With the goal of keeping you informed and up to date, these news bites feature local, regional and national news items that relate to the business community in Central Minnesota.Â
Â
LOCAL
2024 Torch Awards for Ethics Application: The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics recognizes marketplace role models who demonstrate an outstanding commitment to ethics and integrity in all they do. Learn more
Â
$25 million grant for road improvements. The U.S. Department of Transportation is giving a $25-million grant to the Highway 210 project in Brainerd to rebuild the road, add sidewalk upgrades, resurface the Mississippi River Bridge, and build two roundabouts. Learn more
Â
The Sauk Rapids Comprehensive Plan draft is now complete for review. There will be a final open house where attendees will have the opportunity to review the primary components of the plan on December 19th, 2023 from 4-6pm at the Sauk Rapids Government Center. Learn more
Â
Register now for the January 4th QBR. The QBR Review is a must-attend event for organizations and business leaders in the Greater St. Cloud area as it provides a comprehensive look at the economic and business landscape of the region. Learn more and register
Â
2023 Safe Streets and Roads for All Grants:Â The St. Cloud Area Planning Organization (APO) has been awarded $120,000 by the US Department of Transportation for safety projects and strategies. Learn more
Â
STATE & NATIONAL
New year, new flag! The State Emblems Redesign Commission has slimmed the roster of potential Minnesota flags to 3 designs. Learn more
Â
PFAS WEBINAR: Beginning January 1, 2024, the sale and distribution of food and beverage packaging containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals will be prohibited in Minnesota. Watch this webinar to learn more.Â
Â
Are your posters current? A number of new laws take effect on January 1, 2024. Is your business in compliance with the latest labor law posters? Learn more.
Â
Over $2 million in grants for startups. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $1 million in Launch Minnesota Education Grants to entrepreneurial support organizations and more than $1.16 million in Innovation Grants to startups statewide. Learn more
Â
Cannabis this news... The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is has launched a new monthly newsletter, Cannabis Implementation Insider. Subscribe to stay in the know!