https://www.fedamn.com Fairmont, MN Economic Development News Feed Sat, 29 Aug 2026 05:14:02 +0000 en-US https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68990/city-seeks-input-on-downtown-project https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68990/city-seeks-input-on-downtown-project Sat, 22 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Easier parking? Outdoor dining? Greenspace? The city of Fairmont is in the midst of seeking public input on potential downtown improvements via a survey. The survey, which can be taken online from a desktop or cell phone, went live late this week and will stay up until Sept. 11.Improving certain... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68988/introducing-the-20262027-class-of-leadership-minnesota https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68988/introducing-the-20262027-class-of-leadership-minnesota Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Minnesota’s economic engine is powered by more than 100,000 businesses, a diverse landscape interconnected in ways not understood by the casual observer. For a select group, Leadership Minnesota opens the window to a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our state’s economy tick. This exclusive program also helps you understand how... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68983/minnesota-job-growth-outpaces-us-over-the-year https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68983/minnesota-job-growth-outpaces-us-over-the-year Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 New data from July show that over the year, Minnesota added 44,092 jobs, a 1.5% increase that significantly outpaced the national job growth rate of 0.2% according to data released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Minnesota's private sector also grew 1.5% over the year compared... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68991/park-board-considers-master-plan https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68991/park-board-considers-master-plan Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 At Tuesday's Fairmont Park Board meeting, the prospect of a parks master plan was explored and discussed.In doing Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects with the City Council through workshops, City Administrator Jason Baker said they have been developing a variety of master plans and citywide assessments."One of those that I... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68986/ahou-shares-advice-with-fellow-job-seekers-dont-let-rejection-define-you-persistence-pays-off! https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68986/ahou-shares-advice-with-fellow-job-seekers-dont-let-rejection-define-you-persistence-pays-off! Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Ahou thanks Vivien Fowler at Leading CareerForce Partner Washington County for strong support through the ups and downs of a long job search – and eventual employment that is a perfect match. Here’s Ahou’s story in her own words:“When I first connected with CareerForce in Cottage Grove, I was actively... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68987/cherie-credits-leading-careerforce-partner-with-helping-her-find-new-employment-after-long-time-out-of-the-workforce https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68987/cherie-credits-leading-careerforce-partner-with-helping-her-find-new-employment-after-long-time-out-of-the-workforce Mon, 17 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Finding employment after a long time out of the workforce can be a major challenge, even if a person has work experience and educational credentials.Cherie came to Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) after being out of work for four years. Cherie held an Associate of Arts degree and while... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68989/friday-five-primary-night-sets-the-stage-for-minnesotas-economic-future https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68989/friday-five-primary-night-sets-the-stage-for-minnesotas-economic-future Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 By Doug LoonPresident and CEOMinnesota Chamber of CommerceI’m coming to you this week following primary night, which from the Chamber’s perspective marks the beginning of the next phase of this year’s important 2026 election season. The candidates who emerge this fall will have an opportunity to shape policies that affect... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68729/how-water-is-reshaping-site-selection https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68729/how-water-is-reshaping-site-selection Mon, 10 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 What could be simpler than water? Or more complex? For many industrial and advanced manufacturing projects, water is becoming a first-tier site selection variable alongside power, labor, and transportation infrastructure. Evaluating a site’s water readiness now goes beyond asking whether water service exists. Corporate users increasingly need to understand available... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68728/business-facilities-22nd-annual-rankings-report-2026-global-rankings https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68728/business-facilities-22nd-annual-rankings-report-2026-global-rankings Fri, 07 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The 2026 Business Facilities Global Rankings highlight the countries and regions demonstrating strength across key areas of corporate investment and growth. From foreign direct investment and artificial intelligence to specialized industry clusters and headquarters advantages, the rankings reflect the changing dynamics influencing global site selection decisions.FDI Leaders: U.S. Maintains Global... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68725/five-steps-for-building-community-trust https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68725/five-steps-for-building-community-trust Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 When a major economic development project is announced, public opinion is often set before the first public meeting begins. Residents who trust their local economic development organization are more likely to approach a project with curiosity, ask thoughtful questions, and give leaders the benefit of the doubt. Those who don't... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68726/congress-is-putting-housing-money-on-the-line-heres-where-it-could-matter-most https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68726/congress-is-putting-housing-money-on-the-line-heres-where-it-could-matter-most Wed, 05 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Signed into law last month by President Trump, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act aims to cut away some of the red tape currently driving the shortage of affordable homes in the U.S. In a new report, Realtor.com took a look at how some of those changes are poised... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68985/deed-accepting-nominations-for-the-41st-annual-governors-international-trade-awards https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68985/deed-accepting-nominations-for-the-41st-annual-governors-international-trade-awards Wed, 29 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is accepting nominations for the 41st annual Governor's International Trade Awards.These awards recognize Minnesota companies that have demonstrated exceptional export growth and success in international markets. They also highlight the important role international trade and... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68421/minnesota-adds-jobs-for-third-consecutive-month https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68421/minnesota-adds-jobs-for-third-consecutive-month Thu, 16 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Minnesota added 13,200 jobs in June – the third consecutive month of strong gains following losses seen during Operation Metro Surge from January through March – while U.S. jobs growth was flat (57,000 jobs, 0.0%). Minnesota's unemployment rate held at 4.4% while the U.S. unemployment rate ticked down one-tenth of... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68424/we-should-choose-to-build https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68424/we-should-choose-to-build Thu, 16 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 What a week it has been here in Minnesota. From northern wildfires and smoke spreading across the region, to a relatively unexpected endorsement from President Trump in the state's GOP primary for governor creating unnecessary confusion, to the opinion piece that ran this week in the Pioneer Press on the... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68426/housing-a-big-focus-for-feda https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68426/housing-a-big-focus-for-feda Wed, 15 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Housing was the big discussion piece at the Fairmont Economic Development Authority (FEDA) meeting on Monday.Fairmont's Economic Development Coordinator, Ned Koppen, said that a strategic conversation on developing new housing was added to the agenda at the request of Board Member Jon Omvig."When we discussed our priorities, housing was one... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68723/why-relationships-still-win-projects-in-site-selection https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68723/why-relationships-still-win-projects-in-site-selection Tue, 14 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 That process matters, and it has become increasingly sophisticated as data and analytics have transformed the front end of site selection. But it rarely explains the projects that break the mold — the large investments, the unusual requirements, and the opportunities that seem to emerge from nowhere.Those deals almost always... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68422/governor-walz-announces-minnesota-ranked-top-state-for-business https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68422/governor-walz-announces-minnesota-ranked-top-state-for-business Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota has been named one of the top states in the nation for business. According to a new report from CNBC, Minnesota ranks fifth overall, placing top ten in quality of life, infrastructure, and economic environment. The ranking comes as 75,000 Minnesotans receive approval... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68427/planning-for-downtown-improvements-begins https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68427/planning-for-downtown-improvements-begins Sat, 11 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 This week a committee kicked off planning meetings for improvements to Downtown Plaza in Fairmont."We're going to be focusing on the downtown area, which is Main Street to Park Avenue and Blue Earth Avenue to 4th Street. That's the area we're looking at," said Public Works Director, Matthew York.The improvements,... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68420/usda-rural-development-invests-more-than-19-million-to-support-healthcare-clean-water-and-economic-growth-in-iowa https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68420/usda-rural-development-invests-more-than-19-million-to-support-healthcare-clean-water-and-economic-growth-in-iowa Fri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Iowa State Director Mike Sexton today announced that the agency is investing more than $19 million in projects to improve medical services, emergency response, clean water and support for businesses in rural Iowa communities.“Economic development is vital to our rural Iowa counties and communities,... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68425/kicking-off-the-coolest-thing-made-in-minnesota-contest https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68425/kicking-off-the-coolest-thing-made-in-minnesota-contest Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Coming to you after a fantastic week. I spent part of it down in southeastern Minnesota with our Leaders Lab program. This program introduces business leaders to the array of great communities and businesses from across the state, and this was their final session.We were down in southeastern Minnesota with... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68423/survey-finds-ai-is-having-growing-impact-on-minnesota-job-seekers-trend-toward-more-difficulty-finding-employment-appears-to-be-leveling-off https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68423/survey-finds-ai-is-having-growing-impact-on-minnesota-job-seekers-trend-toward-more-difficulty-finding-employment-appears-to-be-leveling-off Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Nearly 56% of CareerForce Staff and Partners who responded to the most recent Job Search Experience Survey and who have worked with job seekers for at least the past year said it was harder than a year ago for their job seeking customers to find work. This is down from... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68218/fairmont-and-martin-county-are-partners-in-economic-development https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68218/fairmont-and-martin-county-are-partners-in-economic-development Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Fairmont, Minnesota, is supported by the Fairmont Economic Development Authority (FEDA), which works to grow existing businesses, attract new ones, and support current and future residents. However, FEDA doesn’t always operate on its own. Instead, it collaborates with other economic development teams at the county, region, and state levels. One... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68419/community-risk-can-kill-a-project-before-it-breaks-ground https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/68419/community-risk-can-kill-a-project-before-it-breaks-ground Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:00:00 +0000 The Risk That Arrives Late—and Costs the MostIn a conventional site selection process, community engagement comes at the end: select the site, announce the project, manage the response. That sequencing made sense when community opposition was rare and permitting was predictable. Neither assumption holds anymore.Community risk has moved earlier in... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/67767/energy-audits-offered-through-feda-for-fairmont-businesses https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/67767/energy-audits-offered-through-feda-for-fairmont-businesses Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:00:00 +0000 Fairmont Economic Development Authority in partnership with Frontier Energy, University of Minnesota, and Region 9 are offering a no cost opportunity to Fairmont businesses! Find out what types of energy efficiency recommendations your business could take advantage of to save money! Get an energy audit and efficiency recommendations for free!Energy... https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/67564/5-economic-development-activities-you-might-not-know-about https://www.fedamn.com/about-us/news/p/item/67564/5-economic-development-activities-you-might-not-know-about Mon, 11 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000 When the average person thinks about economic development, they tend to focus on business attraction. While economic development teams do want to bring new businesses to the region, their day-to-day tasks are much more local. The Fairmont Economic Development Authority (FEDA) is actively involved in community groups and creates programs...