Manufacturing accounts for 13% of Minnesota Gross Domestic Product and employs more than 325,000 people who earn an average annual wage of $76,950, which is 10% higher than the state’s overall average private sector wage. Continuing to attract new manufacturers and encouraging cutting edge production are key ways to ensure the future vitality of Minnesota’s dynamic manufacturing sector. Earlier this week, the White House designated 31 Regional Innovation and Technology Hubs (Tech Hubs) in communities across...

Bus tour themes for 2023: Water, walkability and growth

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Growth is apparent in the city of Hugo as neighborhoods crop up in the blink of an eye.It’s also apparent in the new Hugo Public Works facility, an enormous 60,000-square-foot building that houses the city’s fleet of snowplows, dump trucks, and graders, a mechanics bay for maintenance and repairs, a vehicle wash station, and a satellite office for Washington County deputies.The building, which cost $9 million to construct, is the base of operations for all city infrastructure and was stop No. 1 on Hugo’s annual citywide bus tour.This year’s two-hour outing Oct. 7 featured 23 stops, viewed from the window...

Economic development receives consequential boost from Minnesota legislative session

Saturday, September 30, 2023

The 2023 Minnesota legislative session concluded in May with an agreed two-year state budget totaling approximately $70 billion that will reach all parts of life in Minnesota. Aspects of economic and workforce development programs included in the budget, primarily set in the Omnibus Jobs, Economic Development, Labor, and Industry Bill (SF3035/HF3028), put the state on a course to make a momentous impact in every Minnesota community.The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers commented in a statement after the session’s closure, “There were many other provisions in both the economic development and affordable housing bills that we are excited about and have...

What’s Next CEO: Bringing Leaders Together for Mutual Success

Friday, August 11, 2023

There are numerous obstacles facing small businesses in their attempts to succeed and grow. But perhaps the most challenging aspect of those hurdles is facing them alone, without the resources to offer confidence. The Washington County What's Next CEO program offered area business leaders that opportunity at no cost, providing an avenue to obtain the knowledge, tools, resources and opportunities needed to build a sustainable company. Unique interaction In early 2023, the What’s Next CEO program brought small business owners, presidents and CEOs together to interact in a way not typically obtainable. Specifically, the Peer-to-Peer Round Table...

New Lake Elmo City Center hosts open house

Sunday, October 08, 2023

Join Lake Elmo in a ribbon cutting for their new city center, home of the city council chambers and the fire department.Lake Elmo city offices were closed for in-person services on July 5 and 6 while staff moved to the new city center. On July 14, Lake Elmo Fire Department shared that they closed the bay doors to their stations for the last time as they officially moved into their new fire station, which is part of Lake Elmo City Center.Read the full article here.

Highlighting Employment Opportunities and Economic Impact During Manufacturing Month

Monday, October 02, 2023

October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota, in recognition of the critical importance of manufacturing to the state's economy and to highlight the many career opportunities in this vital industry. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) partners with the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, manufacturers across the state, educators and our workforce development partners to mark this month in a variety of ways.Manufacturing is one of Minnesota's most important industries:Minnesota's 8,500-plus manufacturing firms contributed $58.7 billion to Minnesota's economy last year, making up 13% of the state's GDP. Manufacturers employ almost 325,000 people – more than 11%...

Four ribbons cut this September

Saturday, September 30, 2023

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomed Stillwater Modern Dentistry, River Pines Counseling, ChiroWay of Stillwater, and celebrated Edward Jones’ new location.Dr. Krista Koehler, owner of Stillwater Modern Dentistry, cut the ribbon at the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcome celebration on Sept. 6.The event took place at 13331 60th St. N., Oak Park Heights, with Koehler along with her staff, family, friends, and Chamber ambassadors and staff.Stillwater Modern Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care for your entire family.Read the full article here.

CareerForce Hiring Events Highlight Employment Opportunities Now

Friday, September 29, 2023

CareerForce hosts, promotes or otherwise has a hand in hundreds of job fairs and other hiring events every year. This week, two big hiring events drew crowds of job seekers in St. Cloud and Minneapolis.On Wednesday, Leading CareerForce Partners DEED and City of Minneapolis Employment and Training hosted the third annual Veterans & Community Job Fair at the CareerForce location at 800 West Broadway in north Minneapolis. Hundreds of job seekers and community residents turned out to meet face to face with nearly 40 employers hiring now, like Wells Fargo, BNSF Railroad, General Mills, TSBL Distributing and many others.Read the...

Driver’s License for All Highlighted at September’s Immigrant & Refugee Affairs Forum

Friday, September 29, 2023

September’s Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Forum provided some exciting and important updates from the Department of Vehicle Services, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Department of Education.Driver’s License for All Begins October 1Beginning in October, the Driver's License for All law will allow Minnesotans to apply for a standard class D instruction permit, driver's license or a standard identification card without the need to show proof of legal presence in the United States. The driver’s license manual for the written exam has been translated into multiple languages, which you can find on their website, and the...

Breakfast with the Mayor: ‘The city is moving forward’

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Mayor Tom Weidt recently provided an update on infrastructure improvements, city initiatives, community development and public safety at the annual Breakfast with the Mayor event, hosted by the Hugo Business Association (HBA).“It was really a summer that was concentrated on road issues, road repair and road conditions. Most of you can see in your own neighborhoods … it was a horrible winter, it got warm and cold and warm and cold and it really did a number on the roads in Hugo,” Weidt said. “We’ve been concentrating a lot on how to get those fixed and budgeting for that.”The city...

Jobs up by 4,400 in Minnesota; State Marks a Half Year of Steady Labor Force Growth

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Minnesota gained 4,400 jobs from July to August and the labor force grew for a sixth straight month, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).Minnesota and U.S. employment both grew 0.1% over the month, with Minnesota's private sector job growth – up 4,800 jobs in August – outpacing national private sector job growth. With 3,225 people entering the labor force last month, the labor force participation rate held steady over-the-month at 68.5% and Minnesota's unemployment rate ticked up one-tenth of a point to 3.1% in August.Read the full article here.

Minnesota veteran offers advice to others: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and set goals.”

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Kim was an unemployed homemaker and mother of two who had been out of the workforce for four years. Her last job was as a Food Service Worker at a local elementary school. Kim had to resign from the position because she could no longer be on her feet all day. However, Kim needed to return to the workforce as soon as possible to earn an income to support herself but didn’t know what she wanted to do.Kim reached out to Denise Myhrberg, Workforce Development Specialist at CareerForce Worthington for help with her resume. Denise worked...

Governor Walz Announces Over $23 Million For Economic Development in Greater Minnesota

Monday, September 18, 2023

Governor Tim Walz announced 36 cities, townships, and counties across Greater Minnesota will receive nearly $24 million in Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grants. The grants will be used for residential and commercial property rehabilitation, upgrading public facilities, and other economic development projects."We are dedicated to making Minnesota the best state to live, work, and raise a family – no matter where in the state you call home," said Governor Walz. "These grants will boost our economy and help Greater Minnesota communities throughout the state grow and thrive.""These grants not only help individual communities address their unique goals and needs,...

Minnesota Veteran lands job with CareerForce Partner

Friday, September 15, 2023

John is a Veteran who, after separating from a previous employer, utilized several CareerForce Services throughout his job search. He visited the CareerForce Career Lab daily and utilized Veteran Services, the Dislocated Worker Program, and Job Service interviewing assistance. Through John's hard work, and utilization of numerous CareerForce Services, he landed a job he really wanted. John now works for a CareerForce partner agency as an Employment Case Manager with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MAC-V). He now assists and serves Veterans and works out of the same building where he had spent countless hours searching for work at...

Leading CareerForce partner pilot that offered free short term training for in-demand occupations shows signs of success

Thursday, September 14, 2023

The Workforce Mobility Program pilot provided free, short-term training for several in-demand occupations at Dakota County Technical College or Inver Hills Community College to low income Dakota County residents. The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board, a Leading CareerForce partner, partnered with the Dakota County Board of Commissioners and local community colleges to offer the free training, which was paid for through a $250,000 from the federal American Rescue Plan allocation.The Workforce Mobility Program was aimed at helping low-income residents get on a career path with family-sustaining wages. It also was designed to help area employers who were having a hard time...

Career Solutions in St. Cloud takes a welcoming approach to serving job seekers

Thursday, September 07, 2023

Leading CareerForce partner Career Solutions invites people looking for work to come to fun, no pressure events to find out about all the free resources available to help them prepare for and find good employment.Career Solutions holds quarterly open houses in St. Cloud so people can come in, find out about services available to them, have their resume reviewed, learn about interview preparation tips, get a LinkedIn profile photo taken and more – with no appointment and no stress.So far, nearly 150 job seekers have come to three such open houses, which Career Solutions staff work to make fun, upbeat...

DEED Updates Portfolios of Two Senior Leaders to Reflect Transformational Agenda

Thursday, September 07, 2023

St. Paul – Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Matt Varilek announced today a set of changes to the portfolios of two senior agency leaders to better align with their responsibilities and oversight as DEED implements a historic set of investments and programs for Minnesota workers and businesses.Effective immediately, Elizabeth Frosch, DEED's Assistant Commissioner of Operations, will serve as Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer. Evan Rowe, DEED's Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Services and Operations, will now be Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Services and Transformation, overseeing a portfolio that includes existing services such as Unemployment Insurance and...

Lift Bridge celebrates 15 years of local brewing

Thursday, September 07, 2023

Lift Bridge’s 15th anniversary festival will be “The 15-hour festival to remember forever!” as stated by the event runners.It has been 15 years since Lift Bridge Brewing was founded, and they’re throwing a massive festival to celebrate 15 awesome years of brewing on Sept. 9, from 9 a.m. to midnight, at their Stillwater taproom with live music, anniversary beer releases, food trucks, and several events.Read the full article here.

Governor Walz Highlights Efforts to Grow Minnesota’s Workforce During Workforce Development Month

Tuesday, September 05, 2023

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today are celebrating Workforce Development Month and highlighting efforts to connect Minnesotans to high-growth, high-demand jobs through job training and workforce development programs."From youth training programs to workforce development grants, we have many tools in our wheelhouse to recruit and train workers for the high-growth, high-demand jobs we have available across our state," said Governor Walz. "Through these programs, we're finding new ways to bring more Minnesotans into the labor market, grow our economy, and help businesses and workers thrive.""When we invest in workforce development and job training...

New One Woodbury Event Unites City

Monday, September 04, 2023

Woodbury celebrates its diverse community through an all-new inclusive event.This September, Woodbury residents have the opportunity to celebrate the faces and cultures that make up our diverse community at the new One Woodbury event.“The idea for the event came to be through a city-led community engagement planning process last summer where a diverse group of community members and staff gathered to create the Community Engagement Resource Guide,” says Shelly Schafer, community engagement and equity coordinator for the City of Woodbury, noting that the guide serves as a resource to build equitable community engagement. “In our discussion, it was identified that...

September is Workforce Development Month!

Friday, September 01, 2023

If you’re looking for work or working but hoping to change employment for higher wages or a schedule that works better for you – CareerForce can help at no cost to you!That’s because the workforce development professionals around the state who make up CareerForce are dedicated to helping Minnesotans find fulfilling employment. Read the full article here.

Familiar local businesses see fresh faces and places

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Chamber celebrates 100 years with WDGYLast month, in addition to a new location for the Valley Friendship Club and a 40-year celebration with Vallee de Croix Chorus, the Chamber also celebrated a century of WDGY radio.Brent Borgen, President of WDGY, cut the ribbon along with his family, staff, DJs, fans, and the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce on July 19.Read the full article here.

Jessica: "Having the right care and support allows me to actively live the life I’ve been given"

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

When you follow your heart to a caring career, you make a real difference in the lives of others. Jessica shared this information—in her own words—about the difference having dedicated Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) have made in her life.How does having the right care and support make a real difference in your life?Having the right care and support allows me to actively live the life I’ve been given. My PCAs help me with every activity of my daily living. They get me out of bed and showered, help with my bathroom needs, grooming, getting dressed, and many other tasks. With...

Art and beauty in Stillwater

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Stillwater is beautiful, and the city values its art. There’s Union Art Alley, the murals on Len’s Family Foods, and businesses in downtown Stillwater often have their own murals to stand out from their surroundings. At the Stillwater city council meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 2 – a day later than usual due to Night to Unite the day before – the council addressed a few different art projects that should add to the city’s beauty while preserving the historic structures that still stand strong.Murals of Stillwater"There are about 21 murals in the city," said councilmember Dave Junker. “Nineteen of them...

Mabel's teaches kids about business

Wednesday, August 02, 2023

Not only does Mabel’s give teens and grads a sweet summer job, and not only do they serve up sweet scoops to kids and adults, and not only do they also provide adults with their caffeine kick in addition to their sugar rush, but they support kids and the wider community in many other ways as well. Featured in Twin Cities Live earlier this year, Mabel’s Ice Cream and Coffee Shop, on St. Croix Trail in Bayport, hosts many community events all summer long. Mayor of Bayport, Michele Hansen, often goes there as her unofficial meeting place, Read...

Christie Denson Shares Passion for Community

Tuesday, August 01, 2023

For Christie Denson, Woodbury is the place to build a cause. An entrepreneur, writer and vice chair of the Woodbury Community Foundation, Denson has been a force for local philanthropy since her relocation from Chicago in 2012. “I’ve always had a passion for community and social justice,” she says. Read the complete article here.

The Tumbling Club Tumbles Into the Twin Cities

Tuesday, August 01, 2023

Javis Borgh has helped the East Ridge High School (ERHS) cheer team for over three years. The team hired Borgh to help its athletes with technical tumbling; but it’s more than his technical expertise that’s drawing attention. Borgh’s positive approach to coaching is attracting more east Metro athletes to the sport. Schools across the Metro, including Bloomington, Farmington, Jefferson, Lakeville, Minnetonka, Prior Lake, St. Michael Albertville and White Bear Lake, have engaged Borgh’s expertise. When parents requested private coaching, “It was clear there was a need for supplemental training,” Borgh says. Read the complete article here.

Milestone ribbon cuttings: celebrating continued success

Monday, July 31, 2023

This month’s ribbon cuttings included no new businesses – just two Valley organizations celebrating milestones and new chapters. Vallee de Croix Chorus, who recently performed at Lumberjack Days on Sunday, July 16, celebrated 40 years on July 17. As the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce described them, “They are a small women’s chorus with a big sound, from all walks of life sharing the joy of music! These ladies have been singing, performing and competing for 40 years in and around the St. Croix Valley!” Read the complete article here.

Chamber drives business mingling with golf event

Friday, July 28, 2023

The Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf tournament brought in businesses from around the area to connect and play golf, with new non-golf games added for fun this year, as well. Read the complete article here.

Hugo Feed Mill turns 100

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Steve Marier, the Hugo Feed Mill manager, is the face of the business. Today, the Hugo Feed Mill serves an increasingly suburban clientele, all the while maintaining its farm “roots.” Steve marks the fourth generation of Mariers to run the mill Read the complete article here.

LEARN HOW MINNESOTA'S FOREIGN TRADE ZONES CAN HELP YOUR BOTTOM LINE

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Are tariffs and duties for your global business a significant drain on your bottom line? A Foreign Trade Zone designation may be the answer to serious savings. Your county and state government economic development teams are ready to help you explore the benefits and cost-savings offered by Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs). Read the complete article here.

Centerville sets example with junior council member program

Thursday, July 13, 2023

The City of Centerville is a League of Minnesota Cities’ 2023 City of Excellence award winner for its Junior Council Member Program. The award was in the under 5,000 population category and was awarded recently at the league’s annual conference in Duluth. Read the complete article here.

Workforce Wednesday Recap: Business Development Program Overview

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

July’s Workforce Wednesday discussion highlighted strategies for growing and expanding a business in Minnesota with the help of DEED’s Economic Development team. Read the complete article here.

U of M, in partnership with DEED, invests $2.5M in venture capital funds

Thursday, July 06, 2023

The University of Minnesota today announced investments totaling $2.5 million across multiple Minnesota venture capital funds that will ultimately benefit start-up companies in the state. This is the first in a series of significant investments stemming from a partnership announced last November with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to inject $34.5 million into Minnesota’s early-stage, venture-backed businesses. The program offers access to capital for start-ups that need those resources while, at the same time, leveraging the University’s expertise with investing in high-growth early-stage companies. Read the complete article here.

Minnesota Economic Trends: Quarterly Issue

Wednesday, July 05, 2023

Every quarter, the Labor Market Information (LMI) Office of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) publishes a slate of research articles that offer insights into important labor market trends. The latest quarterly issue of Minnesota Economic Trends is the LMI Office's annual state-of-the-state issue, which provides an overview of Minnesota's labor market and job trends plus takes a closer look at each of the state's six regions. Other articles in this issue examine direct care workforce challenges, highlight a new tool that visualizes industry concentration in different parts of the state and more, and provide background...

Meet Your Winners for Best of Woodbury 2023

Saturday, July 01, 2023

Woodbury Magazine readers, welcome, to your annual Readers’ Choice Poll. You showed up online this January at woodburymag.com and wrote in your top picks in a host of categories—now we have your results. This year, you may notice a couple of new additions to this year’s poll, including entirely new overarching categories dedicated to self-care, pet care, services and leisure. We’ve also expanded beyond Woodbury, so you’ll meet winners in our Best of the East Metro categories. And finally, we’re encouraging you to travel beyond our community into the great state of Minnesota with our Discover Minnesota categories...

Minnesota’s economy had a stronger start to the year than the U.S. as a whole

Friday, June 30, 2023

Minnesota’s GDP increased 2.2% over the first three months of the year, growing slightly faster than the country’s GDP, Star Tribune writes. The children of Madeline Kingsbury will stay in their grandparents’ custody as their father, Adam Fravel, awaits trial in connection to their mother’s death, Post Bulletin writes. Read the complete article here.

Caring Career Workforce Challenges

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

The number of people working in home-, community- and facility-based care remains well below pre-pandemic levels, while the need for such caregivers continues to rise – and demographics are a big reason for both of these challenges. Minnesota's median age continues to inch up – meaning there are fewer people of working age and there is greater need for people to provide care and support as Minnesotans grow older. Minnesota is not alone in this demographic shift: the U.S. Census Bureau released a report this month showing how dramatically U.S. demographics are shifting as more and more Baby Boomers...

DEED Marks 100 Years of State Services for the Blind

Friday, June 23, 2023

"It's always important to look back and take stock of where we've come from," says State Services for the Blind (SSB) Director Natasha Jerde. "Here at SSB, we're very focused on using the lessons of the past to shape a better future." Jerde's reflection comes as DEED's State Services for the Blind Office marks its 100-year milestone. Indeed, Governor Walz proclaimed June 22 as "One Hundred Years of State Services for the Blind Day" in Minnesota – highlighting the centennial anniversary of the legislation that established a program to serve blind, DeafBlind, and visually impaired Minnesotans. ...

Arcola Mills wins grant for nearly $150,000

Thursday, June 22, 2023

The Arcola Mills Historic Foundation is pleased to announce that they have won a MN DNR Conservation Partner’s Legacy Grant. The CPL Grant Program funds conservation projects that restore, enhance, or protect forests, wetlands, prairies, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife in Minnesota. Funding for the CPL grant program is from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, created by the people of Minnesota. Read the complete article here.

Ribbon cuttings make for busy June

Monday, June 19, 2023

On June 1, the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce celebrated and welcomed Locale Makers Market with a ribbon cutting. “Locale Makers Market offers a unique variety of hand-made and hand-chosen items,” the Chamber wrote on their website, “such as local honey, alpaca goods, hand-poured candles, crystals, local teas/herbs, locally roasted coffee, screen-printed clothing/accessories, boutique clothing, refurbished furniture and so much more! Please help us give them a warm welcome!” Read the complete article here.

Smoke and whiskey makes new business for local grad

Friday, June 16, 2023

Jordan Oberholtzer wins $10,000 prize for startup booze business Even though a profitable all-inclusive whiskey smoking kit may seem like a solid “Shark Tank” pitch, Jordan Oberholtzer sees a different path for his start-up business: taking it slow. “I’m still in college and my parents have their own jobs. … We don’t really want to have to go out there and then take on the responsibility of getting $100,000 from Mark Cuban and then having to dedicate our lives to this,” Jordan, now a junior at St. Olaf University, joked. Read the complete article here.

Minnesota initiative gains momentum to diversify corporate boards

Sunday, May 28, 2023

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing in 2020, Kim Nelson and other Minnesota members of Women Corporate Directors (WCD) assessed how they could advance racial justice in the business world. They quickly formed the Women of Color Pipeline Committee, which has been chaired by Nelson, a retired General Mills executive who serves on three corporate boards. Read the complete article here.

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