The City of Hancock receives funds for an improved wastewater treatment infrastructure, and DEED awards monies to help dislocated workers start small businesses.
Read all the latest Dept. of Employment and Economic Development news.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
1,700 jobs added in May, but unemployment grows
Minnesota employers added 1,700 jobs in May, accoridng to figures released by the Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
The state remained ahead of the U.S> pace for employment growth in the part year, expanding by 0.3 percent or 7,170 jobs since May 2007. The U.S. over-the-year growth rate was 0.1 percent during that period.
The unemployment rate grew .6 percent to a rate of 5.4 percent in May even while the state was adding jobs because the two categories are derived from different statistical information. The rate reflects 12,000 jobs in Minensota lost in April.
"Although the economy continues to present challenges, Minensota is performing better in many sectors thatn the country as a whole," said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy.
Read entire release.
The state remained ahead of the U.S> pace for employment growth in the part year, expanding by 0.3 percent or 7,170 jobs since May 2007. The U.S. over-the-year growth rate was 0.1 percent during that period.
The unemployment rate grew .6 percent to a rate of 5.4 percent in May even while the state was adding jobs because the two categories are derived from different statistical information. The rate reflects 12,000 jobs in Minensota lost in April.
"Although the economy continues to present challenges, Minensota is performing better in many sectors thatn the country as a whole," said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy.
Read entire release.
West Central expansion complete
excerpted from the Pelican Rapids Press, 7-9-08
Pelican Rapids' largest employer, West Central Turkeys, just completed its 120,000 square foot addition. While some of the new space is already in use, part of the area is waiting to be grown into.
"With the addition we have been able to streamline our operations, which in turn has made us more cost effective and more competitive in the marketplace," said Plant Manager Don Cole.
West Central utilized the JOBZ program and will benefit from some tax breaks. One of the contingencies of JOBZ is the plant had to guarantee at least 75 new jobs for a marked period of time.
Pelican Rapids' largest employer, West Central Turkeys, just completed its 120,000 square foot addition. While some of the new space is already in use, part of the area is waiting to be grown into.
"With the addition we have been able to streamline our operations, which in turn has made us more cost effective and more competitive in the marketplace," said Plant Manager Don Cole.
West Central utilized the JOBZ program and will benefit from some tax breaks. One of the contingencies of JOBZ is the plant had to guarantee at least 75 new jobs for a marked period of time.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Outlook for small-scale power looks good
excerpted from Morris Sun Tribune-News, and Wst Central Tribune, July 2, 2008
The potential to hook up small-scale wind and renewable energy projects on the electrical distribution system within Minnesota may be even better thatn a recent state study suggests.
The first phase of the dispersed renewable generation study for the Department of Commerce required identifying where 600 megawatts of electricity could be added to the low-voltage distribution system at no additional cost. The study found that 393 substations (out of 2,253 in the state) could handle additional electrical loads.
The study has already generated lots of interest by proponents of community-based power projects in the state. It offers them an opportunity to put their power on the grid without large expenses associated with adding power to the high-voltage transmission system. It also avoid the time consuming and costly process of obtaining authorization from the Midwest Independent System Operator.
The Department of Commerce is now identifying another 600 megawatts of power as part of the study's second phase.
Learn more and read the study.
The potential to hook up small-scale wind and renewable energy projects on the electrical distribution system within Minnesota may be even better thatn a recent state study suggests.
The first phase of the dispersed renewable generation study for the Department of Commerce required identifying where 600 megawatts of electricity could be added to the low-voltage distribution system at no additional cost. The study found that 393 substations (out of 2,253 in the state) could handle additional electrical loads.
The study has already generated lots of interest by proponents of community-based power projects in the state. It offers them an opportunity to put their power on the grid without large expenses associated with adding power to the high-voltage transmission system. It also avoid the time consuming and costly process of obtaining authorization from the Midwest Independent System Operator.
The Department of Commerce is now identifying another 600 megawatts of power as part of the study's second phase.
Learn more and read the study.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Free paint available through waste center
excerpted from Daily News of Wahpeton and Breckenridge, 7-2-08
Since 1994, the Otter Tail County Household Hazardous Waste Center has recycled paint containers and saved the paint for the public. The center also serves Wilkin, Stevens, Grant, Traverse counties.
Each year the center gives away about 20,000 pounds of paint, which saves about $45,000 a year in disposal costs.
If you're interested in free paint, the center is open for pick up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and the second Saturday of the month. The service is offered May through September.
Since 1994, the Otter Tail County Household Hazardous Waste Center has recycled paint containers and saved the paint for the public. The center also serves Wilkin, Stevens, Grant, Traverse counties.
Each year the center gives away about 20,000 pounds of paint, which saves about $45,000 a year in disposal costs.
If you're interested in free paint, the center is open for pick up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays and the second Saturday of the month. The service is offered May through September.
Renewable, green ... and it's blowin' in the wind
excerpted from the New York Mills Herald
Investment in renewable energy is a worldwide tend, as well as in the East Otter Tail farm and lake country.
In New York Mills, a local firm, Residential Wind Power, Inc., is selling and installing wind energy systems designed fore the home and property owner.
In Edna Township, a hog producer is installing a unit from Fergus Falls-based Vinco with enough capacity to power most of the electrical demand in a 1,100 hog barn.
A local hobby farm owner installed a windmill and generator that are producing about 650 kilowatts per month. The farm needs 500 kw of electricity a month, and can sell back the remaining 150 to the power company.
Investment in renewable energy is a worldwide tend, as well as in the East Otter Tail farm and lake country.
In New York Mills, a local firm, Residential Wind Power, Inc., is selling and installing wind energy systems designed fore the home and property owner.
In Edna Township, a hog producer is installing a unit from Fergus Falls-based Vinco with enough capacity to power most of the electrical demand in a 1,100 hog barn.
A local hobby farm owner installed a windmill and generator that are producing about 650 kilowatts per month. The farm needs 500 kw of electricity a month, and can sell back the remaining 150 to the power company.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
