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CHIPS Act will promote U.S. tech innovation: Klobuchar

WASHINGTON — Following U.S. Senate passage of the CHIPS and Science Act, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, commented on the bipartisan legislation to strengthen domestic semiconductor production. “If we want to continue leading the global economy, we must be a country that makes stuff, invents things, and exports to the world,” said Klobuchar. “This bipartisan legislation to increase semiconductor production will bolster our global competitive edge, help strengthen supply chains, and lower costs for consumers.” The CHIPS and Science ...

Walz outlines long term economic plan

ST. PAUL — Gov. Tim Walz announced a ten-year economic expansion plan last week at Wyoming Machine in Stacy, Minnesota, following the release of a report by the Governor’s Council on Economic Expansion titled “Minnesota’s Moment: A Roadmap for Economic Expansion.” The report makes dozens of recommendations that fall within five core “commitments” to economic growth in Minnesota: 1. Commit to people, as Minnesota’s number one strength and the key to a prosperous future. 2. Commit to communities, as the nexus point of growth and opportunity. 3. Commit to businesses, ...

After decade, SpecSyc can make anything

NEW ULM— SpecSys celebrates 10 years in New Ulm this month and held an open house last Wednesday to honor the occasion. Guests took a guided tour of the plant with SpecSys staff and learned the history of the company. SpecSys President Tallen Wald said the company was founded 25 years ...

Fairmont looking at troubled incubator program

FAIRMONT — Small-business startups participating in the Fairmont Economic Development Authority’s incubator program have been slow in moving out on their own. Since 1993, FEDA has operated the incubator building, which provides office suites and work areas for up to seven businesses. There are currently five tenants in the building. Of the tenants, one has been in the building less than a year, but the others have been in there at least five years, with the longest for 25 years. Typically, incubator office space is leased to new businesses below market value to allow them a ...

Workforce shortage challenges small meat processors

ST. PAUL — Livestock farmers in Minnesota are facing limited meat processing access due to processor closures and fully booked processing appointments, according to a new report, “Solving the Meat Processing Workforce Bottleneck.” The report’s authors interviewed 57 small- to medium-scale meat processors across the state. They found processors are at capacity and looking to hire long-term, reliable employees who could be trained to fit their business needs. “We’re really struggling in the skilled labor section of the business — butchering, breaking down and processing. ...

Dahms given Guardian Award by NFIB

ST. PAUL — State Sen. Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls) was presented with a Guardian of Small Business Award last week by the National Federation of Independent Business. “Now more than ever, Main Street needs strong advocates in the Minnesota Legislature, and they have one in Sen. Gary ...