The year 2020 became one that tested everyone in ways never imagined. For business leaders, they contended with circumstances they had never encountered before. There were issues with supply chain, facility capacity limitations, shutdowns, social distancing, mask mandates, COVID exposure protocol, staffing, sanitization, health, and safety – to name a few. Over the past few … [Read more...]
Spring Valley Economic Development Authority launches new website
The Spring Valley community has a new website to help promote life in Spring Valley and offer connections, tools, and resources for local businesses and organizations. The Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced the launch of its new EDA website, springvalleyeda.org, Monday, January 11, 2021. The new website offers a variety of tools and resources for both … [Read more...]
Minnesota’s unemployment rate falls to 4.4% in November
Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped again in November, down to 4.4% from 4.6% in October, according to numbers released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This month, the unemployment rate decline in Minnesota was due to people moving into employment. November employment data were gathered before November 21, … [Read more...]
Diversified ingredients makes its whey to Preston
On November 18, Foremost Farm’s Preston facility was purchased equally by Diversified Ingredients and Johnson Farms. These companies are headquartered respectively out of Ballwin, Mo., and Lime Springs, Iowa. Preston Protein Products has two executive managers, Matt Collins from Diversified Ingredients and Mike Johnson from Johnson Farms. The facility in Preston is now named … [Read more...]
Gabby Kinneberg takes over as new Preston EDA director
When Gabby Kinneberg started her new job as the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Director just over three years ago, she never expected it to take her where she is today. On December 14, she added EDA Director to her existing titles. For the rest of December, she will spend time training with Cathy Enerson, the outgoing EDA director. Enerson, who has worked with the … [Read more...]
Chatfield Alliance seeks to fill gap in promotion, information exchange
Sara Sturgis laughs as she describes the new Chatfield Alliance as a “yodeling cowboy.” Sturgis, who is currently serving as the interim Alliance coordinator, explains that The Alliance serves as that cowboy, lassoing the cows to keep the herd together, helping the herd by providing everything it needs and then standing on top of the hill and shouting that Chatfield has the … [Read more...]
Preston adds car charging capabilities
Need your electric car charged? You soon will be able to charge it in three locations in Preston. According to Joe Hoffman, city administrator, the city has joined an effort to build a statewide charging network. At this point, a level two charger is available for use at the Trail Head parking lot and a DC fast charger has been installed but is awaiting a few parts before it is … [Read more...]
Results of the Harmony Community Chest 2020 Charity Drive
The 2020 Harmony Community Chest Drive has been completed. The total for Community Chest funds was $6,580, compared to last year’s total of $5,725. Of this, $6,372 was distributed, with $150 going for administrative expenses and $58 to cover any additional expenses. Proceeds from the Drive are given to local and regional organizations and charities. The disbursement of funds to … [Read more...]
Launch Minnesota awards nearly $750,000 in innovation grants for FY 2021
23 startups received Innovation Grant funding this fiscal year ST. PAUL, December 3, 2020 - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced that it has awarded $746,295 in the first half of fiscal year 2021; this follows the $1.6 million awarded in the first year of funding. Since July, we awarded 28 grants to 23 companies and seven … [Read more...]
AcenTek donates to 17 area fire departments
Seventeen area fire departments, located in Minnesota and Iowa, recently received $600 donations from AcenTek. Appropriately timed, the donations were sent to the departments around Thanksgiving, along with a letter expressing the company’s gratitude for all the volunteer fire departments do for their community. Just a few months back, these donations did not seem possible. … [Read more...]