DEED Roundup - August 19, 2019

DEED Roundup Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

August 19, 2019

DEED in the News

Farming is one of backbones for state’s economy

Redwood Falls Gazette - 8/14/19

Farming has always been one of the backbones of the Minnesota economy – it’s part of who we are as a state. Minnesota is home to more than 68,000 farms, and nearly half of the state is cropland. Yet today, it’s no secret farmers have experienced several economic setbacks. 

Farming is the heart of the Minnesota Economy
barrett petfoods groundbreaking

Brainerd Pet Food Maker to Build Plant in Little Falls

Twin Cities Business - 8/14/19

Brainerd-based Barrett Petfood Innovations on Tuesday broke ground on a new 160,000-square-foot facility in Little Falls.The new plant is expected to more than double Barrett’s production capabilities, according to a company press release issued Wednesday. Over the next three years, Barrett expects to hire 85 workers at the Little Falls facility.

Updates from DEED

Minnesota Unemployment Increases to 3.4% in July

Minnesota lost 1,300 seasonally adjusted jobs in July and the state’s unemployment rate edged up one tenth to 3.4%, according to data released by DEED. The U.S. Unemployment rate remained at 3.7%.

Minnesota Monthly Economic Update video

Help Lead Our Workforce Development Grantmaking Center of Excellence

DEED is searching for a director of Employment and Training Programs who can get behind these processes, work strategically and thoughtfully with state and federal partners, and build a center of excellence in grantmaking that will be central to Minnesota’s workforce development needs. 

Ray Douha

Former DEED Field Operations Manager Ray Douha to Lead Veterans Employment Programs

Ray Douha, a veteran of  the U.S. Navy, has been named Director of Veterans Employment Services at DEED.  

Natasha Jerde Becomes New Director of State Services for the Blind

Natasha Jerde is joining the DEED leadership team as State Services for the Blind’s new director. Natasha will begin her new role on August 21.

Serving Our Customers

Minnesota Ranks High in education

Minnesota has the second best Community College System in the United States according to a study by WalletHub. Currently Minnesota is ranked high in several education related metrics. According to DEED's own data is ranked highest for percentage of the population with a high school diploma and 10th for percentage with a 4-year degree or higher.