The Residential Grading Permit Process for Public Works has undergone improvements through a lean process analysis. This approach focuses on eliminating waste and non-value activities, implementing changes quickly, and ensuring the right information reaches the right person at the right time. Pre-event planning included a meeting to establish the event’s scope and goals. Contractors andRead more
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Minimal growth in regional economies: Four of six regional economies experienced net declines in jobs and total labor force from 2019-2023. Further, each region in Minnesota underperformed the U.S. economy so far this decade. The Twin Cities, which anchors the state’s economy, lost 1.2% of total employment from 2019-2023, compared to the U.S. which increased jobsRead more
The city’s new educational facility teaches students the necessary skills to contribute to the workforce. By Teree Caruthers on February 8, 2024 In the heart of Owatonna, MN, a groundbreaking educational facility stands tall, representing not just a school but a visionary approach to workforce development. The new 317,000-square-foot Owatonna High School, which opened in 2023, is aRead more
Big developments will bring more excitement and opportunities to downtown Owatonna. By James Figy on February, 8, 2024 Photo by: Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Stop me if you’ve heard this one. A group of friends starts homebrewing together on weekends. Then, as their equipment and ambitions outgrow the garage, someone dares toRead more
What happened: Last week, we reported on a class-action lawsuit that reached a settlement against the credit card duopoly. What you need to know: This Payment Card Settlement is the biggest antitrust class-action settlement in history. By the numbers: It sets aside at least $5.54B and a maximum of $6.24B for millions of U.S. merchantsRead more
SUBJ: STEELE COUNTY EAST SIDE CORRIDOR Dear Mr. Ilkka: On behalf of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and its Board of Directors, I’m pleased to write this letter of support for the East Side Corridor project. The project, which has been decades in the planning, will address the critical need for aRead more
New Tesla Supercharger site, direct current fast charging for electric vehicles, in Owatonna. We appreciate the partnership with city staff in getting this project over the finish line! You can learn more about the basics of Tesla Supercharging, including site navigation, stall availability, and expected charge speeds here. We are excited to have this new siteRead more
Taxes Last week, the House and Senate both held hearings on Governor Walz’s tax proposal, HF 1938. Even with a $17.5 billion budget surplus, the governor is proposing tax increases, including a new $1 billion annual payroll tax for the 24-week paid leave mandate, a 1/8th cent sales tax increase to the metro area forRead more
Three company leaders share why they chose to live and build their businesses in Owatonna. Entrepreneurs need a certain amount of pluck to go into business for themselves, but the environment they choose is just as important. Does the location offer a supportive infrastructure for start-ups, a good pool of local talent and a network ofRead more
DEED awarded $4.3 million for business expansion in the state ASV Manufacturing Warehouse courtesy of ASV St. Paul – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced funding for five businesses through the Minnesota Job Creation Fund and the Minnesota Investment Fund. These projects are expected to leverage more than $30 millionRead more
