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Small Business & Entrepreneurship Transportation & Infrastructure
Minnesota Outperforms Most States in Job Growth (2010) Minnesota ranked 11th in a mid-year review of employment trends in the U.S. conducted by Portfolio.com and bizjournals. That’s a big jump from 2009, when the state ranked 28th. Portfolio.com based its rankings on a nine-part formula that uses U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for the latest five-years, starting in May 2005. Although Minnesota lost 3.4% of its private sector jobs during that period, it outperformed most states. Its unemployment rate, which dipped to 6.8% in June 2010, was well below the U.S. rate of 9.5%. It also saw a slight gain of 11,000 jobs over the past 12 months. Minnesota has “come out of the recession stronger,” said the authors of the Mid-America Business Conditions Index. They credit “the relative stamina of the state’s job market to a number of factors, including a diverse array of large companies in the Twin Cities and the strength of the agriculture sector. The area’s largest financial institutions also weathered the recession well.” Twin Cities MSA Ranks 14th in Total Exports (2010) The 13-county Twin Cities MSA ranked 14th nationally in total exports produced in 2008, according to a 2010 report released by the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings. The report compared exports in the nation’s 100 largest metropolitan areas. The Twin Cities’ largest export industry was machinery, which produced almost $19 billion in revenues. Minneapolis Makes Businessweek’s Top 10 Best Cities for New Grads (2010) For the first time, Minneapolis broke into Bloomberg Businessweek’s top 10 “Best Cities for New College Grads,” ranking No. 6 nationally. The 2010 report ranks the top 30 cities in the country for newly minted college grads. To make the cut during the economic crisis, cities have to have “strong job opportunities, decent pay, and living costs that won’t blow your budget.” Metro MSP’s diverse industry base (with major employers such as PepsiAmericas, Target and General Mills) and a low unemployment rate (6.8% at the time of the rating, which is lower than any other market in the top 10) carried weight in the ranking. Minnesota Ranks Among “America’s Top States for Business,” Says CNBC (2010) CNBC ranked Minnesota 8th on its 2010 list of “America’s Top States for Business,” tied with Utah. The study considered 40 different measures of competitiveness, grouped into 10 weighted categories. Minnesota scored exceptionally high in two areas: its healthy, diverse economy, and its strong education system. Twin Cities Performs Well in Business Vitality Index, Says Minneapolis Chamber (2010) The 13-county Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area ranks exceptionally high in several elements of workforce development, business climate, and general quality of life, according to the second annual MSP Business Vitality Index produced by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. The 65-page report compares the Twin Cities MSA against seven metro centers of similar population size and quality-of-life characteristics: Atlanta, Boston, Denver, St. Louis, San Diego, Seattle, and Austin, Texas. Minneapolis/Saint Paul was the only metro to see a decrease in unemployment from 2009 to 2010. It also led the pack for its number of Fortune 500 companies, and ranked second in anticipated job growth in 2010. The region also topped the lists for intelligence, literacy, safety, bike-friendly cities, quality of life, cleanliness, fitness, and the percentage of adults who hold high school diplomas. The Twin Cities area ranked third among the eight metros on the percentage of residents with a bachelors degree. Minneapolis/Saint Paul Named Third Best Market for Young Professionals by Forbes (2010) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul region placed third in Forbes’ 2010 listing of “America’s Best Cities for Young Professionals.” The report ranks the 48 U.S. metropolitan areas with more than 1 million people that are also expected to have job growth in 2011. The Twin Cities ranked well for its low rate of unemployment, its number of large companies, and its reasonable cost of living. It was topped only by only Houston and Washington, D.C. Minnesota's Jobs Improvement Best in Nation (2010) Minnesota's unemployment picture improved more than any other state between May 2009 and May 2010, according to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. The June 2010 report showed an unemployment rate drop from 8.4% to 7% in the one-year span, making Minnesota one of three states – along with Vermont and Oregon – to see a drop of 1 percentage point or more. Minnesota's jobless rate is the 11th lowest in the country. Midwest Economy Index Hits Four-year High (2010) The Business Conditions Index for the Mid-America region rose to its highest level in four years in May 2010. It hit 64.2, marking its sixth straight month of growth. The index is produced by Creighton University, based on a survey of supply managers in nine states, including Minnesota. Minnesota’s May Business Conditions Index mirrored the region at 64.1. Any number above 50 signals economic growth. Minnesota Moves up in Chief Executive’s List of Best States to Do Business (2010) Minnesota moved up one slot, to 31st, in Chief Executive magazine’s annual list of the best states to do business. The list is based on a January 2010 perception survey of 651 CEOs from across the country. They weighed in on a broad range of issues, including proximity to markets and resources, regulation, tax policies, workforce quality, education resources, quality of living and infrastructure. Minnesota scored high in three categories: education, health, and livability. Minnesota Ranks 15th Lowest in Effective Business Tax Comparison (2010) Minnesota ranked 15th lowest in the eighth annual state-by-state comparison of Total Effective Business tax Rates (TEBTR) published in 2010 by the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit Council of State Taxation in partnership with Ernst & Young. TEBTR measures the effective tax rate on the private sector economy as a percent of Gross State Product (GSP). It includes ten categories of state and local taxes paid by businesses and is considered an important measure of state competitiveness. Minnesota’s TEBTR of 4.3% is the lowest in the five-state region and compared favorably against the national average of 4.7%. Twin Cities Metro Area Economy Ranks Among Nation’s Strongest (2010) The Twin Cities metro area ranks 31st among 336 MSAs in economic strength, reports POLICOM, an independent economic research firm that publishes an annual Economic Strength Ranking. The 2010 ranking puts the Twin Cities’ economy among the country’s top 10%. POLICOM bases its findings on 23 economic factors drawn from a 20-year period. It defines “economic strength” as the long-term tendency of an area to consistently grow in both size and quality. Minneapolis Named “Top Ten Boom Town” for Job Growth in Next Decade (2010) If future job growth is all about brain power, then the best jobs will go to the cities with the industries and entrepreneurial incentives to support a highly educated, tech-savvy workforce. Minneapolis is one of those cities. It was named a top ten “Boom Town” by BNET, CBS’ Business Network in 2010. Drawing upon Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, interviews with regional economists, and industry trends, BNET identified “ten hot spots where jobs will likely grow in the double digits” in the next decade. Like all the Boom Towns on the list, Minneapolis is home to notable research institutions, has solid technology-based sectors, and is a great place to live. It was singled out for offering “practical jobs in practically every field.” Twin Cities Economy Is 14th Largest in U.S. (2009) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro economy is the 14th largest in the nation, according to a 2009 report by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The region, which ranks 16th largest in population, generated a gross metropolitan product of $193.9 billion in 2008. GMP measures the total output of goods and services within a given area in a given year. It is a small-scale equivalent of gross domestic product, the national measure of economic prowess. Minnesota Ranks in Top Third for Business, Says Forbes (2009) Forbes magazine ranked Minnesota No. 17 on its 2009 list of top states for business. Minnesota scored high in two of six categories: quality of life rank (No. 6 in the nation) and the quality of its labor force (No. 10). Forbes based its list on data drawn from several sources, including Moody’sEconomy.com, Sperling’s Best Places, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Education. Minneapolis and Saint Paul Dominate the List of Next Cities™ for Young, Talented Workers (2009) The Twin Cities dominate the list of 2009-2010 U.S. Next Cities™ with populations of 200,000-500,000. Minneapolis ranks second and Saint Paul is fifth in the “midsize magnets” category. The list was developed by Next Generation Consulting, a research and consulting company which evaluates cities based on characteristics that matter to young talent. Here’s what matters, in order of importance: cost of lifestyle; earning; vitality; after hours; learning; around town; and social capital. Miliken Institute Ranks Minneapolis 9th in Life Science Clusters (2009) The Miliken Institute ranked Minneapolis ninth nationally as a life science cluster. The Santa Monica-based economic think tank based its 2009 report on a range of factors, from employment to capacity for research and development. The city ranked highest among 11 regions for med-tech employment. Overall, its biggest strengths are in medical devices and therapeutics, the report noted. BusinessWeek Names Eden Prairie as “Best Place to Start a Business in Minnesota” (2009) BusinessWeek set out to find the best small cities for startups in each state, aiming primarily at places where high-growth companies could thrive. It enlisted GIS Planning, which developed the MetroMSP.org website, to identify those go-to cities. The process considered 11 factors that shape a city's entrepreneurial climate, including the number of small businesses and startups, the quality of the workforce, the presence of universities, and measures of innovation (such as patents issued and venture capital invested.) Eden Prairie, located in the southwest corner of Hennepin County, topped the 2009 list. Metro MSP Jumps Ahead in Forbes List of “Best Paces for Business and Careers” (2009) The Minneapolis-Saint Paul region moved up 27 slots on Forbes’ annual list of “Best Places for Business and Careers” in 2009. The survey compared the 200 largest metro areas in the country based on 11 factors, including job and income growth, cost of doing business, cost of living, crime rate, educational attainment, presence of four-year colleges, cultural and recreational opportunities, and net migration. The Metro MSP outperformed most rivals in two areas: concentrations of colleges (fifth place) and culture and leisure (13th place). Twin Cities Named MarketWatch’s “Best Metro for Business” for Second Year (2008) For the second consecutive year, the Minneapolis/Saint Paul region topped MarketWatch’s list of the best metro centers for business. The Metro MSP region again won by wide margin, placing 20 points ahead of its nearest competitor, Boston. Despite an ailing national economy, “the concentration of (MSP) companies has stayed strong, and job growth continues while unemployment remains relatively low…The region seems prepared to handle whatever economic onslaught may be on tap.” The report compared 50 large metro regions in eight different objective metrics. Sherburne Makes Money’s National List of the “Best 25 Counties for Job Growth” (2008) Sherburne is the only county in Minnesota to be named to Money magazine’s list of the “Best 25 Counties for Job Growth” in 2008. It ranked 22nd nationally, based on 37.5% job growth over the last seven years, starting in 2000. Sherburne County is fed by two growth centers – St. Cloud to the north and the Twin Cities to the south. It is lauded as “a cushy place for a new company to grow, with business development assistance and reasonably-priced commercial and industrial land.” Minneapolis/Saint Paul Places Second in Forbes’ “Best U.S. Cities to Earn a Living” List (2008) Metro MSP is the second best U.S. city in which to make a living, according to Forbes’ magazine. It outpaces Boston, Washington, D.C., and New York on the best-of list. It’s a close second to Houston. The new ranking compares the nation’s 40 largest metros on the quality of their business environments. It gives weight to the number of Forbes-ranked best big and small companies in a city. It also considers median income, cost of living, and job-growth forecasts. Report editors salute the Twin Cities for its concentration of corporate headquarters, noting that it has more of the nation’s top companies than any other city. Minnesota Lauded for Manufacturing Momentum by Business Facilities (2008) Minnesota is ranked 14th nationally for its “Manufacturing Momentum” – based on the strength of its existing facilities and the progress it has made in growing its manufacturing base. Only 15 states made Business Facilities’ top list in 2008. Minnesota Ranks Tenth in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” List (2008) Minnesota is the tenth top state for business in America, according to CNBC’s annual state-by-state comparison. CNBC scored every state on 40 different measures of competitiveness, with weight given to categories that are frequently cited in economic development marketing materials. Minnesota ranked near the top in three critical categories: quality of life (No. 5), transportation (No. 8), and education (No. 9) Fortune Small Business Lists Minneapolis Among “100 Best Places to Live and Launch” (2008) Fortune Small Business scoured the country for cities that combined a great business environment with alluring leisure offerings. Three Minnesota cities made the cut: Minneapolis (23rd), Rochester (53rd) and St. Cloud (75th). The magazine considered economic conditions as well as natural beauty and access to arts and recreation. Twin Cities Named “Fifth Top Metro” by Site Selection (2007) The Twin Cities MSA is the fifth top metro area in the country, based on the number of corporate facility projects completed in 2007. That’s high praise, given that it ranks only 16th in population. A total of 74 corporate expansions or building projects costing over $1 million each occurred in 2007. The ranking was announced in the March 2008 issue of Site Selection magazine. Site Selection Names Minnesota the Midwest Leader in New Corporate Facilities and Expansions (2007) Minnesota consistently appears in the top tier of American states recognized by Site Selection magazine for the economic vigor of its new and expanding corporate facilities. In 2007, Minnesota finished first overall among Midwest regional states, including the Dakotas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas. It placed 15th nationwide. Twin Cities Ranks Fifth in Business Climate Among Large Metros by Site Selection (2007) Site Selection magazine ranks the Twin Cites metro area fifth among metro areas with populations over one million in its annual state business climate analysis, published in 2007. Scores are based equally on two sources: a survey of corporate real estate decision makers, and data on actual project activity.
Working Mother Names General Mills Among Best Companies for Multicultural Women (2010) Working Mother magazine named Golden Valley-based General Mills as one of the top five companies in America for multicultural women. Selection was based hiring, pay and promotion data submitted by the companies and the results of a 350-question survey. The survey focused on representation of multicultural women; recruitment, retention and advancement programs; and company culture. Although General Mills is the only Minnesota-based company to make the 2010 short list, two other top companies (Verizon and Deloitte) have significant operations in the state. “Keeping cultural inclusiveness top of mind during the economic downturn was a business imperative (to these companies)…Our winners retain star staffers by recognizing that top talent comes from different backgrounds,” said the magazine. General Mills and 3M Win Golds at Edison Innovation Awards (2010) Two Minnesota companies took first place the 2010 Edison Best New Product Awards, a national innovation contest held in New York City. Maplewood-based 3M won gold medal in the technology category for its mobile projection technology, and another in electronics and computers for the Littmann electronic stethoscope model 3200. Golden Valley-based General Mills received a gold in consumer packaged foods for its Betty Crocker gluten-free dessert mix line. “The Edison Award winners are the moving parts in the engine of economic growth,” said Sarah Miller Caldicott, great grandniece of Thomas Edison and chairperson of the Edison Awards steering committee. Three Minnesota Companies Make Forbes’ Most Trustworthy List (2010) Forbes’ annual list of the 100 most-trustworthy companies includes three Minnesota-based companies: Capella Education of Minneapolis; Fastenal of Winona; and Hormel Foods of Austin. Companies on the list have “consistently demonstrated transparent and conservative accounting practices and solid corporate governance and management,” according to Forbes. Forbes engaged New York-based Audit Integrity to compile the list. The research firm evaluated more than 8,000 publicly traded companies, all with market caps of $200 million or more. It penalized companies for unusual executive compensation, significant management turnover, excessive insider trading and major short-term executive compensation. Fastenal ranked 8th on the large-cap list, with Hormel following closely at 13th. Capella placed 41st on the mid-cap list, which contained the largest number of companies. 21 Minnesota Companies Make Fortune 500 list (2010) Twenty-one Minnesota-based companies made the 2010 Fortune 500 list, an annual ranking of the country’s largest corporations. All 19 companies from last year’s list made the cut, plus two new companies: Saint Paul-based St. Jude Medical, and Eden Prairie-based Alliant Techsystems. Four Minnesota companies are among Fortune’s top 50: Minnetonka-based UnitedHealth Group; Minneapolis-based Target Corporation; Richfield-based Best Buy; and Eden Prairie-based Supervalu. Four Metro MSP Companies Recognized as “World’s Most Ethical” for Second Consecutive Year (2010) Four of Minnesota’s largest public companies made a repeat appearance on Ethisphere magazine’s list of the “World’s 100 Most Ethical Companies,” published by Ethisphere Institute. Richfield-based Best Buy, St. Paul-based Ecolab, Golden Valley-based General Mills, and Minneapolis-based Target were recognized in both 2009 and 2010. In compiling the list, Ethisphere evaluated hundreds of companies based on specific criteria: corporate citizenship and responsibility; corporate governance; innovation that contributes to public well-being; industry and executive leadership; legal, regulatory, and reputation track record; and internal systems. Ethisphere Institute is a think tank dedicated to the creation and advancement of best practices in business ethics, corporate social responsibility, anti-corruption, and sustainability. Target and Best Buy Rank 2nd and 3rd Among Most Valuable Retail Brands (2010) Target and Best Buy brands are second only to Wal-Mart as the “most valuable U.S. retail brands,” according to a 2010 report by the global Interbrand Design Forum. Minneapolis-based Target ranked second and Richfield-based Best Buy ranked third on the list of the top 50 brands. "Target’s enduring blend of style and mass discount proves that value and hip are not mutually exclusive," according to the report. The Forum also mentioned how Best Buy influences which products come to market by working with suppliers. Medtronic Named Top Innovator (2010) Medtronic was the only Minnesota company to make Technology Review’s 2010 list of the 50 “most innovative companies” in America. The magazine, published by MIT, recognized Medtronic for its deep brain stimulation technology. The technology improves certain neurological conditions by using implanted electrodes to stimulate areas of the brain. In compiling the unranked list, the magazine considered companies’ business models, technology deployments, scaling-up strategies, and likelihood of success. Six Minnesota Companies Named “Best Corporate Citizens” by Corporate Responsibility Magazine (2010) A half-dozen Minnesota companies made the 2010 list of America’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens published by Corporate Responsibility Magazine (formerly CRO Magazine). Golden Valley-based General Mills came closest to the top at No. 3. Xcel Energy of Minneapolis came next at No. 30. It was followed by 3M of Maplewood at 32, Hormel Foods of Austin at 40, Mosaic of Plymouth at 45, and Medronic of Fridley at 77. All except Hormel are located in the Metro MSP region. General Mills Ranks Among Top 10 Companies for Women Leaders (2010) General Mills consistently ranks among the nation’s top 10 companies for women leaders. 2010 is no exception. The National Association for Female Executives again named the Golden Valley-based food manufacturer to its unranked list of exemplary companies – based on performance, policies and programs, and female employment. Women at General Mills hold 42% of all P&L officer positions, run half of the company’s $1 billion-plus operations, and are increasingly accepting international roles. General Mills is the only Minnesota company to make NAFE’s 2010 list. The company also ranked third on Corporate Responsibility magazine’s 2010 list of 100 best corporate citizens. General Mills, 3M, Cargill and Target Make Fortune's “Top Companies for Leaders” List (2009) Fortune magazine’s 2009 list of “Top Companies for Leaders” includes four Metro MSP corporations. General Mills placed third among the Global Top 25. 3M and Cargill came in 16th and 7th, respectively, among global firms. A narrower list of North American-based companies put General Mills third, 3M 10th, Cargill 11th and Target 12th. This was the first year that Target had applied to be on the list. It seeks to identify the best businesses in the world at attracting, retaining, and nurturing talent. The rankings are based on surveys of more than 500 global companies. They also draw on analysis, interviews, and insights from a panel of judges. Five Metro MSP Companies Score in Reputation Survey (2009) Five companies in the Metro MSP region – General Mills, 3M, Best Buy, Medtronic and Target – were cited among the most reputable companies in America in the Reputation Institute’s annual survey. General Mills ranked fourth highest in the nation for the second consecutive year. 3M was close behind in 12th place. The online survey, published in Forbes magazine, measured 153 companies on perceptions such as trust, esteem, admiration and good feeling. General Mills Makes Fortune's List of “100 Best Companies to Work For” (2009) Fortune magazine named General Mills to its 2009 list of “100 Best Companies to Work For.” The list, compiled by the San Francisco-based Great Place to Work Institute, ranked the Golden Valley manufacturer 63rd nationally – six spots higher than in 2008. The company has made the list for seven consecutive years. General Mills credits its health and wellness programs for the consistently high rankings. More Than 50 Twin Cities MSA Companies Make Inc.’s Fastest Growing List (2008) More than 50 companies in the Twin Cities MSA made the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private U.S. companies. The top five include Bloomington-based Adayana (254), Plymouth-based Logisolve Consulting (378), Minneapolis-based Verisae (402), Waconia-based Custom HBC Corp. (479) and Plymouth-based ActiFi. The New York-based magazine’s 2008 roster ranks privately held, for-profit, independent companies according to percentage revenue growth from 2004 through 2007. A total of 106 Minnesota companies made the list. Eight Metro MSP Firms Make Fortune’s Global 500 List (2008) Eight Twin Cites-based companies made the 2008 Global 500 – Fortune magazine’s annual ranking of the world’s largest companies. UnitedHealth Group was the top-ranked local company, placing 81st. Target ranked 102nd, followed by Best Buy, The Travelers, 3M, U.S. Bancorp and CHS. San Francisco-based Wells Fargo, which has major regional holdings in Minneapolis, ranked 126th. Three Metro MSP Tech Firms Recognized Among “America’s Fastest-Growing Small Companies” (2008) Three Metro MSP technology firms have landed on Fortune Small Business magazine’s 2008 list of “America’s 100 Fastest-Growing Small Public Companies.” Arden Hills-based IntriCon Corp. secured the No. 22 spot. It designs and makes tiny components for medical devices. Saint Paul-based MedTox Scientific ranked 78th. It distributes tests for illegal substances. Wayzata-based Nortech Systems capped the list at 100th place. It manufactures electronics. Three Metro MSP Companies Named to Ethisphere’s “Most Ethical” List (2008) Three Metro MSP companies rank among the world’s most ethical companies, according to the national business magazine, Ethisphere. The companies are Saint Paul-based Ecolab, Golden Valley-based General Mills, and Blaine-based Aveda. Ethisphere’s annual ranking considers nine areas that impact ethical practices: governance, innovation, executive leadership, industry leadership, perception and reputation, transparency, legal and regulatory, internal systems, and citizenship. Two Metro MSP Companies Rank Among “World’s Most Innovative” (2008) Maplewood-based 3M and Minneapolis-based Target are on BusinessWeek’s top 25 list of the world’s most innovative companies. The selection was based on such criteria as three-year revenue, margin growth and stock returns. The selection panel cited 3M’s significant R & D investment, and Target’s growing distinction as an upscale, trendy discounter as evidence of laudable innovation. Two Metro MSP Companies Named “Best Places to Work in IT” (2008) Two Minneapolis/Saint Paul companies cracked the top 11 slots on ComputerWorld magazine’s list of “100 Best Places to Work in IT.” General Mills, which has 647 IT employees, ranked third nationally. Securian Financial, with 430 IT employees, ranked 11th. Twin Cities Has Second Highest Concentration of Fortune 1000 and S&P 500 Companies (2007) A 2007 MarketWatch special report ranks the Twin Cities metro second in concentration of both Fortune 1000 and S&P 500 companies. The region is home to 32 Fortune giants and 15 S&P 500 firms. “The lists are a who’s who of corporate America, including discount retailer Target Corp., health insurance leader UnitedHealth Group, industrial conglomerate 3M, and food manufacturer General Mills.”
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Eight Minnesotans Win Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award (2010) Minnesota cleaned up at the 2010 Ernst & Young’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” awards for the Upper Midwest. Eight Minnesota business owners (all from the Metro MSP region) and one Wisconsin owner were chosen from 24 finalists within the four-state region. The Minnesota winners include:
Now in its 24th year, the entrepreneurship awards program honors those who are building and leading successful, growing, and dynamic businesses. Metro MSP Boasts Fourth Highest Concentration of Small Businesses (2007) The Twin Cities region “has more small businesses per capita than just about any other city,” according to a 2007 MarketWatch special report. The region is fourth nationally in concentration of small businesses, defined as companies with fewer than 500 employees. Twin Cities Makes List of “Ten Best Metro Areas for Small Business” for Two Years Straight (2007) American City Business Journals named the Twin Cities among the ten best metro areas in the nation for small business in 2006 and 2007.
Minnesota Ranks Second Nationally in Med-Tech Jobs (2010) Minnesota boasts the second-highest number of medical technology jobs in the country, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Advanced Medical Technology Association. With about 27,000 people employed in the industry in 2007, Minnesota has a “disproportionately high” number of med-tech workers – more than three times the national average. The jobs make up more than 1% of the state’s total employment, the highest proportion of any state in the nation. Twin Cities Named 12th in Innovation by Forbes (2010) In Forbes’ first-ever ranking of “America's Most Innovative Cities,” Minneapolis/Saint Paul ranked 12th among the 100 largest MSAs. The list is based on patents and venture capital investment per capita, as well as concentrations of high-tech, science and "creative" jobs. Not coincidentally, most of the highly ranked cities on the list boasted a major university. In the case of Metro MSP, it’s the University of Minnesota. Minneapolis Makes “Fast Cities” List for Wireless Efforts (2010) Minneapolis made Fast Company magazine’s 2010 list of “Fast Cities,” thanks to its efforts to make broadband available to everyone. The annual list takes the “best and boldest ideas” from across the nation and recognizes cities for the strides they’ve made. Twelve cities made this year’s list. “Most municipal Wi-Fi initiatives end in the graveyard, but cemeteries are among the few spots not covered by Minneapolis’ new $20 million wireless network, which blankets 95 percent of its 59 square miles,” the magazine wrote. Minnesota Ranks High in Internet Access (2010) Minnesota is one of the top states in the country for Internet access, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The North Star State is No. 4 for individuals with access to the Internet from some location, with more than 76% of Minnesotans having access somewhere. Nationwide, the average was just over 68%. Twin Cities Rank 9th Globally for Neurotechnology, Reports NeuroInsights (2009) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul region ranks ninth in the world in neurotechnology leadership, according to a global study released in 2009 by NeuroInsights and the Neurotechnology Industry Organization. The “Neurotech Clusters 2010” study ranks metropolitan areas on three broad factors: number of neuroscience-focused companies, availability of local risk capital, and social infrastructure. The Twin Cities was listed as an “emerging cluster” because it has significant resources and is poised for expansion. It has 23 neurotechnology companies (five public and 18 private), including Medtronic and St. Jude Medical. It ranked 13th for risk capital and 10th for neurotechnology infrastructure. Twin Cities MSA Leads Nation in Concentration of Medical Device & Equipment Jobs (2008) The Twin Cities MSA trumps the nation in employment concentration in the medical device and equipment industry, announced the Business Facilities’ 2008 Rankings Report. The top ranking reflects the economic strength of the region, given that biotechnology “is the fastest growing economic development sector in the U.S.” As a state, Minnesota ranks second nationally, with 7% of its jobs in medical devices and equipment. Minnesota Named “Top Ten Leader” in Overall Biotech Strength by Business Facilities (2008) Minnesota is one of America’s top-ranked states in overall biotechnology strength, according to Business Facilities’ 2008 Rankings Report. The neck-and-neck national ranking was based on 20 expanded criteria pulled from government stats and the latest State Bioscience Initiatives Report. “Every state that placed in the top 10 this year should be considered a biotech leader,” said the report’s authors. Business Facilities Ranks Minnesota Eighth in Biotech Venture Capital Investments (2008) The State of Minnesota invested nearly $1.5 million in biotech venture capital in 2007 – the eight highest of any state, according to Business Facilities’ annual Ranking Report. This year’s report gave special credit to states like Minnesota that “walked the talk” by financially supporting biotech initiatives. Twin Cities MSA Named One of Nation’s Top Cyber Regions (2008) The Twin Cities MSA ranks among the nation’s top high-tech employment regions, according to the annual Cybercities report by the American Electronics Association. The 2008 report names the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region first in med-tech talent and third in measuring and control instruments manufacturing jobs. It places the Midwest cyber region 15th overall, based on a total of 98,000 tech jobs in 2006 (the most recent for which year was available). Minnesota Ranks Third in Global Patents, Reports Kauffman Foundation (2007) When it comes to investing in – and protecting – new technology for global markets, Minnesota is one of the most innovative states in the country, according to a study published in November 2007 by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The study tracked the number of international patents applications per 100,000 workers from 1998 through 2006. Minnesota ranked third in the nation, behind Delaware and Massachusetts.
The Daily Beast Ranks Minneapolis/Saint Paul “Fourth Smartest City in America” (2009) The Daily Beast news blog set out to rank the collective brainpower of America cities with 1 million people or more. Of the 55 metro areas that made the cut, Minneapolis/Saint Paul was “fourth brainiest.” The editors awarded half their points for education, and half for intellectual environment. “The Twin Cities’ excellent scores in bachelor’s degrees per capita and voter participation vaulted it to the top five of our list. The Midwestern work ethic doesn’t hurt.” Twin Cities Ranks Among Nation’s Best Places to Get a College Education (2009) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro area ranked ninth among major metro areas in the American Institute for Economic Research’s 2009 College Destinations Index. Unlike other college rankings, the College Destination Index gives prospective students an idea of an area’s attractiveness versus an institution’s attractiveness. This year’s index was based on 12 measures – including concentration of students, arts and leisure options, and entrepreneurial activity. It ranked more than 360 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) within four tiers, based on population. The Twin Cities fell in the largest, most competitive tier. Four Minnesota Colleges Make Kiplinger’s Lists of “Top 50 Best Values” (2009) Three Minnesota schools made Kiplinger’s annual list of the top 50 “best value liberal arts colleges” in the U.S. Macalester College in St. Paul placed 20th. Carlton College and St. Olaf College, both located in Northfield just south of the Metro MSP region, ranked seventh and 37th, respectively. And the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities campus) was named 45th on the sister list of “best value public universities.” In making its assessments, Kiplinger’s weighs quality of academics against affordability, giving double weight to quality Minneapolis Ties for “Most Literate City in America” (2008) Minneapolis tied with Seattle for the title of “America’s Most Literate City,” according to the annual ranking posted by Central Connecticut State College. Saint Paul placed fourth, having steadily climbed from 11th place in 2003. The study ranks major cities with a population of more than 250,000 on six key indicators of literacy: newspaper circulation, number of bookstores, library resources, periodical publishing resources, educational attainment, and Internet resources. Minnesota Students Among the Best in the World in Math and Science (2008) If Minnesota were a nation, its fourth- and eighth-grade students would outperform students from most other countries in math and science, according to a study published in 2008 by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. The report shows that Minnesota students held their spot near the top of the world in science in 2007. They also made considerable progress in the last dozen years in math, advancing to sixth place among the dozens of countries which participated in the international study. Business Facilities Recognizes Minnesota and Metro MSP for Their Educated Workforces (2008) Saint Paul and Minneapolis both made the Business Facilities’ honor roll for the nation’s “Most Educated Workforces.” Saint Paul placed fifth nationally, and Minneapolis ranked eighth. Although city and state rankings don’t always follow suit, Minnesota was right in line with the Twin Cities metro. It placed third best in the county. The Ranking Report tracked the number of employees over 25 with high school, college or advanced degrees. Minneapolis/Saint Paul Ranks Seventh Nationally in Brainpower by Bizjournals (2008) The Twin Cities region is one of the “ten smartest metros” in America, according to Bizjournals. The newspaper group cites two reasons for the region’s solid intellectual base: it is “the corporate capital of the Upper Midwest” and the home of the University of Minnesota. It also has an exceptionally low high school dropout rate. Minneapolis Ranked “Sixth Most Educated City in U.S.” by Encarta Online (2007) Encarta Online bestowed Minneapolis with the 2007 title of “Sixth Most Educated City in the U.S.” based on the percent of its population with a college degree. In the Encarta rankings, education levels bode well for a city’s economic success: the top cities on the list of “most educated” also made the list of “most prosperous.
Minneapolis Named Sixth Most Eco-Friendly City (2010) Minneapolis is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world, according to global consulting firm Mercer. The Mercer 2010 Quality of Living survey placed Minneapolis sixth among 221 international cities in its new eco-city category. Minneapolis is one of only two U.S. cities to rank among the top 10. The eco-city category takes into account such factors as water availability, water potability (how fit it is for drinking), waste removal, sewage, air pollution, and traffic congestion. The Quality of Living survey is used by governments and multinational companies as a gauge for compensating employees when placing them on international assignments. It takes into account political, social, and socio-cultural conditions; health; education; and public services. Minneapolis Ranks Sixth on Eco-City List (2010) Minneapolis is world class when it comes to being environmentally friendly, according to the Mercer 2010 Quality of Living Survey. The survey, conducted by a global consulting firm, lists Minneapolis sixth in the world on its eco-city ranking. The rankings took into account water availability, water potability, waste removal, sewage, air pollution and traffic congestion. Twin Cities MSA Ranks 11th in “Green Cities” Research (2010) The Twin Cities Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes part of western Wisconsin, ranked 11th in Cincinnati Business First’s 2010 green cities research project. Twin Cities did well in its air quality index (ranking fourth) and its use of public transportation (12th). It competed with 43 metro regions where Business First’s parent company, American City Business Journals, does business. The project considered 20 environmental and green categories – including transportation, air and water quality; carbon emissions; and the number of LEED-certified projects. Minneapolis Named Among Top 10 Earth-Friendly Cities by RelocateAmerica (2010) In an environmental scan of 100 major American cities, Minneapolis was ranked among the top 10 earth-friendly cities by RelocateAmerica. The recognition came as part of RelocateAmerica’s 13th annual “Top 100 Places to Live” survey, which also ranked Minneapolis in the top 10. Minnesota Posts Third Highest Clean Energy Jobs in Nation (2009) Minnesota has a “large and growing” clean energy economy, according to a report the Pew Charitable Trusts. The state increased the number of clean energy jobs by 11.9% between 1998 and 2007 – giving it the third-highest number of clean energy jobs in the nation. It also boasts the second-highest number of environmentally-friendly production jobs in the U.S. The report credits Minnesota’s financial incentives and public policy initiatives for jump-starting its clean energy industry. Findings are based on five categories: clean energy, energy efficiency, environmentally-friendly production, conservation and pollution mitigation, and training and support. Xcel Energy Named Leading Wind-Powered Provider for Fourth Consecutive Year (2009) For the fourth consecutive year, Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy Inc. was named the leading investor-owned utility wind-power provider by the American Wind Energy Association. It has about 3,000 megawatts of capacity online. As a state, Minnesota gets more than 7% of its electricity needs from wind – the most in the nation. It ranks fourth in wind-power capacity installed, with 1,754 megawatts. SustainLane Names Minneapolis Seventh in its US City “Green Ranking” (2009) Minneapolis swept up seventh place in SustainLane’s green ranking of America’s most populous cities. The 2008 US City Ranking report card benchmarks 16 areas of urban sustainability, including a critical new area: water supply. “The peer-reviewed Ranking tracks the unfolding story of cities working to improve their residents’ quality of life.” It quotes hybrid-driving Mayor R.T. Rybak for leading the charge, calling Minneapolis “one of the most bike-friendly cities in the county.” Minnesota Named Seventh Greenest State in America by Business Facilities (2008) Minnesota took seventh place in Business Facilities’ “Top 20 Greenest State” competition. “As one of the most sought-after accolades awarded each year,” the coveted green stamp reflects the growing importance of environmental considerations in site selection, according to the Rankings Report. Minnesota Ranks Third in Nation Wind-Energy Production (2008) A 2008 study by the American Wind Energy Association ranks Minnesota near the top of the list for wind production – thanks in part to Exel Energy, the country's largest wind-producer. It places third nationally for existing wind capacity, behind only Texas and California. It ranked second in the portion of electricity generated from wind power, behind Iowa. It is ninth in potential wind capacity, with 46 projects under construction. Minneapolis Is One of the Greenest Cities in America, Says Earth Day Network (2007) The Earth Day Network calls Minneapolis one of the top greenest cities in America, according to a 2007 article in MSN’s City Guide. The title coincides with the region’s efforts to position the Twin Cities as a national leader in the economic development of green manufacturing techniques. Forbes Ranks Twin Cities “World’s Fifth Cleanest City” (2007) Forbes named Minneapolis and its Saint Paul twin the fifth cleanest city in the world in 2007. The region’s heavy use of bike lanes and its well functioning light rail and bus system gave it an edge over other environmentally progressive cities.
Transportation & Infrastructure Sun Country Makes Travel+Leisure List of Best Domestic Airlines (2010) For the fifth consecutive year, Travel+Leisure named Sun County Airlines one of the best domestic carriers in the United States. Mendota Heights-based Sun Country placed sixth on the magazine’s 2010 list. Rankings are based on reader surveys covering on a wide variety of satisfaction indicators. Twin Cities Among Fastest Commuting Markets in Nation (2010) Metro Twin Cities commuters spend just over 24 minutes getting to work – making the market one of the fastest among large U.S. cities. Minneapolis/Saint Paul ranks 16th nationally among the nation’s 52 markets with populations above 1 million. It is the only top-20 metro on the list with a population of more than 3 million, making the ranking more impressive. Its average commuting times are within four minutes of the fastest market (Rochester, NY). The rankings are based on a new analysis of U.S. Census Bureau figures, published by Buffalo Business First. MSP International Airport Ranks Second in Passenger Satisfaction (2010) Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) tied for second place with Denver among North America’s 19 large airports in a passenger satisfaction study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates. The MSP satisfaction ranking represents a dramatic improvement since the study was last published in 2008. MSP ranked “among the best” – the highest possible rating – for overall satisfaction, airport accessibility, and check-in procedures. It ranked “better than most” – the second highest possible rating – in security check, terminals, food and retail services, and baggage claim. The 2010 North America Airport Satisfaction Study is based on responses from more than 12,100 passengers who took a round-trip flight in 2009. MSP International Airport Earns High Marks from Travelers (2009) Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport ranks third in the world among airports its size when it comes to “passengers’ airport experience,” according to a 2009 survey by the Airports Council International. The annual Air Service Quality survey ranks facilities based on travelers’ responses to questions ranging from signage to friendly employees. MSP competed against 16 other airports in its size category (24 to 40 million passengers annually) to earn the award. MSPhandled more than 34 million passengers in 2008. Seoul Incheon Airport in South Korea ranked first in the survey. Singapore airport ranked second. MSP International Airport Ranks Seventh in Healthy Food Offerings (2008) Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport dishes up some of the healthiest food in the country, according to a 2008 study by the Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine. Nutritionists compared menus at America’s 15th busiest airports, giving points for low-fat, cholesterol-free, vegetarian dishes. MSP’s healthy ranking adds credence to the Metro MSP region’s reputation for outstanding health and fitness. MSP International Airport Named 26th Busiest in the World (2008) Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport was named the 26th busiest in the world by the Geneva-based Airports Council International. With 32.2 million passengers in 2007, MSP ranked just behind London’s Gatwick Airport and just ahead of Dubai International Airport. MSP Airport Ranks Among Top Ten in Air Cargo Excellence (2007) Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport ranks among North America’s top ten airports for cargo excellence. The award is based on Air Cargo World’s 2007 excellence survey, where MSP competed against airports handling less than 500,000 tons annually. The survey awarded points for performance, value, facilities and regulatory operations. It also names Northwest Airlines among the world’s “Top 25 Airlines” for cargo excellence.
Twin Cities Named Third Healthiest Metro in America (2010) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul region is the third healthiest metro area in the nation, according to a 2010 report by the American College of Sports Medicine. The organization used its American Fitness Index to compare the 50 largest metro areas on factors such as preventive health behaviors, chronic disease levels, healthcare access, and community resources that support physical activities. The Twin Cities’ earned high marks for its low percentage of unemployed and households below the poverty level, and its high percentage of physical activity. It also was recognized for having more dog parks, golf courses, playgrounds, ball parks, and tennis courts per capita than peer cities. Minneapolis-Saint Paul Region Appeals to Young People (2010) The Twin Cities area is an attractive place for young people to establish themselves, according to a 2010 study by Portfolio.com/bizjournals. The region came in 18th among 67 large U.S. metropolitan areas in the study, which looked at population growth, employment growth, share of population between 18 and 34, and share of householders under 45 who have household incomes of $100,000 or more. Minneapolis Named Fifth-Best Time-Saving City (2010) Minneapolis ranked fifth among American cities for offering “convenient, time-saving services to residents,” according to a 2010 study by Real Simple magazine. The editors rated 21 cities with a population of more than 200,000 across five categories: getting around, health and safety, information and technology, green time-savers, and lifestyle. Minneapolis took first place for farmers’ markets, and second for bike accessibility. It also earned points for its numerous community gardening space and high-performing wireless network. Minnesota Ranks Among Nation’s Healthiest States in United Health Foundation Study (2009) Minnesota is routinely recognized as one of the healthiest states in the U.S. A joint study by the United Health Foundation, American Public Health Association, and Partnership for Prevention confirmed this fact, ranking Minnesota the sixth healthiest state in the nation in 2009. The annual health rankings are based on 20 health measures covering behaviors, environment, public and health policies, and clinical care received. Minnesota Defends Title as Healthiest State in America (2009) Minnesota defended its title as the nation's healthiest state in CQ Press’ 17th annual list of the 20th healthiest. The state earned top marks for having the highest percentage of adults who exercise and the third highest percentage who are covered by health insurance. It also posted the third-lowest infant mortality rate in the country. The list considers 21 factors, from obesity to cancer rates. CQ Press is a division of Congressional Quarterly Inc. Minnesota Takes Fifth in Overall Health (2009) Gallup, Healthways and America’s Health Insurance Plans ranked Minnesota fifth in the U.S. for the overall health of its people in 2009. In the case of emotional health, Minnesotans placed fourth nationally. The rankings were derived from the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. The index draws data from 1,000 surveys per day – measuring how Americans are faring physically, emotionally, socially and economically. More than 350,000 interviews have been conducted since January 2008. Men’s Fitness Names Minneapolis “Third Fittest City in America” (2009) Men's Fitness magazine has named Minneapolis the third fittest city in America in 2009. The recognition is based on an annual survey of the 50 most populated U.S. metros. Compared to the national average, Minneapolis residents earn major “fit points” for:
As a state, Minnesota helped tip the scales by:
Minneapolis/Saint Paul Named Third Best Metro to Grow Old In (2008) Forbes magazine named Minneapolis/Saint Paul the third-best metropolitan area in the country in which to grow old. Metro MSP ranked behind Columbus, OH and Dallas, TX in the 2008 best-of line-up. The findings were based a cost-of-living comparison among the nation’s 40 largest MSAs. Affordability of housing, inflation pressures and health services figured prominently in the analysis. So did the number of people over 65 who are currently employed – a statistic which reflects the tendency of people to work after retirement age. Minnesotans Have Healthiest Hearts in Nation, Says America Heart Association (2008) The American Heart Association recognized Minnesota in 2008 for having the lowest rate of coronary heart disease in the nation. In fact, the rate has decreased by almost half in the past decade. Minnesota’s healthy heart is attributed to major lifestyle changes in the areas of exercise, healthy eating, doctor visits, and smoking cessation. Twin Cities Region Ranks Low on National Stress Rankings, Reports BizJournals (2008) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul region ranks 40th in a 2008 comparison of 50 major U.S. cities. BizJournals attributes the region’s relatively low “stress index” to clean air, safe surroundings, low unemployment, short commutes, affordable mortgages and healthy lifestyles. Minnesota Moves up to “Second Healthiest State” in Morgan Quitno National Ranking (2007) In yet another validation of its healthy-state status, Minnesota moved up from third to second place in Morgan Quitno’s Health Care State Rankings 2007. Published annually, the book bases its awards on 21 health-related factors – including access to quality healthcare, affordability, and healthy lifestyles.
Forbes Names Twin Cities Best Place for Working Mothers (2010) Minneapolis/Saint Paul topped Forbes magazine’s list of the Top 20 Cities for Working Mothers. In selecting the 2010 winners, the magazine factored in the cost of living, crime rates, unemployment rates, school systems and health care, among other criteria. The reason that Minneapolis/Saint Paul beat New York, which took the number one spot in 2009, was the list’s new emphasis on women’s earnings. The Twin Cities placed 11th this year in terms of women’s income. Its violent crime rate was the lowest of all major metro areas. And at 6.4%, its unemployment rate was the second lowest in the country. Target Field and Xcel Energy Center Top ESPN List of Stadium Experiences (2010) “For the number one stadium experience in North America, visit Minneapolis’ Target Field,” says the 8th annual Ultimate Sports Standings report published in ESPN: The Magazine. Target Field opened in 2010 as home to the Minnesota Twins major league baseball team. Third on ESPN’s list is Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. The report graded stadiums on the quality of the arena and game-day promotions, as well as the "friendliness" of the environment. It also ranked teams on stadium experience, ownership, coaching, fan relations, players and affordability. Five Metro MSP Communities Make Money’s List of “America’s Best Small Cities” (2010) Money magazine named five Metro MSP communities to its 2010 list of America’s 100 best small cities for families. That’s the highest concentration of “best places to live” of any metro region in the country. The southwest Twin Cities suburb of Eden Prairie took top national honors, beating out 745 other small cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000. Also making the top 100 list were Plymouth (No. 11), Woodbury (13), Eagan (15) and Apple Valley (20). Money called Eden Prairie a "family-friendly" city with a "dynamite economy." Its unemployment rate of 5.1% – four points less than the rest of the countwon favry – or with reviewers. So did the city's 50,000 jobs and big-name employers, including C.H. Robinson, Starkey Laboratories and the Minnesota Vikings. The survey also recognized the municipality's strong financial position, proximity to outdoor amenities, high-performing schools, and low crime rates. Twin Cities Lead Nation in Volunteerism (2010) More than 900,000 urban and suburban Twin Citians volunteered an average of 44 hours a year in 2009, according to the annual Volunteering in America report by the Corporation for National and Community Service. That's the highest in the nation. The rest of the state isn't far behind. More than 1.5 million Minnesotans of all age groups volunteered in 2009, placing Minnesota third in the nation. Two factors push Minneapolis/Saint Paul to the top of the rankings each year, the report said. It enjoys a vibrant community spirit, and it has a strong nonprofit sector that is prepared to funnel volunteer energy. Metro MPS Region Shines in National Quality-of-Life Comparison (2010) The Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area ranks third in the U.S. for quality of life, according to a study of 67 major metro areas conducted by Portfolio.com. It study was based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006-2008 American Community Survey. It compared 20 factors that make a city a great place to live and work. “The highest scores went to the well-rounded markets with healthy economies, moderate costs of living, light traffic, impressive housing stocks and high-powered educational systems.” Minnesota Outpaces Most States in Driver Safety, Says Insurer Study (2010) Minnesota drivers are among the nation's safest, according to a 2010 survey by GMAC Insurance. Minnesotans scored an average of 81% on the National Drivers’ Test, placing the state fourth nationwide. The survey found that about 20% of licensed drivers – roughly 38 million Americans – would not pass a written drivers' exam if taken today. Twin Cities Boasts High Fun Factor Among U.S. Metros (2010) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul region came in 10th among 100 U.S. metro areas as a "Fun City." Portfolio.com/bizjournals based the 2010 fun factor report on U.S. Census Bureau's stats on availability of fun opportunities. The Twin Cities enjoyed a boost in the rankings because it came in ninth for gambling. It also ranked 10th for both high-impact sports facilities (ski resorts, fitness centers and recreational sports centers) and low-impact sports destinations (golf courses, country clubs, bowling centers and marinas). Minneapolis Makes RelocateAmerica's Top 10 Places to Live (2010) Minneapolis ranks among America’s top 10 cities to live in, according to RelocateAmerica’s 13th annual ranking of the "Top 100 Places to Live." The 2010 list focuses on “communities poised for recovery and future growth,” noting that “the recent economic downturn has had less effect in Minneapolis due to its diverse and stable economy.” RelocateAmerica calls Minneapolis “a vibrant, progressive city with a well educated populous, affordable housing, excellent schools, diverse neighborhoods, solid green initiatives, the nation’s best park and recreational system, and an outstanding quality of life.” It gives special mention to the city’s “thriving college and university scene” and “incredible cultural draws.” Minneapolis Named No. 1 Bike-Friendly City in America by Bicycling Magazine (2010) Minneapolis is America’s best bike city, according to Bicycling magazine’s 2010 list of “Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities.” The annual list recognizes cities with populations of 100,000 or more that have shown “real innovation, as well as local government support, and a vibrant bike culture.” Minneapolis moved into the number one slot after being named runner-up for most improved city in 2008. The magazine cites an “active biking culture and enthusiasm for the sport” as the main reasons for the top ranking. Minneapolis doubled its percentage of bike commuters in just three years. “This proves that great things can happen in short periods of time, even in the largest metropolitan areas,” says Loren Mooney, editor of Bicycling, the largest cycling magazine in the world. Minnesota Ties for Fourth Happiest State, Says Cambridge University Study (2009) New research by the University of Cambridge in England dubbed Minnesota one of the happiest states in America, tied for fourth with Colorado. Minnesota is the only Midwestern state to make the top ten list. The study’s conclusions are based on an analysis of data collected in 2008 from 350,000 individuals as part of Gallup’s Well-Being Index. The index measures six types of well-being, including emotional and physical health, healthy behaviors and job satisfaction. The study suggests that states with wealthier, better educated and more tolerant residents are also happier. The reason are two-fold. Wealthy states can provide infrastructure to help residents get their needs met; and states with a greater proportion of artists and gays tend to be places where residents can freely express themselves. Minnesota Named Eight Best State for Women’s Earnings by Forbes (2009) Minnesota is the eighth best state in the nation for women’s earnings, according to a 2009 report by Forbes.com. It is the only Midwest state to place in the top ten. Minnesota’s 829,000 working women earned an annual salary of $37,284, or $717 per week. The national weekly median pay for women was $638 – 20% lower than their male counterparts. While Minnesota’s women make much more than the national average, they still make only about 81% of their male colleagues, according to the Forbes study. The magazine based its rankings on July 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Minnesota Ranked No. 1 in Civic Engagement by Center for Democracy and Citizenship (2009) Minnesota leads the nation in “civic engagement,” according to a 2009 report by the Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg College. Minnesota was one of only two states (the other was South Dakota) to post top 10 percentages in four critical measures of engagement: eligible voters casting ballots, residents 16+ volunteering, people working in their neighborhood to fix a problem, and people attending a public meeting about community affairs. Minneapolis Named “America’s Safest City” by Forbes (2009) Minneapolis tops Forbes’ list of America's safest cities, and not just for its low crime rate. In ranking the country’s 40 largest metropolitan statistical areas, the editors considered crime, workplace fatalities, traffic-related deaths, and natural disaster risk. The City of Lakes ranked in the top 10 of all four categories. Forbes also lists Minneapolis as one of America's “best places to live cheaply.” Minneapolis Viewed as a “Low Stress City” in Harris Poll (2009) Minneapolis is one of the least stressed cities in America, according to a 1,500-person survey conducted by Harris Interactive. Minneapolis’ stress index placed it 19th out of 25 comparison cities. The survey showed that even though Americans continue to strive for life balance, only about quarter achieve the goal. However, more than half believe that they will achieve life balance in the next five years. Financial stress and the poor economy are among the leading causes of stress. Children’s Health Names Saint Paul and Minneapolis Among Best Places to Raise Children in America (2009) Saint Paul ranked 12th and Minneapolis 18th on a list of the 100 best places to raise children, published in 2009 by Children’s Health magazine. The rankings were based on 29 quality-of-life variables covering employment, health, housing, safety, education and family life. The Metro MSP region routinely ranks high is quality of life comparisons. Family Circle Honors Minneapolis Suburb Among Top Ten “Best Towns for Families” in America (2009) Family Circle, the best-selling women’s magazine in America, named the Minneapolis first-ring suburb of Edina among its 2009 top ten picks for “Best Towns for Families.” Edina was the only Minnesota town on the list, beating out 1,700 other contenders across the country. It was singled out as the only top-ten town to earn a perfect 10 on the great schools rating. It also garnered high marks for its sense of community, affordable housing, good neighbors, and green space. Minneapolis/Saint Paul Places Third in “America’s Favorite Cities” Poll by Travel + Leisure (2009) Visitors to the Twin Cities see the region as smart, well-kept and friendly, according to the 2009 rankings from Travel + Leisure. The magazine's annual readers poll placed Minneapolis/St. Paul first among 30 U.S. cities in intelligence and cleanliness. The region also scored high in safety (2nd), public parks (3rd), theater (3rd), and friendliness (5th). Visitors applaud the MSP International Airport, giving it mostly firsts and thirds. Overall, Minneapolis/Saint Paul came out third in the poll, right behind New York and Chicago. Twin Cities Makes the Cut of America’s Top Sports Cities (2009) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul area is the nation’s 16th-best sports city, according to The Sporting News’ 2009 ranking. The publication scored 399 markets, placing the Twin Cities in the top 4% nationally. Forbes Named Metro MSP Region 3rd Best for Working Moms (2009) Minneapolis/Saint Paul has been named the third-best metro area for working mothers by ForbesWoman, a website operated by Forbes magazine. The site ranked the 50 largest U.S. cities based on income, child care, education and other stats. Minneapolis led the nation in two categories: health care and school quality. Minneapolis Named America’s “Happiest City for Families” by Sperling’s BestPlaces (2009) Minneapolis was all smiles when Oregon-based Sperling's BestPlaces named it America’s “happiest city for families.” The 2009 independent study compared the 50 largest metro area in the country on such crowd-pleasers as social activities, neighborhood get-togethers, recreational resources and spending on “fun activities.” Sperling's also gave Minneapolis a star on the refrigerator for its renowned park system, one of the best in the nation. The study was commissioned by McDonald’s in honor of the 30th anniversary of its Happy Meal. Minnesota Lead Nation in Voter Participation in 2008 Presidential Election (2009) Minnesota voters posted the highest participation rate in the 2008 U.S. presidential election, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released in July 2009. True to its reputation for active civic engagement, three-quarters of Minnesotan adults (18 and older) voted in the November election. The state’s turnout rate of 75% was the best in the nation. Only five other states and the District of Columbia came in above 70%. About 131 million people voted in last year’s presidential election, an increase of 5 million from 2004. Money Magazine Names Chanhassen the Nation’s Second-Best Small Town for Families (2009) The southwest Twin Cities town of Chanhassen snagged the number two spot in Money magazine’s annual “best places to live” list. The 2009 “best of” ranking focused on family-friendly small towns with populations between 8,500 and 50,000. Using data from Onboard Informatics, the editors compared thousands of U.S. towns on numerous economic and lifestyle factors. Chanhassen earned high points for low unemployment, falling property taxes, rising home prices and a perfect triple-A bond rating. Chaska, a neighboring community in Carver County, ranked 20th on the 2009 list. Lino Lakes in Anoka County came in 36th. In 2008, Money ranked small cities with populations between 50,000 and 300,000. The western Metro MSP suburb of Plymouth topped that list. Minneapolis/Saint Paul Tops List of Top Relocation Destinations(2009) For the 40 million people who move each year, where they chose to live is the single most important decision they’ll make, according to Richard Florida, author of The Rise of the Creative Class and Who’s Your City. His new book names the Minneapolis/Saint Paul region as one of the best relocation destinations in the county. The region ranks fifth highest for young singles, sixth for professionals in the job market, fifth for families with kids, and third for empty nesters. Overall, “there’s only one other region that’s a competitor with Minneapolis/Saint Paul – the San Francisco Bay area,” says Florida. Forbes Rates Twin Cities Among the “Best Values for the Dollar” (2008) The Minneapolis/Saint Paul region ranks eighth nationally in a Forbes survey of the top value metros in 2008. The survey considered factors such as housing affordability, inflation, potential job growth and gas prices. The Metro MSP region has the third best gas prices of the 40 largest metros in America. Minneapolis/Saint Paul Places 18th in Sporting News Roster of Best Sports Cities (2008) The Twin Cities wins points as a “sports hotbed” in the 2008 ranking of top sports cities. Sporting News considered 400 cities in North America on factors such as number of teams, won-lost records, playoff berths, bowl appearances, attendance, stadium quality, ticket prices and “marquee appeal” of athletes. The Twin Cities was recognized for Twins baseball, Vikings footfall and Wild hockey. General Mills Earns Working Mother’s Top Ranking for 13th Year (2008) For the 13th consecutive year, Golden Valley-based General Mills ranks among the top 100 employers in the country for working mothers, according to Working Mother magazine. It is the only Minnesota-based company to make the 2008 list. The magazine considers seven areas in compiling its annual ranking: workforce profile, compensation, child care, flexibility, time off and leaves, family-friendly programs and company culture. General Mills earns kudos for embracing nontraditional schedules, awarding paid time off for volunteering, and providing an on-site service center to save employees time. Minneapolis/Saint Paul Cracks Forbes Top 10 List of “Best Cities for Singles” (2008) For the first time since Forbes began publishing its “Best Cities for Singles” list eight years ago, Minneapolis and Saint Paul cracked the top 10. They tied with each other for third place and are the only Midwestern cities to make the 40-city cut. Forbes considered seven criteria, starting with the elusive “cool factor.” It also looked at the cost of living alone, culture, job growth, online dating, nightlife and the number of singles. Minneapolis/Saint Paul Leads Country in Rate of Volunteerism (2008) Minneapolis/Saint Paul secured the top spot among 50 major U.S. cities for the number of adults who volunteer, according to an annual report by the Corporation for National and Community Service. More than 39% of Twin Cities adults were engaged in volunteer service in 2007, compared to an average of 26% in other major cities – a 13% lead. This propensity to get involved wasn’t limited to the Metro MSP region. As a state, Minnesota ranked third in the country for volunteerism. Eight Metro MSP Communities Make Money Magazine’s List of America’s Best Small Cities (2008) The western Metro MSP suburb of Plymouth topped Money magazine’s 2008 list of the “100 Best Places to Live in America.” Seven other Metro MSP communities also made this year's coveted "small cities" list: Eagan (17th), Apple Valley (24th), Lakeville (26th), Eden Prairie (40th), Maple Grove (41st), Burnsville (43rd) and Blaine (93rd). The editors gave special emphasis to smaller cities (population 50,000-300,000) that offered thriving commerce and job growth. Minneapolis Named One of the Most Livable Cities in the World (2008) A high-end British magazine on international affairs and culture named Minneapolis the 19th most livable city in the world – one of only two American cities to make the Top 20 list. The other is Honolulu. Monocle awarded its top rankings to Copenhagen, Munich and Tokyo, putting Minneapolis in excellent company. In developing the best-in-class list, Monocle editors analyzed 50 cities. They considered numerous livability factors including the cultural footprint, business climate, global transport connections, communications, environmental initiatives, crime rates, architecture, and public services. Minneapolis Ranks Among Best Places in America to Get Rich (2008) Minneapolis is ranked the fourth best city in the nation in which to build personal wealth in the 2008 “Salary Value Index” by Salary.com. The survey compares the value of individual salaries, the cost of living and unemployment rates among the nation’s 69 largest cities. Minneapolis and Saint Paul Lead the Nation in Recreation Facilities (2008) When it comes to their concentration of ball fields, tennis courts and recreation centers, the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis rank at or near the top nationally. The two cities also rank highly in number of skateboard parks, park-related spending and municipal park employees. The recreation stats were published by the Trust for Public land, a national land conservation organization committed to ensuring livable communities. Minneapolis/Saint Paul Ranks Among Top 20 Markets for Young People by Bizjournals (2008) The Twin Cities is the only Midwest metro area to make Bizjournals’ 2008 list of the 20 best markets for young people. Bizjournals gave the highest marks to places with strong growth rates, moderate costs of living, and large pools of young, college-educated adults with jobs. The Twin Cities ranked 17th nationally. Minnesota Named “Fourth Most Livable State” in Morgan Quitno’s State Rankings (2008) In its 18th annual edition of State Rankings, Morgan Quitno named Minnesota among the four most livable states in the nation in 2008. Unlike other rankings, the award does not focus on any one criterion. Instead, it considers 44 quality-of-life factors covering a broad range of economic, education, health, public safety and environment issues. Minnesota has been in the top tier for several years. Three Metro MSP Cities Rank Among “100 Best Communities for Young People” (2008) Three of the nation's “100 Best Communities for Young People” are located in the Metro MSP region, according to America's Promise Alliance. Founded by Colin Powell and chaired by his wife Alma, the Alliance is the nation’s largest multi-sector collaborative dedicated to the well-being of children and youth. Leading the list of Twin Cities winners is St. Louis Park, which was one of 44 communities to earn the distinction for the third consecutive year. The east-metro cities of Saint Paul and Landfall made the 2008 list for the first time. They were singled out for going the extra mile to create places where young people could thrive. Kiplinger’s Names Minneapolis/Saint Paul Among “Most Family-Friendly Cities” (2007) Kiplinger’s recognizes the family appeal of the Twin Cities, giving top marks to its “clean, progressive metro area that’s studded with architectural gems, and laced with lakes, rivers and parks that are an easy walk from almost anywhere.” Kiplinger’s notes that the region offers “the classic ingredients for a creative class” that include respected public schools, a wealth of colleges and universities, cultural opportunities, reasonable housing options, and a diverse, well-educated population. Forbes Names Minneapolis “Most Affordable Place to Live Well” in America (2007) The national business journal Forbes names Minneapolis the “Most Affordable Place to Live Well,” based on a 2007 study of the nation’s 50 largest cities. Minneapolis ranks ahead of Indianapolis, Cincinnati, St. Louis and Houston – the other “most affordable” cities. The magazine bases its rankings on a number of metrics, including affordable housing, high quality of life, and access to choice arts, leisure, and entertainment offerings. One factor pushes the Minneapolis area to the top: 61% of homes sold are affordable to the median household earner. StatePolicy Reports Ranks Minnesota Ninth Overall in “Camelot Index” (2007) The bi-monthly trend report published by the Federal Funds Information for States ranks states on six quality-of-life measures. In the separate categories, Minnesota ranks second in Healthy People and Healthy Society components, 10th in the Educated Population component, 22nd in the Crime-Free component, 23rd in the Healthy Economy component, and 33rd in the Prudent Government component. Minnesota has been one of the most livable states nationwide over the last 12 years. Minneapolis Earns Fourth Place in “Best Cities” Ranking by Cooking Light (2007) Minneapolis earns the fourth spot in Cooking Light magazine’s 2007 list of “Best Cities.” The City of Lakes ranks highly in percent of population in good or better health, money spent per capita on parklands, and percent of the population that participates in exercise. “Minneapolis has a hip, cosmopolitan vibe wrapped in Midwest friendliness,” the magazine writes. Kiplinger’s Names Metro MSP Region No. 2 on List of “50 Smart Places to Live” (2007) Teaming up with Bert Sterling of Cities Ranked & Rated, Kiplinger’s went in search of the perfect place to live in America – and found 50. Minneapolis/Saint Paul claimed the No. 2 spot because it offers “a hip and progressive atmosphere with a Midwest sensibility, multiple cultural outlets, pro teams in all four major sports, a dozen universities and colleges (there are in fact 33), and a diverse economy.”
For additional rankings on Metro MSP attractions and destinations, visit www.MoretoLife.com. Visit the Minnesota Real Estate Journal for the latest news on commercial real estate deals in Minnesota and the Minneapolis/Saint Paul region.
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