If you haven’t had a chance to pick up the February edition of Minnesota Valley Business yet, be sure to check out this month’s featured article “Taxing times.” It features David Richards of Jones Metal (a member of Greater Mankato Growth's Public Affairs Steering Committee)...
Four times a year Greater Mankato Growth distributes a survey to area businesses regarding multiple metrics in order to gather how the economy performed during previous quarter and what businesses project for the upcoming quarter. Additionally, a unique inquiry is posed in each quarter to gain topical insight to the local economy.
The fourth quarter, October - December, was strong for the Greater Mankato economy. The strong end of year was forecasted in the previous survey as well, as business projected that nearly all metrics would be up versus the same time last year.
Last week Governor Dayton signed into law SF 1, bipartisan legislation providing a premium relief to those buying health insurance in the individual health insurance market in 2017. While providing relief to the individual market was certainly the focus of the legislation, the bill also included important Minnesota Chamber-backed provisions for small employers which are outlined below.
Ever heard the saying, “If you need something done, give it to a busy person.”?
While that may work for errands, many business owners are finding they’re too busy for business anymore. Small business has changed a lot over the past decade and the demands on a business owner’s time have multiplied like rabbits.
Our economy is facing a critical workforce shortage.
Over the next five years, employers – already struggling to fill open positions – will see this challenge accelerate due to the confluence of an aging workforce, a diminishing worker pool and the need to fuel an anticipated 20 percent growth in new employment due to economic growth.
Greater Mankato Growth convened a talent task force which is charged with initiating a collective community response, stemming from a framework of strategic priorities. The Talent Task Force will share this framework at the summit as the guiding document.
Maybe you've seen the signs on doors, billboards and even television ads - Help Wanted! All types of businesses - retail, manufacturing, services - are bemoaning the shortage of applicants. Last October, this Star Tribune article suggested that if Mankato businesses would pay higher wages, it would solve...
The Legislature will gavel into session on January 3, 2017. With a budget surplus of $1.4 billion and several key policy issues like taxes and transportation unresolved following the 2016 session, next year’s legislative session promises to be very important to our community and businesses. I'm looking for your input to help shape our organization's policy priorities for 2017.