ALL-INVESTORS MEETING INCLUDED DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES FROM AROUND MINNESOTA
Gleaming vehicles inside the Miller Auto Plaza provided the perfect backdrop for those attending our April 6 All-Investors Meeting to learn how economic development is being driven in other parts of Minnesota.
Participating in a panel discussion about approaches and collaboration were Jessica Beyer, Greater Mankato Growth, Peter Frosch, Greater MSP, Rachel Johnson, APEX (Area Partnership for Economic eXpansion, serving northeastern Minnesota), and John Wade, RAEDI (Rochester Area Economic Development Inc.), along with GSDC President Patti Gartland. DEED’s Luke Greiner started off the discussion by highlighting each region’s areas of strength.
Our Spring meeting also included an introduction of new GSDC member Bolton & Menk; a Community Pillar Tribute to the late Don Helgeson, whose son and daughter-in-law accepted the award; and a special recognition of Patti Gartland, who retires May 31.
In addition to our appreciation for Miller Auto Plaza hosting the gathering, we thank Central McGowan, McGough Construction and Bernick’s for being event sponsors.
APPLY BY MAY 1 FOR $400,000 IN MN JOB SKILLS PARTNERSHIP GRANTS
Your business could be eligible for up to $400,000 in grants from the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, a state agency administered by DEED.
The purpose of the Partnership Program is to act as a catalyst between business and education in developing cooperative training projects that provide training for new or incumbent workers. Funds are used to develop and deliver training that is specific to business needs.
Since 2021, St. Cloud State University has been awarded Partnership grant funds to assist the following businesses in the St. Cloud region.
- Eye-Kraft
- Sand Companies Inc
- Grede
- St. Cloud Refrigeration (SCR)
- Dubow Textile
- EssilorLuxottica
- Pinnacle Climate Technologies
If that description fits your organization, you have until May 1 to submit your emailed application. Click here for Partnership Program grant application guidelines.
LATEST QUARTERLY BUSINESS REPORT INDICATES A RECESSION IS COMING
“Holding Back the Recession (For Now)” is the title of the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report (QBR) that was released on April 6 by King Banaian, Dean of SCSU’s School of Public Affairs, and Mana Komai Molle, Chair of SCSU’s Department of Economics.
Findings include that area business leaders saw better economic conditions over the past three months, but employment remains soft as businesses struggle to find qualified workers. Many leaders also experienced price and wage increases this winter, and a similar number expect them to continue through the summer.
As for the “R” word, a QBR graph showing dips in current business activity (seasonally adjusted) was accompanied by a heading that reads, “Recession might be delayed, but never two observations this low without one.”
View the full report here.
EPIC CAREER KITS NOW AVAILABLE AT
GREAT RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY – ST. CLOUD
EPIC – the Exploring Potential Interests & Careers program that puts employers in touch with future employees – now has Career Exploration Kits available for checkout at the Great River Regional Library – St. Cloud.
The portable kits contain fun, experiential activities that are bundled together in a container. Learners of all ages can take them anywhere to learn about industries, jobs and the skills needed for specific careers. There are a total of 16 kits representing the 16 career clusters as designated by the Minnesota Department of Education career wheel.
Find additional information at the websites for EPIC and the Great River Regional Library – St. Cloud.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
• CentraCare Earth Day Run, April 22, Downtown St. Cloud.
• Central Minnesota Difference Maker Grant Round application deadline is April 30 at 11:59 p.m. Apply here.
• Greater St. Cloud Community Workplace Well-being Information Sessions. Virtual sessions on April 26 and April 28. In-person events at Mahowald, 916 St. Germain St. W., St. Cloud on June 7 and June 28. Click here to register for virtual sessions or in-person events.
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Contact Our Staff Team
Patti Gartland, President
pgartland@greaterstcloud.com | 320.260.2442
Leslie Dingmann, Business Development Director
ldingmann@greaterstcloud.com | 320.493.9003
Gail Cruikshank, Talent Director
gcruikshank@greaterstcloud.com | 320.260.6775
Tammy Campion, Communications & Program Specialist
tcampion@greaterstcloud.com | 320.252.5185
Michelo Muleya, EPIC Coordinator
mmuleya@greaterstcloud.com I 320.252.5203