Todd County annual reports highlight employment growth, key partnerships, and opportunities

Todd County defying state employment trends in the post-pandemic era was one of many highlights at a recent annual dinner and meeting held by Todd County Development Corporation. The meeting served as an opportunity to present the 2024 TCDC Annual Report and highlight key trends in the local economy. Simultaneously, TCDC honored the local partners and businesses who make the work of TCDC possible.

Employment trends defy state averages 

Rebecca Leys, Community Economics Educator, shared a recent report from the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Community Development. It presented a deep dive into the local economy in Todd County, highlighting many points differentiating Todd from its neighbors and statewide trends. Most notable is the ongoing growth in Todd County before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. While many communities across Minnesota and the United States experienced a decline in employment during 2020 and beyond, Todd County steadily added jobs with a 13 percent increase in employment between 2016 and 2024. Post-pandemic years of 2022 to 2024 saw 4 percent growth in the county. 

Top employment sectors include manufacturing, government and education, publicly owned healthcare, and retail and wholesale roles. Since 2016, jobs in health care, manufacturing, and the leisure and hospitality sectors have experienced the most growth. Within Todd County, manufacturing careers are three times the national average, while ag and forestry employ six times the national average of workers as of 2024. The same study identifies professional and business services and the retail sectors as areas for further growth based on current statistics. 

SBDC partnership supports local business development

Area partners, such as the North Central Small Business Development Center satellite office, were a key highlight at the event. The NCSBDC provides consulting to start-ups and existing small businesses in Todd County through its position within the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Minnesota SBDC office. One-on-one sessions with the SBDC are confidential and cover a full range of services, including marketing plan assessment and development, business plan development, and financial reviews. These offerings, coupled with the tools and services provided by TCDC, such as a revolving loan fund, business retention and expansion programs, and site selection services, streamline launching a business and facilitate business growth.

Housing and childcare focus continues

Addressing critical barriers to employment, including childcare and housing issues, are also an ongoing focus for TCDC. To increase the number of childcare slots offered in Todd County, TCDC partnered with Long Prairie to assist with the development of a childcare pod building. As part of the partnership, the organizations are identifying other funding and partnership opportunities to raise money and local support for the project. Simultaneously, TCDC is tackling a lack of available housing by identifying community and business needs while finding solutions through technical assistance, information sharing, and grant writing.

Throughout 2025, TCDC remains committed to building on the success of 2024. Local partnerships will drive business development and growth while allowing us to tackle impediments to employment. 

To learn more about Todd County Development Corporation, including local business resources and incentives, visit our website here or contact us today.