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Archive for category: News

Region Nine Delegation to North Rhine-Westphalia

in Miscellaneous, News/by Region Nine

 

December 2-10, 2022

Münster, Saerbeck, Düsseldorf

An international learning exchange to share best practices in clean energy and building more welcoming communities. 


North Rhine-Westphalia calls itself the “diversity state” due to its rural, industrial, and multi-culture population. The state has multiple communities involved with the international exchange with communities from Minnesota, Climate Smart Municipalities, and are leaders in developing clean energy initiatives at a local level.

United Cultures was created to build a thriving and welcoming community for residents in St. James. Its goal is to create a culture of inclusion by providing spaces to grow through sharing, learning, and collaboration and remove barriers to equal opportunities.

This delegation is made possible through support provided by the BUSH Foundation.

Follow the delegation on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn using #R9inNRW #Exchange #CleanEnergy #WelcomingCommunities, and read our daily digests below!

R9 NRW Day 01: Münster

R9 NRW Day 02: Münster and Senden

R9 NRW Day 03: Saerbeck


Learn more about the delegation:

Press Kit:

https://bit.ly/GermanyDelegation22

Agenda:

https://bit.ly/Germany-Delegation-22-Agenda

Bios:

https://bit.ly/Germany-Delegation-22-Bios

https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Region Nine https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Region Nine2022-12-06 11:00:482022-12-07 08:38:23Region Nine Delegation to North Rhine-Westphalia

Workforce is Hot Issue at Luncheon

in News/by Nate George

By: Clay Schuldt – New Ulm Journal

New Ulm, MN – Workforce development struggles and solutions were the hot topics at Friday’s Chamber of Commerce Hot Topic Luncheon.

The event featured presentations from Region 9 Economic Development Director Kristian Braekkan, who gave an overview analysis of the workforce issues facing the nine-county region of Brown, Watonwan, Martin, Sibley, Nicollet, Blue Earth, Faribault, Le Sueur and Waseca.

He opened the presentation by asking, “What is an economy?”

Braekkan said often people think of the local economy as on the periphery of the global economy, but he argued local economy was at the center of the global economy.

“That’s the only way to address these issues we’re dealing with here in terms of maintaining and creating a workforce that will sustain the livelihood of the community,” he said.

Braekkan informed the audience that many of the workforce’s struggles that have come to light in the last two years because of the COVID pandemic, but really it is a result of demographic challenges starting in the 1970s.

Since the 1970s the nine-county region has grown by an average of 304 people a year. In the same period, the region has created 1,037 jobs. That’s a job deficit of 700 people every year for 50 years.

Based on these numbers Braekkan argued the region was great at creating jobs but has actually created too many jobs and was not embracing automation enough. Businesses like 3M and Kraft were embracing some automation, but he believed this was not true throughout the region.

The U.S. population has grown at an average rate of 7%, but the Region 9 counties have only grown by 1.3%. Some counties have seen negative growth.

From an ethnicity standpoint, the Region 9 area has seen significantly less growth in the Hispanic population than the rest of the country. The national growth rate for the Hispanic population over the last 10 years is 18%. Most of the Region 9 counties were in the single digits for growth except Watonwan County, which had a 25% growth in the Hispanic population.

The region does well in high school graduation rates, which are higher than the national average. However, the region has a lower rate of bachelor’s degrees. Braekken said many people from the region do attend four-year schools but do not return to their hometowns after graduation.

“That’s one of our biggest challenges from an economic development standpoint: how do we get kids with that four-year degree to remain or return here?” Braekkan asked.

He praised the creation of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center and investments in Project Lead the Way, as this will invest in youth.

Following Braekkan’s presentations, multiple local industry representatives spoke about how they were handling the work shortage.

AMPI Plant Manager Bill Swan spoke on how the company has addressed worker shortages by targeting minority communities. AMPI was down 26 employees, hurting production and cutting into business margins. However, staffing has improved since AMPI hired from the Hispanic and Hmong communities. He said the demographics are going to have to change in New Ulm to meet the workforce demands.

Swan said housing was an issue. Employees were struggling to commute. In response to the 118-unit housing development on North Highland, Swan asked, “When is the next 118 (coming)? Because that’s what it is going to take.”

Jake Mason, 3M operation manager, said currently they have 24 full-time production positions open, which is relatively high but is down from a high of 60 openings.

“We’re making progress this year, but it has been hard fought,” he said.

About 7% of 3M’s workforce are baby boomers, with 53% being Generation X. Mason said retirements are a significant problem, but employee turnover is high among those working for 3M less than five years.

He said the company is hiring people new to manufacturing and deciding it is not the correct career for them and leaving. This is expensive and time-consuming to invest in short-term employees. The company is working to give employees recognition to keep them long-term.

Brandon Maceman, Human Resource director at New Ulm Medical Center, said the hospital is at 88% strength. Housing is a concern for NUMC. He said employees are split almost equally between living in New Ulm and commuting. Applicants frequently cite the housing shortage as the reason why they commute. The average commute time is 35 miles. The detour on Highway 14 has become a significant challenge in hiring individuals.

Growing a professional population for a medical center is time-consuming in normal circumstances, but the recent COVID pandemic was a huge deterrent. With cases going down, motivation for joining the medical community is growing again.

He said many of the young professionals coming up in the medical community, communicate in different ways. Allina as a whole is trying to switch its approach. He believes this will be the new area of growth.

https://www.nujournal.com/news/local-news/2022/09/10/workforce-is-hot-issue-at-luncheon/

 

https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Nate George https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Nate George2022-09-20 09:44:342022-09-20 09:52:04Workforce is Hot Issue at Luncheon

Region Nine Development Commission Receives 2022 NADO Impact Award

in News/by Nate George

Mankato, MN-Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) has been honored with a National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 2022 Impact Award for the group’s work with the Region Nine Grower’s Network.  

The Grower’s Network is a group of local and sustainable farmers that meet to learn from each other and grow the community. The Grower’s Network has been working to create opportunities for new farmers from historically underrepresented demographics and encourage connections with local restaurants.

One outcome has been Local Foods Week which took place this July. This week-long event paired local farmers and restaurants to create menu items featuring livestock and produce grown in Region Nine.

NADO Impact Awards recognize regional development organizations for projects that take an innovative approach to economic development and focus on improving the quality of life in their region. RNDC has been awarded eight Impact Awards over the last 10 years.

 

https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Nate George https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Nate George2022-09-20 09:04:532022-09-20 09:11:01Region Nine Development Commission Receives 2022 NADO Impact Award

Mike Laven Named Chair of Region Nine Development Commission

in News/by Nate George

Mankato, MN- Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) named Mike Laven as the Board of Directors Chair. He has served on the commission since 2019 and takes over for Steve Rohlfing whose term ended this year.

Laven has served Blue Earth County for over 20 years as an elected official and a volunteer. He was first elected to the Mankato City Council in 2000 serving until 2012. Community members convinced Laven to run again in 2016. He was reelected that year and continues to serve on the council.

Laven is also active in the community as a volunteer. He spends much of his free time working with The Connections Shelter, Holy Grounds, and PrideFest.

“South Central Minnesota has a wealth of leadership across each of the cities, counties, townships, and school boards that are committed to collaborating on what is best for all. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as chair of the board and working with these leaders and the incredibly talented staff of Region Nine,” said Laven.

“Mike has always been very supportive of the team. He understands the vision of RNDC and that a strong regional economy is based on mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Region Nine Executive Director, Nicole Griensewic.

Laven named Chair of Region Nine Development Commission

 

https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Nate George https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Nate George2022-09-20 08:15:282022-09-20 08:24:24Mike Laven Named Chair of Region Nine Development Commission

Local Foods Week: Partnership Between Farmers and Restaurants

in News/by Nate George
By Sofia Martinez
Published: Jul. 21, 2022 at 10:47 AM CDT|Updated: Jul. 21, 2022 at 9:35 PM CDT

Mankato, Minn. (KEYC) – Amboy Cottage Café has been serving home-cooked family-style meals, made from scratch, for more than 20 years.

Lisa Lindberg grows her own vegetables, herbs, fruits, and serves locally sourced meals.

So when Region Nine Growers asked her to connect with local farmers, it wasn’t something unknown to her and her business.

“We’ve been focusing on local as a business for quite a long time, since we started 22 years ago,” says Amboy Cottage Café owner, Lisa lindberg. “But I was going to be introduced to a farmer that I hadn’t used very many things from before, and so he introduced me to Rebel Rooster, and we have Becky Harhaj, who’s the farmer there.”

For a full week, the Amboy Cottage Café and Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm, in Waseca, will be featuring menu items with ingredients sourced from local crop and livestock producers.

https://www.keyc.com/2022/07/21/local-foods-week-partnership-between-farmers-restaurants/ 

https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Nate George https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Nate George2022-07-22 08:58:002022-09-27 08:13:31Local Foods Week: Partnership Between Farmers and Restaurants

Mankato Area Awarded $2 Million in State Revitalization Funds

in News/by Nate George
By Sofia Martinez
Published: May. 17, 2022 at 11:31 AM CDT|Updated: May. 17, 2022 at 7:53 PM CDT
 
Mankato, Minn. (KEYC) – The Greater Mankato Growth Foundation has been awarded $2 million through the Department of Employment and Economic Development Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.

GMG says the $2 million will be used to promote development and redevelopment in three commercial corridors in Blue Earth County and Nicollet County; Including the Mankato and North Mankato City Center, the US Hwy 60/169 corridor, and the US Hwy 14 corridor.

GMG’s Foundation will serve as the fiscal host of these funds, which will be sub-granted to business owners and developers within the three commercial corridors.

“It will be instrumental to have these funds for businesses to take part in redevelopment projects, development projects. Really a way to support, too, the hospitality industry that has been hit so hard during the pandemic,” Greater Mankato Growth President and CEO Jessica Beyer said.

https://www.keyc.com/2022/05/17/mankato-area-awarded-2-million-state-revitalization-funds/ 

https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Nate George https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Nate George2022-05-20 08:29:002022-09-20 08:48:58Mankato Area Awarded $2 Million in State Revitalization Funds

Region Nine Development Commission Awarded SolSmart Silver
Designation for Advancing Solar Energy

in News/by Region Nine

Solsmart Silver Logo

 

Mankato, MN– Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) has been awarded the SolSmart Silver designation for the organization’s efforts to make solar energy more accessible for residents and businesses in the region.

The SolSmart program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office and recognizes organizations that have worked to promote solar energy by making it faster, easier, and more affordable for the community to adopt.

To receive this designation, RNDC worked to reduce the barriers for developing a solar energy infrastructure. This includes changes to local processes that will make the region an attractive area for solar companies. The expansion of solar energy has the potential to drive economic development in the area and create jobs.

“As an organization focused on community and economic development, one of our main jobs is helping our communities understand and access the resources available to them,” said Nicole Griensewic, RNDC Executive Director. “Solar energy is just another example of an important resource that can benefit our local communities and economies by providing affordable and clean energy. Through our work with SolSmart, RNDC learned how to develop solar resources in a manner that provides the maximum benefit for community resilience.”

The SolSmart program provides free technical and logistical expertise to communities interested in developing or expanding their solar energy capabilities. Through the program, RNDC worked with the Great Plains Institute to evaluate local permit, planning, and zoning procedures as well as recommendations to make solar energy more accessible in the region.

“We are getting a lot more questions from our communities about integrating renewable energy into planning and projects,” said Joel Hanif, RNDC Community Development Planner. “As a community development planner, I now feel more comfortable answering those questions and helping communities make the right energy choices for them. This is in large part due to the education and support provided by SolSmart and the Great Plains Institute.”

RNDC joins over 400 other communities and regional organizations that have received the SolSmart designation. All municipalities and counties are eligible to join the SolSmart program and receive this technical assistance. Interested communities can learn more at SolSmart.org or by contacting Joel Hanif at joel@rndc.org.

https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Region Nine https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Region Nine2022-03-08 12:08:592022-03-08 12:09:36Region Nine Development Commission Awarded SolSmart Silver
Designation for Advancing Solar Energy

Updates from Governor’s Trade Mission: UK & Finland

in News/by Region Nine
Governor Walz, along with 50 Minnesota business representatives, went to the United Kindom and Finland as part of a trade mission on November 13-19, 2021 with major business centers in London and Helsinki. The mission aimed to increase state exports, promote Minnesota as a premier destination for foreign investment, develop new business opportunities, and strengthen existing ties.
 
The delegation consisted of businesses and organizations within Minnesota’s medical technology, food and agriculture, environmental technology, and educational sectors. Also joining Governor Walz in representing the state was First Lady Gwen Walz, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Steve Grove, and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Thom Petersen.
 
Updates from each day of the trade mission can be found below.
 
Governor’s Trade Mission Update: Day One in the United Kingdom
 
Governor’s Trade Mission Update: Day Two in the United Kingdom
 
Governor’s Trade Mission Update: Day Three in the United Kingdom
 
Governor’s Trade Mission Update: Day Four in Finland
 
Governor’s Trade Mission Update: Day Five in Finland
https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Region Nine https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Region Nine2021-11-30 12:36:102021-11-30 12:36:11Updates from Governor’s Trade Mission: UK & Finland

2022-2026 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

in Miscellaneous, News/by Region Nine
Read more
https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Region Nine https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Region Nine2021-11-30 12:21:092021-12-10 08:11:082022-2026 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Americas Competitiveness Exchange Colorado Final Report

in News/by Region Nine

Region Nine’s Executive Director, Nicole Griensewic, was selected to participate in the 13th Americas Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACE) in Colorado, as an ACE Ambassador, from August 1-6, 2021. ACE Colorado was hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) and Economic Development Administration (EDA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and the Organization of American States (OAS) and in partnership between Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation (Jeffco EDC), the City and County of Denver, and El Paso County.

Each ACE edition connects decision-makers from the public and private sector in the Americas to a region’s new business opportunities, innovation hubs, flagship sectors, strategic investment, and research and development centers. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic which has negatively impacted the economies of the region, ACE reconnects communities with international trade, potential investors, and supply chains, which are urgently needed in order to recover.

View the final ACE Colorado report here to read about the participants, what happened during the trip, results so far, and more!

https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png 0 0 Region Nine https://www.rndc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/region9_white_logo.png Region Nine2021-10-04 10:53:062021-10-04 10:53:07Americas Competitiveness Exchange Colorado Final Report
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Region Nine Development Commission strives to promote the development of the region through intergovernmental cooperation, community and human development, long-range planning and technical assistance. Learn more

Latest Posts

  • Region Nine Delegation to North Rhine-WestphaliaDecember 6, 2022 - 11:00 am

      December 2-10, 2022 Münster, Saerbeck, Düsseldorf An international learning exchange to share best practices in clean energy and building more welcoming communities.  North Rhine-Westphalia calls itself the “diversity state” due to its rural, industrial, and multi-culture population. The state has multiple communities involved with the international exchange with communities from Minnesota, Climate Smart Municipalities, […]

  • Workforce is Hot Issue at LuncheonSeptember 20, 2022 - 9:44 am
  • Region Nine Development Commission Receives 2022 NADO Impact AwardSeptember 20, 2022 - 9:04 am

    Mankato, MN-Region Nine Development Commission (RNDC) has been honored with a National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) 2022 Impact Award for the group’s work with the Region Nine Grower’s Network.   The Grower’s Network is a group of local and sustainable farmers that meet to learn from each other and grow the community. The Grower’s […]

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