In the News

Good Times for Skilled Workers
Winona Daily News-6/16/16
The job market seems to be improving in Minnesota. The state’s unemployment rate is about at pre-recession levels and the average wage for private-sector jobs has been growing at a healthy clip. “It’s a good time to be a job seeker. It’s a really good market for people who are maybe looking to make a move,” said Carrie Patton, board president for the Twin Cities Human Resources Association.

Louisiana-Pacific Eyes Iron Range
Minneapolis Star Tribune-6/15/16
State officials approved a $30 million subsidy last week that could help bring a Louisiana-Pacific siding plant to Hoyt Lakes on the Iron Range. The company says up to 250 people would work at the facility. The Louisiana-Pacific board of directors is expected to make a final decision next year on where to locate the facility.

Did You Know?

Minnesota is the No. 1 state for working dads. WalletHub reached that conclusion after analyzing 20 key metrics, including each state’s work-life balance, health conditions, financial climate and child-rearing climate for working dads.

DEED Press Releases

Unemployment Rate Steady in May
The Minnesota unemployment rate was unchanged at a seasonally adjusted 3.8 percent in May, according to figures released last week by DEED . The U.S. unemployment rate in May was 4.7 percent. Minnesota employers eliminated 1,900 jobs during the month, after gaining a revised 14,300 jobs in April. Employers in Minnesota have added 27,987 jobs over the past year.

Stern Rubber Expanding in Aitkin
Staples-based Stern Rubber Co. announced plans last week to add 10 jobs and double the size of a manufacturing facility in Aitkin. The company said it will invest $1.26 million to expand its Aitkin plant from 10,000 square feet to 20,000 square feet. DEED is supporting the project with $79,875 from the Job Creation Fund.

DEED Awards Job-Training Grant
Workers at U.S. Distilled Products Co. in Princeton will learn new skills with the help of a job-training grant awarded by DEED. The agency awarded the $49,684 grant under the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership. The funding will enable U.S. Distilled Products to work in partnership with Anoka-Ramsey Community College to train 31 employees to use increasingly sophisticated technology and automation.

Recent Blog Posts

Whether it’s taking advantage of time off to earn extra pocket money or looking for their first-ever full-time job, this is the time of year when many Minnesota teenagers make their official entrance into the labor market. Read more.