We have a wide variety of stories to tell each day - from updates on the economy to trips around the state. The DEED Roundup compiles each week's highlights into one place.
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Sept. 18, 2017 – 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.
Sept. 11, 2017 – 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.
Sept. 5, 2017 – 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.
Aug. 28, 2017 – 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.
Aug. 21, 2017 – 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.
Aug. 14, 2017 – Delegation from Kasakhstan 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.
Aug. 7, 2017 – 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 31, 2017 – 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.
July 24, 2017 – 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.
July 17, 2017 – 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.
July 10, 2017 – 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, 2017 – 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 26, 2017 – Patterson Cos. joind 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.
June 19, 2017 – 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.
June 12, 2017 – 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.
June 5, 2017 – 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 30, 2017 – 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.
May 22, 2017 – 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.
May 15, 2017 – 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.
May 8, 2017 – 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 24, 2017 – 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.
April 17, 2017 – 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.
April 10, 2017 – 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.
April 3, 2017 – 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 27, 2017 – 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.
March 20, 2017 – 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.
March 13, 2017 – 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.
March 6, 2017 – 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.
Feb. 27, 2017 – 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.
Feb. 21, 2017 – 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.
Feb. 13, 2017 – 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.
Feb. 6, 2017 – 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.
Jan. 30, 2017 – 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 for percentage of flights operating on time.
Jan. 23, 2017 – Minnesota employers add 11,900 jobs in December, DEED awards $5.7 million to clean up or investigate contamination at 15 redevelopment sites in Minnesota, and Twin Cities ranked best metro in the country for job opportunities.
Jan. 17, 2017 – Broadband in the News: Mankato-Area Projects Awarded Broadband Funding from DEED, Manufacturers Upbeat About 2017, DEED Funds 42 Broadband Projects, The Meaning of Tea: Hmong, Somali and Spanish Videos Will Make UI Application Process More Accessible.
Jan. 9, 2017 – Dayton administration introduces Jobs Bill that will invest $1.5 billion in community infrastructure projects statewide and create nearly 23,000 jobs, DEED working with manufacturers to help train workers, and Ovative digital analytics and measurement firm expanding in North Loop with support from Job Creation Fund.
Jan. 3, 2017 – DEED partners with TPT on videos to help non-English-speaking populations apply for unemployment insurance benefits, Governor's Task Force on Broadband releases annual report, and Minnesota has highest rate of internet usage in the country.
Dec. 27, 2016 – DEED selects 23 nonprofit organizations to participate in a new statewide lending program, Ovative/group receives $605,000 grant from Job Creation Fund, and U.S. Bank building data center in Chaska with DEED support.
Dec. 19, 2016 – Minnesota employers add 5,000 jobs in November, DEED awards $2.87 million for four housing projects in Greater Minnesota, and Minnesota sweeps top three spots for cities with best average credit scores in the country.
Dec. 12, 2016 – Asia remains strong market for state exporters, DEED's new North Minneapolis WorkForce Center officially opens, and Minnesota named fourth-best state to live in.
Dec. 5, 2016 – Laid-off northern Minnesota miners return to school through Trade Adjustment Assistance program administered by DEED, Commissioner Hardy named among 100 Minnesotans to know by Twin Cities Business magazine, and job seekers shouldn't forget to write thank you notes after interviews.
Nov. 28, 2016 – DEED supports Envirolastech expansion in St. Charles, Minnesotans rank second nationally for volunteering, and DEED sponsoring seminar for entrepreneurs thinking about doing business in Iran, Cuba or Russia.
Nov. 21, 2016 – DEED awards equity grants totaling $8.1 million, state employers eliminate 12,500 jobs in October, and Minnesota leads the country in turkey production, with farmers raising 41 million birds last year.
Nov. 14, 2016 – Federal Cartridge Co. planning $33.9 million expansion in Anoka, veterans employment representative helping women veterans in the metro area find employment, and Minnesota leads the nation in 2016 presidential election voter turnout.
Nov. 7, 2016 – DEED supports Swan Machine Inc. expansion in Grand Rapids, LED lighting assembly and testing startup Aki Development LLC of Cass Lake receives $29,000 job-training grant from DEED, and food ingredients company Kerry announces $18.1 million expansion of manufacturing facility in Rochester
Oct. 31, 2016 – DEED wins national award from Council of Development Finance Agencies, job prospects improving for state veterans, and Minnesota ranks seventh nationally for its tech and science business prowess.
Oct. 24, 2016 – State gains 1,900 jobs in September, Kolu Wilson named director of DEED's Office of Economic Equity and Opportunity, DEED awards $890,000 in grants and loans for five redevelopment projects.
Oct. 17, 2016 – Commissioner Hardy and State of Minnesota Chief Inclusion Officer James Burroughs talk with Capitol Report about career fairs, Attracting & retaining talent in the Twin Cities, Equity proposals total $48.4 million and DEED awards job-training grants.
Oct. 10, 2016 – Commissioner Hardy featured in guest appearance on "A Public Health Journal" program, DEED opens new office in Crookston and White Cane Safety Day is Wednesday.
Oct. 3, 2016 – Two upcoming career fairs aim to help connect more Minnesotans to state employment opportunities, Rahr Corp. debuts facilities that received $610,000 in support from Job Creation Fund, and Eden Prairie and Woodbury named to Money magazine's list of 50 best places to live.
Sept. 26, 2016 – New data show black Minnesotans making economic gains, Mankato economy was the fastest growing in the state last year, and DEED offers workforce development programs and services.
Sept. 19, 2016 – State exports $4.8B in second quarter, Strong demand for workers statewide, Minnesota Water Technology Summit, Employers cut 1,500 jobs in August, Minnesota awarded $2.5M to improve employment opportunities for workers with disabilities.
Sept. 12, 2016 – DEED hosting open house on Sept. 22 during Twin Cities Startup Week, Commissioner Hardy featured in Q&A with Business Journal and Gov. Dayton declares September to be Workforce Development Month in Minnesota.
Sept. 6, 2016 – Fourth annual Commissioners on Wheels set for Wednesday through Friday, Biomerics LLC plans $6.5 million expansion in Brooklyn Park, and DEED accepting requests for proposals for six competitive grant programs.
Aug. 29, 2016 -- Minnesota Women's Press features Commissioner Hardy in latest issue, Aura Fabricators investing $3.76 million for expansion project in Fergus Falls, and Aging Eyes Initiative helps seniors adjust to vision loss.
Aug. 22, 2016 – Minnesota employers add 11,300 jobs in July, Minnesota one of five states selected by Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness to participate in policy initiative, and Minnesota ranks second in the country for overall election performance.
Aug. 15, 2016 – Microbiologics expanding in St. Cloud with support from Job Creation Fund, State Services for the Blind unit helps seniors, and Mayo Clinic rated top hospital in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
Aug. 8, 2016 – DEED seeking applications from nonprofit groups to serve as certified lenders under agency's new Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Program, latest issue of Trends magazine takes broad look at Minnesota economy, and Minnesota leads the country in sweet corn production.
Aug. 1, 2016 - New DEED analysis documents wage and job disparities for minority groups in the state, Willmar industrial park certified as Shovel Ready, and Wagner SprayTech plans expansion at company headquarters in Plymouth.
July 25, 2016 – Commissioner Hardy discusses DEED equity programs during KFAI radio interview, state employers add 7,300 jobs in June, and CNBC study rates Minnesota as the second-smartest state.
July 18, 2016 – Minnesota Veterans Career Fair in Brooklyn Center attracts 700 veterans and over 240 exhibitors, mayors of 14 Minnesota cities urge Legislature to restore cuts to Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund if special session is held, and Minnesota finishes fourth in CNBC's listing of America's Top States for Business 2016.
July 18, 2016 – DEED convening information sessions for nonprofits interesting in applying for competitive grants for equity programs, Life Fitness expanding in Owatonna, and Willmar site certified as Shovel Ready.
July 5, 2016 – DEED to begin taking applications for broadband funding on July 22, more than 80 percent of Minnesota business services firms expecting sales and profits to climb or remain stable next year, and Minnesota once again named top state for well-being of children.
June 27, 2016 – Minneapolis program receives DEED grant to help high school students plan for careers, DEED updates Minnesota Brownfields Resource Guide, and UnitedHealth Group becomes first Minnesota company to crack the top 10 list of the Fortune 500.
June 20, 2016 – Minnesota unemployment rate steady at 3.8 percent in May, Stern Rubber expanding in Aitkin with assistance from DEED Job Creation Fund, and Minnesota Job Skills Partnership awards funding to train workers from U.S. Distilled Products in Princeton.
June 13, 2016 – DEED awards $250,000 to 13 groups that will help high school students explore and prepare for careers, Minnesota Job Skills Partnership grant approved for Kraus-Anderson Construction Co. training, and Commissioner Hardy gets up close and personal in Capitol Report interview.
June 6, 2016 – State exports at $4.6 billion in first quarter of 2016, DEED supports southern Minnesota program that promotes minority-owned business growth, and Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund are vital to state economy.
May 2, 2016 - DEED-sponsored career fair in Austin draws 1,000 eighth-graders, MinnesotaWorks.net offers veteran-friendly job postings and Minnesota has best labor force participation rate in the country.
May 23, 2016 - State gains 15,600 jobs in April, Kraft Heinz investing $100 million for expansion project in New Ulm and Minnesota economy kept on rolling last year with 87 major expansion projects around the state.
May 31, 2016 - Commissioner Hardy discusses DEED priorities in MinnPost interview, DEED Developments blog takes a closer look at the monthly employment numbers, and Twin Cities drivers among the most courteous in the nation.
April 25, 2016 - Karen Francois named DEED's assistant commissioner of the Office of Career and Business Opportunity, 27 projects awarded $2.55 million in Pathways to Prosperity funding, and consumer website WalletHub says Minnesota is the most financially savvy state.
April 18, 2016 - Commissioner Sieben leaving DEED to pursue other opportunities, state unemployment rate steady at 3.7 percent for fifth straight month, and how to get the most out of attending a job fair.
April 11, 2016 - Seventh Annual Northland Job Fair in Duluth draws hundreds of job seekers, state now covering the cost of GED tests, and Minnesota cities sweep the top three spots in NerdWallet's Best Cities for Women in the Workforce 2016.
April 4, 2016 - DEED Job Creation Fund grant supports expansion at Wagner SprayTech, Commissioner Sieben to be keynote speaker at Duluth Local Initiatives Support Corporation annual luncheon, and Seventh Annual Northland Job Fair set for Tuesday in Duluth.
March 28, 2016 - State gains 9,000 jobs in February, extended unemployment insurance benefits approved for Iron Range mining workers, and Minnesota Cup accepting applications for 12th annual competition.
March 21, 2016 - State job vacancies climb to 96,000 in fourth quarter 2015, Job Creation Fund attracts more than $388 million in investments and 2,605 new jobs last year, and DEED awards $2.8 million for 14 training projects under Minnesota Job Skills Partnership.
March 14, 2016 - Minnesota unemployment rate holds steady at 3.7 percent in January, DEED awards $4 million loan for Cirrus expansion project in Duluth, and 18th annual Iron Range Job Fair set for Friday in Virginia, Minn.
March 7, 2016 - Agricultural biotech firm Calyxt Inc. approved for $477,000 grant from Job Creation Fund, Minnesota one of 10 states that will take part in SNAP to Skills program, and Minnesota exports at $20 billion in 2015.
Feb. 29, 2016 - DEED awards $1.62 million for apartment construction projects in Duluth and Perham, MinnesotaWorks.net offers tips for putting together an effective resume and 10 Minnesota companies make Fortune magazine's list of the "World's Most Admired Companies."
Feb. 22, 2016 - New Office of Career and Business Opportunity aims to help disadvantaged groups achieve economic parity, MinnesotaWorks.net blog post offers region-by-region breakdown of jobs in the construction industry, and State Services for the Blind Communication Center had a busy and productive 2015.
Feb. 16, 2016 - DEED's Rapid Response team helping workers who lost jobs after Madelia fire, Sil-Pro expanding in Delano with support from Job Creation Fund, and Vocational Rehabilitation annual report features facts, figures, data and success stories.
Feb. 8, 2016 - Governor's Task Force on Broadband recommends $200 million for Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program, startup company Phoji puts a fresh face on phone app, and latest issue of Trends magazine focuses on racial and economic disparities in Minnesota.
Feb. 1, 2016 - Trade Office executive director talks STEP grants at Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association meeting, Cottage Grove site certified as Shovel Ready, and DEED plans Way to Work pilot project in Minnesota.
Jan. 25, 2016 - Minnesota employers add 9,100 jobs in December, partner in Albertville project credits trade missions for helping him to raise investment funding, and Minnesota is the second-strongest state in the country, according to Politico analysis.
Jan. 19, 2016 - Minnesota manufacturers expect stable conditions in 2016, DEED awards Job Training Skills Partnership grant for metro manufacturing consortium, and Duluth WorkForce Center hosting job fair on Tuesday.
Jan. 11, 2016 - Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. expanding in Brooklyn Park, road project in Pennock awarded funding from Transportation Economic Development Program, DEED announces $6.2 million in cleanup funding for redevelopment projects.
Jan. 4, 2016 - Essar Steel accepts governor's ultimatum to repay $66 million loan, state job picture generally improved last year and state population at record high.
