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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Jan. 28 - 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.
Jan. 22 - 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.
Jan. 14 - 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.
Jan. 7 - 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.
Jan. 2 - 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.
Dec. 26 - 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.
Dec. 17 - 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."
Dec. 10 - Commissioner Hardy gives an interview to the MinnPost and Pine county unemployment hit 2.9 percent in October.
Dec. 3 - 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.
Nov. 26 - 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.
Nov. 19 - 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.
Nov. 12 - November 11- 17th is Fraud prevention week and seven DEED projects were honored in Finance & Commerce top project list for 2017.
Nov. 5 - 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.
Oct. 29 - 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.
Oct. 22 - 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.
Oct. 15 - Last week's Startup Week featured several key events focused on diversity and inclusion.
Oct. 8 - 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.
Oct. 1 – 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.
Sept. 24 – 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.
Sept. 17 – 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.
Sept. 10 – 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.
Sept. 4 – 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.
Aug. 27 – 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.
Aug. 20 – 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.
Aug. 13 – 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.
Aug. 6 – 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 30 – 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.
July 23 – 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.
July 16 – 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.
July 9 – 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.
July 2 – 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 25 – 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.
June 18 -- 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.
June 11 – 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.
June 4 – 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 29 – 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.
May 21 – 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.
May 14 – 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.
May 7 – 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 30 – 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.
April 23 – 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.
April 16 – 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.
April 9 – 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.
April 2 – 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 26 – 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.
March 19 – State's first Apprenticeship Summit touts benefits of "earn while you learn" programs, Minnesota exports jump 8 percent last year to $21 billion, and WalletHut names Minnesota the Best State for Women.
March 12 – 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.
March 5 – 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.
Feb. 26 – 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.
Feb. 20 – 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.
Feb. 12 – 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.
Feb. 5 – 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.
Jan. 29 – 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.
Jan. 22 – 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.
Jan. 16 – 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.
Jan. 8 – 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.
Jan. 2 – 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.
Dec. 26 – 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.
Dec. 18 – 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.
Dec. 11 – 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.
Dec. 4 – 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.
Nov. 27 – 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.
Nov. 20 – 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
Nov. 13 – 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.
Nov. 6 – 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.
Oct. 30 – 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.
Oct. 23 – 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.
Oct. 16 – 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.
Oct. 9 – 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.
Oct. 2 – 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.
Sept. 25 – 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.
Sept. 18 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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.
Aug. 7 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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.
June 19 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 -- 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 - 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 – 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 – 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 11 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - Essar Steel accepts governor's ultimatum to repay $66 million loan, state job picture generally improved last year and state population at record high.
