On this page you will find the latest press releases and statements from the Office of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan.
JoinUsMN.com hosts new campaign to promote the state to businesses and talent
10/28/2021 11:06:12 AM
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Yesterday, Governor Tim Walz and Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove joined Minnesota business leaders to launch “Build What Matters”, a first of its kind campaign with businesses and economic development partners from across the state to highlight why Minnesota is an exceptional state to build a business or advance a career.
"Minnesota's strength lies in the ingenuity, hard work, and determination of our workers and entrepreneurs. We aren't afraid to pursue big ideas and build things that change the world," said Governor Walz. "Our legacy is solving the world's toughest challenges. From startups to Fortune 500s, businesses flourish here. Now is a great time to highlight that fact to the world."
"A history of extraordinary innovation across many industries makes Minnesota a global epicenter for problem-solving," said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. "As we write the next chapter of our economy emerging from the pandemic, we must highlight what's happening here so that more people and businesses can join us. Inclusive growth that gives everyone a true opportunity to succeed must be our North Star."
From pioneering open heart surgery and supercomputing to inventing in-ear hearing aids, the pacemaker, the concrete grain elevator, post-it notes, and water-skiing, Minnesota has a long history of building things that matter. The new “Build What Matters” platform, www.joinusmn.com , highlights the incentives the state has to offer businesses and the work being done to ensure the next chapter of Minnesota’s economy is strongly committed to inclusive growth.
The new platform was created in consultation with dozens of business leaders and talent recruiters across the state, as well as through work done with the Minnesota Marketing Partnership, a collection of regionally focused economic development organizations across the state. Yesterday’s “Build What Matters” launch included business leaders from across Minnesota in a variety of sectors who shared why they chose to start, grow, or locate their business in Minnesota.
"When I moved here 10 years ago, I found the startup community to be immensely accessible, from the people to the events to the co-working spaces," said Aneela Idnani of HabitAware. "Established leaders were willing to take time with me in the ideation phase of HabitAware. This inviting ecosystem with the leadership of Launch Minnesota continues to grow and fill the gaps that make entrepreneurship tangible and support business success."
"I'm thrilled to help support this launch and raise awareness of the unique environment that exists within our state," said Dave Doherty, President of Digi-Key Electronics. "As an employer of more than 4,000 people in Northwest Minnesota, I've experienced firsthand the powerful combination of innovative businesses with skilled, hardworking Minnesotans that is the key differentiator for success."
"I truly believe Minnesota is the innovation capitol of the world, whether you're a Fortune 250 or a small, advanced technology startup," said Brett Carter, Xcel Energy Executive Vice President and Chief Customer and Innovation Officer, who is also a board member of the regional economic development organization Greater MSP. "Innovation is in the water here, it's foundational to the state's history, and something on which Minnesota's uniquely strong corporate culture here continues to thrive and promotes by supporting a growing entrepreneurial engine around the state."
"Minnesota has a rich and diverse ecosystem of cultural producers, presenters and participants who are committed to making the arts accessible to all. Across the state, there is an unusually high participation in cultural activities (74% in Minnesota versus 54% nationally.) This leads not only to a high quality of life but a population that values creativity and collaboration, making new ventures and entrepreneurship part of the culture," said Mary Ceruti, Executive Director of the Walker Art Center.
Comprehensive data on the Minnesota's ranking relative to other states and countries are available on the new platform. Here's a snapshot of a few:
DEED is the state's principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow us on Twitter .
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