News and Media

MSP Airport Looks To Hire 700 New Workers

Monday, May 09, 2022

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is anticipating the busiest summer travel season since the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why there’s a job fair this Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. at MSP Airport Terminal 1. Airport officials say with re-openings and expanded hours, they need to fill up to 700 positions. Read full article.

Paw Patrol

Monday, May 09, 2022

Bringing the community together just seven years ago, manager of the Lake Elmo Farmers Market Jill Lundgren developed the market as a way to unite business with philanthropy. Operating from the Lake Elmo Elementary School parking lot, the market showcases wholesome products like fresh produce, baked goods, handmade candles and flowers from local farmers and makers. Though supporting local businesses is at its forefront, Lundgren took this weekly event as an opportunity to bring more exposure to other change makers in the community. Partnering with the Washington County Police Department’s K-9 Unit since 2018, they work to educate market goer...

Minnesota lawmakers finish deal on unemployment, bonuses

Saturday, April 30, 2022

The Minnesota Legislature pushed through a bill to give bonuses to workers who were on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic and to replenish the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund following months of negotiations. Gov. Tim Walz said in a Twitter post that he stepped out of his son’s volleyball game “to sign this important bill the minute we got it passed.” Read full article.

CareerForce Working to Reach More Minnesotans

Thursday, April 28, 2022

CareerForce is Minnesota’s statewide network of organizations providing employment preparation and job search services. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Local Workforce Development Boards, and community-based organizations work together to ensure job seekers find employment and to assist businesses in attracting the workers they need. Throughout the pandemic, the Career Force system has had to adapt to new models of service delivery. Today, we’re writing to announce some additional steps in our evolution to provide the best service to our customers in a new and modernized approach to service delivery. Read full article.

DEED awards $3.08M for blighted properties

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded more than $3.08 million in grants and loans to aid in the redevelopment of blighted or dilapidated properties. Read full article.

A Plan to Dispel Fear of Failure in State Government?

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

In the eyes of some, state government is a hulking, slow-moving machine perpetually bogged down by bureaucracy. Fearful of failure, state agencies generally avoid taking bigger risks, even if they could lead to bigger payoffs. But what if government agencies became more comfortable with risk? That’s what Steve Grove is testing out at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). As the department’s commissioner, Grove is spearheading a goal-setting mechanism he picked up during his time in Silicon Valley. Known simply as “Objectives and Key Results,” or OKRs, the process doesn’t necessarily encourage failure per se, but it doe...

Minnesota’s first Black-owned bank opens its doors

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Of the 44 Black-owned banks and credit unions in the U.S. with approximately $8.12 billion in assets, none are in Minnesota. That changes today, when Minnesota’s first known Black-owned bank, First Independence Bank, 3430 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis, opens for business. “We know that banks represent beacons of hope,” said Kenneth Kelly, chairman and CEO of First Independence Bank. “You can’t go to any major city in this country and not see the largest building in this city having a bank name on it.” Read full article.

Racial Equity Commitments Blog Series #3

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Driving long-term progress in racial equity in Minnesota’s economy requires new thinking. While incremental changes are important, it’s the systemic changes that examine the root of how systems work and transform them for stronger outcomes that drives lasting change. As we continue our series on DEED’s five racial equity commitments, today we turn to commitment #3: to reform programs to address systemic barriers. Read full article.

Minnesota Toddler Starts Her Own Homemade Lip Gloss Business

Sunday, April 24, 2022

A Minnesota girl is blazing a trail as an entrepreneur at just 3 years old. For AJ Smith, it all started a year ago. “From the age of 2, she’s always really been into watching me when I wear makeup,” AJ’s mother Angela Smith said. “With her wanting to express herself, we thought of ways to, how do we make it developmentally appropriate for her to explore makeup? Her dad’s compromise was lip gloss and nail polish, so that was a safe way to let her explore.” Read full article.

Celebrating Earth Day and highlighting DEED’s clean tech and green energy priorities

Friday, April 22, 2022

On this Earth Day, I’d like to highlight DEED’s clean tech and green energy priorities included in the Walz-Flanagan Budget to Move Minnesota Forward. These priorities are aimed at helping grow our workforce by building a clean tech labor force pipeline; addressing climate change by stimulating the electrification of businesses’ vehicle fleets; and creating economic opportunity by assisting communities facing power plant closures with diversifying their economies and finding new opportunities for quality jobs and economic growth. Read full article.

For recruitment and retention, some Minnesota businesses are turning to same-day pay

Friday, April 22, 2022

In 2020, “stimulus check ” and “second stimulus check” were among the top 15 Google searches in the United States. That same year, an Ernst and Young report estimated that across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, approximately $1 trillion of workers’ wages were sitting in employer coffers on any given day. Read full article.

Occupations projected to be the fastest growing in Minnesota over the next two years

Friday, April 22, 2022

Wind Turbine Service Technicians top the list of the fastest growing occupations in Minnesota over the next two years, according to projections from DEED's Labor Market Information Office. People working in this occupation install, maintain, and repair wind turbines and generally work outdoors, in confined spaces, and often at great heights. Most Wind Turbine Service Technicians work full-time and in Minnesota the typical wage range is between $24.07 to $34.04. You can find out more about this occupation and watch a short video on our Wind Turbine Service Technician occupation page here on CareerForceMN.com. Read full article.

CareerForce partner sees big increase in people interested in training programs thanks to Training Program Finder

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Beth Bidinger, Supervisor of Career Advancement Services at Avivo in Minneapolis, recently started listing no cost training programs on the Training Program Finder on CareerForceMN.com. She’s seen a big increase in interest from people looking for training opportunities. Avivo even had to add a second class option for their pre-requisite courses because the first class session is nearly full. “Approximately a week after I finalized the postings on the Training Program Finder, I noticed that I was receiving an increase in direct emails and phone calls to me,” said Beth. “Knowing that potential participants don’t normally access my direct email an...

Women’s Representation on Minnesota Corporate Boards Hits All-Time High

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Minnesota’s largest publicly traded companies are heeding calls for improved gender parity on their boards, though the number of women in executive roles is still falling behind the national average. That’s according to the results of the 2021 Minnesota Census of Women in Corporate Leadership released Tuesday. The yearly report produced by St. Catherine University examined women’s representation at Minnesota’s 79 largest publicly traded companies. As of June 30, 2021, women held 177 seats on the boards of those companies. That means women held 26.6 percent of board seats, marking an all-time high in Minnesota, according to the report. Read full article.

Washington County can SizeUp with National Small Business Week

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Locally-owned businesses not only define our communities but are the key to delivering economic growth, strengthening supply chains and delivering the products and services Americans depend on every day. Since 1963, National Small Business Week has been an active recognition of the critical contributions these entrepreneurs and small business owners have made in driving America forward. This year’s event is a free virtual summit, May 2–5, 2022, with the theme, “Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship.” Register to obtain the expert tools and information that can help drive the nation’s historic economic comeback currently underway. Small businesses are a major facto...

Southeast Minnesota Leaders Share Insight with Commissioner Grove on Importance of Minnesota’s Innovation Ecosystem

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Rochester – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove hosted a roundtable focused on the innovation ecosystem in southeastern Minnesota and how innovation and the growth of startups, medtech and businesses tie directly to ongoing economic growth. Minnesota has long been home to businesses and people who make our state extraordinary. During the discussion, representatives from local startups, trade associations, private sector, Launch Minnesota, and venture capital organizations shared how they are continuing that tradition. Read full article.

Exports Are Vital To Minnesota’s Economy

Monday, April 18, 2022

In 2021, Minnesota’s total exports reached a record value of $23.5 billion, recovering strongly after a steep decline in 2020. International markets play a key role in helping Minnesota expand its diverse industry base, from agriculture and natural resources to equipment and machinery to semiconductors and medical goods. Yet, the global pandemic and supply chain woes of the past two years have presented Minnesota businesses with unique challenges to getting goods to international markets. Read full article.

IT Employment Spotlight

Monday, April 18, 2022

In April, we draw attention to the important role that Information Technology (IT) plays as a key driver of growth in our state and local economy. IT workers are employed across every industry in Minnesota and across the state – and demand and wages are high. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) projects employment in IT occupations to grow 12.2% between 2020 and 2030, while the average growth of all occupations in Minnesota is 5.7%. Read full article.

DEED Hears from Hutchinson Area Leaders on Importance of Broadband Access for All Minnesotans

Friday, April 15, 2022

On Wednesday, Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove and DEED’s Executive Director for the Office of Broadband Development, Angie Dickison, hosted a roundtable discussion at local internet service provider Nuvera in Hutchinson. Their discussion focused on why broadband access is essential and why now is the time to finish the job and provide border-to-border broadband access to all Minnesotans. Read full article.

Greater Minnesota Housing Fund tackles affordable housing amid economic obstacles

Tuesday, April 05, 2022

As Minnesota Legislators debate how to spend a projected $9.25 billion surplus, one of the most prominent topics is the need for more affordable housing for families and individuals. Read full article.

SizeUp Your Business in Washington County

Monday, April 04, 2022

In today’s economy, small businesses need every competitive advantage they can find. Washington County Community Development Agency is pleased to provide the ultimate tool to deliver that advantage for free to its local businesses…SizeUp! SizeUp is a powerful tool small companies can use to benchmark and rank their performance against industry competitors. SizeUp brings the power of big data to Washington County’s small business community, leveling the competitive business playing field by providing local businesses with easily understandable market research based on big data, algorithm-based analysis and super-computing. Competitive advantage For years, large corporations could afford to hire management consultants and research analyst...

How Minnesota’s second year of pandemic compared to its first

Wednesday, March 09, 2022

It was a quiet Friday afternoon, until it wasn’t. On Friday, March 6, 2020 — two years ago on Sunday — the Minnesota Department of Health announced the first case of COVID-19 had been confirmed in Minnesota. A lot has happened in the 733 days since then. Minnesota’s first year living with COVID-19 was marked by uncertainty, the loneliness of being apart and a lockdown. Near the end of that year, there was hope, as Minnesotans began to be vaccinated against the virus. Read full article.

Beyond Apartments redefine modern living standards

Tuesday, March 08, 2022

Continuing to redefine apartment living for Woodbury residents is the new two-building complex, Beyond Apartments by Core Living. Opening the east building last September and the west building last December, the complex features 255 units ranging from studio spaces up to three bedroom-three bath units. Beyond fuses a boutique aesthetic with the bustle of suburban conveniences to create a comfortable modern lifestyle. Located in the heart of Woodbury, this complex has access to a variety of local shops, restaurants and major highways. “We are still close to the hustle and bustle of Woodbury … but we are also in a quie...

City Cartography

Monday, March 07, 2022

Trading in cold Minnesota winters for sunny California is many Midwesterners’ dream. Aleisha Nelson made that dream come true nine years ago when she moved from Shoreview, Minnesota, to Santa Clara, California, to pursue a degree in computer science. Now, Nelson lives in San Francisco, where she’s taken on another dream: art. “While growing up in Minnesota, I did all the winter sports like figure skating but also played soccer,” Nelson says, noting the many times she traveled to and from Woodbury for competitions. But during her time in high school at Cretin-Derham Hall High School, she desired to move ou...

Precincts redrawn in Forest Lake after census, new legislative districts

Monday, March 07, 2022

New boundaries have been set for Forest Lake’s Precincts following the 2020 census. The Forest Lake City Council approved the new boundaries at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 28. An initial proposal of redistricting lines, which are mapped by the county in coordination with the city, was made due to a concern over expected population growth in precinct 5 as developments take place in the southwest portion of the city. “What the county would like to see is less than 4,000 voters at each location,” city deputy clerk Karin Derauf said. Read full article.

A history of Marine Township’s town hall

Saturday, March 05, 2022

When Minnesota became a territory Washington County was one of the original nine counties that formed the new territory. Soon after Minnesota became a state there were townships created within the county. Those townships needed meeting halls for business. Marine Township was organized Oct. 20, 1858 and was larger than most, which comprised land in May and New Scandia townships, and soon the small hall that was constructed was outgrown and a new hall was to be built. Read full article.

Hugo re-energizes old Forest Lake schoolhouse restoration project

Thursday, March 03, 2022

It’s difficult to discredit the Hopkins Schoolhouse, the official name for the old building which sits in Hugo near the Forest Lake border, as a building beyond redemption as it remains standing, despite being untouched and unused for more than 40 years. The one-room schoolhouse was previously teeming with life as a school for Forest Lake, then a town hall and youth center, prior to being boarded up as it sits today. It could soon be demolished, but new efforts by the Forest Lake Historical Society and Hugo City Council are trying to prevent such a demise. “It has held it...

Ettesvold named branch manager for Stillwater’s Royal Credit Union

Wednesday, March 02, 2022

Jill Ettesvold, of Mahtomedi, was named Royal Credit Union’s Branch Manager II for the Stillwater and St. Paul. Ettesvold will be responsible for the management of overall operations that will help to drive branch growth at both locations. She has more than 40 years of financial experience. For 36 years Ettesvold worked at Capital Bank, and joined the Royal team following the acquisition in 2016. Most recently, Ettesvold worked as the Branch Supervisor for both locations. Read full article.

Stillwater Motors to host 100th anniversary celebration

Tuesday, March 01, 2022

The Raduenz-family owned business, Stillwater Motors, will host a 100th anniversary on Wednesday, March 2 at the dealership, 5900 Stillwater Boulevard N. in Oak Park Heights. “It will be a full day of events and food,” Stillwater Motors Business Controller Laura Raduenz said. March 2, 1922, is the day the dealership held its official grand opening. Read full article.

Hugo continues growth trend

Thursday, February 24, 2022

HUGO — Per the 2020 Census, the city’s population was 15,766, compared to 13,332 in 2010 and 6,363 in 2000. According to Metropolitan Council forecasts, that number is expected to grow to 22,800 in 2030 and 29,000 in 2040. Growth is not a new topic for Hugo. The city continues to grow, not only in terms of its population, but also development, parks and businesses. Read full article.

Hugo tack shop celebrates 40th anniversary

Thursday, February 24, 2022

In the long and elegant tradition of English riding in the Twin Cities region, Hugo business St. Croix Saddlery has been an invaluable resource. The business will celebrate its 40th anniversary March 4-6 with a storewide sale, treats and prizes in the store, special giveaways and a Battle of the Barns competition for local stables. St. Croix Saddlery started in downtown White Bear Lake, but has moved locations several times in its history, even occupying a former mortuary at one point. For now, the business has settled along the thoroughfare on 141st St. in Hugo, where it is easily accessible t...

Stillwater celebrates Community Award winners

Thursday, February 24, 2022

Chamber and community business members gathered on Feb 18, at the JX Event Center for the sixth annual Chamber Gala & Community Award Celebration. The gala is the Greater Stillwater Chamber’s annual fundraising event to celebrate and acknowledge businesses and the community, according to a Thursday, Feb. 24, press release from the chamber. “This event is an opportunity for us to celebrate community leaders, business owners and our passionate community members who engage and make a difference here in the St. Croix Valley,” Chamber Executive Director Robin Anthony said in the release. “This is the Chamber’s ‘big night’ to come together and celebrate!” Rea...

3 New Shops in Stillwater

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Scandinavian North (2.0) Minnesotans looking to embrace Nordic lifestyle, make sure to visit Scandinavian North’s new digs. Siblings and co-owners Anna and Martin Hallkvist have moved their shop just 600 feet north to a bigger, better space inside the River Exchange Building. Expect to see an ever-larger assortment of goods from, you guessed it, Scandi artists and designers, including homewares (like handmade brushes by Iris Hantverk), Fjällräven backpacks, and Marimekko accessories. 120 S. Main St., Stillwater, scandinaviannorth.com Read full article.

After pandemic-related layoff, Brenda finds fulfilling work thanks to support from CareerForce

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Brenda utilized many CareerForce services following a job loss during the early days of the pandemic. Now, she is working in great job that fits her skill set, thanks to support from family, friends, former co-workers and many others plus CareerForce assistance, including education paid for through the Dislocated Worker program. Brenda shares her story in her own words below. “I was laid off on July 24, 2020. My field was teaching English language classes to multilingual adult learners. With the international borders closed and the field of international education quite uncertain, I began looking for employment in other career field...

CareerForce helps Nubia find her dream career path through unique construction program

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Nubia had been interested in the construction industry ever since she was a little girl in Cuba. Her stepdad built their home out of red brick and cement with skills he learned in the Cuban army and it was the best house in the neighborhood. Her stepdad inspired her passion for the trades, but at the time, she thought it was a man’s work environment, so she didn’t think it was a career she could pursue. As she grew up, she moved to Miami and eventually to Minnesota working in customer service-related jobs. As a mother of two children wit...

Launch Minnesota Awards Nearly $440K in Grants to 17 Technology Startups

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that Launch Minnesota has awarded nearly $440,000 in matching grants to 17 local startups who were competitively awarded over $8 million in federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer funding (SBIR/STTR). Of the 17 grantees, 10 are BIPOC, or woman-owned businesses and/or are located in Greater Minnesota. “We believe in the importance of fostering these technologies, which is why MN-DEED financially supports the Minnesota SBIR/STTR Accelerator and startups through our innovation grants,” said Kevin McKinnon, DEED Deputy Commissioner for Economic Development. Read full article.

Kohlmann named Stillwater city administrator

Friday, February 04, 2022

The city of Stillwater hired Joe Kohlmann, 39, as its next administrator. Stillwater Mayor Ted Kozlowski said that what stood out about Kohlmann from other finalists was that Kohlmann has the perfect “personality fit.” “That’s where Joe really came out ahead,” Kozlowski said. “In my notes for Joe, the words I kept writing down were ‘reliable’ ‘integrity,’ and ‘honesty.’ He was really, really genuine. He really cares about his job as a city administrator. I know that’s going to translate into caring for the city of Stillwater.” Read full article.

Longtime owner of Scandia’s Olde Towne Liquor store is retiring

Friday, February 04, 2022

It’s last call for Adrian Franssen, the longtime owner of Scandia Olde Towne Liquor. After 62 years in the liquor business, Franssen is retiring. Customers and friends are invited to stop by the store from 1-3 p.m. Saturday for a farewell toast. Franssen, 74, got his start at 13 as a stock boy for Sarrack’s Liquor Store in Maplewood and worked there for almost two decades. He left to manage Star Liquors, then moved on to Capital City Distributing. He bought the Scandia liquor store in 1994. Read full article.

DEED finds manufacturers are optimistic about 2022

Thursday, February 03, 2022

A new survey of manufacturers expressed optimism at the future of the industry despite previous pandemic-related setbacks. The survey, conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, showed that most manufacturers expect recovery in the coming year — with 91% of respondents expecting production levels to stay the same or increase in 2022. Interestingly, more respondents noted problems with labor and domestic supplier issues than with overseas suppliers and COVID-19 issues. Read full article.

Forest Lake aims to revitalize downtown

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Struggling downtowns are par for the course these days. The once economic core to cities across America have been struggling to find footing for downtown shopping and entertainment amidst a quickly changing society. “It’s not a unique Forest Lake problem,” City Administrator Patrick Casey said. He said that in Forest Lake, a prime example is retail moving out toward the interstate with big box stores, he said. “Small downtown stores just can’t compete. Mom and pop stores retire and don’t want to do business there any longer. Then you throw in there online shopping.” Read full article.

JL Schwieters given OK (with conditions) for next building

Thursday, January 13, 2022

City staff will continue to work with Victor Land Holdings LLC and JL Schwieters on possible refinements to its landscaping plan that could provide nearby residents some relief when it comes to noise and lights. Victor Land Holdings LLC requested a conditional use permit (CUP) amendment and site plan to construct a 43,000-square-foot office, manufacturing and warehouse building that will be occupied by JL Schwieters for its floor and roof truss operations. Read full article.

News and Media

2.9%

14.8%

3rd

3rd

News and Media

Why Washington County?

2.9%

14.8%

3rd

3rd