Past Stories
Agripreneurs
The Rural Enterprise Center, a program of Main Street Project in Minneapolis, is focused on enterprise development. Their mission is to develop and implement a system that makes it possible for aspiring rural farmers— or "agripreneurs" — to walk a path out of poverty.
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Creating a "Green" Plastic for Eco-Friendly Projects
Bio-Plastic Solutions in Blooming Prairie, Minn., is one of the first in the nation to use renewable polymers in plastic profile extrusion, a process for making continuous plastic shapes.
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Arts, Eats and Entertainment
Northfield's Riverwalk Market Fair looks and feels like a European riverfront market. A century ago, visitors standing on the shores of Northfield's historic Cannon River would have witnessed the colorful sights of a thriving hub of commercial enterprise.(Read More)
Home Visits Assure New Parents Success
Fact #1: The home is the first and most important learning environment for children. Fact #2: Parents are their child's first and most influential teacher.(Read More)
Faribault Cheese Maker Melds Tradition with Modern
Jeff Jirik vividly remembers the day in 1991 when ConAgra Foods announced the shutdown of the then market-leading blue cheese plant in Faribault.(Read More)
Lanesboro Local: An Entrepreneurial Spirit Takes Hold
Whether it's locally grown vegetables and fruit, free-range eggs, meat, home baked bread and rolls, preserves or other hand-made goods, the team members of Lanesboro Local (LL) believe that by connecting local sellers with consumers, they capitalize on the area's assets. These are folks who value the extra special care and creativity that go into producing our local bounty in Southeastern Minnesota.(Read More)
Synergy Drives Manufacturers Alliance
Recently, the Southern Minnesota Manufacturers Alliance™ formed to create new business opportunities. Three companies, CAB Construction of Mankato, ProTrucking/ProManufacturing of Albert Lea and Metal Services of Blooming Prairie, are using their combined strengths to attract new customers from around the world, many of whom have sought larger firms outside the region to meet their needs.(Read More)
A Community Taking Care of its Children
In Austin, home of SPAM and the Hormel Corporation, educators and community leaders were becoming concerned over the high number of kids entering kindergarten not ready to learn.(Read More)
Wind Energy: Opportunity for Rural Communities
For southern Minnesota, one answer to the ongoing quest for economic prosperity is indeed blowing in the wind. Wind power, the fastest growing renewable energy source worldwide, is now a mainstream option for electricity generation in the United States. (Read More)
Young Explorer Computers Help Preschoolers Learn
Every weekday in St. James, Minn., Deb Schmitz and her colleagues welcome children to classrooms that are ready for exploration. Rich, simple experiences entice one- to five-year-olds during the program’s “free choice” play time. The teachers change most activities every two weeks to keep things fresh, but one favorite activity stays the same. (Read More)
Bio Seed Fund Capitalizes Prototype, Trial for Clean Plus
Matthew Coy and George Coy of Clean Plus Inc. know the realities of new product development. George founded Clean Plus in 1982 to develop and sell chemical hand cleaners. Since then, Clean Plus has grown to five divisions, selling products as diverse as hand cleaners, car parts, tools, and publishing services. The theme: cars. Clean Plus products are directed to commercial markets, and to consumers through auto specialty retailers in the U.S., Canada, and beyond. (Read More)
Devastating Rushford Flood Calls for Response, Quick Action
On August 18 and 19, 2007, heavy rains caused flash floods throughout southeastern Minnesota. At the confluence of Rush Creek and the Root River at Rushford, Minn., water rose to levels even the community's oldest residents had never seen. Recalling water depth at that time, business owners point to shelves and counters reaching five feet.(Read More)