New Americans
In addition to finding workers, many challenges continue to perplex small dairy farmers in Minnesota: an unusually wet growing season, competition from large-scale dairy operations, changing consumer habits and, perhaps most significantly, volatile milk prices.
New Americans
The recent sanctuary declaration by the ELCA, the largest Lutheran denomination in the country and one of the most visible church bodies in Minnesota, has, predictably, drawn different responses.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
“We have gotten the message that the answer (to fewer foster care cases) is prevention,” said Nikki Farago, the assistant commissioner of Children and Family Services at the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
Traci Tapani of Wyoming Machine says the cost of not being able to fill open positions is much higher than the cost of investing in strategies that can help workers keep their jobs. And she said taking some risks has “produced some great employees.”
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
Five years ago, after renovating a horse barn, adding a kitchen to it, clearing a pasture in back and building a music stage, Emily Knudsen and Bill Bartz opened Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
During the 2016-2017 school year, about 25,000 students open-enrolled into “rural” districts, a recent study found, while about 15,000 students open-enrolled into “regional centers.”
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
New osteopathic schools, or branches of existing ones, have opened in 16 states in the past five years, according to the American Osteopathic Association.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
International Falls will get an increase of $153,000, which it uses it for essential services like paying police officers and funding the public works department. In Mower County, an increase of about $255,000 will go into the county’s general fund.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
Willmar and other Minnesota towns want to attract professionals, young families and others who might be looking for an alternative to the suburbs.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
The Minnesota Equity Blueprint is an ambitious set of policy ideas aimed at addressing some overlapping problems in rural and urban areas.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
The decision to expand in Thief River Falls heartened the town of 8,600, whose identity has become increasingly tied to the fortunes of the growing company.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
“We want to make sure that if and when that growth hits us that we are prepared for it,” said Beth Carlson, the mayor of Lewiston.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
Such micro-branding efforts have roots in what marketers call “place branding” – efforts by regions or states to create a unique sense of place.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
When the Legislature begins its work Jan. 8, a battery of lobbyists for Greater Minnesota interests will be there, arguing for a variety of proposals that they believe will boost the rural economy.
Economic Vitality in Greater Minnesota
About 11,000 children in southwestern Minnesota live in poverty, according to 2015 data. That’s one in six children.
