PCL Construction Services Inc. has donated $100K to the University of Minnesota to set up a scholarship fund targeting women and students of color to encourage them to pursue a career in construction management. Scholarships like this will help students pursue education options that will make them better prepared for jobs, careers, etc.

You’re Invited!

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and Progress Plus Annual Meeting!

Thursday, February 16, 2012
5:30 – 8 p.m.
Southview Country Club
239 East Mendota Road, West St. Paul, MN 55118

$45/person – dinner and program
RSVP and see more details here!

From Inver Grove Heights Patch, By David Henke:

Is Inver Grove Heights well-positioned to attract new businesses and development, or is it hindered by unique obstacles that discourage commercial growth?

The answer is both, according to a bevy of city officials and community members.

This year, Inver Grove Heights took several steps that local officials say will help the city improve its “business-friendly” image, including the re-establishment of an Economic Development Authority, a $1.25 million deal with a developer that brought Target to town and the hiring of a consultant to update the Concord Boulevard redevelopment plan.

As the economy improves, Community Development Director Tom Link hopes the the city’s recent efforts will bear fruit for the city’s business community. But he and other local officials say the city still faces some innate challenges that impede its hunt for new development.

Chief among those, according to Progress Plus representative Ellen Waters, is Inver Grove Heights’ own geography. Progress Plus, which is not affiliated with the city, serves as a link between city officials, the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and prospective developers or entrepreneurs looking for more information about the city.

Read more on this article here

The sound of bulldozers and hammers filled the air last week in South St. Paul as construction commenced on two new projects that will bring approximately 250 jobs to the community. The long-awaited redevelopment of the South St. Paul stockyards began with the start of work on a new 126,111 square foot industrial building. BW Systems, a St. Paul-based manufacturer of electrical systems, has committed to lease 32,000 square feet in this state-of-the-art facility located very near I494. Additional manufacturing tenants are expected to join BW Systems soon and the building will be ready for occupancy by August 2012. Construction of two other buildings will eventually complete this project.

The developer of this project, Interstate Partners – Minnesota, worked closely with the City of South St. Paul and the South St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority to complete the project. Greg Miller, President of Interstate Partners-Minnesota, said, “This will be the first new office/warehouse building developed in the area in quite some time. It is well located, very functional and well constructed. It gives growing and successful tenants in the region an attractive alternative to the older space currently available in the market.”

Just a few blocks away, on Hardman Court, construction on another new building was started.. This 14,000 square foot building will be home to a law firm and the headquarters of an existing South St. Paul business that needs additional office space.

South St. Paul Mayor, Beth Baumann, commented that, “These two projects represent the start of a new era of investment in our community. The completion of the Wakota Bridge and the improving economy ,create the opportunity for South St. Paul to attract significant development, jobs and tax base. Businesses and developers tell us repeatedly that our location adjacent to I494 and availability of land for development make us an ideal location.”

Progress Plus is an economic development partnership that works to attract businesses to South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights.  For more information, contact Jennifer Gale at 651.451.2266 ext. 1031.