Your business week, 10/18 – 10/25
CNBC ranks Minnesota the 3rd best state in the nation for business, receiving 1,615 out of a possible 2,500 possible points.
- The rankings are based on Minnesota’s high quality of life, and high standards for education.
- Minnesota ranked 4th in 2016, and first in 2015. Washington took the top spot this year, with Georgia coming in 2nd.
- Says Governor Mark Dayton: “The credit for our state’s continued economic success belongs to the people of Minnesota. I thank the hardworking Minnesotans and business owners who have made Minnesota home to their families, innovative companies, and a great quality of life,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “By continuing to support excellent educations and a world-class workforce, we can create even better opportunities for Minnesota businesses and families.”
- Read more here: Minnesota finishes No. 3 in America’s Top States for Business
Spirit Airlines will offer flights from MSP to New Orleans beginning November 10.
- Good news for budget travelers: Delta (MSP’s largest airline) was formerly the only carrier bringing Minnesotans to the Crescent City; Spirit’s prices are typically less than half of Delta’s for domestic flights.
- Spirit is the 6th largest carrier at MSP.
Minneapolis
Good eats and green space: The old Fuji-Ya space on the Mississippi riverfront is being demolished to make way for both.
- The restaurant will be that of Sioux Chef Sean Sherman. Read more about him here: The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen cookbook coming this month
- Here is a rendering of riverfront hopes and dreams:
St. Paul
St. Paul eats and drinks: The capital city has been on fire lately, with the opening of Market House Collaborative and others. Now Parlour is coming to the city as well, in the Rochat Building on West 7th, a stone’s throw from the Xcel Energy Center.
- It’s a good thing, adding something new to a stretch dominated by sports bars and Irish pubs.
- Look for an early 2018 opening.
Sleep soundly: St. Paul has approved new Airbnb rules.
- Technically, the Airbnb rentals in the capital city were previously illegal.
- It’s now officially official. Renters must get licenses and insurance, and will collect sales and lodging tax. A host license will cost $40, and Airbnb will have to pay $10,000 (though they may fight that).
- Just in time for St. Paul to act as the bedroom community for visitors/tourists/travelers during the 2018 Super Bowl in Minneapolis?
Metro
Best Buy believes that children are the future: The Golden Valley-based tech giant is expanding its program for teen-based tech centers.
- Best Buy offers tech centers, generally placed in at-risk urban neighborhoods where resources are often less available, for students and student-aged youth can learn about robotics, 3-D printing, digital gadgetry, and more.
- There are currently 11 centers. The plan is to expand that number to 60 within the next three years.
