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Communications Office   ·   Web site: www.deed.state.mn.us
Phone: 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858   ·   Fax 651/215-3841

Twin Cities Metro Area Finishes Fifth in National Corporate Facilities Ranking

St. Paul - The Twin Cities metropolitan area ranked fifth among major U.S. cities and Minnesota was 15th overall among states in Site Selection magazine’s 2007 Governor’s Cup count of new and expanded corporate facilities.

“Minnesota consistently places high in national rankings of business performance and quality of life,” said Dan McElroy, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “These rankings validate our state’s competitiveness in targeting and landing new business opportunities, which in turn expand our economy.”

A total of 74 projects were completed in the Twin Cities last year.  Eagan accounted for 15 of the projects in the Twin Cities count. 

Overall, Minnesota had 143 qualifying projects in 2007 to finish first among the Upper Midwest states that also include Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Iowa was second in the region with 135 qualifying projects. Over the past three years, Minnesota has led the region with 459 total projects.

Five Minnesota cities placed in the magazine’s micropolitan category for cities with populations of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Alexandria ranked 10th with eight projects, while Brainerd and Mankato, with four projects each, and Fergus Falls and Red Wing, both with three projects, were also mentioned.

Minnesota cities were also recognized in a separate ranking by Fortune Small Business magazine of the 100 best places to live and launch a new business. Minneapolis was 23rd, Rochester, 53rd, and St. Cloud, 75th, on the list, based on economic conditions, startup activity, physical beauty of the area, and cultural amenities such as museums and universities.

Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup competition considers only corporate projects that have a significant impact and does not track retail, government projects, schools or hospitals. To be included in the analysis, new facilities or expansions must meet at least one of three criteria:

• A capital investment of at least $1 million that includes some kind of construction.
• Create at least 50 jobs.
• Add at least 20,000 square feet of new floor space.

The Site Selection Governor’s Cup rankings can be viewed at www.siteselection.com. For additional details about the Minnesota projects featured in the article, please see www.positivelyminnesota.com.

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