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Tuesday, March 21, 2023
SBA Disaster Loans Available for 2022 MN Tornadoes & Thunderstorms
SBA Working Capital Disaster Loan Deadline Approaching for Small Businesses in Minnesota with Losses from 2022 Severe Thunderstorms and TornadoesATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses in Minnesota affected by the severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that occurred May 29-30, 2022, that the deadline is approaching to apply for working capital disaster loans. Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private
Wednesday, March 15, 20235 Ways to Find Employees Post-Pandemic
Let’s face it. You can’t throw a rock these days without hitting a help wanted sign. If someone wants to work, there is little stopping them on the employer side. (There may be things like childcare or scheduling on the employee’s side but that’s another article.) If you’re running ads along with all the other employers out there, you’re at the mercy of their budgets—and if they have a larger one than you—they may be able to get their wanted ads in more effective places more often. A sign in your place
Monday, March 13, 2023What Does Chamber Membership Mean? It's More Than Just a Ribbon Cutting
Years ago, businesspeople joined the Chamber because it was expected. These days membership isn't automatic and it’s an even more valuable investment than ever before. Chamber benefits can save you a lot of money, and if you're like most business owners, you could really use some cost savings these days. It's important to note that Chamber membership is not like a gym membership that comes with one entry and the occasional ability to bring a guest. Chamber member benefits apply to all your employees and
Wednesday, March 08, 2023Chamber of Commerce Myths Busted
There’s a common idea that the Chamber of Commerce is a for-profit part of city government. It’s also common that people misunderstand what Chambers stand for, and who they’re comprised of for the longest time. In fact, Chambers of Commerce offer far more than you may expect. We want to dispel a few common myths and preconceptions of Chambers of Commerce so you can better understand what we do. MYTH #1: The Chamber is a part of city government - One of the biggest misconceptions about Chambers is
Friday, March 03, 2023Fergus Falls Public Arts Commission Announces Call for Artists for Phase II of Downtown Riverfront Project
Fergus Falls, MN – The City of Fergus Falls and the Public Arts Commission (PAC) announced today they are seeking artists to create and install public art as part of Phase II of the Downtown Riverfront Project. The installations of public art will be integral to the new riverfront improvements along the Otter Tail River in downtown Fergus Falls. Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts with a private match, $150,000 is allocated for art in two spaces. Applicants must be independent artists or
Wednesday, March 01, 2023Initiators Fellowship Searching for Greater Minnesota Social Entrepreneurs
The Initiators Fellowship is recruiting for its 2024-2025 cohort. Now in its third round, this two-year fellowship provides a suite of supports to help emerging social entrepreneurs develop their ventures in rural Minnesota. Current and aspiring business owners whose enterprise is designed to create positive community or environmental impact, and who reside and operate in the 53 counties and six tribal nations of the Initiative Foundation, Northwest Minnesota Foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation
Wednesday, February 22, 2023Zimpel now serving home buyers in Ada, Detroit Lakes & Fergus Falls
Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) Home Loan Consultant Philip Zimpel brings his experience of helping individuals purchase or build a new home to the communities of Ada, Detroit Lakes and Fergus Falls.Philip’s career, spanning two decades, has focused on supporting homeowners. He began insuring homes as an independent insurance agent for 16 years in his hometown of Plummer, MN. Then he worked for the Pope County Assessor’s office as an appraiser before joining the MMFCU team three years ago as a
Wednesday, February 15, 2023Otter Tail County Sees Housing Growth in 2022
Otter Tail County’s Big Build initiative saw continued housing growth in 2022. Last year, $116.4 million in housing investment was added in the County from 499 new and rehabbed housing units, 444 of these being new construction and 55 being rehabbed units. This is an increase in new construction countywide compared to 2021. The success in 2022 is great progress toward The Big Build’s goal of 5,000 new or significantly rehabbed homes by 2025. Since launching the initiative, 40 percent of that goal has
Friday, January 27, 2023Proposed FMLA Mandates Facts for Businesses
Just the facts: Paid Family and Medical Leave Proposed LegislationThe proposal would create a new, mandatory 24 week paid leave program for all Minnesota employers and employees. Bills are SF 2 (Sen. Mann); HF 2 (Rep. Richardson) are on the fast track at the Minnesota State Capitol.Every employer in the state regardless of size is mandated to participate. “Covered Employment” can include extraterritorial employment outside the state of Minnesota so long as some work is performed in Minnesota and the
