In the News

Mind the Gap Minnesota Women's Press-8/26/16 Commissioner Shawntera Hardy: "We have data coming out of our ears, and it's telling us where we need to focus and invest, being thoughtful about communities, [and recognizing that] what we do in Bemidji may not be the same as what we do on the east side of St. Paul."

Aura Fabricators to Open $3.8M Expansion in Fergus Falls 

Star Tribune-8/25/16
“Aura Fabricators has a reputation for making high-quality products and meeting project deadlines,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “This funding supports the company’s growth plans and will help it to remain competitive nationally."

Did You Know?

Minneapolis is among the 15 best cities to live and launch, according to Entrepreneur Magazine. High points: We're healthy, great for college grads and boast an attractive downtown. Minneapolis is also home to a handful of Fortune 500s. 

Press Releases

Aura Fabricators Expanding Operations to Fergus Falls 
Dalton-based manufacturer Aura Fabricators Inc. is investing $3.76 million for a new manufacturing facility in Fergus Falls. DEED is supporting the expansion with a $189,195 grant from the Job Creation Fund. The company will receive the funding once it has met hiring and investment commitments.

The company, which specializes in making ornamental railings, overhead signs, trusses, steel bridge components and other miscellaneous metal products, will open the new facility to relieve overcrowding at its Dalton plant and to accommodate additional workers. The company plans to hire 14 new employees at an average wage of $20.50 an hour and to relocate seven to eight current workers to the new site.

Serving Our Clients

State Services for the Blind's Aging Eyes Initiative partners with community programs and organizations throughout the state to help seniors adjust to vision loss by providing: 

• Information about eye conditions common to seniors
• Low-vision aids and devices at no charge 
• Referrals for more extensive assistance at SSB.

A news story from KARE 11 tells how SSB is meeting the challenge of the increasing number of Minnesota seniors with vision loss. The video and story are here.