Business Updates
Every business leader runs into problems and issues in their careers. Eliminating or reducing those constraints on your operation can seem a daunting task. But you are not alone! Other leaders in various industry segments throughout the East Metro have come across similar situations. They have found some measures to move past it and focus on delivering optimum business results! Read about the paths they have taken below and learn from their experiences.
This is also an excellent way for you to give to the community by telling us your story! Please leave your comments here on a critical issue you and your company faced and how the resolution was made possible!
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Results
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Small businesses are the ultimate economic drivers of Washington County. Starting, managing or growing a small business can be an extremely daunting endeavor for new and existing entrepreneurs alike. This is why we offer the Open to Business program as a free, one-on-one, confidential business consulting service. Small business owners and entrepreneurs can access advice and financing assistance to help make their dreams become reality. Free, confidential business advice and financial assistance options from experienced consultantsOpen to Business is available by the Washington County CDA in partnership with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) to connect small businesses with knowledgeable...
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
While planning is essential to success, many solutions for small business operations revolve around financing. That's why the Washington County CDA makes the Open to Business program available to help small and early-stage enterprises access financial assistance to address their needs. Expert advisors like Tyler Hilsabeck offer economic assessments of businesses to determine the proper model for your business, whether through direct lending, governmental financing, community funding or private financing.Access the financing necessary for your startup costs, expansions or other projectsFinancial assistance from various sources, like banks, financial institutions, nonprofits and other lenders, can be used for inventory, working capital,...
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
The Open to Business program, funded by the Washington County CDA, is a free confidential business consulting service for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Twin Cities. Numerous experienced business advisors are assigned to different counties. Tyler Hilsabeck has been the advisor assigned to Washington County since 2017 and can call on plenty of experience to offer the solutions to the bottlenecks your business faces today. “As the Washington County Open to Business Advisor, it is my passion to work with entrepreneurs and to support the small business community with technical assistance and access to capital,” said Hilsabeck. “I enjoy...
Monday, April 15, 2024
Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) is a go-to resource for information, incentives, technical assistance and development opportunities. We focus on business retention and expansion, bringing investment into the county and supporting quality of life initiatives. As such, Economic Development Week (EDW) - May 6th to May 10th - is an exciting time for everyone in the economic development community. EDW, established by the International Economic Development Council, highlights the importance of economic development in our region and across the globe. We are eager to celebrate and recognize the efforts of our numerous partners in driving the growth of our...
Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Small businesses are essential to the ability for Washington County’s communities and residents to thrive and prosper. But the road to successful small business operations is quite challenging. That's why the Washington County CDA is proud to offer the MCCD Open to Business Program services, like confidential business counseling from trusted business advisors, free to current and prospective local entrepreneurs.Experienced advisors working for the most crucial part of Washington County - you!The Open to Business counselors provide no-cost business consulting in whatever regard you need. Do you have a business plan or even understand its importance? Our advisors can help...
Thursday, April 04, 2024
Andersen Corporation has made the first commitment to be a Diamond Sponsor of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work project at The Heights on St. Paul's East Side. It is a significant contribution for the Work Project, which will take place this fall at the Heights, Twin Cities Habitat's largest ever development.Andersen Corporation, a longtime supporter of Habitat for Humanity, has announced its commitment as the first Diamond Sponsor of the 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, co-hosted by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and Habitat for Humanity International. At a total of $1 million in contributions, the Diamond...
Thursday, April 04, 2024
The city continues to see a lot of activity when it comes to new construction and market values.“Hugo has a ton going on. It’s great. The city is growing,” said Tyson Terry, a residential property appraiser with Washington County. “A lot of people are still buying new homes here and it makes up a good portion of the sales that are going on.”It’s a yearly tradition for the county assessor to visit the City Council to recap some of the key findings for the assessment year (AY). Terry recently shared findings for AY 2024, which are based upon actual real...
Tuesday, April 02, 2024
However you say it, Washington County is Open to Business! The program, funded by the Washington County CDA and offered through the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers, utilizes experienced business advisors who speak English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong. Additionally, consulting and financial services are available to entrepreneurs facing challenges in accessing the commercial banking system, focusing on Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women, low-wealth individuals, and geographic areas of underinvestment. “As the Washington County Open to Business Advisor, it is my passion to work with entrepreneurs and to support the small business community with technical assistance and access...
Tuesday, April 02, 2024
Toxyfree, a sustainable retail store in downtown Stillwater selling toxin-free and plastic-free products, is the first toy company in Minnesota to receive Three-Star Blue Verification from Oceanic Global, a cross-industry standard that measures positive global impact.Being at the headwaters of the Mississippi, the ocean starts here. Over 70% of our earth is ocean, and every 60 seconds a truckload of plastic enters it, according to Greenpeace. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that 90% of coral reefs are projected to die by 2025.Read the full article here.
Monday, April 01, 2024
Cravings Wine Bar & Grille welcomes change in the face of challenges.Nameer Ameen credits his parents for teaching him one of life’s most important values: Being of service to others. He’s used this value as the backbone of his life and of his business, Cravings Wine Bar & Grille.At 20 years old, Ameen immigrated to the United States from Pakistan to study at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he received a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management and a master’s of science degree in training and development. Ameen then began his career at Darden Restaurants, where he quickly rose...
Monday, April 01, 2024
Would you like to get involved in your community, meet some new folks and help out? With that simple thought, Jacques Peulen started the Woodbury Champions program to gather more volunteers for the Woodbury Community Foundation (WCF). “In the last year, we have had 80 great new members in our Champions program of which six or seven are new board members for the foundation,” he says. Peulen realized the need for new volunteers when he saw the same people volunteering with many organizations and events around Woodbury.Peulen plays a vital part in organizing Friends’ Fest, WCF’s annual fundraiser. This year’s...
Monday, April 01, 2024
Local restaurants The Wild Hare and You & Me Cafe will be hosting visits from America's Best Restaurants in early April 2024.America's Best Restaurants, a national media and marketing company focusing on bringing attention to local, independently owned restaurants, will bring its ABR Roadshow to both restaurants on April 10. Popular dishes will be highlighted along with an extensive on-camera interview with the owners of both restaurants, Dariush and Sarah Moslemi, about the restaurants' special place in the community. The episode will be aired extensively on social media channels at a later date.Read the full article here.
Monday, April 01, 2024
The Woodbury Community Expo welcomes a new location and new hours.One of Woodbury’s most beloved city events is celebrating a big anniversary this year. Laurie Staiger, president of the Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce, says the 15th annual Woodbury Community Expo is sure to be a great event. “We’re really excited [about our] long history of being in the community,” Staiger says. “Woodbury is still such a young community. We’re still growing and expanding and so is the Expo.”Read the full article here.
Sunday, March 31, 2024
On March 21, the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomed Midstate Excavating in Oak Park Heights as a new member of the Chamber community with a ribbon cutting celebration.Midstate Excavating was founded in 2002 by Jason Anderson, who started out with a pickup and a skid loader. Since its conception, Midstate has continued to grow rapidly, from doing small residential projects to large commercial projects and residential site development.Read the full article here.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced Minnesota's Digital Opportunity Plan has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The acceptance means the state is now eligible for federal grants to implement the plan, which will help reduce gaps in internet adoption, and expand digital skills and digital technology access."Minnesota is a leader in delivering broadband, and we continue to expand service to underserved and unserved areas throughout the state," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "As our Digital Opportunity Plan illustrates, we are equally committed to ensuring every Minnesotan...
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Applications for the first round of funding from the Providing Resources & Opportunity & Maximizing Investments in Striving Entrepreneurs (PROMISE) Act are becoming available from the Neighborhood Development Center (NDC), the Minnesota Initiative Foundations and the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA). The Minnesota PROMISE Act, created by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023, establishes two programs – PROMISE Act Grants and PROMISE Act Loans – that provide financial support for small businesses located in legislatively-designated communities and neighborhoods that have been adversely affected by structural racial discrimination, civil unrest, lack of access to capital, a loss of population or an aging...
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Funded by the Washington County CDA, Open to Business is a FREE program to help get small businesses access to the financing options that can help start or grow their business. Tyler Hilsabeck is the business advisor tasked with working with entrepreneurs to find financing that best meets their unique needs, whether through a traditional bank, community lending program or direct Open to Business funding. “As the Washington County Open to Business Advisor, it is my passion to work with entrepreneurs and to support the small business community with technical assistance and access to capital,” said Hilsabeck. “I enjoy working...
Monday, March 25, 2024
Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $2.7 million in Robotics Teams and STEM Internships Program grant awards to eight nonprofit organizations and education institutions across the state.This competitive grant program, offered through DEED's Office of Youth Development, provides grants to organizations to support high school robotics teams, help prepare youth for STEM careers and create internships for high school students to work at private companies in STEM fields.Read the full article here.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Teens 16 or older can work in long term care or hospital settings as a nursing assistant (with certification), dietary aide and other positions. Teens 18 or older may also be able to work in group home or home care settings.Working in a home-, community- or facility-based care setting is a great way for teens – and others – to explore if they want to pursue a health care or social services career.Read the full article here.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
The path to business success is not straight and easy. It is lined with obstacles and decision points that can be extremely daunting for new and experienced entrepreneurs alike. The Open to Business program, funded by the Washington County CDA and delivered through the MCCD, is here to make navigating that course easier! An experienced advisor awaits with proven knowledge on developing solutions to your business needs.Put your business on the path to success todayOur business advisors will work with you to assess what your operation needs and chart the best path forward. Counseling topics include but are not limited...
Monday, March 18, 2024
You don’t have to be a native Minnesotan to understand how unusual this winter has been. This winter season in the Twin Cities has been one of the warmest on record, with an average temperature of 29.9 degrees from December, January, and February, WCCO reported earlier this month. That’s more than 10 degrees above average.For businesses that depend on winter weather, this season has also presented financial and logistical challenges. That recently led Gov. Tim Walz to “unlock” federal disaster funds to help out businesses impacted by the warmer winter and historical drought conditions. Under the federal Economic Injury Disaster...
Saturday, March 16, 2024
As Minnesota continues to face record-high winter temperatures, Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota has unlocked federal funding for small businesses impacted by this winter's historic drought conditions. Amid the warmest winter on record, federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available because of ongoing federal drought declarations affecting 81 Minnesota counties. Governor Walz urges small business owners to apply for assistance as soon as possible."From skiing and snowshoeing to winter festivals, snowy winters are part of our way of life in Minnesota. The low precipitation we've experienced this winter has had a real economic impact on small businesses that...
Thursday, March 14, 2024
Employers have good things to say about how CareerForce helps them find the promising employment candidates they need. CareerForce helps make these employment connections by hosting job fairs and other hiring events, encouraging job seekers who receive 1:1 services to apply at local employers and other ways. Hiring events are a great opportunity for employers to get in front of many job seekers – and for job seekers to explore several opportunities in one place.Here’s what CareerForce heard from two employers who participated at a job fair yesterday at CareerForce Minneapolis North:Read the full article here.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
3M has named a new boss.On Tuesday, the Maplewood-based manufacturing giant announced that it has appointed William “Bill” Brown as CEO, effective May 1. He most recently served as chairman and CEO of Melbourne, Florida-based aerospace and defense firm L3Harris Technologies, which also keeps an office in Burnsville.Before that, Brown was chairman, president, and CEO of Harris Corp. before it merged with L3 Technologies in 2019.Read the full article here.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Do you have a business idea but don’t have the financing to get started? The Open to Business program has small business loan programs for residents and businesses of Washington County today! Open to Business is a program brought to our small businesses by the Washington County CDA in partnership with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers dedicated to providing capital to start-up and growing businesses.Small Business Loan Products for Your Business NeedsOpen to Business offers micro-loans and Advisor Express Loans for small and early-stage enterprises. Specific programs also target growing businesses through direct lending or in partnership with banks,...
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport was named best airport in North America for the third straight year by the trade group Airports Council International. MSP shares the 2023 “Airport Service Quality” honor with New York’s LaGuardia Airport. The award, for the 25 to 40 million passenger category, is based on an ACI passenger survey of 595,000 travelers worldwide. The survey covers more than 30 experience indicators including check-in, security, wayfinding, cleanliness, shopping, and dining. “Flying through MSP isn’t just transit; it’s an experience crafted with care,” director general of ACI World Luis Felipe de Oliveira said in a statement. “Success in the Airport...
Tuesday, March 05, 2024
Washington County is “Open to Business” and Tyler Hilsabeck is the Open to Business Advisor for Washington County. Hilsabeck has provided free, confidential, one-on-one consulting for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the county since 2017. He also holds workshops and meetings throughout the county for individuals to attend to gain technical assistance and financing options necessary to achieve success. “As the Washington County Open to Business Advisor, it is my passion to work with entrepreneurs and to support the small business community with technical assistance and access to capital,” said Hilsabeck. “I enjoy working with business owners on various challenges...
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Small businesses provide the economic lifeblood for Washington County’s communities. We know starting, managing and growing a small business is difficult, so we’re proud to offer the Open to Business program as a free, one-on-one, confidential business consulting service. Small business owners and entrepreneurs can access technical assistance and financing options to reach their desired success.Free, confidential business consulting & lending options from experienced advisors Open to Business is a program brought to our small businesses by the Washington County CDA in partnership with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) with knowledgeable advisors experienced in business consulting and lending options...
Friday, February 02, 2024
Sandra Brick is dedicated CareerForce specialist who exemplifies the assistance job seekers receive when they call or visit a CareerForce location looking for help in their job search, from exploring career options to preparing for interviews – and everything in between.Just this month, we’ve received two CareerForce Success Story submissions thanking Sandra for her help in taking resumes from meh to marvelous.Anthony stopped by CareerForce Minneapolis North for help with his resume and Sandra jumped in to help him. Read the full article here.
Friday, February 02, 2024
St. Paul – Respondents to the annual Minnesota Manufacturing Business Conditions Survey, conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, reported a cautiously optimistic outlook in their business indicators for 2024 compared to how their businesses performed against those indicators in 2023.Conducted between November and December, the random sample survey of Minnesota manufacturers asked respondents to rate the outlook for their business in 2024 compared to performance in 2023 in terms of number of orders, product/service production level, employment level, labor availability, investment in plant/equipment, selling prices, profits, productivity and...
Thursday, February 01, 2024
Northern Taphouse brings a curated menu and culinary expertise to Woodbury.Woodbury is welcoming a new locally owned restaurant: Northern Taphouse opened in late January with a menu packed full of tried-and-true bites, fresh ingredients and over-the-top drinks.“We have always liked Woodbury,” says Kent Letnes of Lincoln Hospitality and Northern Taphouse co-owner. “The people there seem like they’re looking for something local, something different.”With locations across the Metro in Lakeville and Plymouth, plus its flagship location across the border in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the Northern Taphouse team says it's the menu that brings people back time and time again.Read the full...
Thursday, February 01, 2024
Get away this spring in comfort and style.Travel is back and in a big way. Whether you’re making up for lost time from canceled trips during the height of the pandemic or looking to create memories with your family, people are yearning to get out of town. And what better time to do it than on the cusp of winter and spring? Snow has usually worn out its welcome, and sunny destinations are calling. But getting from here to there comes with its own set of quandaries—namely what to pack. We asked Debby Terlizzi, owner of Mainstream Boutique in Woodbury,...
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
St. Paul — Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced nearly $13.6 million in workforce grants, its latest effort to help grow Minnesota's workforce and connect people to good jobs.DEED is awarding Pathways to Prosperity grant funding to 43 organizations across the state. This Pathways to Prosperity funding is expected to serve 2,779 Minnesotans through three programs focused on providing clear career pathways to people who face systemic barriers to employment: On-Ramp to Career Pathways, Bridge to Career Pathways and Individualized Training Pathways.Read the full article here.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
There are a variety of training opportunities available to eligible Minnesotans to help them prepare for and find in-demand employment now.One of these training programs is Pathways to Prosperity, which focuses on providing clear career pathways for people who face systemic barriers to employment. Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced nearly $13.6 million in Pathways to Prosperity funding to 43 workforce development grantees across the state. This funding will allow grantees to serve nearly 2,800 Minnesotans, helping them prepare for and land good jobs. Read the full article here.
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Every quarter, the Labor Market Information (LMI) Office of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) publishes research articles that offer insights into important labor market trends.The latest quarterly issue of Minnesota Economic Trends includes articles that: explore the factors that influence workers' decisions to stay at or leave jobs and identifies industry sectors that have been most and least successful at retaining employees; determine factors associated with health care professionals' choice to practice in rural Minnesota; take a closer look at generations in the workplace; and explore a new tool that paints a clearer picture of day-to-day...
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced today that over $6 million in Child Care Economic Development Grants – the state's largest-ever round of these grants – are now open. These grants are aimed at expanding access to child care and meeting the needs of working families.The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is also launching a new office to coordinate the efforts of state government, communities, businesses, and non-profit organizations that are working to provide child care in Minnesota.Read the full article here.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Bruce and Stacy Wilmer have been beekeepers for nearly 40 years, producing honey in Minnesota and providing crop pollination throughout Minnesota and California. Their family business, Wilmer Honey Farms has relied on H2-A workers since 2015.Stacy Wilmer describes how essential H2-A workers are to their livelihood. “The beekeeping industry has changed as it has become a daily struggle to keep our honeybee colonies alive and healthy. We have had to learn how to manage and medicate our hives to avoid “Colony Collapse” This however takes an extreme amount of man power. The men that we employ through the H2A program...
Monday, January 29, 2024
Proactive outreach by CareerForce staff with the local New American community in northwestern Minnesota resulted in the first of its kind Polk County New Americans Job Fair, which drew 40 job seekers despite frigid temperatures.The job fair, co-sponsored by CareerForce and the New Americans Integration Center of East Grand Forks, took place on Jan.19 featured employers like Sanford Health, Home at Heart Care, University of Minnesota and Altru Health Systems. Translators were on hand to assist attendees and employers in communicating. CareerForce staff were also there to introduce jobseekers to prospective employers based on their career goals.Read the full article...
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced nearly $2.4 million in workforce grants for 24 organizations to help adults facing barriers to employment find and keep in-demand, career-path employment.Women's Economic Security Act (WESA) Grants – totaling $1.4 million – provide services that encourage and assist women to enter high-wage, high-demand, nontraditional occupations including but not limited to those in the skilled trades and Information Technology occupations. Adult Support Services Competitive Grants – totaling $950,000 – fund new or enhanced services such as job training, employment preparation, internships, job assistance to parents, financial literacy and academic and...
Tuesday, January 23, 2024
St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has named Jeanna Fortney as its next CareerForce Director, a key leader in the Agency's Workforce Development Division. Fortney will have administrative and operational oversight of more than 50 CareerForce locations across Minnesota, and will work in partnership with the 16 local workforce development boards.Previously, Fortney was executive director of the Minnesota Association of Workforce Development Boards, where she led the overall strategic and operational work for the association, which represents Minnesota's 16 local workforce development boards. Before that, she was a CareerForce Integration Project Manager at DEED,...
Friday, January 12, 2024
A new store just opened in Valley Ridge Mall, next to the DMV. If you've got a long wait next time you go to renew your license or tabs, pop over next door to browse Mint in Box Toys.Read the full article here.
Monday, December 25, 2023
What does Houston have to do with Paris? And, for that matter, with Woodbury? The story is a delicious one. Back in 2012, a couple of Houston restaurateurs opened a café inspired by the energy and flavors of Paris, focused on a perfectly executed staple of French cuisine: the crêpe. They called their eatery Sweet Paris. “They just loved the dish and the elegance, and they found there wasn’t really anything out there that offered this dish the right way,” says Alberto Landero, Sweet Paris’s chief development officer. “The original idea was just for one store, but it became a...
Monday, December 18, 2023
Five years ago, if you had asked sisters Chia and Hleeda Lor if they’d end up working together, running a full-blown stationery business, they’d probably say, “No.” The sisters, both graphic designers, began making and selling stickers in 2016 as a hobby during college in Menomonie, Wisconsin, and now run Unicorn Eclipse out of Woodbury.In the years since, both sisters had other jobs, but they began feeling burnt out. In 2020, they started drawing more, getting back into the creative groove together. It was a welcome escape, and they began developing their unified style and the reborn Unicorn Eclipse brand...
Friday, December 15, 2023
Bayport, Minnesota-based Andersen Corp. is closing out 2023 by paying out $55.4 million in profit sharing to its employees.That’s an increase of 33.5% over 2022 when the window and door manufacturer shared $41.4 million in profits with its workers.“Despite high interest rates impacting the housing market, Andersen continued to achieve remarkable growth in 2023,” Chris Galvin, Andersen’s president and CEO, said in a Thursday news release.Read the full article here.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
Robyn Dochterman of St. Croix can officially call herself a global award-winning chocolatier after two of her creations took top placements at the world final event of the International Chocolate Awards.Read the full article here.
Thursday, December 07, 2023
21 Roots is a farm located in Grant Township, dedicated to providing a place for children and adults with developmental disabilities to connect with nature, community, and dignity through farming.Read the full article here.
Thursday, December 07, 2023
Tim LaBeau at CareerForce in Cambridge helped Adam make the transition from the military to a civilian career. Adam served as an intelligence analyst for the U.S. Army. Through this work he gained proficiency in linguistics, mastered various communication technologies, honed data analysis techniques, and developed a knack for comprehensive report writing. These hard skills are instrumental in civilian sectors like data management, data analytics, cybersecurity, telecommunications, and even business analysis. Tim helped Adam leverage the considerable skills he had earned while in the military to find career path civilian employment.Here's what Adam said about the life-changing assistance he received...
Tuesday, December 05, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $1 million in Launch Minnesota Education Grants to entrepreneurial support organizations and more than $1.16 million in Innovation Grants to startups statewide."We're excited to support innovation and startup growth through the Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants and Education Grants," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Both programs offer valuable support to help Minnesota's startups and small businesses prosper and grow."Read the full article here.
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...
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Come spring 2024, Washington County will have a better idea of what a future multiuse trail could look like that would connect three popular destinations: Hardwood Creek Regional Trail, Big Marine Park Reserve and William O’Brien State Park.The county is developing a long-range plan for a future regional trail to be called Glacial Hills. The process began last spring. The county hosted its first open house this week to gather community input, and plans to host another open house in early 2024.“A long-range plan is a planning document that helps provide a vision for the regional trail and the whole...
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...
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.
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,...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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).Importer, exporter, merchandise processing, warehouse, manufacturer.However you work in the global economy, you may be paying significant tariff, duties, or processing fees. Foreign Trade Zones are designed to help global companies that have over $2 million in revenue potentially realize hundreds of thousands or more in savings.Register today for a virtual...
Friday, April 14, 2023
The Washington County Community Development Agency is the ultimate resource for small business support in the east Minneapolis - Saint Paul metropolitan area. Its What’s Next CEO initiative is the go-to site for business owners and leaders seeking an outlet to learn and network with other figures in similar situations. The primary business advisor with What's Next CEO is Lee Hall, the CEO of NextStage, a Minnesota nonprofit business advising organization focused on small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Hall recognizes Washington County as a unique community that fosters entrepreneurship and small businesses. Its proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area...
Saturday, April 01, 2023
Blooming Brightly offers sustainable and good-for-you candles.
For Teresa Mulgrew and Veda Campbell, their mother-daughter bond has grown stronger with time and age. Finding themselves unable to spend as much quality time together as they desired, the Woodbury resident and Prescott, Wisconsin, resident set aside intentional time to find a common interest.
Read the complete article from the Woodbury Magazine here.
Monday, March 27, 2023
People with Construction trades skills – from carpentry to plumbing and more – are in demand in Minnesota.
From January to February 2023 alone, Construction gained 2,200 jobs, that’s up 1.7%, according to the most recent employment numbers released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Read the complete article from Career Force here.
Monday, March 27, 2023
During the month of March, Ramsey County residents 18 and older have had the opportunity to explore trades careers, get free supplies and find out about immediate hiring for positions with the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades.
More than 200 Ramsey County Residents turned out at events earlier in March to learn about hiring for trade show work setting up ahead of large scale events at local convention centers. There’s still one more opportunity this month for interested Ramsey County Residents to find out more and get hired.
Read the complete article from Career Force here. ...
Friday, March 24, 2023
Minnesota has completely recovered the private sector jobs it lost during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to new data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Minnesota gained 10,100 jobs in the last month (seasonally adjusted basis), up 0.3%. The private sector gained 9,400 jobs, up 0.4%. In comparison, U.S. employment increased by 311,000 jobs, up 0.2%, with the private sector up 265,000 jobs, or 0.2%, from January to February.
Read the complete article from Minnesota Employment and Economic Development here.
Thursday, March 23, 2023
When Norhart Apartments experienced the rising costs of lumber – and other supplies – in the early months of the pandemic, CEO Mike Kaeding knew it was time to flip a switch, one he’d been working toward since he took over the family business in 2014. Norhart Apartments bought a facility in Forest Lake off 11th Street in the summer of 2021 to create a “steel stud factory” to manufacture its own materials and pre-construct wall panels for the apartment buildings the company owns and manages.
Read the complete article here.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) awarded $2.26 million in grants to five Minnesota cities in the February round of the Redevelopment Grant Program. This program helps communities with the costs of redeveloping blighted industrial, residential, or commercial sites and putting land back into productive use.
The funding from this round will leverage $143,428,896 of private investment and is expected to create or retain 29 jobs and establish 453 housing units – 232 of which will be affordable.
Read the complete article from Minnesota Employment and Economic Development here.
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Today the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced Katie McClelland as the Director of the Governor's Workforce Development Board. McClelland will work with the Governor's Workforce Development Board (GWDB) to analyze and recommend workforce development policies to the governor and legislature around talent development, resource alignment and system effectiveness to ensure a globally competitive workforce in Minnesota. She will also work with policy, business and workforce leaders across the state to meaningfully improve work opportunities, increase job quality and strengthen the skills of Minnesota workers.
Read the complete article from Minnesota Employment and Economic Development here.
Monday, March 06, 2023
The St. Paul Area Association of Realtors (SPAAR) announces that Karen Stang of Stillwater received their “Heroes” award for the fourth quarter of 2022.
Karen Stang grew up the daughter of a real estate agent. Her father suggested she get her real estate license for educational purposes and once licensed, he put her to work. Similarly, her parents instilled in her the importance of giving back, which she has carried forward both personally and professionally.
Read the complete article here.
Friday, March 03, 2023
“Electric cars and Dilly Bars” made local news as Lake Elmo expects to see major growth this spring. Commercial development plans reportedly include a Tesla sales and service center and a Dairy Queen.
Tesla is spreading in the Twin Cities. In addition to this new location on the northwest corner of Hudson Boulevard and Keats Avenue in Lake Elmo, there is also a new location on the books in Golden Valley, where a building is being demolished in preparation. Including these two new locations, there will be five Tesla centers in the Twin Cities, with existing locations in Eden...
Thursday, March 02, 2023
Small businesses are essential to communities nationwide. While the economic environment encompassing Washington County, MN, communities support small businesses very well, the owners, leaders and entrepreneurs running these operations still need consistent assistance and advice to flourish.
The Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) is the ultimate resource for small business support in the east Minneapolis - Saint Paul metropolitan area. Additionally, several national organizations and business experts focus on small business assistance.
Washington County CDA
The CDA is proud to kick off the What’s Next CEO campaign in 2023 to help local businesses accelerate their growth...
Monday, February 27, 2023
While we are still early into the new year, the Twin Cities theater scene is already experiencing comings and goings in 2023.
Theatre Latté Da is losing its Founding Artistic Director Peter Rothstein to Florida’s Asolo Repertory Theatre in June, and Hennepin Theatre Trust has announced their President and CEO Mark Nerenhausen is stepping down in the fall.
Click here to read the complete article.
Monday, February 27, 2023
Minnesota’s budget office reported Monday that the state’s record-breaking surplus is slightly less record-breaking than it was in November — that the previous surplus of $17.6 billion is now only $17.5 billion.
But that would not be an accurate picture of what the updated economic and revenue forecast will reveal when the entire report is released later Monday.'
Click here to read the complete article.
Friday, February 24, 2023
February is Black History Month throughout the country, a time to celebrate the accomplishments, achievements and vast contributions of African Americans throughout the nation's history. To commemorate Black History Month, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal highlighted 200 Black leaders in the Twin Cities region. Many of the distinguished leaders are leaders in the business community and many are part of Minnesota Chamber of Commerce member organizations. Congratulations to these inspirational leaders for your contributions to the state and your businesses!
Click here to read the complete article.
Friday, February 24, 2023
From one of the oldest woolen mills in the country to one of the hottest snowmobile makers, manufacturing is vital to Minnesota’s economic well-being. In 2021, manufacturing accounted for $14.16 billion, or 14% of the state’s total GDP—one of the top three sectors of Minnesota’s economy. Only “FIRE” (finance, insurance, and real estate) and professional/business services sectors ranked higher.
What’s remarkable, too, is that you can find manufacturers just about everywhere in the state. They come in all sizes, from companies with a handful of employees to those with head counts of hundreds and even thousands, and they make...
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
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.
Click here to read the complete article.
Monday, February 20, 2023
Business leaders in Washington County represent an intelligent, enterprising demographic of go-getters. Yet, everyone runs into a snag at some point in the small business lifecycle. If you are the kind of person who learns best with discussion amongst peers facing similar challenges, What’s Next CEO has the perfect solution. Facilitated by the Washington County Community Development Agency, What’s Next CEO offers the opportunity for executives and business leaders to meet with each other at various events in a no-cost, confidential environment to help solve the issues facing your business.
Find the perfect business optimization event
The What’s...
Monday, February 13, 2023
Determining where to invest in your business is often the most important single decision an owner can make. Dedicating yourself to a quality marketing plan is one investment that takes minimal financial contribution but can pay off significant dividends. SCORE’s five-step marketing program is an essential plan to get small businesses in Washington County on the road to success. SCORE is a targeted small business resource of volunteer experts that provide free advice for all stages of the small business cycle.
SCORE’s marketing program will help you develop your ideal customer and teach you how to quickly explain your...
Thursday, February 09, 2023
Gina has weathered several major life-changing events throughout the years. Through it all she’s now found a new career path thanks to help from CareerForce partner Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, commonly called AEOA.
First, Gina was infected with Lyme disease and other related illnesses. This led to years of debilitating symptoms. Then their house burned down. She was divorced in 2016 and moved to another city, losing her job. Then the pandemic led to her losing another job. Throughout the last year and a half, staff at AEOA helped Gina persevere, set new goals, and move forward.
Click...
Monday, February 06, 2023
Business success is inherently tied to growth. Expansion and production increases that drive growth are often the result of investment into equipment, facility footprint or people. But that investment requires a business to have access to funding while maintaining the necessary cash flow to keep existing operations running. That balancing act is often an extremely narrow tightrope walk.
Find the Financing Your Company Needs!
Fortunately, Washington County’s new What’s Next CEO program offers insight into the many local, state and federal agencies available that offer small business financing. Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the U.S...
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
News of layoffs in large U.S. companies, rising interest rates, and forecasts of a mild recession in 2023 have spread a sense of gloom across the U.S. economy. But so far, economic indicators in Minnesota and the U.S. have largely defied such pessimism.
Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains at a very low rate of 2.5%, despite an uptick in recent months. The state’s private sector added 19,800 jobs in the fourth quarter. Minnesota's GDP grew by 2.3% in the third quarter (most recent data available), and the U.S. economy grew by 2.9% in the fourth quarter, showing continued expansion through...
Monday, January 30, 2023
Quality, engaged employees are one of the engines that put life into a small business. Finding those individuals is often an extremely difficult and time-consuming task for owners and human resource managers. What’s Next CEO is a new resource in Washington County for business leaders to find or train employees. Additionally, residents looking to enter the workforce can get access to organizations that can help them expand their skills or advance their careers.
Connecting employers with prospective employees
What’s Next CEO has a resource database that specializes in assisting small businesses with their workforce needs. These organizations provide...
Monday, January 23, 2023
Being a small business owner or entrepreneur can feel like a lonely, overwhelming cause at times. The Washington County Community Development Agency’s new program - What’s Next CEO - offers business executives critical support with the tools, resources and opportunities necessary to run a successful company.
Leadership across companies operating in the Twin Cities East Metro region can benefit from the collective knowledge gained by others over years of experience in various disciplines. View our diverse partners available to offer their expertise now, from resolving supply chain bottlenecks to developing consistent streams of quality workforce sources.
What’s...
Thursday, January 19, 2023
All-natural pet food, supplements, treats and supply company, Pet Wants, is reopened for business in the Woodbury, Cottage Grove and the east Metro areas. After her careers in operational leadership and veterinary work, Cottage Grove resident Jennifer Cheesman relaunched Pet Wants when she felt inspired to take on a new challenge—plus, she wanted to ensure her rescue dog, Bosley, was getting the high-quality food he deserved.
Click here to read full article.
Monday, January 16, 2023
If information is power, then SizeUp is the most powerful tool your business needs! SizeUp is a free business intelligence tool available with What’s Next CEO to help business leaders make smarter decisions.
Having difficulties finding suppliers to complete your operations and customers for your finished product? SizeUp will provide maps of each. Trying to understand the impact of potential competitors in a new sector you may be interested in pursuing? SizeUp will not only locate them but can benchmark how your business would stack up against them.
Put SizeUp to Work for Your Company
SizeUp...
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Minnesota gained 6,800 jobs in November, up 0.2% from October on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The private sector gained 3,500 jobs in November, up 0.1%, while Government gained 3,300 jobs over the month. The U.S. gained 263,000 jobs in November, up 0.2% from October.
Minnesota's unemployment rate inched up two-tenths of a point to 2.3% in November, but remains very low by historical standards. The national unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7% from October to November. Over the month, Minnesota's labor force participation rate...
Monday, January 09, 2023
On some nights this summer, Änna Hagstrom’s kids would ride their bikes by her restaurant and wave good night before heading home to go to bed. Such is the goodness of owning Änna’s Bistro in Marine on St. Croix, the one-street town just north of Stillwater in which she also lives.
Hagstrom was a lawyer who lost her mojo and decided that cooking for others was the way to regain it. She took over the vacant restaurant space that once was Olive’s Pizza and now cooks, serves, and orchestrates dinners for the 25ish guests that the space can hold...
Monday, January 09, 2023
The Worker Opportunity Tax Credit allows businesses to reduce their tax liability by up to $9,600 per new hire, regardless of the size of the business, as long as it is for-profit. Workers qualify even if they are part-time or seasonal. There is no limit to the number of new hires an employer may claim in a calendar year, so this can save your business a lot of money if you’re in the hiring phase.
Worker Opportunity Tax Credit: How to Apply
To apply for the Worker Opportunity Tax Credit, you’ll need to meet the IRS 28-calendar day...
Thursday, January 05, 2023
Are you looking to change career paths or rejoin the labor force in your previous field? Do you need to find good employment as quickly as possible? You can get NO COST career exploration and job search assistance through CareerForce!
CareerForce counselors help you explore your career options through interest and skills assessments and personalized, individual appointments. Today’s tight labor market may be a great time for you to get started on a career path that’s right for you.
Click here to read full article.
Thursday, January 05, 2023
Snow doesn’t fall from the sky in 10-foot cubes — not even in Minnesota.
While that’s fortunate for the general public, it also means considerable work goes into preparing the massive blocks for participants in the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater.
A dozen, 1,000-cubic-foot slabs of the white stuff will await the 12 sculpting teams for the artistic extravaganza set for Jan. 18-22 in Lowell Park.
Click here to read full article.
Wednesday, January 04, 2023
Carrie needed help finding employment so she reached out to CareerForce in Bloomington and got connected with Gina Meixner for assistance. Gina worked with her to help plan her job search.
A few weeks later, Gina reached out to Carrie to see how she was doing with her job search.
“She talked me off the ledge of anxiety,” said Carrie, also explaining next steps Gina suggested to boost her chances of success. “She suggested I change my LinkedIn profile. This got me a job connection. Thank you Gina!”
Click here to read full article.
Tuesday, January 03, 2023
Registering for SAM.gov is one of the first steps a business must take to pursue government contracts. There are contracts released through this platform for all types of government agencies, ranging from small one-time procurement opportunities to multi-year contracts. Washington County businesses can use this opportunity to grow and we encourage you to do so.
How to Register with SAM.gov
While there are a lot of questions to answer to finish the registration, it is definitely worth the time and effort if you get a government contract. Before registering, watch this video to learn what to expect so...
Tuesday, December 27, 2022
Supply chain challenges are impacting businesses in Washington County and throughout the world. Locally, we are fortunate to have an ecosystem of local companies who can sometimes step in to fill supply gaps. Through What’s Next CEO, we hope to connect business owners to solve this issue further. In addition, organizations like the SBA have put out information on resources and tactics that can help to shore up supply chains.
In “The Bottom Line: Finding Solutions and Navigating Supply Chain Challenges,” representatives from the SBA and local businesses discuss some of the best practices they are seeing for solving...
Friday, December 23, 2022
Brookside Bar & Grill, located in historic Marine on Saint Croix, Minnesota announced today that the restaurant is now under new ownership. A staple for years, this St. Croix River National Scenic Riverway gem is proud to continue its legacy of serving this amazing community, building on its strong foundation with a fresh perspective. And to celebrate, Brookside Bar & Grill will be having their grand opening party on New Year’s Eve.
“Our mission is to cultivate a strong sense of community through good food and good people. The Brookside is such a valuable place for our community to...
Friday, December 23, 2022
William Isaacson has always wanted to open up his own tackle shop. That dream recently became a reality when Walleye Willy’s Bait and Tackle Shop opened in Oak Park Heights on Dec. 1.
“My wife said, ‘if you buy that tank, you’re gonna have to open up a shop,” Isaacson said. “So I bought the tank and then remodeled this place. And it took about three months.”
Click here to read full article.
Thursday, December 22, 2022
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced $386,964 in Launch Minnesota Innovation Grant awards to startups across the state.
The grants were awarded to 15 startups, over half of which are led by entrepreneurs of color, veterans, women, or located in Greater Minnesota. Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants target the most promising, innovative and scalable technology businesses in Minnesota. The grants help reduce the risk for Minnesota technology startups and entrepreneurs who are solving problems and growing our state's innovation ecosystem.
Click here to read full article.
Monday, December 19, 2022
Building on this month's historic Border-to-Border broadband grant announcement, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to award $67.6 million in broadband grants across the state.
This new grant round comprises $25 million in state funding and $42.6 million from the federal government. It further accelerates the Border-to-Border program in pursuit of Minnesota's 2026 goal that all homes and businesses have access to broadband with download speeds of at least 100 megabits per second and upload speeds of at least 20 megabits per second.
Click here to read full...
Monday, December 19, 2022
It’s difficult to understate all the changes the business landscape has seen in the past few years, and yet entrepreneurs have responded with incredible adaptability. Perhaps that is one of the biggest reasons small business owners are optimistic about the future. In fact, 66% expect revenue increases and more than half plan to expand their business in 2023.
Click here for the complete article.
Monday, December 19, 2022
Agency provided nearly $43 billion through small business capital programs in Fiscal Year 2022, 504 Loan and SBIC programs reached historic funding levels and small dollar and export loans increased as Administrator advanced reforms to close capital access gaps for underserved communities.
Click here to view the complete article.
Monday, December 19, 2022
The SBDC’s video titled “Realizing the Dream: M&A Under $100k,” showcases law professors discussing how to help entrepreneurs buy or sell a small business and how they have structured the deal. “Small business deals can sometimes be more complicated than mergers of large corporations,” said Tom Sharbaugh, Director of the Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic at Penn State Law. “There are a lot of deals under $100,000, such as selling a barber shop or a restaurant and these entrepreneurs typically can’t afford to hire a full suite of accountants to complete audited financial statements, for example. In fact, we often see employees...
Monday, December 19, 2022
“SBA’s new agreement with BAFT recognizes the impact and ingenuity of our small business exporters and the important role our lending partners play in funding their growth,” said Administrator Guzman. “Our joint efforts to increase resources to BAFT members and grow the number of lenders offering SBA international trade products will expand access to capital. By doing so, this work helps deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to create opportunities for small businesses, and strengthen our economy for all of us."
Click here to view the complete article.
Thursday, December 15, 2022
Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced funding for four businesses through the Minnesota Job Creation Fund and the Minnesota Investment Fund. The total award is more than $4.6 million and is expected to create 276 jobs over the next three years.
"We are working to make Minnesota the best place to grow or start a business – whether that be in Greater Minnesota or the Twin Cities Metro," said Governor Walz. "Our economy is strong and growing, and we will continue to support businesses like these that are expanding and creating...
Monday, December 12, 2022
A new loan fund is available for Minnesota's entrepreneurs - the Growth Loan Fund. “Minnesota was recently named by Startup Genome as the 4th top emerging startup market in the entire world,” said Commissioner Steve Grove. “If you look at the ecosystem here, the proximity to the Fortune 500 market, the access to talent we have - this makes us an incredible place to start a business. But getting the capital you need to get moving can be challenging. That’s why we have launched the Growth Loan Fund.”
The fund provides loans directly from DEED to innovative technology businesses...
Monday, December 05, 2022
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the final component of the $97 million State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI): the Small Business Loan Participation Program.
As part of the program, DEED will purchase 25% to 30% participations in loans made by approved Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and nonprofit lenders. Businesses seeking loans will apply directly with enrolled lenders, which are responsible for all credit decisions and loan terms.
Click here for the complete article.
Monday, December 05, 2022
Challenges and issues arise for small businesses on a seemingly daily basis. Nothing helps those running these businesses as knowledgeable peers who ‘have been through it before.’ Fortunately for those in Washington County, What's Next CEO Roundtable offers exactly that helpful forum.
What’s Next CEO Roundtable is a professional business meeting between peers - not a networking event. The group will consist of individuals responsible for the whole operation of a business with annual revenue between $500,00 and $5 million. Participants will be able to have open, confidential discussions in a secure environment to exchange information and ideas on...
Monday, December 05, 2022
If you’re one of the millions considering the idea of starting your own business, you’ll need an effective business plan to set things in motion. The SBA can help you write one.
Click here to learn more.
Thursday, October 13, 2022
I’ll be the first to admit it—I’m a fan of pumpkin spice. Yes, that includes the infamous pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins … You name it, I’ll enjoy it. And, that’s my favorite thing about October; the overwhelming amount of pumpkin-infused products.
I adore going to the pumpkin patch each year and carving (or painting) jack-o’-lanterns.
Back in August, I had already stocked my coffee cart full of pumpkin-inspired syrups and pumpkin-covered mugs; in September, I filled my closet with pumpkin-toned sweaters; and this month, I’m relishing all of the pumpkin-flavored goodies that I can get my...
Monday, September 26, 2022
The U.S. Census Bureau released data from its 2021 American Community Survey earlier this month, including metrics that show how much work-from-home has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read full article.
Monday, September 26, 2022
CareerForce is all about partnership. Forming new and growing existing community partnerships helps us serve Minnesotans even better. DEED staff and our Leading CareerForce partners across the state are actively engaged in this outreach.
Community partnerships include working with more than 50 local libraries to provide customers with career exploration and job search resources. These partnerships also include our collaborative relationships with local housing agencies, shelters, food shelves, adult education locations, schools and other community- based organizations around the state – and we’re planning to grow our reach in the years to come.
Read full article.
Friday, September 23, 2022
Construction on the Chestnut Street Plaza Improvements is progressing well, according to a release from the city of Stillwater Generally, work will start with underground improvements before completing surface concrete work and pavers. Underground work will continue into October before surface improvements can start.
Read full article.
Friday, September 23, 2022
As shake-ups alter the landscape of the state’s labor market, a new report shows that construction is one of only two sectors that saw increased retention throughout Minnesota.
Read full article.
Thursday, September 22, 2022
HUGO — For many years, motorists have driven by the vacant Egg Lake property across from City Hall and wondered if redevelopment plans would ever come to fruition.
The City Council will consider a project known as Downtown Hugo Oct. 3, after the Planning Commission unanimously recommended the council approve a preliminary plat and planned unit development (PUD) general plan.
Read full article.
Thursday, September 22, 2022
This week during Workforce Development Month, we're focusing on ways CareerForce is reaching people who could use career exploration and job search services through community events.
Leading CareerForce partner Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) recently went above and beyond with a super engaging, fun and unique way to reach community members. RMCEP staff dressed up as Ghostbusters characters – to chase away fears about engaging in a job search – and to connect community members with employers in a rolling job fair in Pierz, Minnesota. RMCEP’s rolling job fair drew attention to positions at nine local employers who...
Thursday, September 22, 2022
Maintaining and developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of your manufacturing company is an ongoing task. Recruiting, hiring and training those necessary individuals is more complicated than ever in today’s economic environment. Hosting a Manufacturing Day Event may be the perfect method to increase your ability to find the workforce you need!
This year, National Manufacturing Day is October 7 and is the ideal opportunity to educate the future workforce on the realities of modern careers in their facilities.
Read full article.
Thursday, September 22, 2022
St. Paul – New research from the Labor Market Information (LMI) Office at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) takes a closer look at job mobility patterns of workers in the state, with a focus on wage impacts. This research helps economists, employers and others understand worker mobility in the context of inflation that is outpacing average wage growth and high rates of workers choosing to leave or change employers during this tight labor market.
Senior Labor Market Research Analyst Alessia Leibert utilized Unemployment Insurance Wage Records and other sources to conduct the research for her...
Thursday, September 15, 2022
This week, the CareerForce spotlight is on the Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council! Staff members at SWPIC, as they are known, have partnered with local organizations to help serve area residents who speak languages other than English, meet the needs of local health care providers, educational institutions, employers and more.
There are very diverse counties in Southwest Minnesota, including Nobles County, the second most diverse county in the state of Minnesota. It is estimated that there are 84 different languages and/or dialects spoken in Nobles County. Nearly a third of the residents speak a language other than English at...
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Entertainment mixed with good food and St. Croix River views will continue this month. Each Wednesday night through September, Zephyr Theatre performers will sing while guests eat a three-course meal at Papa’s Rooftop at the Water Street Inn in Stillwater.
For the third year in a row, The Zephyr has partnered with the Water Street Inn to provide the open-air Broadway on the Roof event.
Read full article.
Monday, September 12, 2022
Finding quality workers has become a common concern for employers across the country. In northwest Minnesota, that scarcity is growing and is one of the most significant barriers to future economic growth. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) estimates a 1.2% loss in workforce numbers by 2030 as more of the Baby Boom generation leaves the labor force.
In response to that need, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has committed $13.5 million to a Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) grantee program to provide clear career pathways to Minnesotans with systemic barriers to employment. The...
Friday, September 09, 2022
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced today that exports of manufactured, agricultural, and mining goods from Minnesota were valued at $6.7 billion in the second quarter of 2022, reaching the highest level on record. Minnesota exports grew 12 percent between the second quarters of 2021 and 2022.
"Minnesota's workers and businesses are fueling, feeding, and supporting the global economy," said Governor Walz. "Our record-breaking exports demonstrate that the world recognizes the value of doing business in Minnesota. We will continue building partnerships abroad that allow our local economies to thrive."
Read full article.
Thursday, September 01, 2022
The drastic impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on communities across the country has been well documented. One positive side effect is that residents are turning a focus inward on their cities or towns. As Oakdale, MN residents spent more time at home with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they looked to see what their city offers. What they saw was a community with plentiful amenities and room to grow.
“With its great schools, excellent parks, trails and recreation options all within easy access to many parts of the Twin Cities, Oakdale is quickly becoming a place of...
Thursday, August 04, 2022
Summer is always prime construction time in Minnesota. Cottage Grove, located less than 15 miles from St. Paul, 2022 has proven to be even more active than typical.
Construction is underway on one of the largest industrial developments in Minnesota at Cottage Grove Logistics Park off 100th Street South and Ideal Avenue. NorthPoint Development representatives joined city, county, state and federal officials at the site on May 26 to break ground on the 3.4 million-square-foot project.
The NorthPoint Development project is a $373 million capital investment in Cottage Grove and will consist of nine industrial buildings totaling 3.4...
Tuesday, July 12, 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.
Check back to this page as more of our wonderful 2022 Leaders Lab participants are profiled!
Read full article.
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
As demand for new homes hit record highs in 2021, Uponor North America — which makes polymer pipe products for commercial and residential buildings — broke records of its own.
Read full article.
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Today is hype-level 11. The list of the moment is: All the new foods at the 2022 Minnesota State Fair!
The buzzy joy and anticipation of a summer stroll through the fairgrounds whilst eating all the freshly fried snacks is, perhaps, worth a little hype. We've been wondering how this year's list will be different from last year's more abbreviated experience. Will we find more innovation or more safe bets? Does the official list lean into stunt food? Or will it play to a wider palate? Can it please not exceed 50 things?
Read full article.
Monday, July 11, 2022
In a new 4.5-acre R&D greenhouse in Owatonna, Bushel Boy Farms is producing strawberries in a high-tech facility — no matter the season.
Read full article.
Monday, July 11, 2022
Tom and Janelle Smude started out as farmers, but after two straight years of crop devastation, they had to pivot and figure out what they could do to stay afloat. They turned to sunflowers.
Read full article.
Friday, July 08, 2022
It’s been one week since Minnesota cracked open the door to the THC market, and local farms and businesses are already working to tap into new opportunities.
On Aug. 1, Indeed Brewing Co. tentatively plans to launch Two Good, a seltzer that contains 2 milligrams of THC and 2 milligrams of CBD. While it will not be sold on tap, Indeed plans to make it available for retail sales at the brewery and through third-party retailers. The brewery is also planning to bring back Lul, a CBD-infused seltzer that was briefly discontinued in 2020.
Read full article.
Thursday, June 30, 2022
The Forest Lake planning commission approved a first phase of Gertens Lawn and Garden’s remodel of the Houle Feed Mill at its Wednesday, June 22 meeting. Gertens purchased the business and location in July of 2020, which will be renamed Spike’s & Houle’s Feed Mill. The project will take place in two phases: the first is to refurbish and update the existing structure. The second phase, which is expected to include a new garden center on the west side of the property, will come at a later date for planning commission and city council review and approval. If all is...
Tuesday, June 28, 2022
St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced a new Office of Public Engagement. The Office will focus on targeted outreach and engagement efforts on DEED’s programs. In particular, it will connect with populations in Minnesota hit hardest by racial and other disparities in employment – including gender, sexual orientation, geography, race/ethnicity, national origin, color, disability, age, or other protected groups.
Read full article.
Monday, June 13, 2022
Are you looking for a good paying job that may not require education beyond high school to start? Consider a career in manufacturing!
Manufacturing could offer you a great career path straight out of high school. More than 60% of manufacturing openings in the latest Minnesota Job Vacancy Survey from Q4 2021 didn’t require any postsecondary education. And according to that same survey the median wage offer for a position in manufacturing in Minnesota is $22.48 to start. That means that half of the current openings pay above that amount. Many manufacturing positions offer opportunity for advancement – with...
Monday, June 06, 2022
U.S. Navy Veteran Joshua was an underemployed carpenter but wanted to get back into the field he had trained for: avionics. He said, “It was my dream. I was trained in jet mechanics and it’s what I always wanted to do. Aviation was my calling.” Joshua looked for a job as an aircraft maintenance technician but couldn’t find anything on his own. He didn’t know what to do. Joshua said, “I was tired of waking up to a dead-end job. My employer’s business was closing, and I was about to be unemployed. I had to start all over again in...
Thursday, June 02, 2022
Health care heroes in our communities do more than their fair share to help keep us safe and healthy. This summer, Minnesota soybean farmers, with the help of the soybean checkoff, are Stepping Up and saluting these frontline workers throughout the state by donating sets of soy-based Sketchers shoes to local health care personnel.
The goal of the Stepping Up campaign is to give back to local health care facilities across the state, as well as promote the versatility and environmental benefits of soy.
Read full article.
Wednesday, June 01, 2022
Starting Wednesday, the public will be able to check in to Minnesota’s first five-star hotel.
The Four Seasons officially opens Wednesday in downtown Minneapolis.
The luxury hotel has more than 200 rooms that are inspired by the innovation and industry in Minnesota. They go for about $500 to $900 a night.
Read full article.
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
CENTERVILLE — After months of being known as “Project Banjo,” the identity of a new development in town has been revealed.
An Amazon Distribution Center will be developed in the Fairview Second Addition, after the Centerville City Council unanimously approved several key documents in one action. The actions were approved with clarifications to the noise study, which will be rewritten into the documents by City Attorney Kurt Glaser and adjusted moving forward through attorney negotiations.
Read full article.
Monday, May 23, 2022
Earlier this month, a group of big-name Minnesota companies, including Cargill and General Mills, announced the development of a new $24 million plastic recycling plant in Rogers.
The companies all belong to MBOLD, an initiative launched in 2020 by economic development group Greater MSP to address major food and ag industry challenges. Several MBOLD companies are providing $9.2 million in debt financing to the facility, which will be operated by a recently launched company called Myplas USA. Myplas will turn recycled plastic into pelletized resins that can be used to produce new plastic film. Besides MBOLD companies’ investments, the...
Sunday, May 22, 2022
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) — Minnesota beer lovers can again buy growlers at some of the state’s largest breweries and six packs to-go at other smaller taprooms under a new law effective Monday.
The bipartisan deal approved by the legislature marks the most significant changes in the state’s liquor laws since allowing sales on Sundays five years ago.
Read full article.
Sunday, May 22, 2022
In 2014, Sarah Agaton Howes got a call that changed, well, almost everything.
For several years, Howes had been crafting custom beadwork, quilts, and moccasins out of her home on the Fond du Lac Reservation west of Duluth. Her customers were mostly fellow Ojibwe.
Read full article.
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.
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 goers...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
Thursday, March 17, 2022
Monthly insights into business trends, opportunities, education, and engagement.
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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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monday, November 15, 2021
Founded on the notion of providing a space for students of all types to discover themselves, Rock U Music School owner Brian King says the school is not tailored to one type of person. The school caters to what students want to learn and offers a variety of music lessons, from drums and strings to vocals and DJ production.
“I like to say we don’t just offer music lessons; we are a business of creating confidence, passion, creativity community and inspiration,” King says. “That’s what we want our kids to get out of music lessons at Rock U.”...
Thursday, November 04, 2021
HUGO — Now that most of the data is in for the 2020 U.S. census, the redistricting process (for all levels of government) has begun.
Community Development Director Rachel Juba recently presented some highlights from the 2020 census as well as the annual American Community Survey that pertain to both the city of Hugo and the seven-county metro area.
“We’ve been growing rapidly over the last 20 years,” Juba explained. She added that one of the most frequently asked questions on the citywide bus tour last month was about the city’s population.
Read full article.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Manufacturing is the backbone of the U.S. economy, from national conglomerates to the smallest of startups. Washington County is fortunate to have a thriving collection of manufacturing companies located within its borders that produce goods made by a talented workforce using the latest technologies. Beginning with Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 1 and continuing throughout the month, the Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) is celebrating these companies for their employment opportunities, innovations and dedication to our community.
Manufacturing Day Stretches Through the Whole Month of October
Launched annually on the first Friday in October with events that...
Saturday, September 25, 2021
Right now, it's hard to overstate just how much opportunity there is to receive funding and support from government to help grow our economy. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan has created an extraordinary slate of programs available for economic recovery, and funds appropriated by the state legislature during the 2021 legislative session put forth hundreds of millions of dollars in specific programs for Minnesota businesses and support organizations, too.
With all that money that’s out there, where should a businesses or support organizations focus their efforts?
Last month we shared a timeline and program summary of some of the...
Thursday, August 12, 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.
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
When Oie Dobier's daughter Nya was looking at colleges in her sophomore year of high school, she realized it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Oie said, “I asked myself, 'Where do you start?' Looking at the career first is the wrong approach. We should start looking at who she is as a person and what she values first before she chooses a career,” Nya’s mother said. “And that’s pretty much when Project Who Am I began.”
Read full article.
Friday, August 06, 2021
STILLWATER — Even though the Lift Bridge loop trail has been open for a year, its grand opening has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The community will finally celebrate the newly constructed loop trail system that connects the historic Lift Bridge with the St. Croix River Crossing Bridge, beginning with a long-overdue ribbon-cutting at the west end of the Stillwater Lift Bridge at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14.
According to the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, dignitaries from both the state of Minnesota and Wisconsin will be at the ribbon-cutting to celebrate the reopening of the Lift...
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 Walz...
Friday, August 06, 2021
If you order a pork chop, a side of bacon or tacos al pastor anywhere in the U.S., there’s a decent chance the meat in your meal was raised in Minnesota.
As a state, Minnesota is second only to Iowa in pork production. There are roughly 9.3 million hogs in Minnesota at the time of a 2020 U.S. Department of Agriculture survey.
Most of Minnesota’s pork is exported outside the state’s borders, and a lot of it is sold in California, the most populous state in the nation. But California’s rules about what kind of pork can be sold...
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 for...
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.
Thursday, August 05, 2021
President of Reigstad Engineering Gordon Reigstad moved to White Bear Lake in 1989 with his family. Now, more than 30 years later, his sons Jared Reigstad and Jason Reigstad have helped their father expand the firm and develop a new product that will change the landscape of construction moving forward.
Gordon earned his Ph.D. in structural engineering from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and started Reigstad Engineering in 1979, a structural engineering company that works primarily in the design of commercial buildings. Since then, the firm has worked on projects such as both Grand Casino buildings in Hinckley and...
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...
Sunday, August 01, 2021
The Annual Community Awards Gala featured a community awards presentation to deserving Woodbury area recipients. Pictured are the 2020 award recipients, who were celebrated at the Denim and Diamonds Virtual Gala this past January.
Read full article.
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 watched the trauma that Minneapolis and...
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Founder of Minneapolis-based Black Business Enterprises (BBE) Nancy Korsah doesn't mince words in describing the support for Black businesses in the long months after George Floyd's murder. "Ninety-two percent of our allies abandoned us. They were there when it was hot, but well… 'We did our part,'" she says.
Other local business owners are more optimistic, but Korsah's experience hints that the wave of support that flooded the country may have dried up in some places.
It's about the long term
In the weeks immediately after Floyd's death, an outpouring of support for Black-owned businesses appeared, helping some shops...
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.
Profiled on July 28
What is the best part about your current job/role in your...
Wednesday, June 02, 2021
If you are an economic development professional, we want to know what you think about place marketing - whether you're a marketer yourself or not.
This survey is being shared with economic development and investment attraction professionals all over the world. Your contribution to this project benefits the industry as a whole; by sharing your perspective, you will be able to benchmark and compare your responses with economic developers everywhere.
Read full article.
Tuesday, June 01, 2021
I was fortunate to address the RSA conference this year, and one of the first things I told the global audience of security professionals is that data is central to solving the world’s toughest problems. We’re now living in a data age where it’s becoming mandatory to develop the capabilities that allow us to draw inferences and correlations across the massive ocean of data that continues to grow around us. Without this ability, we will continue to struggle to address the many pressing issues, from cybersecurity to crisis response.
Between attending RSA and reviewing Splunk’s just-released global research report,...
Monday, May 31, 2021
AD: What are the most important soft skills needed for leadership today?
Kerber: There are many important soft skills, but the three I have found most important are communication, giving effective feedback, and empathy. Good communication skills are essential for conveying information, decisions, and your thought processes to your team. Giving effective feedback is also essential, but often fundamentally uncomfortable for many people, which makes them reluctant to move into leadership roles. Empathy is hugely important for effective leadership today, especially during the pandemic. I have seen plenty of successful and not-so-successful leaders who fell across the spectrum, ranging...
Friday, May 28, 2021
While inclusion and diversity have always been essential, they have become even more essential for marketers due to the industry's current pandemic and cultural climate. Simply put, we're dealing with two huge issues right now: a people crisis and an economic issue. By putting our efforts into inclusion, equity and diversity, we can provide a powerful solution to both problems we're facing.
However, it's not as simple as changing a few policies and calling it a day. Instead, organizations need to work to expand these efforts to include the challenges of working during a pandemic. We are at a pivotal point...
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Opportunities to build spec industrial in Minneapolis don't often come around. Opus has one with its Nordeas Business Center project.
Minnetonka-based Opus aims to break ground on the 130,500-square-foot speculative office-warehouse by late summer or early fall. On May 24, it won Minneapolis Planning Commission approval for the project, which is located in Northeast Minneapolis on the city's border with Columbia Heights.
Read full article.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
CHICAGO (May 17, 2021) – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that the City of Mankato and the Washington County Community Development Agency have been selected to receive grant awards totaling $900,000 in Brownfields funding through its Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup (MAC) Grants. Both communities will use the funds to investigate the environmental condition of abandoned industrial and commercial properties that have been targeted for redevelopment.
“EPA’s brownfields program is providing critical funding to help empower Minnesota communities to address the environmental, public health and social issues associated with contaminated land,” said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Cheryl Newton. “EPA commends community leaders for using these funds to take...
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
Target Corp., which in March announced plans to vacate nearly 1 million square feet of office space in City Center in downtown Minneapolis, has quietly begun the search for tenants to sublease its former 33 S Sixth St. offices.
Read full article.
Friday, May 21, 2021
Rick: Welcome to Site Selection Matters where we take a close look at the art and science of site selection decision-making. I’m your host, Rick Weddle, president of the Site Selectors Guild. In each episode, we introduce you to leaders in the world of corporate site selection and economic development. We speak with members of the Site Selectors Guild, our economic development partners, and corporate decision-makers to provide you with deep insight into the best and next practices in our profession.
In this episode, we have as our guest, Jay Garner, president and founder of Garner Economics and chair...
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
One of President Joe Biden’s first acts was to announce a $2.3 trillion bill to repair and upgrade the nation’s infrastructure. The bill addresses what has become a perennial topic of debate in Congress, and one that has repeatedly been set aside for action at some future date.
It has been well-documented across the United States that years of neglect have resulted in roads and bridges in dire need of repair, outdated public transportation, subpar Internet service, and other critical infrastructure needs. In its most recent report card on the condition of America’s infrastructure, the American Society of Civil...
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
May 12, 2021 – The Site Selectors Guild (the Guild), the professional association of the world’s leading corporate location advisors, announced the five winners of the Robert M. Ady Professional Scholarships program to support economic developers in need. Winners include the following economic developers:
Tyler Engle, Executive Director, Joint Economic Development Board of Unicoi County, Tennessee
Kelsey Foster, Executive Director, Algiers Economic Development Foundation, Louisiana
Rob Harrington, Economic Development Director, Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Kansas
David Hengel, Executive Director, Greater Bemidji, Minnesota
Benjamin Vickers, Economic Development Director, Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission, Missouri
Read full article.
Monday, May 03, 2021
This is not your father’s Florida.
If you still think that Florida is nothing more than beaches, theme parks, sunshine, lightning shows and sand, think again.
The Sunshine State has become an economic juggernaut that rivals that of large countries. With a trillion-dollar annual GDP, Florida’s economy would rank 17th in the world, larger than Saudi Arabia, the Netherlands, Argentina and Switzerland.
While Florida has been booming for quite some time, the events of the past year have added fuel to the fires of growth. “The impacts of the last year have accelerated recognition of Florida’s business-friendly...
Friday, March 26, 2021
Joe Kohler of Joseph’s Restaurant on Highway 36 in Stillwater is quite clear about the impact of assistance that Joseph’s received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act, funding. “Without grants, we are done, we are absolutely done,” Kohler said about the grants.
“As a restaurant, we have been here almost 47 years,” Kohler said, “and I have never seen anything like this in my life. But, the beautiful thing is, we have gotten support from the community, from the county, and the state of Minnesota.”
Washington County, through the Community Development Agency, disbursed...
Friday, February 12, 2021
Although Ramon Ruiz emigrated from the warmth of Mexico to San Francisco, Calif., he’s planted his roots in the Minnesota cold; and after years of dreaming about owning an Italian eatery, those dreams are coming to life in our local suburbs.
“I started [cooking] in California, outside of San Francisco, making pizzas … At the time I was so young, and I had no experience in Italian food,” Ruiz says. After a 10-month stint spinning pizzas, Ruiz was sent to White Bear Lake, Minn., for two weeks to train for a Two Guys From Italy franchise.
“My boss had...
Wednesday, February 03, 2021
Roma Market in Mahtomedi will be returning to its roots this February by replacing one of its dining rooms with a specialty meat market.
The decision was partly spurred by the steep drop in in-person dining during the long months of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Grocery is something the government’s not going to shut off,” said Roma Manager Brian Pilrain. “It makes more sense long term to have this wing as a grocery store, and we still have the west wing for dining.”
Pilrain said the east wing of the building has been basically empty for nearly two...
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
While many larger health care systems are closing clinics, Maplewood-based Entira Family Clinics is expanding. The independent, physician-owned group will open a new primary care clinic in Hugo next fall.
Entira is the largest independent organization of family medicine providers in the state of Minnesota. Hugo will be the group’s 11th clinic.
But people in Minneapolis or the western side of metro may never have heard of Entira: All of its locations are in the East metro in communities like Woodbury, White Bear Lake, Shoreview, and Inver Grove Heights.
Read full article.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
A Hugo resident is doing all he can to ensure that small businesses in the community stick around once this pandemic is behind us.
Mike Roberts, who is originally from North Carolina, is no stranger to small business. At the young age of 5, he remembers helping out with his parents’ small business. When Roberts was a senior in high school, his parents’ business of 30 years went under and they had to file for bankruptcy.
“My parents lost everything … They ended up having to work at a competitor in Atlanta, which was like four to five...
Friday, January 22, 2021
Launch Minnesota – an initiative of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) designed to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation – has received a national award as a “Super Connector” in the new Lab-to-Market (L2M) Competition sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in partnership with the National Science and Technology.
The competition drew over 160 submissions from across the country and awarded $330,000 in prizes. Launch Minnesota was one of four recipients in the Super Connector category which recognizes “current efforts to successfully attract and/or support networks of underrepresented communities...
Monday, January 18, 2021
Of course, the big factor impacting office and industrial parks going into 2021 is COVID-19. The pandemic has reduced business production and workforce (through illness, social distancing, and remote working), disrupted the supply chain and cash flow, and brought about significant investments in technology.
Across the nation, the demand for suburban office parks is rising as more skilled workers move back to suburbs, due to concerns about housing costs and quality of education — they also feel safer from COVID-19 and the civil unrest that is happening in some larger cities.
“The most notable shift is toward lower-intensity...
Friday, January 15, 2021
To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a mask in public settings when social distancing is difficult to maintain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released temporary guidance under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to improve U.S. supplies of face masks for COVID-19. During the COVID-19 emergency, the FDA is using enforcement discretion to relax regulatory requirements and allow more masks onto the U.S. market faster.
This article describes what you, as a business leader, need to know about masks as you bring employees back into the office during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let’s...
Friday, January 15, 2021
AD: How has COVID-19 changed the employee experience in manufacturing, and what facets of this should organizations retain going forward?
Zenk: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have been experiencing a drastically different work environment. Thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. and around the world were deemed essential during the pandemic, and their production lines haven’t stopped. They’ve continued to produce essential goods that the global community relies on — from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and cleaning supplies we use in our homes. As some manufacturers increased output and others reconfigured operations to satisfy...
Thursday, January 14, 2021
The world as we all knew it changed earlier this year with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seemingly overnight, everything that we used to think was normal had changed, and things that once were deemed impossible for the workplace became the “new normal.” Now, seven months later, most of us have gotten used to this “new normal” — embracing the work-from-home lifestyle, using new technology, wearing masks, social distancing, and connecting virtually. But what comes next? Eventually this pandemic will end, a vaccine will be readily available, and we will attempt to return back to our “normal” lives. But...
Monday, January 11, 2021
Alma Flor Ada’s ribbon cutting ceremony was held in August 2020 and officially opened its doors the following month, therefore creating new opportunities for Woodbury families to have bilingual preschool education and cultural exposure.
Read full article.
Thursday, January 07, 2021
The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce announced three new members to the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors: Sarah Jesperson, Nathan Pulscher and Annette Sallman.
Annette Sallman
Annette Sallman is the director of community education for Stillwater Area Public Schools. She has more than 25 years of experience in education.
After joining the Stillwater school district in 2004, Annette served in several roles before assuming the director’s position in 2014. Although she does not live in Stillwater, she considers it her community. In addition to her work from the school district, she is a board member for...
Wednesday, January 06, 2021
Below, is a summary of the Governor's Latest Executive Order which includes the reopening of bars and restaurants at a limited capacity.
In summary, the new Executive order goes into effect at 11:59 pm on Sunday, Jan 10th and is as follows:
Bars and restaurants can resume indoor dining at 50% capacity, 150 people maximum.
Tables of six people, six feet between tables.
Bar seating is open to parties of two
Reservations are required
Establishments must close dine-in service by 10 p.m.
Gym capacity remains at 25% with an increase to 150 people...
Saturday, January 02, 2021
“She looked so good on paper.”
Sound familiar? In your haste to fill an open position to keep your company running smoothly, you make a hiring decision that turns out to be a big mistake.
If this is the case, you are certainly not alone, and the problem isn’t a lack of judgment. A US Chamber of Commerce Foundation study released earlier this year confirms what many of us on the front lines of recruiting candidates already know: There is a skills gap in the current labor market. The study found 48% of respondents lamenting that candidates lack the skills to fill the...
Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Driving north through Forest Lake’s downtown, one might not think twice about the historical significance of Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive. On the surface, the 20-year-old funeral home and cremation service facility gives no hint of its long tenure here. It is a modern-looking facility that speaks to current times.
But long is its history. This year marks the 100th anniversary for the funeral home in Forest Lake, and its roots go even deeper in Washington County’s history. The business relocated here from Scandia in 1920 after serving families there for many years.
In a century...
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) shared an important update on new federal stimulus legislation.
This new legislation, recently passed by Congress, may impact the unemployment benefits for Minnesotans. Effective Dec. 27, 2020, the legislation will provide:
11 more weeks of benefits under the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program.
11 more weeks of benefits under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.
A $300 per week supplemental payment to anyone receiving unemployment benefits from any program.
A new program called Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides a $100 per week supplemental payment...
Friday, December 25, 2020
Tyler Rohr, DDS will soon be offering dental services to the community of Woodbury at his new office, City’s Edge Dental Care, 4021 Benjamin Drive in Woodbury. The family dental practice is set to open on, Jan. 15.
Rohr and his dental team the opportunity to provide the most up-to-date procedures and services to their patients, according to a press release from the dentist’s office. City’s Edge Dental Care will offer routine cleanings and simple fillings to more in-depth restorative and cosmetic services.
Read full article.
Thursday, December 17, 2020
HUGO — The Cattle House Grill proposal for Egg Lake’s western shore is no more, but a new concept has been proposed.
The City Council has approved a purchase agreement, subject to review by the city attorney and financial adviser, for the city-owned property across Highway 61 from City Hall. Denny Trooien, of Dennis Properties LLC, would like to develop the property along the lake with uses such as a restaurant, retail and office.
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) has agreed that the concept generally meets the development criteria the city has for the property and directed city...
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Our attitudes about food and beverage influence the brands we purchase, how we socialize, where we shop — and sometimes even where we live. Our expectations are high when it comes to product mix and availability. When our wants and needs are not met quickly, as was the case at the start of the pandemic, we are highly dissatisfied.
While food transport has been occurring for centuries, modes of delivery, advances in food safety, and time-sensitive supply chains have evolved to meet the changing desires of consumers across increasingly broad geographies. Often, new trends become ingrained habits that can...
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
This year has been hallmarked by re-evaluation. On all levels, people have taken a second look at their habits, spaces, and lifestyles and have had to adjust greatly to meet the new needs of today. With safety as a priority, people entered their homes in March, and most have not returned to a “normal” lifestyle.
On a macro-level, spaces must be reimagined in order for people to return safely and once again participate in day-to-day activities without fear of getting sick or infecting others. One solution is moving traditionally indoor spaces outdoors. The office is a great example of...
Monday, December 14, 2020
E-commerce has exploded in recent years, but as COVID-19 emerged the sector has seen unprecedented growth. While many industries battled disruptions, e-commerce provides opportunity. E-commerce and logistics companies are accelerating planned innovation and restructuring initiatives to stay ahead of the curve — if that’s even possible — spurring the implementation of three to five years of advancements in a span of just five months to keep up. It’s akin to upgrading the jet while traveling at Mach speed.
This significant growth in online sales shows no signs of slowing, with Deloitte forecasting e-commerce sales to increase by 25–35 percent year-over-year during...
Monday, December 14, 2020
In recent years, geopolitical and economic trends have been encouraging pharmaceutical drug manufacturers to shift their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) sourcing and physical manufacturing plants onto domestic soil or near-shore locations. This has been a gradually turning tide that accelerated this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, in its wake, a presidential Executive Order requiring all essential medicines to be manufactured within the United States. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet disclosed the list of essential medications, it has become apparent that having a strategy for the reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing is crucial...
Friday, December 11, 2020
many face shortages of appropriately skilled workers to keep their tech-savvy factories competitive.
A 2018 report by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Instituteestimated the manufacturing industry would have as many as 2.4 million jobs to fill by 2028. Last year, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reported in 3rd Quarter 2019 that the top concern among manufacturers was the inability to attract and retain a quality workforce.
Stephen Gold, president/CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI), recently wrote in IndustryWeek that the skills gap today isn’t so much about a lack of STEM majors, but companies foregoing investment in...
Friday, December 11, 2020
AD: How has COVID-19 changed the employee experience in manufacturing, and what facets of this should organizations retain going forward?
Zenk: Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, employees have been experiencing a drastically different work environment. Thousands of manufacturers across the U.S. and around the world were deemed essential during the pandemic, and their production lines haven’t stopped. They’ve continued to produce essential goods that the global community relies on — from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and cleaning supplies we use in our homes. As some manufacturers increased output and others reconfigured operations to satisfy...
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Roger Green is known for giving his time and efforts to the community, twice receiving the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year award.
Nominated by fellow community members, the Citizen of the Year award recognizes active individuals who bring significant value to the area through their own personal commitment to making Woodbury a more welcoming, functional and philanthropic place.
“It is really important to our organization to recognize the businesses and the people who make this community in sync,” president of the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Laurie Staiger says. “Woodbury is the way that it is because of...
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Leading a successful site and facility master plan challenges even the most seasoned leaders. After all, how often have you undertaken a master-planning process, only to be disappointed in the outcome, or worse yet, end up with a building that doesn’t align with your business goals? Based on over 30 years of working with manufacturing organizations, we have identified several master-planning process “must haves” that are vital to achieving successful, actionable and, most importantly, implementable site and facility master plans.
With construction cost trending upward at a rate of 3 to 5 percent annually — and an industry focused...
Wednesday, December 09, 2020
The bright lights of Broadway beckoned Samantha Zack of Hugo as soon as she graduated from high school, and the talented dancer spent 13 years in show business in New York City.
Zack, 33, has been back home for a year now, and opened Full Circle Fitness this past July. She feels her life in dancing serves her well to help clients.
“I’ve been dancing since I was 2, and dancers have the best body awareness in general,” she said. “I’ve been teaching kids to work on themselves since I was 13. Dancers are training in front of a...
Tuesday, December 01, 2020
WOODBURY, MN — Woodbury is among the best "small cities" in Minnesota, according to a new report. The town is in the 94th percentile of those ranked in a new study from WalletHub.
"No two small cities are made equal, though, so which ones outshine the rest? To find out, WalletHub compared more than 1,200 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000 based on 43 key indicators of livability," the report reads.
"They range from housing costs to school-system quality to restaurants per capita. Read on for the winners, additional insight from our panel of experts and a...
Tuesday, December 01, 2020
Steve Grove is trying to help. Really. Grove, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), knows that the pandemic economy has been tough for many Minnesotans. Among the many hats he wears, Grove serves as a cheerleader for current job openings in the state.
The big picture numbers are not pretty. Since March 16, nearly 1.1 million Minnesotans have filed applications for unemployment insurance. Weekly filings have been increasing again lately as the Covid-19 crisis continues to deepen. DEED’s most recently monthly employment statistics report showed that Minnesota is still down 187,897 jobs from October...
Monday, November 30, 2020
It’s natural to expect more data center capacity is needed to handle the boom in e-commerce, streamed programming and virtual meetings since the pandemic arrived. But there’s another subset of screen-based transactions that requires that expansion too.
Statista reports there are an estimated 2.7 billion video gamers around the world in 2020. The largest proportion of these gamers, some 55% or 1.5 billion players, live in the Asia Pacific Region. North America, with 8%, claims just over 200 million gamers. Total prize money in 2018 for e-sports was $1.5 billion, with the 2018 League of Legends World Championship Finals...
Friday, November 27, 2020
The Greater Stillwater Chamber will start selling Commerce Chamber Bucks as part of a gift-certificate program to support Stillwater area businesses during the pandemic.
Chamber Bucks are gift certificates sold by the Chamber of Commerce and are redeemable to purchase merchandise, food, or service at any participating member’s business. A list of participating businesses on the Chamber of Commerce website and on the brochure itself when you purchase the Chamber Bucks.
Read full article.
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
St. Paul - As Minnesota takes necessary steps to battle COVID-19, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is encouraging Minnesotans to shop and eat local this holiday season.
In particular, helping your favorite local restaurants and eateries by ordering takeout is a simple way to support vital, beloved local businesses while enjoying a delicious meal in your own home. It’s a great way to help these businesses weather the impacts of the pandemic.
“The best way to help your local restaurants weather this time is by ordering takeout whenever you can,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “They...
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
The Minnesota Veterans Virtual Career Fair is over, but the resources offered and connections made through the online event are continuing to benefit current and former military members and their spouses, as well as Minnesota employers. Here's what we've heard from two participating employers, 3M and Andersen Windows and Doors, both gold sponsors of the event.
“As a fellow veteran, and 3M hiring manager, it is wonderful to be part of a local event that encourages companies to highlight opportunities for veterans,” said Jennifer Loveland, Enterprise Operations Black Belt and member of 3M’s employee resource group. “At the same time, it creates a central place...
Monday, November 23, 2020
In the wake of the pandemic’s effects on air travel, Maplewood-based 3M Co. has teamed up with California-based Safran Cabin to design and create safer and cleaner aircraft interiors.
Safran Cabin produces jet cabin interiors with components including overhead bins, lavatories, galleys, and more. The company has 25 sites across the globe, operates in 10 countries and has more than 9,500 employees.
3M’s aerospace division already produces a range of adhesives, films, and sealants used in aircraft design. The company’s Transportation and Electronics business segment accounted for $9.6 billion in sales in 2019; that translated to 29.9 percent...
Monday, November 23, 2020
Business life in the era of Covid has elements of both crisis management and an endurance trial. How can your business join the ranks of those that are succeeding in this environment? LJ Suzuki, founder and fractional CFO at CFOshare and I recently dissected this question together, with an eye toward the actionable steps you should be taking now–and the potholes you need to avoid.
Micah Solomon, Senior Contributor, Forbes; Customer Service Turnaround Expert and Consultant: It’s been several quarters since Covid began to make inroads into the economy; how are small businesses faring?
LJ Suzuki, Founder and Fractional CFO at CFOshare: The small businesses within...
Monday, November 23, 2020
With over 320,000 jobs, Manufacturing is Minnesota’s 2nd largest-employing industry sector. One of the top-employing occupations in this industry happens to be assemblers and fabricators. In fact, according to DEED’s Occupational Employment Statistics data, there are over 31,700 assemblers and fabricators employed in the state. Such workers are employed in a wide variety of areas, including everything from transportation equipment manufacturing to computer and electronic product manufacturing to medical equipment and supplies manufacturing.
Simply put, assemblers and fabricators assemble finished products and the parts that go into them. More specific tasks may include reading and interpreting schematics and blueprints, positioning...
Monday, November 23, 2020
First, I’d just note that we gathered state leaders, partners and startups from across the state last week for a virtual event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Launch Minnesota, a program designed to accelerate startups. You can find out more in Launch Minnesota’s First-Year Progress Report.
I’d like to share a message I wrote – which appeared in the Star Tribune on Sunday – about the importance of our startup community to Minnesota’s economic recovery.
To say that 2020 has been a challenging year for the Minnesota economy would be an understatement. In the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we lost a...
Monday, November 23, 2020
Like thousands across the country, Washington County small businesses have faced severe economic hardship during 2020. Unlike ever before, local businesses need the help of their communities. There is no time like the present, beginning with Small Business Saturday on November 28, to recognize local small businesses for the positive contribution they make to our lives.
Washington County communities are tight-knit and its residents know it is possible to make a considerable economic impact during the COVID-19 crisis by supporting local small businesses. American Express indicates two-thirds of every dollar spent at small businesses in the U.S. stays in...
Friday, November 20, 2020
St. Paul – This week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) hosted a virtual event to celebrate Minnesota’s startup community and Launch Minnesota’s first anniversary. Participants included two state legislators, six startups and seven partners from across the state who are part of the Launch Minnesota Network.
Launch Minnesota is a statewide collaborative effort to accelerate the growth of startups and amplify Minnesota as a national leader in innovation. It began last year with bipartisan approval and funding from the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Tim Walz.
“This investment in our innovation ecosystem helps our state’s economy both now and...
Friday, November 20, 2020
Minnesotans donated a record $30.4 million to nonprofits and schools during the annual Give to the Max campaign, surpassing the previous record of nearly $22 million set in 2019.
GiveMN Executive Director Jake Blumberg said donors gave money to more than 6,100 organizations, which is also a record.
"What we were hoping donors would do and what we directly asked over and over again for donors to do was to expand their generosity this year," he said.
Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank received more than $900,000 in donations. That was the most money given to a single organization this...
Friday, November 13, 2020
Being a Workforce Strategy Consultant is all about making connections and developing solutions to help employers find the employees they need to grow and thrive in Minnesota. One of the most exciting projects that I have been working on is Hello Iron Range! a talent attraction website designed to promote the Iron Range and help businesses recruit and retain talent to the region. My partner in this project has been Beth Pierce, Executive Director from Iron Range Tourism.
The project was funded with support from the Blandin Broadband Initiative and the Iron Range Tourism Bureau. The purpose of the site...
Friday, November 13, 2020
Woodbury has taken the first step in developing a new area of the city — with a new headquarters for a 3M spinoff company.
Kindeva Drug Delivery plans to build a 136,000-square-foot facility northeast of Settlers Ridge Parkway and Hudson Road. It will be the first development in the city’s Northeast Area, a 400-acre site along Interstate 94. The building, on 9.5 acres, would house offices, a warehouse, and a light-industrial facility.
“We are all very excited to do this, especially in these trying times,” said John Price, Kindeva’s Global Marketing Communications manager.
Click here for the...
Thursday, November 12, 2020
No company can reach its business goals without a qualified and dedicated workforce. As new technologies emerge, on-job training programs have become increasingly useful to enhance both employees’ soft and practical skills. But learning at work can go beyond formal training. Businesses should get creative so that employees are constantly developing their skills.
The Benefits of Ongoing Training
While most companies invest in costly recruitment processes to attract the right candidates, their efforts on employee engagement and education often fall short. Without any type of incentives or supportive programs, it's easy for employees to feel overlooked and unappreciated...
Wednesday, November 04, 2020
The Ruelas brothers have been in the restaurant business for nearly 15 years. With experience under their belt, they began working toward opening their own restaurant. For the past four years, they have been the owners of Rancho Loco in Cannon Falls. But now they are looking for something closer to home.
“We wanted to open our own place, and it’s [the Cannon Falls location] been open for almost four years and it’s been doing good,” Ramon said. “We do have plenty of people that are helping us a lot down there and we wanted to have something closer...
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
The COVID-19 Pandemic has led American manufacturers to reevaluate their standard business practices due to supply chain disruptions and delayed product deliveries. The last four decades have seen companies offshore manufacturing operations overseas in order to save costs. But as those savings shrink in the current economic climate, companies are now turning to onshoring to recognize the benefits of proximity. This issue is not confined to specific industry segments, as 60% of U.S. manufacturing companies surveyed by Thomas have reported COVID-19 business disruptions.
Onshoring is the logical solution to reducing the risk of future disruptions and delays, at least...
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
The stratospheric rise of the cloud over the past few years caught many off guard and created an arms race among the cloud providers, with data center development underpinning the effort.
These cloud providers were anticipating ever-increasing demand for the cloud by globally creating a robust and redundant network of massive data centers tethered together through a network of smaller data centers and fiber connection locations. Data centers that service other segments of the market (wholesale colocation, “edge,” and retail) were also riding the wave of increased demand. Little did we know a global pandemic would make data centers...
Monday, October 12, 2020
Apart from the tragic global health implications, the economic fallout from the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic has been highly disruptive. The longer-term impact from the profound behavioral shift on the part of consumers who have — by necessity — been introduced to online shopping will persist long after the current recessionary cycle ends.
While some new online shoppers will go back to their pre-COVID habits once the pandemic is behind us, many will be “sticky,” finding the convenience of online shopping too alluring. One recent survey finds that 46 percent of shoppers currently plan to continue buying online.
Read full...
Monday, October 12, 2020
In times of economic struggle — such as the recession that abruptly arrived with the COVID-19 pandemic — analysts and advocates promote an array of options as effective tools for stimulating the economy. One of the most frequently suggested options is infrastructure spending. Proponents of infrastructure spending during dire economic times view it as a productive job creator and essential foundation for a long-term recovery and return to sustained prosperity.
Brian Raff, director of Communications and Public Affairs for the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), cites a 2015 study by the Duke Center on Globalization, Governance, and Competitiveness to demonstrate...
Friday, October 09, 2020
Much has been written about the disruptions of COVID-19 on every line of business. In the realm of economic development, this has included a recommitment to retention and expansion programs, touting quality of life to capture the influx of remote workers, a rush to virtual site tours, and many other endeavors. All of these adjustments will play a part in a community’s success in the years to come. But it seems that when all of them are stacked up, they point to the foundation of a community — or to use a construction expression, they reveal whether a community has...
Friday, October 09, 2020
Minnesota pulls together in times of need. Here are companies we've found doing extraordinary things during this time.
Changing the Narrative: Encouraging Immigrant and Refugee Entrepreneurs
Red Wing Shoes Launches #LaborDayOn
Hope Breakfast Bar in St. Paul gives out thousands of free meals; is holding a free "prom drive-through"
Ranier distillery donates sanitizer to front-line workers on both sides of the border
Read full article.
Friday, October 09, 2020
As state economies struggle between surging cases of COVID-19 and intense pressure to reopen — albeit with varying degrees of restrictions — companies that reduced or halted operations in response to stay-at-home orders are torn between the urgent needs to both restore revenue streams and to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Since every location has a different dynamic and risk profile, creating a return-to-work strategy is complicated, whether a company operates in five locations or 500. The solution to developing a sound, portfolio-wide strategy includes having ready access to data, analytics, and insights, including regional and community-specific...
Thursday, October 08, 2020
For immediate evidence of disruptions in the automotive supply chain, you need to look no further than your local dealer. Many lots are nearly empty of new vehicles, with average dealer inventories across the U.S. far below the normal 50–60 days’ supply. How did this happen?
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic is a major part of the problem. When automotive production was abruptly halted in March, there were not any new vehicles being produced until early May. Even then, production has been proceeding in fits and starts. At the same time, consumers have continued to purchase vehicles, keeping auto...
Monday, October 05, 2020
Nestled between the Minnesota Twin Cities urban areas and the scenic bluffs of the St. Croix National Scenic River System, Washington County is an area popular with businesses for a number of unique advantages. Available commercial space, a skilled workforce, diverse communities and interwoven natural areas combine to offer a quality of life unmatched across the country.
Business Advantages
The foremost advantage Washington County offers business is an abundance of commercial and industrial land. Ranging in size from 5 to 300 acres, plots are located within 30 minutes of 18 Fortune 500 companies, including 3M’s world headquarters, BestBuy,...
Friday, October 02, 2020
The Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition is launching its Minnesota Speed Test Initiative.
The Chair of the MN Rural Broadband Coalition, Vince Robinson, spoke about the lack of broadband in rural Minnesota and how it hampers citizen’s ability to participate in telework, distance learning, and telehealth.
After collecting data from those who voluntarily participate in the speed test, the MN Rural Broadband Coalition will be able to update its current mapping of broadband speeds. This allows the coalition to get a clearer picture of broadband connections outside of the metropolitan area.
Read full article.
Thursday, October 01, 2020
Cody Kaye of Afton understands all too well the phrase “you only live once.” In fact, after nearly losing his life in a rollover utility terrian vehicle (UTV) accident in 2012 when he was just a teenager, Kaye became passionate about planting grapevines, as a business, but also as a legacy, something that would remain long after he is gone.
Kaye grew up in a big yellow house in Afton. His love for that home and his hometown are part of the story behind Yellow House Vineyard, a business Kaye launched in 2013. Tucked in its own micro-climate between...
Thursday, October 01, 2020
Serving up scoops of premium gourmet ice cream for over 80 years, Bridgeman’s Ice Cream Parlor has become a sweet staple in the land of 10,000 lakes. Although the parlor now sells primarily wholesale through local family-owned markets and grocers, Bridgeman’s was once a brick-and-mortar ice cream dynasty with over 100 storefronts across the state.
In addition to their original flagship shop in Duluth and as an ode to those good ole days, Bridgeman’s is bringing back the iconic ice cream parlor feel to the Woodbury community. With glass sundae boats and tin cups, house-made soda pop and fresh...
Thursday, October 01, 2020
As a stay-at-home mom for nearly 15 years, Jessica Stegbauer, owner and creator behind Rusty7s, was looking for a way to get in touch with her artistic side. Not knowing exactly what she wanted to do, she eventually transformed her fun hobby of creating fun-spirited, humorous and quirky signs into a full-time job.
“I have always been a very creative-mind person,” she says. “[Art] is endless and there is so much you can do.”
Stegbauer began creating these pieces in an open farmhouse space that was worn down and tattered. Drawing inspiration from her surroundings and as a...
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
No sector now is more active than logistics, and there is no busier niche within it than cold chain for grocery and medical needs. The busiest companies within that niche, before and since COVID-19, are automated logistics pioneers and the grocers they serve.
Digital Commerce 360’s 2020 Online Food Report, released in August, analyzes the top 1,000 food-dedicated retailers, as well as mass merchants with growing sales in the category — Walmart and Amazon represent more than 60% of the online grocery market, with Walmart having the biggest market share of online food in 2019 at 31%.
Read...
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
One of the most cliched statements in starting a small business is that “it takes money to make money”... but it is often true. Many businesses need an infusion of cash to buy essential components of their operations. For a pizzeria, that could be an industrial oven, and for a yard care business, that could be a commercial lawn mower.
A common funding practice many new business owners take is to use personal savings and start small by reinvesting profits into the business. This approach, known as bootstrapping, seems rooted in common sense, but can be restrictive to your...
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Do you audibly sigh every time you have to log on to what feels like your thousandth Zoom meeting of the day? You’re not alone. While we’re all more or less used to video calls and meetings being the norm now, the newly coined effect of Zoom fatigue hasn’t gone away.
Since working from home is here to stay, video calls are here for the long run too. This makes it incredibly important to find a way to prevent Zoom fatigue from taking over your workday. Here are a few ways you can mitigate its effects.
Read full...
Monday, September 28, 2020
We may be losing some of our best leaders to caregiving duties, and the pandemic is sending us backwards when it comes to gender equality.
Women’s careers often take a backseat when caregiving duties rise, and women are more vulnerable to job loss during an economic downturn. The research shows that pandemic is hitting women hard on both fronts.
Women are more than twice as likely as men to say they handle more than 50% of the caregiving and education responsibilities and 34% of working families are still without childcare coverage, according to Cleo’s State of Working Parents Study. A recent FlexJobs survey reports...
Thursday, September 24, 2020
HUGO — North Country Auto Body and Mechanical is now being run by a new partnership.
Owner Galen Carlson and longtime employee Mark Aanenson started a partnership so that Carlson can eventually retire. The two say that Carlson’s phase-out process from the business at Hwy. 61 and 140th Street will be a slow one.
Eventually, they will hire a painter to take Aanenson’s job so he can focus on learning from Carlson.
Carlson said even when he is gone, he will continue to make his presence known.
Read full article.
Monday, September 21, 2020
ST. PAUL – Minnesota business service firms expect mostly contracting conditions during the next four quarters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with slightly more than half (52%) anticipating a decline in consumer spending and corporate profits, according to a joint survey released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
Business services firms – such as engineers, accountants and architects – have a mixed outlook on their own profit projections over the next four quarters, with 49% expecting to see a drop, 34% expecting no change, and 17% anticipating an increase in...
Monday, September 21, 2020
Washington County is part of the Minnesota Technology Corridor and it has thousands of undeveloped lands on the interstate that already has broadband and utility access. The Twin Cities region is one of the largest and fastest-growing tech regions in the country. Washington County located just a few miles for the Twin Cities is the perfect place for tech companies to locate to due to available land, high speed broadband, low energy rates, and convenient interstate access.
In addition, Washington County is the 3rd fastest growing county in the state of Minnesota and is projected to continue to grow...
Thursday, September 17, 2020
The city of Forest Lake has designated $300,000 of the city’s $1.5 million allocation of CARES Act funds to be used as a grant program for local businesses and nonprofits.
The priority for funding is designated toward for-profit businesses and self-employed/home-based businesses on a first-come, first-served basis. Nonprofits will be funded after for-profit and self-employed businesses.
For-profit businesses or nonprofits registered as 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), or 501(c)(19) can apply for the grants. Entities must be established before Jan. 1, 2020, have a physical address in Forest Lake and be able to demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 on revenue...
Thursday, September 17, 2020
During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever to make sure we are using all the tools we have to serve Minnesotans looking for work. Data is a hugely important tool in the Workforce Development toolbox.
In order to help people know which jobs are in demand now, and are likely to be in demand for the foreseeable future, DEED's Labor Market Information (LMI) Office does weekly analysis of jobs posted in Minnesota. LMI does this by analyzing new listings in the state on the National Labor Exchange (NLx). We share this information in a public way on the Jobs...
Thursday, September 17, 2020
The past few months have been marked by uncertainty and unrest. Elected officials have done what they can to lead through a summer of civil unrest and continued pandemic fallout. But, more often than not, the burden of leadership has fallen on the business community. During these uncertain times, “employees are looking to businesses to lead,” noted Paul Marvin, CEO of The Marvin Cos., the Warroad-based maker of windows and doors.
In a TCB Talks virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, Marvin joined Delta Dental of Minnesota CEO Rodney Young and Pentair Executive VP and Chief Human Resources Officer Kelly Baker to...
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
AD: Will more companies be re-shoring or near-shoring as a result of the global pandemic?
Jensen: For certain, most companies are closely examining the options available to them to avoid future supply chain interruptions. Part of the challenge of making a decision on a future sourcing direction is that this story isn’t over. As the pandemic progresses, every week, sometimes every day, brings new information to light regarding risks associated with both the supply available for companies to transact business, as well as the fluctuations in the demand associated with their specific product offerings. It is very safe to say that...
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Workplace bias takes many forms, but the result is always the same – exclusion of members of the workforce from experiences and opportunities for which they are qualified. We all have hidden biases, and they can prevent businesses from leveraging the talents and perspectives of all members of their workforce.
Throughout this series, we’ve given examples of how and where bias often shows up in the workplace, why it is important to examine and how to minimize it. But how do we know if what we’re doing is enough? Hopefully by examining bias, we are learning more about ourselves,...
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
In times of economic struggle — such as the recession that abruptly arrived with the COVID-19 pandemic — analysts and advocates promote an array of options as effective tools for stimulating the economy. One of the most frequently suggested options is infrastructure spending. Proponents of infrastructure spending during dire economic times view it as a productive job creator and essential foundation for a long-term recovery and return to sustained prosperity.
Read full article.
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Few implications of the COVID-19 pandemic are as consequential to global manufacturers as disruptions to their supply chains. For many, this is the most consequential by far. Supply chains are always a work in progress as such market variables as transportation costs, tariffs and trade agreements force logistics managers to tweak their supply chains a little here, a lot over there and everywhere in between. That’s under normal conditions. Add a global health pandemic originating in the world’s second largest economy and the largest in industrial output, and it’s a whole new ballgame.
Read full article.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
As the coronavirus pandemic disrupted global supply chains, a new report released in April by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) urged the U.S. government to develop a national industrial strategy to strengthen the competitive position of advanced, traded-sector industries that are “too critical to fail.”
“Even before this pandemic, China posed an unprecedented competitiveness challenge in the advanced industries that are most critical to America’s economic wellbeing and national security,” said ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson, the report’s author and a past contributor to Site Selection.
Read full article.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
The Brookings Institution hosted a webinar on June 10 titled “Mitigating the Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in Rural Areas.” Moderator Tracy Hadden Loh, a Brookings Institution Fellow, engaged three experts on rural economies in looking back at the pandemic’s effect on two small towns and across rural America, and how recovery steps are taking shape. The panelists were Lindsey Dotson, executive director of the Main Street Downtown Development Authority in Charlevoix, Michigan; Todd Wolford, executive director of Downtown Wytheville, Inc., Wytheville, Virginia; and Matt Wagner, vice president of revitalization programs at the National Main Street Center.
Read full article.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Beset by the COVID-19 pandemic and its recessionary shocks, companies across the globe are paring workforces at alarming rates. In the United States alone, some 40 million workers had filed jobless claims by the end of May, with the biggest losses occurring in the leisure and hospitality, professional business services, retail trade and manufacturing sectors.
Driven, however, by the expectation of long-term social distancing, the remote economy is soaring, as is the demand for technology workers, especially engineers.
Read full article.
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
Somewhere between your umpteenth Zoom meeting of the month and the latest webinar on the economic impacts of COVID-19, this thought probably crossed your mind: “How long will I be working from home?”
While an exact answer to that question still eludes most companies, the effects of remote working are starting to come sharply into focus.
Read full article.
Monday, September 14, 2020
Indemnification provisions are an important part of the fine print of many contracts. These clauses generally operate to protect one party against the other party’s actions or failures to act that lead to a loss claimed by a third party (not a party to the contract). A common example is the indemnification provisions (or entire agreements) used in the rental car setting. Before you drive off the lot, the rental car company will require you indemnify (or protect) it against a third party (not you) bringing a claim due to your being in an accident.
Read full article.
Monday, September 14, 2020
While APP involves a modest amount of additional upfront time for planning, the investment pays significant dividends throughout the project — and at the most critical times. Detailed planning is executed in advance, enabling the project team and stakeholders to discuss project objectives, prioritize needs, and examine costs from the very outset. This relieves some of the reactive urgency surrounding these decisions, when such issues are addressed amid the thin margins associated with not only time but also the cost of business today. Using APP, facilities that have inevitable downtime related to modifications can plan more efficiently.
Read full...
Monday, September 14, 2020
The last several years of corporate site selection have been influenced by many trends. Among these are corporate tax cuts, a red-hot industrial real estate market, the explosion of e-commerce, increasing trade protectionism, record economic growth and, in a stunning reversal, a global health pandemic and recession. It seems the ever-shifting tide of global and domestic affairs can be confusing at best and downright frightening at worst to corporate executives evaluating where to locate their next headquarters, newest manufacturing plant, or distribution center. Risk and uncertainty have never seemed higher, and without looking deeper and thinking differently, it can be...
Monday, September 14, 2020
Washington County’s Community Development Agency (CDA) has access to programs to help businesses succeed in the county. It is the county’s mission to make it as easy as possible to do business in Washington County. These incentive programs are offered to business and investors who want to do business here.
The CDA can help with access to tax advantages, financial and tax incentives, workforce data, demographic information, personalized support, and other local resources like access to grant and funding program options. Washington County also has the 3rd lowest property taxes compared to all other counties in the state, making...
Friday, September 11, 2020
The global pandemic has upended the labor market and dramatically and suddenly reversed U.S. economic expansion. COVID-19, especially, has caused U.S. manufactures to face unprecedented labor challenges.
With COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, these shortages are escalating. Many factories have shuttered to protect workers and prevent COVID-19’s spread. Even before this global crisis, in 2018 Deloitte had already projected that manufacturers would face shortages of some 2.4 million workers through 2028.
Read full article.
Friday, September 11, 2020
We live in a day and age of technology with devices that can do an immense range of tasks, allowing us to do things like work smarter and quicker as well as stay connected and communicate across physical boundaries or barriers. Using a broad range of knowledge and skills in data processing and network administration, Computer Systems Analysts contribute to technological advances by implementing new or improving existing computer systems in science, engineering and business.
Computer Systems Analysts are one of the highest in-demand occupations in the state, with hiring activity picking up in recent months. Demand for this occupation was also shown...
Friday, September 11, 2020
Newly dispersed work teams are facing new challenges. During the early months of the global pandemic, more than three-quarters of organizations reported 80 percent or more of their employees were working from home, according to a global survey on workplace re-entry.
While workplace mobility isn’t new, the scale of remote work has accelerated digital transformation, with rollout timelines shrinking from years to weeks. Workflows have also been upended as employees try to adopt new tools as part of their daily routines.
Read full article.
Thursday, September 10, 2020
Throughout August and September, Twin Cities Business is hosting online conversations with executives from each of the 10 companies that received our 2020 Minnesota Manufacturing Excellence Awards. You can register here for free to join us live at noon every Tuesday and Thursday through Sept. 17. And if you missed one, catch up now:
Protolabs
Protolabs president and CEO Vicki Holt talks about how manufacturers across the country have collaborated on best practices during the Covid-19 crisis and how quick actions on the part of her own team set the company up to respond to new and growing applications for digital printing...
Thursday, September 10, 2020
As corporate decision-makers develop their business strategies for the future, the markets they consider are rapidly changing. This dynamic trend was already in place before the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic as businesses sought to alleviate concentration risk. With the unprecedented impacts on the global economy of the current public health crisis, however, the search for alternative locations has taken on new urgency and quickly became a priority.
Read full article.
Thursday, September 10, 2020
As Angie Dickison formally steps into her role as Executive Director of DEED's Office of Broadband Development, she is traveling across the state to boost awareness of initiatives designed to help Minnesota achieve its goal of border-to-border high-speed internet access.
Angie was appointed to this position by Governor Tim Walz, but has been filling this role in an interim capacity while serving as broadband development manager since July 2019.
Read full article.
Wednesday, September 09, 2020
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is excited to announce Catalina Valencia as our new director of Business Development. Catalina, who has 20 years of professional business development experience in a broad range of settings, joins DEED on September 9 and will lead a team of six business development managers and other support staff who work with companies of all sizes to help them locate and expand in communities across Minnesota.
Catalina comes to DEED from Greenville, South Carolina where she ran her own site selection and economic development consulting firm. Prior to that, she worked for...
Tuesday, September 08, 2020
As the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) continues to highlight Workforce Development Month and celebrate our staff and partners who are committed to helping career seekers find employment, we want to take a moment to recognize just how much our job seeker services have changed in the past six months.
Prior to COVID-19, most of DEED's work with job seekers was done face-to-face in our CareerForce locations across the state. The pandemic required us to make changes in how we provide services to protect the health and safety of customers and staff and slow the spread of...
Monday, September 07, 2020
Data is key and if you need up-to-date data on Washington County - we have it! From high level data like the fact that Washington County is located in Central Minnesota just 10 minutes from the Twin Cities, and is the 3rd fastest growing county in Minnesota, to tax rates and workforce data - you can find it here!
The county’s website has put together a detailed profile of the county complete with demographic information to make it easier for site selectors to choose a location that fits their business needs. Demographics such as total population, population growth rate,...
Thursday, September 03, 2020
There are many entry-level jobs in demand now that put Minnesotans on a career path to family-sustaining employment.
This week in our Jobs in Demand series, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is focusing on entry-level health care and social assistance jobs that, with additional training and certification, can help people move down a career path toward greater responsibilities with higher wages. In many cases, employers provide or pay for training leading to career advancement for dedicated employees.
Getting an in-demand job and growing in that career may require training to develop new skills before you...
Wednesday, September 02, 2020
So you, as an employer, have successfully implemented a recruiting strategy focused on increasing diversity and inclusion in your workforce. Your employee base is different from five years ago. It now includes more individuals of color, women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTQ, and workers of all ages and body types. It is the hope of management that – along with a more diverse workforce – employee longevity is one of the benefits. Retention is as important for employers as developing a strong recruiting strategy that attracts applicants with the right skills in the first place.
What...
Tuesday, September 01, 2020
Woodbury’s class of 2021 is busier than ever, juggling classes and clubs with sports and jobs. But they all have their favorite things, too—favorite memories, subjects, people and actors—and things that might just surprise their peers. We sat down with a few of Woodbury’s rising seniors to find out a little bit more about their life inside, and outside, the classroom.
Read full article.
Tuesday, September 01, 2020
Woodbury’s class of 2021 is busier than ever, juggling classes and clubs with sports and jobs. But they all have their favorite things, too—favorite memories, subjects, people and actors—and things that might just surprise their peers. We sat down with a few of Woodbury’s rising seniors to find out a little bit more about their life inside, and outside, the classroom.
Read full article.
Tuesday, September 01, 2020
Woodbury’s class of 2021 is busier than ever, juggling classes and clubs with sports and jobs. But they all have their favorite things, too—favorite memories, subjects, people and actors—and things that might just surprise their peers. We sat down with a few of Woodbury’s rising seniors to find out a little bit more about their life inside, and outside, the classroom.
Read full article.
Tuesday, September 01, 2020
September is Workforce Development Month – and never in recent memory have investments in our state's workforce been more important. The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on jobs and employment in Minnesota. Our state's unemployment rate as of July is at 7.7%, down more than two percentage points from May, but still more than twice what it was in July 2019, when it was 3.2%.
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), and our workforce development partners throughout the state, are working to connect unemployed or underemployed Minnesotans during the pandemic with in-demand jobs at employers hiring...
Monday, August 31, 2020
Each day like clockwork, Noel Lovas will use his computer and link to the Minnesota Department of Health website daily report on the COVID-19 pandemic. On Fridays, his eyes go first to the weekly update on coronavirus outbreaks at congregate care facilities in the state.
His task has good reason. As executive director of Birchwood Senior Living, he’s in charge of making sure that Birchwood Health Care Center and its assisted-living facility, the Birchwood Arbors, remain free of the virus. And free of the virus it has remained.
Read full article.
Monday, August 31, 2020
When it comes to a great location to live or to build your business, Washington County has it all. With close proximity to the Minneapolis International Airport, as well as the close proximity to I-94 and 1-35 make traveling to and from the county easy.
In addition, Washington County is located only 10 minutes from Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and its surrounding metro area. This gives businesses the ideal location to access a large customer base. It also allows Washington County residents the opportunity to work at one of the 18 Fortune 500 companies in the area or other successful...
Thursday, August 27, 2020
The number of Minnesotans on unemployment has dropped faster in recent weeks than it has in any period since the pandemic began.
In the last week of July and first week of August, continued claims — which represent the number of people currently claiming unemployment benefits in Minnesota — dropped by 12 percent. New unemployment applications have also been on the decline in recent weeks.
Read full article.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Effective hiring and retention practices are key to effective leadership. The reality is that managers that hire well and that are able to keep talented employees produce better results. Replacing employees is time-consuming, expensive, and disruptive. Plus, when an employee leaves, it can impact the entire team and cause a ripple effect of unhappiness or turnover.
Read full article.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
As discussed in the first article of our series on Hidden Biases in the Workplace, we all have biases. It is critical that you are aware of your biases, especially when recruiting for your company.
Humans make decisions every 2.5 seconds: Should I get out of bed or hit snooze one more time? What should I wear today? Do I have time for breakfast? Should I email or call that person? Because of the fast pace of our society, people begin to use intuition for all decisions. This unconscious psychological behavior can lead to biases without our even realizing it...
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
With 700 million users, LinkedIn provides a massive opportunity for businesses to increase sales leads and revenue. In this video, the creator and host of “The Startup Story” shares tips for leveraging LinkedIn to start conversations with cold contacts, namely:
Research, learning more about the contact you’re reaching out to from their profile as well as other social media accounts
Requesting to connect, adding a personal message using the information you’ve discovered in your research and suggesting next steps
Read full article.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
When Hennepin County Commissioner Jan Callison thinks of the long saga known as the Southwest Light Rail Project, she said she thinks of the movie “The Princess Bride.”
The Princess Bride?
Specifically, the scene when Westley’s friends think he is dead and bring him to see the character Miracle Max, played by Billy Crystal: “It just so happens that your friend here is only mostly dead,” Max says. “There’s a big difference between mostly dead and all dead.”
Read full article.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
It’s almost as if the Minnesota State Fair is actually happening. The Fine Arts Exhibition will open in its usual place on the fairgrounds – with limited capacity (of audience, not art), but still. You’ll have to reserve a time slot and buy a ticket ($10). The first five nights (Thursday, Aug. 27-Monday, Aug. 31) are sold out, but plenty of tickets remain starting Tuesday, Sept. 1. Masks are required. FMI. Check the fair’s website for other events and opportunities to get in the mood, like a list of State Fair brews and beverages and where to find them. Plus the Star Tribune is hosting its...
Monday, August 24, 2020
Washington County offers convenient access to major employers. Over the past five years, between 2013 to 2018, Washington County’s total employment population grew by 14.8 percent. That’s twice as much growth as the overall statewide growth during that period of time, which was 7.0 percent.
Washington County’s employment growth rate can partially be attributed to its close proximity to major employers in the Twin Cities metro area. Located just 10 minutes from St. Paul, Washington County residents have the opportunity to work for some of the biggest employers in the state of Minnesota. Some of these major employers include...
Sunday, August 23, 2020
When it’s time to look for specialized expertise or hire a new professional services provider, why go it alone? Hundreds of Minnesota businesses have already blazed a trail for you. Tap into that collective knowledge to find a top-notch lawyer, data security expert, or commercial real estate broker and get excellent results from the best of the best.
Earlier this year we asked executives and business decision-makers for recommendations in common business service categories. TCB’s annual subscriber survey is based on the opinions of people like you who make key vendor decisions. Thanks to all those who shared their expertise...
Monday, August 17, 2020
St. Paul – The Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) today announced $122 million in loans and grants in the first half of 2020 for water and infrastructure projects in 24 communities throughout Minnesota.
“COVID-19 hasn’t postponed the need for Minnesotans to protect one of our most prized natural resources, our water,” said PFA Chair and Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Steve Grove. “These 24 projects will help local communities protect their waterways and prepare for future economic growth.”
Read full article.
Monday, August 17, 2020
The Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) website has recently created a section where site selectors, business owners, investors, and the general public can visit to keep up with local news. The news articles will focus specifically on economic development and business news in Washington County. This is a great way for locals to keep in touch with what is happening in their county. It is also a great way to promote successful business stories around the area and provide information for business owners that might help them be more successful. Click here to visit the website and stay up...
Thursday, August 13, 2020
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota-based 3M is reporting some positive news, saying that sales in July 2020 represented a 6% increase year-over-year.
The $2.8 billion in sales reported were driven in part by organic local-currency sales, which went up 3%. The other component of the increase was attributed to acquisitions.
Read full article.
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Workplace bias takes many forms, but the result is always the same—exclusion of members of the workforce from experiences and opportunities for which they are qualified. This is the first post in a series that will walk through addressing hidden biases in the workplace. We will start with identifying biases, move on to hidden biases in recruiting, selection and interviewing processes, following up with retention strategies, and ending with evaluation and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and efforts.
We all have biases. We ALL do. We are often tricked into thinking that we are much more rational and...
Tuesday, August 11, 2020
At the end of an arduous four-year process to open the business of their dreams, Christie Wanderer and Andrew Mosiman are ready to mark the occasion with a cocktail.
Fortunately for them, they won’t have far to go as they prepare to unveil the Forge and Foundry Distillery in downtown Stillwater.
The couple is planning a mid-August opening.
Read full article.
Monday, August 10, 2020
With the spike in online shopping, perhaps no job is better equipped to grow in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic than Light Truck/Delivery Drivers. Like in the job itself, getting started early provides an advantage, and reacting quickly to the shift toward online shopping and home delivery has created a huge opportunity for delivery drivers.
Many drivers start their days early in the morning loading trucks and planning their routes. For people who like a fast-paced and active work environment, this job provides a lot of benefits. However, it also requires some physically demanding work including lifting and sorting...
Monday, August 10, 2020
Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to grow? Washington County has teamed up with the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) to help local businesses receive the technical and financial resources that they may need to expand - including access to start-up funds.
The ‘Open to Business’ program provides local businesses the opportunity for loans and acquisition financing for real estate. The program also aids with business plans, financial projections, and loan applications. Technical assistance with other business operations which are also available upon inquiry. In 2018, 125 clients were served with nearly $400K being disbursed...
Friday, August 07, 2020
St. Paul – Governor Tim Walz issued a proclamation congratulating 23 cities, townships and counties across Minnesota as telecommuter-friendly communities and declared August 7, 2020 as Telecommuter Forward! Day in the State of Minnesota. The communities commit to coordinating and partnering with broadband providers, realtors, economic development professionals, employers, employees, and other stakeholders to promote the availability of telecommuting options in their region.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear how important it is for the state to support telecommuting capabilities,” said Governor Walz. “This initiative will help ensure options for remote work expand in our state, improving the quality of...
Monday, August 03, 2020
Washington County, MN, has numerous incredible communities, all with their own unique culture, dynamics, businesses, and local community demographics. The County’s economic development website has put together a detailed look at the demographics for communities in Washington County to give site selectors and businesses looking for a place to relocate a detailed overview of each community.
This includes detailed demographics on a community’s population, population growth rate, housing and income information, and workforce information which gives details on the businesses currently operating in the specified community. These demographics can assist site selectors in choosing the right community to locate...
Thursday, July 30, 2020
The lives of honeybees are miniscule and complex, but under Steve Woolstencroft’s magnifying lens, it’s easy to appreciate the elegant design of their mysterious lives.
“Everything’s in focus, no matter what you look at,” Woolstencroft said. “You can see parasites on the bees if they have them, the eggs in there, the stages of the larva and how they’re growing up to the stage just before they cap the cells off. It’s all crystal clear.”
The lens is a product of Woolstencroft’s own design. It’s made of ABS plastic, the same material as LEGO building blocks, and was...
Monday, July 27, 2020
Located just 10 minutes from downtown St. Paul, MN, Washington County has an abundance of affordable properties to choose from for businesses looking to locate in the county. Washington County’s Community Development Agency (CDA) website offers site selectors a unique tool to search through available properties using specific filters to give selectors the best available property options for their needs.
Site selectors have the option of searching the area by location or specific street address, by sale or lease type, by property category such as the type of building or property one is looking for, by size, and more!...
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Want to know with confidence that your elevator pitch will land? Would clarity and persuasion help you attract more clients, investors, mentors and sales? To maximize success in conversation, ensure you are following Grice’s maxims.
Twentieth-century British philosopher Paul Grice shifted the way we think about semantics and language. His maxims for conversation are part of his work on the cooperative principle, which states that when people engage with one another there are unspoken assumptions around how the conversation will unfold. Research tells us that we grasp the nuances of Grice’s maxims from an early age; a 2015 study found that children...
Monday, July 20, 2020
Washington County’s Community Development Agency (CDA) has put together an amazing aerial view video focused on showcasing the very best our county has to offer. This video is aimed at site selectors, business owners look for a location, and investors who are looking to invest in an economically viable area. The video also showcases the natural beauty of Washington County has to offer, including beautiful countryside, a riverside view, and unique architecture in our lovely communities. All just minutes away from the Twin Cities! To learn more about what business opportunities Washington County has to offer watch our new aerial...
Monday, July 13, 2020
Washington County has been growing and continues to grow into one of the best places for businesses to locate. Between 2013 to 2018, Washington County’s total employment population grew by 14.8 percent. That’s twice as much growth as the overall statewide growth during that period of time. Between 2017 and 2018 the county’s total rate of employment grew by 2.9 percent, making Washington County third for adding the most jobs in Minnesota this past fiscal year.
Washington County would like to invite developers, investors, and business owners looking for a location to follow our social media pages to stay...
Friday, July 10, 2020
Opened in July 2006, Angelina’s Kitchen has become a Woodbury mainstay. But 14 years after opening, almost everything about the Italian restaurant has changed.
Owner Angela Verrastro grew up in the Bronx, where her grandmother, Angelina, ran the neighborhood Italian grocer/luncheonette. “As I watched her taking care of her neighbors and family, my passion for good food took root in my heart,” she says.
Read full article.
Friday, July 10, 2020
Take a trip around the world by visiting these local spots, serving up cultural cuisine from Chinese and Japanese fare to Italian, Mexican, Cajun and Hawaiian eats.
Aloha Poke
Poke (pronounced “poh-kay”) is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from diced raw fish, and Chicago’s Aloha Poke was introduced to Woodbury in 2018. The City Place Market location dons the signature wall of bobbling hula dolls from Hawaii and features the signature favorite dish—the Crunch Bowl, filled with jalapenos, cucumbers, scallions, edamame, tobiko (fish roe) and tempura fried onions (the “crunch”), topped with spicy aioli and Samurai sauces. Customers looking for...
Friday, July 10, 2020
Join us in celebrating the winners of our 2020 Best Of Woodbury readers’ choice survey, and celebrate how marvelous it is to see our local businesses, amenities and community support each other.
Best Patio Dining
The Tavern Grill
Runners-up: Tamarack Tap Room, Angelina’s Kitchen
Read full article.
Thursday, July 09, 2020
Companies and communities are attempting to navigate through the current crisis, but as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, how will corporate location strategy be affected in the near and long term?
Recessionary Forces
The level of damage to the economy will depend on the spread of the virus, the healthcare response to the virus, and the effectiveness of the government stimulus and aid programs. This was clearly exemplified in the analysis and research completed by McKinsey & Company in “Safeguarding our lives and our livelihoods: The imperative of our time.” The accompanying graphic contains the group’s projection of the recovery...
Thursday, July 09, 2020
Recent trade battles with China, Mexico, Canada, and Europe have reduced trade flows. Now, with the outbreak of COVID-19 severely impacting international commerce, many argue that globalization will soon be dead.
Globalization is not dying. Rather, it’s evolving, and existing trends are accelerating. American companies and workers would be wise to prepare for what’s ahead.
Read full article.
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (WFM) makes grants, invests in research, creates cross-sector partnerships, and advocates for policies that seek to advance the status of women and girls, particularly females of color. WFM made grants of about $3.1 million in the year ending March 31, 2019, focusing on economic opportunity, leadership development, and personal and community safety for women and girls.
Read full article.
Wednesday, July 01, 2020
As urban hotels languish with locked doors or limp along with skeleton staffs and 10 percent occupancy, the region’s “up north” resorts are getting ready for a banner summer.
Say what?
Think of it this way: With people reluctant to get on a plane, yet stir-crazy from months at home, driving vacations will be the rage this summer. Even if it means being cooped up with the same people in even smaller quarters.
Read full article.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
When Minnesota’s largest utilities released plans for putting people to work during a sagging economy while also speeding up the state’s transition to green energy, solar energy topped two of the companies’ lists.
The June proposals by Xcel Energy and Minnesota Power, which include solar projects at four sites in Greater Minnesota, came at the urging of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, which had asked the big utilities it regulates to move up the completion dates of energy projects that were in the works.
Read full article.
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Shopping and eating local is easily accomplished at the Stillwater Farmers Market, which opened earlier in June with some modest adjustments to reduce risks related to the spread of COVID-19.
The farmers market, located adjacent to the Stillwater Veterans Memorial in the parking lot at Third and Pine streets, started on June 13 and continues each Saturday through October from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
Read full article.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
For over a century, the E.J. Houle grain elevator has been the fixture of Forest Lake’s skyline, and for now, that skyline is set to stay. The business, Houle’s Feed Mill, is set for a sale closing date of Sept. 1 to Gertens, a Minnesota family-owned lawn and garden company that will keep the structure intact.
“It’s an iconic structure,” said Bob Muske of Re/Max Synergy, the listing agent for the property. “... When [Gertens] came up, it just felt right.” The sale includes the Stillwater business and the Forest Lake 3-acre lot on the southwest corner of Broadway...
Monday, June 22, 2020
St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grants totaling nearly $19 million for infrastructure and rehabilitation projects in 32 Minnesota cities.
SCDP grants are part of the Community Development Block Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The SCDP grants pay for rehabilitating housing and commercial buildings and updating public infrastructure in small cities and counties.
Read full article.
Saturday, June 20, 2020
If you have been gearing up to launch your startup app for quite some time, chances are you have given a lot of thoughts to the viability, validation, and potential of your idea, especially when it means the difference between success and failure.
Quantifying and qualifying your validation milestones will help you create a roadmap and benchmark by which you can evaluate your path while reducing your uncertainty, hesitation and doubt. Here are 8 of the most common signs indicating whether you have validated your startup app idea.
Read full article.
Friday, June 12, 2020
St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced $255,390 in Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants to 10 technology startups.
In this fourth round of grant funding, twelve grants were awarded: seven for business operations, three for housing and child care expenses and two Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) awards.
Read full article.
Friday, May 22, 2020
If you’ve been to a grocery store in recent weeks, you may have noticed the meat section looking a little picked over.
Then again, maybe not: while some stores have imposed limits on how much meat customers can buy, or have run out of some products, others haven’t seen much change in supply.
There’s no shortage of animals. But as COVID-19 has closed down or slowed down meat processing plants, the meat supply chain has been strained, making it more difficult to get animals processed and get the meat to the right places at the right time...
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $681,000 in grants to Alexandria, the Duluth Airport Authority and Elbow Lake.
“These grants will create jobs and expand economic development opportunities in the Greater Minnesota communities receiving these grants,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “This is an important investment as Minnesota’s economy begins to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 over the coming months.”
Read full article.
Friday, April 24, 2020
St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today that the agency has begun making Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments to people who are self-employed, independent contractors, and other eligible recipients who are not eligible for regular unemployment benefits. PUA is a new program that was authorized by Congress in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and signed into law on March 27, 2020.
“In less than one month, DEED’s unemployment insurance team has created the infrastructure to implement this brand new program, determine eligibility, prevent fraud and adapt...
Thursday, April 23, 2020
I, Tim Walz, Governor of the State of Minnesota, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable statutes, issue the following Executive Order: The COVID-19 pandemic presents an unprecedented challenge to our State. Since the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic on March 11, 2020, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Minnesota have rapidly increased. Minnesota has taken extraordinary steps to prevent and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 13, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-01 and declared a peacetime emergency because this pandemic, an act of nature, threatens the lives of Minnesotans,...
Thursday, December 12, 2019
The Forest Lake City Council approved on Dec. 9 a one-year listing of 123 acres of Headwaters property directly south of Headwaters Parkway between Fenway Avenue and Forest Boulevard as a potential site for the development of a data center. The list price is approximately $4.02 million.
Click here for the complete article.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
As the Stillwater Area School Distirct heads into the last year of it’s three-year strategic plan, the district’s World’s Best Workforce Community Advisory Committee works to give the school board its recommendations on how the district can meet state requirements.
Under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.11, school boards are to adopt a long-term, comprehensive strategic plan to support and improve teaching and learning. This plan addresses the following five goals: all children are ready for school, all third-graders can read at grade level, all racial and economic achievement gaps between students are closed, all students are ready for career and...
Thursday, December 05, 2019
The role of a chief operating officer (COO) can vary greatly from one business to the next. For Mary Bartlett, COO of Woodbury shared workspace The Reserve, her role entails “everything from running the day-to-day operations of three different locations, meeting new potential members, and building a vibrant community by connecting members and helping them grow their business,” she says.
Meanwhile, Garret Werner, COO of medical service supplier Picc Stat, describes his work as “overseeing strategic operations, ensuring that we have the staffing for hospitals ... everything personnel-focused.” Their individual roles differ, but both Bartlett and Werner are under pressure...
Tuesday, December 03, 2019
Dart Escape offers a Nerf gun arena for kids and adults, as well as around 50 virtual reality games.
Dart Escape provides the perfect place to go when you are looking to get your adrenaline pumping and run, jump and hide in a Nerf gun battle arena with friends and family. The game is similar to something like paintball or laser tag, only with the colorful foam darts that were ubiquitous in childhoods beginning in the 1970s.
“We wanted to be able to share the fun, and here we are,” owner Jason Wheeler says.
Read full article.
Monday, December 02, 2019
The Lake Elmo Inn has been serving up holiday traditions for more than 30 years.
When you see a little child come in, and their eyes go up to the ceiling in awe—that says Christmas every single time, according to John Schiltz, owner and chef at Lake Elmo Inn.
Since 1983, he and his staff have created a year-round dining experience that’s unlike others in the Twin Cities. A far cry from the days Schiltz lived upstairs and enlisted his regulars to help decorate, the restaurant has become a regional destination. And at Christmas, he and his wife...
Monday, December 02, 2019
A local chocolate artist received high marks at an international chocolate competition.
St. Croix Chocolate Company, based in Marine on St. Croix, took the gold for Best Overall Truffle Artistry in the International Chocolate Salon Awards’ 6th Annual Chocolate Truffle Artistry Awards.
The awards are based on the combined total number of votes received by each entrant from the judging panel, a group of representatives from national and regional magazines, newspaper and blog editors, chefs and chocolate experts.
Read full article.
Monday, December 02, 2019
The Meet Market is no more, and now it’s The Grillium.
Russ Rafi, of Vadnais Heights, purchased the bar and sandwich shop located on Broadway Avenue in June. Rafi said per the contract he worked out with the Meet Market, he operated the restaurant under the Meet Market name until November, at which point he was allowed to change the name.
Read full article.
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
We reached out to Minnesota employers and asked them why they specifically seek out veterans when they are hiring. Here’s what they said, in their own words:
"We have had veterans from all branches of service on the Mason Brothers Team. (I served in the USN from 89-09.) I always enjoy meeting veterans and hearing their story. Often they have the knowledge, skills and ability we are looking to add to our team. Veterans have the efficiency to work alone and the respect for procedures to add to the team effort. They have received the leadership training and possess the integrity to get the...
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
I had the honor to speak at a local business event in St. Cloud. The St. Cloud area, like many other parts of Minnesota, is experiencing demographic change. The dramatic demographic changes the city of St. Cloud and the surrounding area have experienced in the past few decades are requiring adjustments by all residents. And change can be hard.
Read full article.
Monday, November 25, 2019
Chipotle, the chain Mexican fast food restaurant, will be coming to Forest Lake by spring of 2020, according to Regina Wu, a media relations representative for the company. The restaurant will be taking over the section of the building on 12th Street West formerly occupied by Tim Horton’s, which was left vacant after the Canadian coffee and donut chain abruptly closed its recently-opened Minnesota locations in May. A crew is currently working on demolishing the inside of the Tim Horton’s restaurant to prepare for Chipotle. Chipotle is currently hiring for staff; interested parties can apply at chipotle.com/careers.
Read full article.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
DEED Commissioner Steve Grove attended the 2019 Tekne Awards, presented by the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA). Nearly 1,000 entrepreneurs, policy makers, educators and business leaders from across the state gathered for the annual awards ceremony, which celebrates innovation in Minnesota. Since 1998, the Tekne awards have been presented to Minnesota’s leading advanced manufacturing, IT, health care and agricultural technology firms, and entrepreneurs.
Commissioner Grove received an award for public service, along with Minnesota State Senator Eric Pratt, who serves as the Assistant Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee. Senator Pratt earned the Tekne Public Service Award...
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Ben Neumann is a unique combination of professional baker and professional mixed martial artist (MMA). As his website intro declares, "put the two together and you have possibly the most intimidating moniker in the fight game: 'Ben The Baker Neumann.'" Not.
The White Bear baker is kidding, of course. He enters the MMA fight cage wearing his baker's hat and carrying a rolling pin. "Other guys call themselves the 'Axe Murderer' or something crazy. I'm the baker; not intimidating at all," Neumann joked. Not that names matter. The unintimidating baker is among Minnesota's top 10 MMA fighters.
Read...
Thursday, November 14, 2019
It’s National Apprenticeship Week, a great time to raise awareness about the many benefits of apprenticeships to employers and workers.
The Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative (MAI) is a partnership between DEED and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) and is funded through a $5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Labor and continues through September 2020.
Read full article.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Labor force participation rate ticked up to 70.3% while the state added more than 7,000 new jobs
St. Paul – According to data released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.2% in October. The national seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for October increased to 3.6%.
Minnesota added 7,400 jobs in the month of October. Meanwhile, September’s employment growth was revised up to 1,600 jobs.
Read full article.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Work to demolish the BP gas station on Broadway Avenue on the east side of the Interstate Highway 35 exit began on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Developer Dan Regan of Launch Properties said the company is building a facility that will house a new Starbucks coffee shop location (not to replace the current Starbucks next to Cub Foods) and a new dental office. Construction is anticipated to be completed in June 2020.
Read full article.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
We invited startups and entrepreneurs to apply for Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants which target the most promising, innovative and scalable technology businesses in Minnesota. Now, we’re excited to announce that Launch Minnesota Education Grants are open to organizations who want to help catalyze our innovation ecosystem.
This is a new opportunity for qualified organizations throughout Minnesota, including higher education institutions, who want to be part of building up a innovation ecosystem – a network to support startups and energize the exchange of great ideas. We’re looking for organizations who have experience and success providing educational programming to high-tech startups and conducting outreach and...
Monday, November 11, 2019
Laura, a U.S. military veteran, contacted CareerForce in St. Paul for assistance when she unexpectedly was forced to resign from a position she had only been at for 2 ½ months. There, Laura met with Andrea Dunn, a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Representative, who helped Laura in identifying promising job leads, refreshing her resume and leveraging other job search resources.
Among those resources was a free trial upgrade on LinkedIn, where Laura connected with a recruiter. The recruiter urged her to apply for a position, Laura landed an interview, and a few days later she was offered a great job...
Friday, November 08, 2019
Minnesota tech startups can apply for funding to help their business take off
St. Paul – Launch Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED’s) new statewide collaborative effort to accelerate startups and amplify Minnesota as a leader in innovation, is now accepting grant applications online. The Innovation Grants are designed to advance the most promising, innovative and scalable technology startups in Minnesota.
“The leading businesses of today are the Fortune 500s of tomorrow,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “This program is an important investment in Minnesota’s future.”
Read full article.
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
The partnership will train more than 2,300 workers in high demand jobs throughout the state
St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded workforce development grants totaling nearly $3 million under the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP), which works with businesses and educational institutions to train or retrain workers, expand work opportunities and keep high-quality jobs in the state.
“There is no greater investment in our economic future than by investing in Minnesota workers,” said Governor Tim Walz. “And that’s exactly what businesses working with the MJSP are doing—investing in our workers.”...
Friday, November 01, 2019
Let’s recognize the vital role Minnesota’s new immigrants play in the economy and cultivate their skills to take on the high-demand careers of the future, writes Hamse Warfa, deputy commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
ST. PAUL — I have a personal perspective on the many contributions of foreign-born Minnesotans. Like many of the more than 70,000 of my fellow Minnesotans, I was born in Somalia.
My parents were entrepreneurs and we lived a good life in Mogadishu until the civil war broke out when I was 10. The violence forced us to flee...
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.
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%...
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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.
...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Wednesday, August 26, 2020