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2019
December
Saturday November 20, 2019 was declared Small Business Saturday by Minnesota Governor Walz. Launch Minnesota Director Neela Mollagaard spoke with Finance and Commerce about her first couple of months in the program. Minnesota farmers served up the most turkey in the nation according the Post Bulletin.
November
Holiday hiring in Minnesota is benefiting existing workers and giving expanded hours. The legislature is trying to get young Minnesotans into high-demand jobs with more workforce training. DEED received a Tekne award for being a leader in innovation.
Minnesota unemployment rate held steady in October. Launch Minnesota has started offering Innovation Grants to businesses. Employers consider more apprenticeships to fulfill their needs.
DEED honors Minnesota veterans. Uponor won the state international trade awards. Minnesota continues to experience a record high job vacancies rate.
Nov. 4
Commissioner Grove wrote about his experience on the One Minnesota Business First Stop Commissioners Tour. Minnesota students have the highest average ACT scores out of all students who take the test.
October
One Commissioners Tour was a success. DEED has awarded 10 grants totaling $1,425,000. Hiring people with disabilities can improve your bottom line.
Minnesota's unemployment rate dropped to 3.2%. DEED grants aim to reduce Southeast Asian economic disparities. The PFA awarded $9 million in grant funding.
Twin Cities Startup week is more diverse. Governor Walz met with executives from Upsher-Smith in Japan. Redevelopment Grants awarded to $2 million to projects in Minnesota.
Oct. 7
Launch Minnesota has officially started. Governor Tim Walz proclaimed Oct. 1-7 Minnesota Manufacturing Week. The Job Creation Fund awarded $3.6 million to five Minnesota communities.
September
DEED met with Governor Tim Walz to discuss a revamp of DEED's equity efforts. Mankato SBDC receives grant. Women owned businesses are growing 2x faster than all businesses nationwide.
State trade outposts where forced to scale back as businesses opt out of export growth. Minnesota's rebranded CareerForce is emphasizing getting workers to the right jobs.
Governor Walz declared September as Workforce Development Month. Minnesota leaders met business officials in Japan and South Korea. Three dozen Electrolux workers complete apprenticeship program.
Governor Walz travels to Asia to help establish trade. DEED is working to change the story on careers in rural Minnesota. September 16th-22nd is CareerForce Week.
Commissioner Grove visited Willmar and Northfield, and Minnesota faces a labor growth slowdown, DEED data helps explain why.
August
Governor Walz announces trade trip with Japan and South Korea. In a tight labor market, Greater Minnesota businesses think creatively about how to hang on to workers.
The Commissioner writes about the importance of farming to the state's overall economy. Unemployment was 3.4% in July. And DEED has two new hires
DEED has a new plan to measure results, Neela Mollgaard was named the Executive Director of Launch Minnesota, and DEED is looking for a new Business Development Office Executive Director.
Minnesota Teenagers are taking advantage of the strong Job Market. CareerForce: State of Success released two new videos on how it helps people in their Job search.
July
Andersen Corporation broke ground on new $35 million expansion of their manufacturing campus in Cottage Grove. CareerForce helped a military veteran find work that matched her calling.
Minnesota adds 3,300 jobs in June, Minnesota business firms expect stable conditions in 2020 and the PFA approved $20.8 million for projects in three Greater Minnesota cities.
A group of local interests including DEED is trying to make Minnesota the home to the next Silicon Valley. Three Minnesota Cities were awarded grants. And DEED is hiring a new UI director and a new SSB director.
Governor Walz declared July, "Hire a Veteran Month." DEED was recognized in recent state and national awards. And Launch Minnesota a push to bolster the Tech economy is taking shape.
Angel Tax Credit returned to Minnesota in hopes of making the next Silicon Valley, Toppan Merrill moved to St. Cloud and DEED is seeking a new director of Economic Opportunity.
June
Unemployment held at 3.3 percent, finding teen workers still challenges Minnesota businesses and Minnesota is fourth in the nation for child wellness.
Commissioner Grove returned to his native Northfield to talk about the economy, After 10 years of effort Bridge Plaza is set for construction, and the Minnesota Angel Tax Credit is back.
Deputy Commissioner Hamse Warfa talks about what he learned from the Community Engagement Sessions, New state Program aims to support tech innovation, and Minnesota continues to have one of the best five-year business survival rates in the nation.
Minnesota exports rise to $5.4 billion, four Minnesota cities awarded PFA funds, and DEED hosts first Facebook Live event.
May
DEED names new Director of CareerForce. Minnesota added 3,600 jobs in April and security startup Alula hopes to continue to grow in Minnesota.
Minnesota is ranked third best state in the nation, a New York Times calls for a look at Willmar Minnesota, and unemployment is at 3.3 percent.
Officials disclose full bid to lure amazon HQ project to Twin Cities and racial disparities remain in Minnesota's job market despite low unemployment.
State job vacancies climbed in the fourth quarter, STEM leaders are thriving in Minnesota and the PFA awarded over $28 million in water infrastructure projects.
April
Minnesota employers reported nearly 137,000 job vacancies in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Gov. Walz hears from entrepreneurs in Duluth. Commissioner Grove calls for more investment in innovation in the state.
The Twin Cities jump to 6th best place to live in the U.S. and DigiKey chooses to stay and expand their operations in Minnesota.
Investments into the DMC continue to increase. This weeks DEED Developments Dives into the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program.
DEED hosted a round table with Rochester tech startup entrepreneurs. Minnesota trade exports were up to record highs in 2018.
March
DEED appoints Hamse Warfa as the Assistant Commissioner for Economic Opportunity. Governor Walz Proclaims March 20 'Small Business Development Centers Day'.
Women are making headway in the traditionally male dominated construction industry. Gov. Walz Broadband 'moonshot' has rural Minnesotans hopeful.
Minnesota is once again the best state for women. DEED sponsored Construct Tomorrow, an event designed to help students find apprenticeships in construction.
Commissioner Grove drove to Mankato to meet with a local startup founder. The January Minnesota Review is out. Demand for workers could expand sharply in 2019.
February
Commissioner Grove spoke with economic development officials about wanting to jump start tech and entrepreneurship in Minnesota. Gov. Tim Walz proposed new budget.
Commissioner Grove spoke with MinnPost about his somewhat unusual path to the Commissioner job. Manufacturers expand in Carver. A new edition of the Minnesota Review is out now.
Carver got a $1 million state grant to build infrastructure for relocating to Lakeview. Governor Walz pushes to bring back the Angel Tax Credit. Minnesota is one of the states most protected from automation.
Minnesota's coldest day was in the town of Tower on Feb. 2nd 1996. DEED economist Steve Hine talks about the wage gape and how it is effected by legislation.
January
Minnesota's labor market continued to show signs of a labor shortage and the state was ranked fourth most charter school friendly state by Measuring the Model.
Unemployment held at 2.8 percent for the fourth straight month. Minnesota manufacturers are optimistic about growth in 2019 and a new issue of Trends is out now.
DEED is giving Roseville Economic Development Authority $325,000 that will be used to decontaminate the future site of apartments of County Road D. Google is looking at Becker to build a $600 million data center.
Newly elected Governor Tim Walz appointed DEED's new Commissioner, Steve Grove. Grove has worked for Google News Lab and is a founder of the non-profit Silicon North Stars.
Unemployment rate in Minnesota remains at 2.8 percent. Mora industrial park is certified shovel ready and Minneapolis St. Paul MSA has the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
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2018
December
Unemployment held at 2.8 percent. The PFA approved $3.52 million in funding for projects in Winger and Nashwauk. And there is a new edition of Thriving in the North to spell out all the benefits of doing business here.
A product development and manufacturing company moving to Savage received hundreds of thousands of state dollars to support their business development. DEED Partnered with Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty to publish "A Legal Guide to Privacy and Data Security 2019."
Commissioner Hardy gives an interview to the MinnPost and Pine county unemployment hit 2.9 percent in October.
Faribault is a small city with major economic success. Exports grew 6.5 percent in the third quarter. And two Minnesota medical device industry suppliers expanded.
November
DEED awarded $161,779 to Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group to train 50 employees. DEED also awarded more than $1.51 million in grants to six Minnesota businesses from the Jobs Creation Fund.
Graco manufacture of fluid handling equipment for industrial and commercial applications, plans to create 84 jobs and invest $73 million to expand its operations in Rogers at the David A. Koch Center.
November 11- 17th is Fraud prevention week and seven DEED projects were honored in Finance & Commerce top project list for 2017.
DEED grants helped a Bix produce company move to Little Canada creating 129 new jobs over the next four years. The DEED Developments blog highlighted the DAV Hiring Guide for disabled veterans.
October
Last week DEED launched an exciting new tool for citizens to map and report their internet speeds. CheckSpeedMinnesota.com will help inform legislators how the state is doing reaching it's broadband coverage goals.
Minnesota's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8 percent for the month of September. That is the lowest state unemployment rate since May 1999.
Last week's Startup Week featured several key events focused on diversity and inclusion.
SciTechsperience helps STEM focused college students find internships through a DEED grant. The program gives money to businesses to help offset the costs of offering paid internships.
Solar panel maker Heliene investing $18 million on factory in Mountain Iron, Minnesota Manufacturing Week recognizes one of state's most important industries, and Minnesota has third-lowest poverty rate in country.
September
State unemployment rate drops to 19-year low of 2.9 percent, job vacancies climb to record 142,000 in second quarter, and Minnesota Trade Office plans briefing on doing business in Saudi Arabia.
Minnesota Public Facilities Authority approves $28.45 million for sewer and water projects in Canby, Cloquet, Waseca and Waubun; Northside Community Job and Resource Fair set for Tuesday; and Minnesota ranks fourth nationally for child well-being.
DEED Small Cities grants helping Minnesota communities rehabilitate housing, Daikin Applied Americas lands $2.35 million in DEED funding for factory expansion in Faribault, and Minnesota exports at record $5.9 billion in second quarter.
Recombinetics attracts $34 million in funding, Good trends for Blacks, Hispanics and Teens in Labor Market, Daikin plans $40.3 million expansion project in Faribault, Registration to open for Brownfields and Beyond: 2018 MN Redevelopment Conference, MinnesotaWorks.net: Business and Job Growth in SE MN, Did You Know: More than 59,000 Minnesotans work in clean energy industries.
August
Greater Minnesota cities improve aging housing stock with support from DEED's Small Cities Development Program, company considers expansion in Willmar Industrial Park after learning site received Shovel Ready status from DEED, and Public Facilities Authority approves $8.77 million for water infrastructure projects in six Greater Minnesota communities.
Stoneridge Software moving to historic building in Barnesville, State gains 11,200 jobs in July, Sixth annual Commissioners on Wheels tour, Minnesota has the fourth-best health care system in US, according to WalletHub analysis, More than $4M available for investigating and cleaning up contamination in Minnesota.
Takeda factory project in Brooklyn Park supported with funding from DEED, grant from DEED Small Cities program provides no-interest loans for business and housing rehabilitation in Willmar, and Minnesota Trade Office event next month looks at trade between Sweden and the United States.
Mankato, Courtland and Pemberton to Receive Funding for Water Infrastructure Projects, DEED Grants to Support Workforce Training, DEED Developments: The New Reality, Serving Our Customers: New Video on Voting Rights from the Minnesota Disability Law Center.
July
Canadian company reboots MN solar panel factory; Duluth WorkForce Center sponsors veterans career fair; State of MN named one of America's Best Large Employers for 2018; Minneapolis has the highest concentration of seniors in the workforce of any city in the country, according to a U.S. Census Bureau analysis.
Minnesota employers add 6,600 jobs in June, unemployment rate steady at 3.1 percent; Kensington updating water infrastructure with assistance from $600,000 DEED grant; and Minnesota Trade Office plans seminar on exporting to Mexico.
New Thrivent Financial headquarters in downtown Minneapolis among projects awarded DEED cleanup funding, DEED awards 35 grants of more than $19 million through Small Cities Development Program, and 12th Annual Minnesota Veterans Career Fair set for Wednesday in Brooklyn Center.
DEED estimates about $641 million in state exports may be affected by tariffs, Gov. Dayton proclaims "Hire a Veteran Month" in Minnesota and new program from State Services for the Blind helps youth who are blind, low vision or DeafBlind develop soft skills for success.
State trade officials say Minnesota companies will be hit by more than $600 million in tariffs in trade war, employers more open to hiring workers with disabilities, and city of Oslo approved for state and federal funding of more than $4.2 million for water infrastructure improvements.
June
New graduates and entry-level workers find job opportunities galore, Albert Lea business awarded $175,000 grant from DEED for $1 million downtown expansion, and Twin Cities ranks fifth nationally among major metros for Fortune 500 companies.
Officials celebrate grand opening of newly remodeled St. Paul WorkForce Center in Midway neighborhood, Minnesota labor market bounces back with 10,200 new jobs in May, and University of St. Thomas in St. Paul is best college in Minnesota for graduates trying to land a job.
Minnesotans with disabilities on path to mainstream employment with support from DEED program, Minnesota Trade Office adds seven international representative locations, and St. Paul WorkForce Center in Midway neighborhood celebrating grand re-opening this week.
Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund survive proposed legislative funding cuts, city of Dalton awarded $387,000 grant from Public Facilities Authority and $585,000 grant from DEED for wastewater system upgrades, and railroads inject $40 billion into state gross domestic product annually.
May
State exports break first quarter record with $5.3 billion in sales, 12th annual Veterans Career Fair set for Wednesday, July 18, in Brooklyn Center, and Minnesota now has 19 Fortune 500 companies.
State unemployment rate steady at 3.2 percent in April, but employers trim 3,200 jobs; Minnesota Public Facilities Authority awards $600,000 grant for wastewater infrastructure project in Clarissa; and record 33 million people visited Twin Cities in 2017.
Uponor touts DEED support from Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund, Public Facilities Authority awards $28.9 million for upgrades at city of Minneapolis water filter plant, and Mayo Clinic ranks 14th on Forbes list of best large employers in the country.
Energy Management Collaborative of Plymouth expanding with $900,000 in support from DEED's Minnesota Investment Fund, businesses in Cottage Grove, Norwood Young America, Barnesville and Ranier awarded grants from Job Creation Fund, and ZipRecruiter says Twin Cities is No. 1 spot in country for small business jobs.
April
Opportunity Knocking: Zones Cold Spur Investment in Duluth, Jam Hops Owner is Minnesota Small Business Person of the Year, Pathways to Prosperity Awards $17.9M for Training, Water Technology Roundtable Set for May 10, Minnesota is One of the Greenest States, according to WalletHub.
Gov. Dayton recommends 128 low-income census tracts in Minnesota to be designated as Opportunity Zones, Minnesota employers added 2,900 jobs in March and unemployment rate steady at 3.2 percent, and grants totaling $3.25 million approved by DEED for infrastructure projects in four Greater Minnesota communities.
DEED approves $850,000 grant from Job Creation Fund for Protolabs expansion in Brooklyn Park, St. Cloud manufacturers Park Industries and New Flyer approved for training funds from Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, and WalletHub says Minnesota is the least-stressed state.
Kolu Wilson named assistant commissioner of DEED's Office of Economic Equity and Opportunity, DEED awards funding for Illume Holding Co. consolidation in Maple Grove, and new study ranks Twin Cities third among best cities for startups.
DEED names assistant commissioner for Office of Economic Equity and Opportunity, state job vacancies climb to 114,000 in 2017 fourth quarter, and Minnesota Job Skills Partnership awards 10 training grants.
March
Commissioner Hardy named 2018 Bush Foundation fellow, state unemployment rate falls to 3.2 percent in February, and Gov. Dayton proclaims Small Business Development Centers Day.
State's first Apprenticeship Summit touts benefits of "earn while you learn" programs, Minnesota exports jump 8 percent last year to $21 billion, and WalletHub names Minnesota the Best State for Women.
New employment figures show construction is fastest-growing industry in state, Public Facilities Authority awards $10 million grant for project that will protect Voyageurs National Park, and iron mining is $3 billion-a-year industry in Minnesota.
State exports climb 6 percent to $5.3 billion in last year's fourth quarter, Women in Construction Week includes free events in Minnesota, and Minnesota named second-best state by U.S. News & World Report.
February
Canada-based Pizzey Ingredients building flaxseed-processing plant in Delano with support from DEED, MSP sets annual and daily records for passengers served, and hiring managers looking for ways to keep older workers on the job.
State needs more immigrants to sustain economic growth and expand labor market, Minnesota Apprenticeship Summit scheduled for March 7, and Proto Labs contemplates moving Plymouth manufacturing facility to Brooklyn Park, contingent on securing funding through DEED's Job Creation Fund.
Maple Grove-based Caisson Interventional expanding facility by 30,000 square feet and adding 50 jobs, aquaponics startup Stars Hollow Co. creating 156 jobs and investing nearly $12.3 million to build new facility in Cambridge, and Minnesota ranks fourth nationally for spending on powerboats, engines, trailers and accessories.
Accenture plans to add 400 Minneapolis jobs by 2021, Central Minnesota legislators hear how job training programs changed lives, Four Greater Minnesota cities awarded infrastructure grants, Monthly Economic Snapshot, Minnesota ranks 8th most educated state in US, according to WalletHub.
January
Solar panel plant seeks state loans, Winona WorkForce Center still busy in improving economy, Updated DEED business guide now available, DEED Developments blog: Minnesota workers get a raise, Super Bowl LII to bring an estimated $407M in new spending to MSP.
Minnesota job gains lead to lowest unemployment rate for Black Minnesotans on record, State gains 8,900 jobs in December, Redeveloping Pillsbury A-Mill Lofts, Minnesota cities finish first, second, and third places with highest average credit scores in Experian list.
Wages appear to be growing for the first time in a decade, PFA approves $5.3M grant for East Grand Forks and $1.38M for Randall, Child Care Grant Program gets another round of funding, Minnesota has highest five-year survival rate for new businesses in US.
Minnesota manufacturers upbeat about 2018 economy, DEED awards $5.57 million for 13 contamination cleanup or investigation projects, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport rated most punctual major airport in the world.
DEED programs helping to spark growth statewide, Altec expands with DEED assistance, ASV Holdings moving distribution center to Grand Rapids, make a resolution to improve your professional skills.
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2017
December
Spectro Alloys set for $5.8M expansion with help from DEED, state unemployment rate drops to 3.1 percent in November, startup Sezzle approved for DEED loan, PFA awards $15.4M for Pipestone project, Minnesota is sixth-healthiest state as ranked by UnitedHealth.
Aluminum recycler Spectro Alloys Corp. investing $5.8 million and hiring 10 additional workers in an expansion of Rosemount facilities, Emerson investing $15 million to renovate Chanhassen manufacturing facility, and Minnesota named Best Run State in America by 24/7 Wall St. website.
Small towns face a 'crisis' of aging water and sewer pipes; progress continues on Kelliher infrastructure project; Census shows Minnesota increasingly bilingual; and gender wage gap in Minnesota.
DEED workforce training programs getting results, state exports climb 11 percent in third quarter, and Kelliher and Mantorville projects win support from Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.
November
Lt. Gov. Tina Smith and Commissioner Hardy announce latest round of funding from Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program, Royalton awarded DEED grant for industrial park, and Minnesota ranked among most affordable states for middle-class families.
Minnesota unemployment rate falls to 17-year low of 3.3 percent in October, DEED supports $520,000 expansion at Geringhoff Corp. in St. Cloud, and state leads nation in turkey production, with 46 million birds annually
DEED and Department of Labor and Industry co-sponsor Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative, Gov. Dayton declares this week to be Minnesota Apprenticeship Week, and millennials are growing force in state labor market.
L&M Radiator investing $17.6 million, creating 22 jobs in expansion of Hibbing facilities; Public Facilities Authority approves funding support for projects in Winsted and St. Cloud; and Gov. Dayton declares November to be Veteran and Service Member Appreciation Month.
October
Older workers struggle to find jobs even in time of low unemployment, Echo awarded more than $4 million in grants and loans for water infrastructure improvements, and DEED joins forces with IBM and nonprofit group to certify Minnesota veterans in the use of IBM software widely used by law enforcement, cybersecurity and national security agencies.
State adds 6,400 jobs in September and unemployment rates falls to 3.7 percent, latest issue of Trends magazine includes in-depth look at shortage of mental health workers in Minnesota, and Minnesota's bid for Amazon headquarters focuses on state's workforce, educational opportunities and transportation systems, rather than hefty incentives.
Public Facilities Authority awards $12.5 million for water infrastructure projects in Breckenridge and Grove City, retailers face tight labor market this Christmas season, and Gabrielle Gerbaud talks with Enterprise Minnesota about trade and the Minnesota economy.
State job vacancies climb 26 percent in second quarter, Minnesota Public Facilities Authority awards nearly $3.9 million in grants and loans for water system projects in four Minnesota cities, and Minnesota ranks among top states for share of "good" jobs that don't require a bachelor's degree.
Combine header manufacturer Geringhoff to expand production, St. Charles' recycling 'crown jewel,' State of Minnesota Career Fair to be held Sat., Oct. 14, Manufacturing Week highlights state's largest industry, Duluth named 'least-stressed city in America' by SmartAsset.
September
Commissioners on wheels and water, The future of Greater Minnesota's economy is here – it looks a lot like Montevideo, September is National Workforce Development Month, PFA awards $18.4M for Morris project, Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program received 70 applications for $20M available in the fourth round of grant funding.
Commissioner Hardy and eight other state agency leaders embark on three-day Commissioners on Wheels tour of southeastern Minnesota, August unemployment rate at 3.8 percent, and Minnesota leads the country in happiness.
Communications technology company Pace International Inc. investing $1.95 million and hiring additional 22 workers in expansion of facilities in Rochester, DEED among the sponsors of Twin Cities Startup Week in October, and Mayo Clinic named top hospital in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Digi-Key is booming in Thief River Falls, A window company's clear vision, Exports are up 7.4 percent in 2nd quarter, Millennials are now Minnesota's largest workforce demographic, and Leech Lake Tribal College was rated the No. 1 community college in the US by Wallet Hub.
August
DEED-supported Right Track program helps young people find summer jobs, DEED seeking volunteers to participate in grant review process for workforce and economic development programs, and employers increasingly doing credit checks on job candidates.
State employers add another 7,700 jobs in July, unemployment rate steady at 3.7 percent; Commissioner Hardy discusses how DEED is driving worker retraining and skills development programs in a tight labor market; and Minnesota State Fair has annual economic impact of $250 million.
Delegation from Kazakhstan visits DEED, Nobles County Board approves $1 million to support local broadband project that received DEED funding earlier, and natural gas and oil industry supports 117,400 jobs in Minnesota and contributes more than $14.2 billion to state economy.
Minnesota Public Facilities Authority awards $16 million for projects in St. Cloud, Afton and Greenbush; delegation from Kazakhstan visiting DEED to discuss trade and investment opportunities in that country; and Minnesota has third-highest homeownership rate in country, according to U.S. Census Bureau statistics.
July
DEED awards grants totaling $4.6 million to clean up or investigate contamination at 10 sites in Minnesota, free manual available on starting a family child-care business, and state's labor force participation rate ranks fourth nationally.
State adds 4,400 jobs in June, while unemployment rate holds steady at 3.7 percent; Broadband Office executive director Danna MacKenzie wins national award; and DEED awards $14.6 million in grants from Small Cities Development Program.
CNBC says Minnesota is America's third-best state for business; Minnesota business services firms feel positive about economy, with more than 80 percent expecting revenue and profits to increase or remain stable next year; and DEED awards $7.3 million in grants to 25 groups that will help young people gain job skills and work experience, as well as introduce them to career pathways.
Veterans Career Fair set for Tuesday in Bloomington, Greater Minnesota needs access to broadband, and employment may be declining in Mankato because of labor shortage.
July 3
Angel Tax Credit Program participant 75F now has 50 employees and annual revenue that is expected to exceed $3 million, DEED study shows race is significant predictor of wages, and Minnesota ranks sixth on list of best states for jobs.
June
Patterson Cos. joined Fortune 500, becoming 18th Minnesota company on the list; Spring Valley officials get overview of DEED's Shovel Ready Program; and Minnesota economy continues to outperform its neighbors in the Upper Midwest.
Minnesota unemployment rate falls to 3.7 percent in May, matching post-recession low point last seen in June 2015; DEED funding supports 1 million-square-foot Digi-Key expansion in Thief River Falls; and Melodie Bahan named executive director of Minnesota Film and TV Board.
State exports up 5 percent in first quarter to $4.8 billion, DEED and MnDOT taking applications for Transportation Economic Development program, and Minnesota adds 18th company to Fortune 500 list.
Public Facilities Authority approves Stockton for $785,013 low-interest loan for drinking water improvements, 11th annual Veterans Career Fair set for July 11 in Bloomington, and Minneapolis and St. Paul rank No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, for park systems.
May
DEED program addresses child care shortage in Greater Minnesota, Business Enterprise Program helps people who are blind or visually impaired launch businesses, and Carleton College named best college in Minnesota.
Minnesota employers add 15,100 jobs in April, aging population drives growth in home care jobs, and Duluth rated fittest city in America by Fitbit.
Minnesota Trade Office awards 2016 Governor's International Trade Award to six Minnesota companies that have been successful exporters, apprenticeship grants available for Minnesota companies in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care, information technology and transportation, and bicycling produces $780 million in annual economic activity in state.
Minnesota Trade Office among sponsors of annual World Trade Month Luncheon in Bloomington, nine networking tips for job hunters, and Twin Cities is growing hot spot for data center activity.
April
Private sector employment tops 2.5 million for first time in Minnesota, with unemployment rate dropping to 3.8 percent; WalletHub says Minnesota is No. 1 women-friendly state; and DEED survey finds most Minnesota employers believe they have diverse workforces.
Gabrielle Gerbaud named executive director of Minnesota Trade Office, Wabash National Corp. plans expansion on former Larson Boats site in Little Falls, and Minnesota Public Facilities Authority awards $577,000 grant to help city of Cuyuna rehabilitate sewer collection system.
DEED awards funding to support M.D. Stittsworth Co. expansion in Bemidji, Midwest Steel Supply Inc. moving operations to Rogers, and UnitedHealth Group CEO Stephen Hemsley named to Barron's list of 30 best CEOs in the world.
A tradition of innovation at Lismore, DEED loan supports project in Tracy, DEED awards grant to Waite Park, state job vacancies climb 1.3 percent, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum voted best botanical garden in the country.
March
Minnesota unemployment rate steady at 4 percent and employers add 3,800 jobs in February, seven projects receive $1.3 million in DEED funding for renovation and demolition, and 19th Annual Iron Range Job Fair set for Friday at Miners Memorial Building in Virginia.
Commissioner Hardy profiled in video by TPT's Almanac, LISI Medical Remmele planning $9.4 million expansion in Big Lake, and state exports fall 4 percent in 2016 to $19 billion.
Minnesota unemployment rate steady at 4 percent in January, state exports at $5 billion in fourth quarter, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport named No. 1 in North America for airports serving 25 million to 40 million passengers annually.
U.S. News & World Report ranks Minnesota third-best state in the country, fitness equipment maker Life Fitness hiring 100 new workers after $11 million expansion at Owatonna factory, and Rogers is state's fastest-growing city, according to State Demographic Center.
February
A welding hot spot in Eveleth; Brainerd SBDC completes 31st year; value of mergers and acquisitions involving Minnesota companies; DEED awards $500,000 in child care grants; Angel Tax Credit Program again focuses on Greater Minnesota businesses or those owned by women and people of color.
Lt. Gov. Smith and Commissioner Hardy launch #InnovateMN campaign, celebrating emerging technologies and discoveries in Minnesota; State Services for the Blind hosting Opportunities Fair for high school and college students on Saturday; and proposed bill would create refundable workforce housing tax credit and give DEED $40 million to award to investors in qualifying developments in Greater Minnesota.
Connect 700 program aims to boost number of people with disabilities in state government workforce, Minnesota ranks fifth among states for value of mineral output, and immigrants could play key role in filling critical jobs in Duluth and elsewhere in Minnesota.
Abdallah Candies completes expansion project that received DEED support, high-speed internet coming to Nobles County with help from Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program, and Minnesota ranks among the best states to raise a family.
January
Thirteen organizations receive funding from newly created Minnesota Capacity Building Grant Program, three groups awarded DEED funding to help people with disabilities, and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport ranks fifth in the world fo