We wanted to share this invitation from Pastor Spickelmier…

Back in 1995 a school nurse in Little Rock, Arkansas contacted the local food bank seeking help for children in her school who were suffering from hunger. She had seen for herself how food scarcity apart from cafeteria lunches was affecting their physical health, classroom behavior and ability to learn. In response to her concerns, the food shelf started the Food for Kids program, providing hungry students in that school with groceries for the weekend in non-descript backpacks. Since 1995, thousands of such backpack food programs have been launched in the United States.  The Madison Area ministerium (a monthly gathering of our area’s pastors) is interested in seeing this program begun in our community as well.

Roughly 40-45% of our school age children in Madison (K through 12) qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program.  While the students have access to breakfast and lunch at school (and a summertime food program as well) there is no current help for them over the weekend or over Christmas and Spring Break.  This is where the backpack program would come in.

An informational meeting for anyone who might be interested in being involved in this program is going to be held Tuesday, June 26 at 7pm at the Madison Nursing Home chapel.  The goal is to have the program up and running by this coming school year.

Needs will include:  funds to purchase the food, purchasers, packers, people to deliver the food to the schools, and people to sit on a what will be a newly created “backpack program board”.

We encourage anyone interested in this program to attend the upcoming meeting.  Contact Pastor Eric if you have questions.

Thanks to the SBA for their list of four resources to help create a safe workplace…

1. Ensure your business meets legal requirements with OSHA
2. Find the Workplace Health and Safety Requirements that Apply to You
3. Take advantage of training and educational programs
4. Request an on-site consultation for review

Read the original article for more details.

Celebrate – National Small Business Week

From April 29th to May 5th, 2018, the SBA recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners from all across the 50 states and U.S. territories. Check out the resources provided by the SBA.

People have been asking us about the Iron Industry in Minnesota, so we wanted to share information from Minnesota Iron Mining…

The Iron Mining Association of Minnesota’s (IMA) mission is to promote an iron ore industry that will provide long-term growth and prosperity for all stakeholders through profitability in a competitive, global market.

The membership is made up of the nine producing iron ore mines in Northeast Minnesota that are capable of producing more than 40 million tons of taconite annually from Minnesota’s iron ore deposits. The trade association is also made up of 200 vendors that supply products and services to the mining industry. The companies that operate the mines include ArcelorMittal, Cliffs Natural Resources, Magnetation, Steel Dynamics and U.S. Steel.

The iron mines directly contribute $1.8 billion to the economy of Minnesota every year in the form of purchases, wages and benefits, taxes and royalties. Subsequent business impact induced as the result of iron mining is responsible for more than an additional $1.6 billion – making the total economic impact $3 billion on the state and region’s economy. Currently the mines directly employ 4,200 men and women and support an additional 13,000 employed by vendors.

Read more.

Employment Posting

Full Time Economic Development Project Manager

The Lac qui Parle County Economic Development Authority in Madison, MN has an opening for a full time Economic Development Project Manager.

Immediate Supervisor: Director of Lac qui Parle County Economic Development Authority

Job summary

Develops and implements economic development and redevelopment programs with the goals of private business attraction, retention and transition; job growth, housing and tax base expansion is paramount. Serves as the key point of contact for business start-up, to locate, expand or transition in the County and guides projects and proposals through the necessary approval processes.  Works with entrepreneurs and assists connecting them with Small Business Development Mentors and works in concert with mentors to guide in the business proposal process and the navigations through necessary approval processes.

Minimum qualifications

Training in Economic Development, Business, Finance, Marketing, Public Administration or related field preferred; and three years broad and diverse connected or related work experience; or an equivalent combination of formal training or post-secondary education helpful.  Must possess a valid driver’s license. Experience interacting with local government entities and knowledge of municipal development processes strongly desired.

Knowledge Preferred

Governmental structure and political processes

Skills Required

Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interact with co-workers and the public.

Physical Activities Required

Typing, filing and repetitive motions. Exerting up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/ ability to left, carry, push, pull or otherwise move and/ or lift objects of up to 50 lbs.  Sitting a majority of the time. Walking and standing are required occasionally.

Other Information

This is a full time salaried position. And is eligible to qualify for Minnesota PERA benefits upon retirement.

For more information, contact Director of The Lac qui Parle County Economic Development Authority at: (320) 598-7976 or email to director@lqpeda.com

This posting will is open and will remain active until November 30, 2017, with an initial application review on December 5^th, 2017. Reposted on December 20. 2017.

Please submit a cover letter and attach a current resume by email to: director@lqpeda.com  or

Mailing address:

Lac qui Parle County EDA
600 6th Street – Ste. 10
Madison, MN 56256