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Website to Engage Community Members, Business Owners, and Site Selectors LONG PRAIRIE, MN -- Todd County Development Corporation recently launched a redesigned website, created by Golden Shovel Agency, to further strengthen its online presence and economic growth for the region. The website is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and serves as ...Continue Reading

In Todd County, Minnesota, entrepreneurs and business owners are crucial to our thriving community and economy. The chief mission at Todd County Development Corporation is to focus on entrepreneur assistance and small business development, and by doing so, the Corporation stays invested in the success of economic development in th...Continue Reading

When it opened in 1907, this 30,000 square foot building, with original mural and fresco work adorning its intrinsic interiors was the front runner of all things opera. The opera house had closed its doors during the great depression. More than a century later, the Batcher Block Opera house, i...Continue Reading

For most people across communities, their favorite shopping memories have occurred when visiting a small business downtown. There is something special about shopping at a local store where the owners greet you by name, swap stories with you and ask about the kids. You can’t find that experience everywhere, bu...Continue Reading

An entrepreneurial spirit is not something that can be taught - it has to be developed within oneself. An entrepreneurial mindset is one that continually embraces change, invites ardent questioning, and creates a constant striving for improvement. November is National Entrepreneurship Month, which celebrates our country's entrepreneurs who lead th...Continue Reading

Frank, an Air Force Veteran, found himself laid off from his most recent civilian job due to COVID-19, only months after being laid off from the IT job he had for more than 10 years.  After taking a couple of months off to re-focus, Frank found job hunting to be ...Continue Reading

When Kati Stage moved from the Twin Cities to Embarrass in rural northern Minnesota last summer, her only choice for internet was HughesNet, a satellite service she said was slow “since day one.” Then, in November, she one day noticed a “strange long line of lights” pass above her in th...Continue Reading

If there is one thing economic developers have in common, it’s a strategic plan to grow.  Experience has taught them that taking a measured, proactive approach is a cornerstone to success. Have you put off creating a new strategic plan?  Here Are Seven Reasons To Make Creating A Strategic Plan Your Priority 1.) A Strategic Plan Brings Community Partners Together. According to LISA HURLEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF YOR...Continue Reading

The manufacturing industry has made great strides in recent years, adding impressively to the country’s economic growth. Todd County Development Corporation joins scores of manufacturers across the country as we celebrate Manufacturing Month, an annual event occurring in October. The entire month is an ode to our companies and peopl...Continue Reading

Many manufacturing jobs can be started with a high school diploma and employer provided on-the-job training. There are also many opportunities for people with college degrees in science, technology, math or engineering.  One way that Minnesota helps prepare middle and high school students interested in a career in manufacturing for workin...Continue Reading

Manufacturing jobs pay well. In fact, average annual wages for workers in Manufacturing in Minnesota are $70,860 – that’s 10% higher than wage across all industries in Minnesota. Plus many Manufacturing positions offer opportunities for advancement on a promising career path. Many manufacturing jobs can be started with a hig...Continue Reading

Starting next year, two colleges in the Minnesota State system plan to offer courses in a field not usually associated with higher education: meat cutting. The Staples campus of Central Lakes College and Ridgewater College in Willmar and Hutchinson are launching programs aimed at training the next generation of animal slaughter...Continue Reading

“Thank you for all your help and the connection you helped me make with the Dislocated Worker Program.”  That’s what one grateful recipient of a Good Jobs Now call told a CareerForce staff person this summer. Every day CareerForce Job Service Staff have conversations with Minnesotans who are looking for wor...Continue Reading

We went back and forth internally about whether to make the 2021 Global Groundwork Index feature or the one about Remote Work the cover story. The former got the nod, but the latter was no less deserving. Both, by the way, are authored by Managing Editor Adam Bruns, who ca...Continue Reading

Entrepreneurship isn’t an easy or simple profession, but as with any field, there are basic principles that govern success. The most fundamental truth in entrepreneurship is this: find a problem and be the solution. If you want to become a successful entrepreneur, your business must fill a gap, solve a...Continue Reading

When a business is experiencing a decline in revenue or has simply plateaued and is not growing, there can be a number of contributing factors. A global pandemic, new competition, loss of a major customer, weak management, turnover of key employees, or off-target marketing could all have a negative effec...Continue Reading

PROGRAM STATUS: Open APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications for Grants of $20,000 or Less and Loan/Grant of $20,000 or Less Combo Applications due by Nov. 1, 2021, or March 31, 2022. Applications for Unrestricted Grants or Loan/Unrestricted Grant Combo Applications due by March 31, 2022. Fiscal Year 2021 Funding Amounts: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Fiscal Yea...Continue Reading