News

Minnesota's ACT scores remain steady, among best in the U.S.

Thursday, January 17, 2019

Minnesota's average declined slightly but not enough to alter its best-of-the-nation standing. Minnesota students’ scores on the ACT college entrance exam dipped slightly this year but were still higher than those of any other state where nearly all students take the test. Graduating seniors in the class of 2018 earned an average composite score of 21.3 out of a possible 36, according to test results released. That’s down from last year’s state average of 21.5, but still above the national average of 20.8 for the test that measures students’ college readiness in math, reading, science and English. It was also enough to earn...

New Guide to Hiring Disabled Veterans Available

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

With record low unemployment, more and more employers are feeling the laborforce crunch, but one group of job seekers may be overlooked – disabled veterans. To raise employer awareness of this labor source and lower perceived barriers to hiring disabled veterans, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has released their 2018 hiring guide. Continue to full article.

MILE Program Approves First Round of Startup Loans

Wednesday, January 02, 2019

Funding goes to four early-stage businesses in St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Mendota Heights and Mankato ST. PAUL – Four high-tech startup businesses in Minnesota, including three owned and operated by women, have been approved for interest-free loans totaling $196,000 under a pilot program at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). DEED approved the funding from the Minnesota Innovation Loans for Entrepreneurs (MILE) program for UR Turn in St. Louis Park, Thrivors Inc. in St. Paul, Poma 22 in Mendota Heights and Guardian Athletics in Mankato. Continue to full article

DEED Launches Tool to Measure, Report Broadband Access

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

Check Speed Minnesota will give insight into consumer experience, inform policymakers ST PAUL - The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, located within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), launched a new tool that will allow Minnesotans to test, map and report various broadband internet speeds across the state. CheckSpeedMinnesota.com is a benchmarking tool designed to gather information about the high-speed internet consumer experience in Minnesota. By answering a few questions and running a speed test, the input captured will help create a better overall picture of broadband in the state. Continue to full article

Minnesota's ACT scores remain steady, among best in the U.S.

Sunday, December 09, 2018

Minnesota's average declined slightly but not enough to alter its best-of-the-nation standing. Minnesota students’ scores on the ACT college entrance exam dipped slightly this year but were still higher than those of any other state where nearly all students take the test. Graduating seniors in the class of 2018 earned an average composite score of 21.3 out of a possible 36, according to test results released Wednesday. That’s down from last year’s state average of 21.5, but still above the national average of 20.8 for the test that measures students’ college readiness in math, reading, science and English. Continue to full article

New Guide to Hiring Disabled Veterans Available

Saturday, December 08, 2018

DEED Launches Tool to Measure, Report Broadband Access

Friday, December 07, 2018

Check Speed Minnesota will give insight into consumer experience, inform policymakers ST PAUL - The Minnesota Office of Broadband Development, located within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), today launched a new tool that will allow Minnesotans to test, map and report various broadband internet speeds across the state. CheckSpeedMinnesota.com is a benchmarking tool designed to gather information about the high-speed internet consumer experience in Minnesota. By answering a few questions and running a speed test, the input captured will help create a better overall picture of broadband in the state. Continue to full article

CentraCare Health is Building a Community-Driven Wellness Center in Todd County

Thursday, November 29, 2018

As the region’s premier healthcare provider, CentraCare Health (CCH) is at the forefront of innovation and finding ways to increase access to healthcare, while improving the long-term wellness of the entire community. One way they are doing so is through the creation of a community-driven wellness center in Todd County. The wellness center is in response to requests made by community members looking for an opportunity to improve their overall wellbeing. “The community voiced a clear desire to include a wellness center. We listened” stated Dan Swenson, CentraCare Health - Long Prairie Administrator. The resulting Regional Community Well-Being Center is a...

Reasons to Celebrate Small Business Saturday on Nov. 24th and Beyond

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a shopping holiday that urges consumers to patronize small and independent businesses rather than online retailers or big box stores. American Express was behind the first Small Business Saturday, which started in 2010. The initial goal was to counter the negative effects of the recession on small businesses and local economies. The holiday quickly caught on. In 2011, the Senate passed a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday. Consumers have now spent an estimated $85 billion at independent retailers and restaurants over the eight Small Business Saturdays since its inception. Small Businesses Make a Significant Economic Impact Research...

USDA Rural Development has approved a grant of $2,147,863.00

Saturday, November 17, 2018

This Rural Development investment will be used to construct a fiber to the home broadband system providing state of the art services to 250 households and 8 in and around Moran Township, Todd County, Minnesota. A community center will also be located within the Moran Township Town Hall where residents can access two computer terminals and WiFi, free of charge. This project will allow the residents and businesses in this area to access high quality voice and broadband services so that they may be better able to access the economic, health care, educational, and quality of life opportunities such services...

Helping Startups Succeed—and Stay—in the Midwest

Wednesday, November 07, 2018

At the University of Minnesota, launching a new company is one of several ways that breakthrough research can move beyond the lab to benefit the public. But finding the right leader, with the right experience, to bring these new technologies to market can be difficult. “Leadership is just as important as intellectual property to a startup’s success,” said Mary MacCarthy, Venture Center program manager with the U’s Venture Center in the Office for Technology Commercialization. “The biggest challenge the U of M has with launching our startups is finding skilled, available CEOs with experience in particular industries.” A new network comprising 11...

Number of Women-Owned Businesses Increased Nearly 3,000% since 1972, According to New Research

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Women started an average of 1,821 new businesses per day in the U.S. between 2017 and 2018, according to analysis in the 2018 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express (NYSE:AXP). This level of new business formation by women is greater than the daily average during the pre-recession period from 2002 to 2007 (714), the recession and recovery period between 2007 and 2012 (1,143), and the post-recession period between 2012 and 2017 (952). New this year, the report explores data back to 1972 – the first time the U.S. Census Bureau provided data on minority-owned and women-owned...

Innovation Voucher Award Program

Monday, October 29, 2018

Financial Awards Give Small Businesses Access to Technical Assistance The Innovation Voucher Award Program provides $5,000 to $25,000 awards to help small businesses purchase technical assistance and services necessary to advance research, development or commercialization of new or innovative products and services. Qualifying businesses receive awards – which the recipient must match on a 50 percent basis – to reimburse for expenses incurred for assistance and services rendered by public universities, colleges, technical schools and non-profits in Minnesota. Reimbursable expenses include purchased technical assistance and services in research, technical development, product development, commercialization, market development, technology exploration, and improved business practices, including strategies to...

3 Percent

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

MN's unemployment rate has been at or below 4 percent for four years straight Minnesota’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since June 2000 – 3 percent. Our unemployment rate has been at or below 4 percent for four consecutive years. (The US unemployment rate in July was 3.9 percent.) Employers added 11,200 jobs in July and 31,800 jobs over the past three months, the third-highest number of new jobs over a three-month span dating back to 1990. Details: Monthly gains across the major sectors were widespread; only two sectors lost jobs. The largest job gains were in education & health care (up...

Staples Funding Tourism Promotion

Monday, September 10, 2018

The City of Staples recently approved an ordinance that allows the City to implement a Local Lodging Tax. The proceeds of this tax must be utilized to fund a Tourism Promotion Committee for the purpose of marketing and promoting the City as a tourist center. The City is requesting proposals from nonprofit organizations which have experience and qualifications in regards to marketing, specifically tourism marketing. The selected organization will be held responsible for all financial management, implementation, and reporting duties to execute a defined strategic marketing plan. This would include the management and oversight of any and all hired resources to...

Long Prairie Resident voted as Best H.S. Game Announcer In MN

Monday, September 03, 2018

Local sports announcer, Kevin Houdek, was recently chosen the Best High School Game Announcer in Minnesota by WCCO viewers. Calling games for the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Thunder football for 30 years, he offers a detailed play-by-play for football enthusiasts across the country. Kevin Houdek is somewhat of a legend around here. He has announced games for generations of residents, making him an important part of the football games for players, their families and residents who have come out to support the team. He is part of what makes watching a hometown game so special. Congratulations to Kevin Houdek and thank...

This Minnesota Startup Built a National Directory for Women-Owned Businesses

Friday, August 31, 2018

MAIA launched earlier this year with a straightforward, single-minded goal: to compile a huge list of women-owned businesses and turn it into an easily-searchable online directory. By developing a platform that made it easy to find women-owned businesses, MAIA founders Kateri Ruiz and Angel Rowell hope to make it easy for consumers to find and support female entrepreneurs across the country. Read about how you can support women in your area.

Browerville Heritage Days

Monday, August 27, 2018

Browerville Heritage Days is always the last full weekend in June. To celebrate the area’s German and Polish heritage, there are many fun activities for both children and adults. Family-friendly activities include a parade, inflatables like a 25’ slide, bungee trampoline and a rock climbing wall, the turtle race and fire department water wars, and live music by area popular bands. There is also softball and beanbag tournaments for adults, as well as a beer garden, food vendors and much more. The Browerville Heritage Days are a ton of fun for everyone in the community, along with visitors who come from...

Minnesota Business Firms Expect Unchanged Conditions for 2019

Friday, August 24, 2018

Minnesota business services firms feel positive about the economy, with nearly 90 percent expecting sales revenue to increase or remain stable next year, according to a joint survey released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Read about the economic predictions in the MN DEED's press release.

Kick-off the Holidays at Bright Friday Night in Long Prairie

Monday, August 20, 2018

Bright Friday Night is an annual family-friendly event that takes place along Central Ave in Long Prairie. This is a magical way to kick-off the holiday season and something that children of all ages will enjoy. Even Santa will be in attendance, so truly, no one wants to miss this one. There will be refreshments, children's activities, and music in the afternoon. Then, after the early evening parade, there will be treats, photos with Santa, and to wrap up the festivities, fireworks at the Long Prairie Fire Department. We invite you to celebrate the holiday season with us by making Bright...

More MN workplaces offering 'Summer Fridays'

Friday, August 17, 2018

Companies are working hard to find innovative ways to keep employees happy and it’s not always money. In fact, a recent study found more than 40% of companies offer some sort of flex Friday or Summer Friday hours. Click here to read the Kare 11 News report.

CentraCare Plans New Wellness Center

Monday, August 13, 2018

CentraCare has plans underway to construct a 12,000-square-foot, $4.5-million building adjacent to the new hospital and clinic in Long Prairie. The Regional Community Well-Being Center will provide programs, services, and amenities designed to promote healthy lifestyles, enhance the quality of life and support well-being through the six dimensions of wellness. Construction of the Regional Community Well-Being Center began on August 16, 2018. The facility is expected to be completed in May 2019. Fundraising will continue through construction to secure the remaining funds necessary for the project. This Community Well-Being building project has been selected by the Region Five Development Commission CREDS Strategy...

DayBreak Foods in Long Prairie earns prestigious award

Friday, August 10, 2018

A Long Prairie business is being recognized for outstanding work in keeping its employees safe while on the job. The DayBreak Foods facility has become the 38th site in Minnesota to be awarded the Minnesota Health and Safety Recognition Program (MNSHARP) award. To learn more about the award and DayBreak Foods, click here.

Grey Eagle: A Lake Lovers Destination

Monday, August 06, 2018

Are you longing for peaceful and relaxing days on the lake? If the thought of sitting quietly by the water, casting your line, or watching the birds float by sounds like a little slice of heaven, you should visit Grey Eagle. Located a short distance in between Trace Lake, Bass Lake and the Birch Lakes, Grey Eagle is a haven for water lovers, fishing, and boating enthusiasts. There are cabins to rent or stay at a local resort, so there is something for everyone. Grey Eagle is also an ideal destination to reunite with family or friends. Once people visit, they...

Railroad Days is a fun for all event in Staples

Monday, July 30, 2018

Come join us for Railroad Days, a four-day event in Staples. This is Staples’ annual town festival that falls on the fourth weekend in August. It is a community celebration in which there are many fun activities for both children and adults. Family-friendly activities include a variety shows, an ice cream social, fireworks, medallion hunt, parade, free corn feed, car show, art & crafts, city-wide garage sales, and a street dance. There are plenty of games such as the Kinship 5K Run/Walk & Jr. Dash, CT Pedal Pull, and LA Pig Races. There is also a bean bag tournament, food and...

Celebrate Clarissa at its Summerfest

Friday, July 27, 2018

Every year in July is the Clarissa Summerfest, an event sponsored by the Clarissa Community Club. This fun-filled, all-ages community event has live entertainment, street dances, kids games, city-wide garage sales, bean bag, softball, and baseball tournaments, a craft fair, 5K, pancake breakfast, parade, bouncy houses, rib feed, bingo, medallion hunt, duck races, treasure dig, and more. There are too many activities to list but one thing you can count on is having fun. The Clarissa Community Club takes care to plan events for people of all ages so even the little ones will enjoy themselves while grandma and grandpa enjoy...

Come to Grey Eagle for GEM Fest

Friday, July 27, 2018

Enjoy three days of community fun every 4th weekend in July at GEM Fest! This annual community festival features a crafters and vendors market, parade, Lions Club Raffle, inflatables, tractor pulls for kids and adults, live entertainment, volleyball and softball tournaments, city-wide garage sales, food stands, beer garden, and more in Lions Park. If you and your family are looking for something fun to do this July, plan a trip to GEM Fest. This is one festival you do not want to miss. With something for everyone to do, this is truly a family-friendly event that children and adults will enjoy...

Low-Interest Loans Available to Fund Rural Commercial Real Estate Projects

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Rural LISC has developed an innovative new financing tool to provide low-interest loans to qualified commercial real estate projects in rural America. The Growing Rural Communities Fund will finance real estate acquisition and construction costs to spur job creation and economic revitalization in distressed communities. To find out more, find the PDF link here.

Immigrant Entrepreneurs Revitalize Minnesota Town

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Long Prairie Mayor Don Rasmussen enjoys taking visitors on a tour of Central Avenue, the once-bustling main street of his town, located about an hour northwest of St. Cloud. While plenty of empty storefronts line the street, take a closer look and you’ll see several new businesses now open where old ones once stood, like spring plants blooming in a freshly tilled garden. To read the full article on the Fedgazette, click here.

Christie Home Museum in Long Prairie is a "Must Visit"

Monday, July 23, 2018

The Christie Home Museum was built in Queen Anne Style in 1901, and was previously home to Dr. George R. Christie, Sr. and his family. The Christie family were the only people to occupy the home, living there until 1976, at which time Dr. Robert Christie, last resident of the home, passed away The remaining family donated the home to the city of Long Prairie, with the condition that it be maintained as a museum and be open to the public. It contains the original furnishings, several elaborate stained glass windows, and Tiffany lamps. The Christie Home is known as Long...

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