ST. PAUL – Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 2.8% in December, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), marking the fourth straight month with the same unemployment rate. Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains the lowest since May 1999 and is just above the all-time low of 2.5% held in … [Read more...]
Valley Laundry up and running
Craig Seabright hadn’t been expecting or planning to move his laundry business in Spring Valley. Craig explained, “I’ve had the laundry down there by the BP (gas station/convenience store) for the last 14 years. And then (landlord) Tom told me that he was looking to sell the building, so he thought it was best for me to find a new place to go.” Craig also is the owner of … [Read more...]
2019 gas prices to surge from current lows, says GasBuddy
January 2, 2019 — GasBuddy, the only company connecting drivers with their Perfect Pit Stop, today predicts that 2019 will feature a yearly national average of $2.70 per gallon, representing a three cent drop versus 2018, but warns that the national average could surge to over $3 per gallon as soon as May. Some highlights from GasBuddy’s 2019 Fuel Price Outlook include: • … [Read more...]
Minnesota unemployment rate steady at 2.8% Annual employment gains 1.1% over last November
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 2.8% in November, according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). In November, Minnesota lost 800 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis. October’s previously announced gain of 3,400 jobs was reduced to 2,500 after revision. Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains … [Read more...]
SEMAC awards arts grants
On November 13, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC) awarded 65 grants for a total of $342,170 in funding to applicants throughout southeastern Minnesota. This included 24 Arts and Cultural Heritage grants for $216,105, 13 Presenter/Production Assistance grants for $36,280, six Small Towns/Rural Areas grants for $17,765, seven School … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $33,900 in grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) approved four Economic Development grants totaling $33,900 to organizations that participated in a “Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” event earlier this year. The goal of the grant is to fund projects that support the development of entrepreneurial cultures in communities that are in SMIF’s 20-county region. Funding was … [Read more...]
Otto Bremer Trust makes 149 investments totaling $10.3 million More than $1.4 million awarded to 16 organizations in southeastern Minnesota
The Otto Bremer Trust has awarded $10,296,101 in grants as part of its most recent grantmaking cycle. “Being responsive to community needs has been a hallmark of OBT, and this round of investments exemplifies that commitment,” said Charlotte Johnson, co-CEO and trustee, Otto Bremer Trust. “Whether providing children’s dental care, job skills training, hunger relief, or … [Read more...]
2018 Valley Design Employee Sharing Tree
For the past 12 years Valley Design’s Employee Sharing Tree has made donations to Christmas in Fillmore County and the Fillmore County Food Shelf. Both programs assist families in Fillmore County. Christmas in Fillmore County benefits families in need during the Holiday Season with gifts for kids. The Fillmore County Food Shelf provides food for those in need. This year … [Read more...]
Longtime Preston restaurant announces it’s closing its doors
“I hope that sparks someone to purchase it,” Branding Iron owner Steve Bahl said about his recent decision to announce a closing date for his restaurant. Bahl has owned the Branding Iron since 1989, and while he has enjoyed his time at the restaurant, he and his wife Allyson are ready for a change. The Branding Iron was built in 1970 by a group of businessmen who made up the … [Read more...]
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation awards $33,900 in grants
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) approved four Economic Development grants totaling $33,900 to organizations that participated in a “Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” event earlier this year. The goal of the grant is to fund projects that support the development of entrepreneurial cultures in communities that are in SMIF’s 20-county region. Funding was … [Read more...]