Minnesota Business Developments
by Rhonda Mix - rhonda.mix@state.mn.us
February 2011
Northern
A new business, Quality Auto Body and Glass, opened on U.S. Highway 10 in Wadena. The business provides auto body work, collision repair, and restoration services. Initially starting with one worker, the business has plans for expansion and the addition of several more workers.
Central
The Minneapolis-based hotel company, Graves Hospitality Corp., is almost finished with a $1.5 million remodel of the Radisson St. Cloud Suite Hotel in downtown St. Cloud. Once the remodeling project is complete, the hotel will be renamed Le St-Germain Suite Hotel, which will be a luxury boutique hotel.
Twin Cities Metro
Biovest International Inc. plans to produce the first-ever cancer vaccine for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at its Coon Rapids facility. The company has completed Phase III clinical trials for the BiovaxID® vaccine and is preparing to seek U.S. and international regulatory approvals. If the vaccine is approved, the Biovest facility has the potential to create hundreds of high-quality, high-tech jobs in Minnesota.
Cummins Power Generation (CPG) in Fridley begins the third phase of its work with the U.S. Army to produce Advanced Medium Mobile Power Sources (AMMPS) that provide tactical power for the military under extreme environmental conditions. CPG plans to add 90 jobs, invest nearly $14 million in its manufacturing plant in Fridley and grow its overall employee base by more than 200 this year. CPG currently employs about 1,800 people in the Minneapolis area.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded a $314,103 grant under its Minnesota Job Skills Partnership program to train 300 current and new employees at Universal Hospital Services. Account representatives, technicians, equipment processors, and managers at Universal Hospital Services will participate in customized training and services offered by Dakota County Technical College. The training will include classes in new technology, environmentally sensitive practices, patient handling, customer service, and technical writing. Universal Hospital Services Inc., which is headquartered in Edina, provides medical equipment and services to the health care industry. The company manages more than 565,000 pieces of medical equipment for more than 8,600 clients nationwide. Along with its Edina headquarters, the company has other offices in Minnesota in Minneapolis, Duluth, and Rochester.
Construction has begun on the $243 million renovation of the Union Depot in St. Paul. The project, which is slated for completion in 2012, will bring back Amtrak passenger rail service to downtown St. Paul in addition to Greyhound and Jefferson interstate bus service and city bus service. About $135 million of the project cost is funded with federal money, about $10 million from the state, and another $50 million from county funds.
Southern
An open house was held at the new Curaquick Avera Clinic in Marshall. The clinic, located at the Marshall Hy-Vee grocery store near the checkout area, features a private examination room where walk-in patients can be seen by a licensed nurse practitioner for common illnesses like sore throats, aches, sinus infections, and similar complaints. The clinic has backup support from Avera Marshall, so patients can be referred to services at the hospital if they need more serious care.
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