10 reasons why Minnesota is a world-class competitor

1. Proven Performance
Minnesota is ranked fifteenth in major corporate expansions in 2006, according to Site Selection magazine, and remains in the top five list of development capacity and business vitality in a report by the Corporation for Enterprise Development.

2. High-Tech Industries
Minnesota's high - tech employment grew 28.5 percent in the 1990s ranking fifteenth in the nation in 2007.  More than 8,000 high - tech firms employ nearly 270,000 skilled workers and countless businesses using high - tech processes to employ thousands more.

3. Robust and Diverse Economy
Minnesota's economy grew 43.3 percent in the 1990s, while the nation's economy grew just 34.7 percent.

4. Skilled and Educated Workforce
93 percent of Minnesotans have a high school diploma (first in the nation) and 33 percent have earned bachelor degrees (eighth). Minnesota has the nation's highest proportion of people in the workforce (75.1 percent) and the eighth lowest rate of absenteeism.

5. Excellence in Education
Ranking fourth in the number of companies spun off from its discoveries, the University of Minnesota not only provides skilled workers, but also contributes to the state's economy.

6. Reliability and Affordability
Electricity and gas prices are lower in Minnesota than the national average for most customer classes, and Twin Cities rental rates and availability (with more than 11 million square feet of new industrial and office space in the last two years) are competitive with those of other major cities.

7. Transportation Links
Saint Paul-Minneapolis International Airport offers non-stop flights to 130 U.S. Cities and 23 in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and Asia. The airport served 32 million passengers in 2006, sixteenth in the world.

8. Technology
The 2002 State New Economy Index, from the Progressive Policy Institute, shows Minnesotans enjoying the ninth best digital economy penetration.  The 2001 Metropolitan New Economy Index placed the Twin Cities third in developing and attracting knowledgeable workers.

9. Venture Capital
In 2006, Minnesota firms received $322 million in venture capital investment through 36 deals, ranking 14th nationwide and second in the Midwest.  A 2005 study by the National Venture Capital Association ranked Minnesota 11th in revenue generated by venture capital backed companies headquartered in the state.

10. Quality of Life
Minnesota's cultural attractions, outdoor recreation and scenic landscapes appeal to both residents and visitors. And for the sixth straight year, Minnesota tops Morgan Quinto's "Most Livable State" rankings, based on indicators such as affordable housing, safe streets, a strong education system and excellent health care.

If you would like information on how to successfully locate or expand your business in the Saint Paul/East Metro area, please contact us at 651.265.2796.