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This Small Business Saturday and National Entrepreneurship Month, the team at West Central Economic Development Alliance would like to give a shout out to all of the small businesses and entrepreneurs in West Central Minnesota! We are immensely grateful for the good cheer that they bring to our communities as...
An opportunity to learn and discuss the topics facing Minnesota’s startup community. We know many of you have questions, ideas and concerns regarding your business or organization. Launch Minnesota is bringing together individuals from the public and private sector to answer questions and provide support to our startup community.We will...
Modern manufacturing in 2023 involves the latest technologies to create unique products, requiring innovative thinkers skilled at problem-solving and is considerably different from the perception of monotonous jobs in dirty, dark and dangerous environments. Wadena County is home to manufacturing companies producing goods using the latest technologies and raw materials...
Lawmakers dedicated an historic appropriation of over $1 billion (mostly one-time funding) to help address the lack of affordable housing, a barrier for attraction of workforce in communities all across the state. This includes a $39 million appropriation to help build workforce housing in Greater Minnesota, $20 million for the...
October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota, in recognition of the critical importance of manufacturing to the state's economy and to highlight the many career opportunities in this vital industry. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) partners with the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, manufacturers across...
Demand for manufacturing workers has been extremely high for several years in Minnesota. Local opportunities for career and technical education or general workforce development in Wadena County exist, offering nearly 100% placement, excellent wages and exciting careers in local companies. “There is a growing concern in the manufacturing industry of the...
WOMEN IN BUSINESS PANEL SHARES BEST PRACTICES FOR ENGAGING AND DEVELOPING WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE
Sep 28 2023Recently, the Chamber held its latest event in the Women in Business Series, this time at Post Consumer brands. Speakers included 2023-2024 Chamber Board Chair, Jill Bollettieri of Post Consumer Brands, as well as a panel of female business leaders who took a broad and intersectional approach to their discussion...
Minnesota gained 4,400 jobs from July to August and the labor force grew for a sixth straight month, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).Minnesota and U.S. employment both grew 0.1% over the month, with Minnesota's private sector job growth – up...
The Minnesota Chamber is pleased to offer valuable information to our members and community business leaders. We have received many, many questions from our members about what happened during this legislative session, and we’re here to help you make sense of how it’s going to impact your business. The purpose...
Northwest Minnesota’s Growing Manufacturing Industry Provides High Demand, High Pay Careers
Sep 15 2023Manufacturing is a primary driver of Northwest Minnesota's economy and labor market. What's more, manufacturing's strong growth in both employment and wages is generating well-paying career opportunities in the region.In terms of the number of jobs, Manufacturing is the second largest industry sector in Northwest Minnesota and statewide. Manufacturing accounts...
Restricting employer communication: Lawmakers passed a new law that prohibits employers from meeting or communicating with their employees on public policy. The “captive audience” law stipulates that communications must be “wholly voluntary” and not be political or religious in nature. There is a federal preemption of these laws, and they...
Employers are also mandated to provide one hour of fully paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours a year with a carry over up to 80 hours, including temporary and part-time employees. Employees must be paid at the same rate they would earn if they...
This year, the Legislature passed the most sweeping paid leave mandates on business in state history. Despite more than 80% of Minnesota members offering leave to their employees, the state now mandates all employers to grant employees sick, safe and paid time off equaling nearly 40% of a work year.Read...
Despite a historic nearly $18 billion budget surplus and Minnesota’s already high-tax environment, this session the legislature increased taxes by nearly $10 billion over the next four years. Although some taxes decreased mostly for lowerincome taxpayers through one-time rebates and refundable tax credits, businesses and taxpayers at all income levels...
The Workforce Mobility Program pilot provided free, short-term training for several in-demand occupations at Dakota County Technical College or Inver Hills Community College to low income Dakota County residents. The Dakota-Scott Workforce Development Board, a Leading CareerForce partner, partnered with the Dakota County Board of Commissioners and local community colleges...
The Grow Minnesota! team at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce helps businesses connect to resources to grow and expand in the state. How can we help?Read the complete article here.
The Quarterly Economic Snapshot is an overview of key indicators measuring Minnesota’s current economic performance. Analysis is provided in partnership with Grow Minnesota! and the Minnesota Chamber Foundation.Read the complete article here.
Governor Walz Highlights Efforts to Grow Minnesota’s Workforce During Workforce Development Month
Sep 5 2023 Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today are celebrating Workforce Development Month and highlighting efforts to connect Minnesotans to high-growth, high-demand jobs through job training and workforce development programs.Read the complete article here.
If you’re looking for work or working but hoping to change employment for higher wages or a schedule that works better for you – CareerForce can help at no cost to you!That’s because the workforce development professionals around the state who make up CareerForce are dedicated to helping Minnesotans find...
The Minnesota Legislature passed many bills this legislative session. Here is a timeline of when those bills become a reality for your business.Read the complete article here.
Uniting Forces: The Power of Collaboration Between Economic Development & Tourism Professionals
Aug 28 2023In today’s interconnected world, the realms of economic development and tourism have become increasingly intertwined. As economic development professionals strive to foster growth and prosperity in their communities, they must recognize the immense potential that lies within the tourism industry. Likewise, tourism professionals seeking to promote their destinations can benefit...
The Minnesota Legislature passed many bills this legislative session. Here is a timeline of when those bills become a reality for your business.Read the complete article here.
The skilled trades are at a pivotal moment in time. More than a decade of understaffing issues remain unresolved as the Great Retirement looms, and current economic uncertainty is shifting budget priorities away from workforce development at many organizations. As for the next decade, the U.S. Bureau of Labor (BLS)...
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics most recent report released on March 10, 2023, the unemployment rate for March was 3.5 percent. The unemployment rate has hovered at this level over the last 12 months, ranging between 3.5 percent and 3.7 percent, except for in January 2023 where it...