Tim Penny, president of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, joins us this week to talk about small business development and the challenges and opportunities in Greater Minnesota.

Small business development with Tim Penny, part 1

Steve Wenzel joins us again to talk about the importance of getting the tax bill taken care of in a special session.

Steve Wenzel: special session

Teachers are in short supply throughout the state, especially in speciality areas. Places that used to get applications in the hundreds are now getting them in the single digits. In the second part of our conversation with state Senator Vicki Jensen, we talk about some specific policies that can be examined to address the teacher shortage and help more young people make it into a teaching career.

Addressing the teacher shortage

At this time of year, we’re thankful for all the blessings in our lives, including food. But although there’s an abundant supply out there, not everyone can get to it. This past week we attended a RED Group session (Regional Economic Development), where some of the brightest policy people in Minnesota talked about food access and the difficulties some people have in getting adequate nutritious food, whether it’s because of lack of transportation, income or places to buy it.

Thankful for food

Half of all Minnesota soybeans are exported internationally, says Kevin Paap, farmer, CRPD board member, and president of Minnesota Farm Bureau. This week on Rural MN Radio, we talk with Kevin about international trade and Minnesota agriculture.

International trade and Minnesota ag 

Brenda Byron, director of the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council, joins us to talk about how Legacy Amendment funds are granted to local arts groups and schools around the state.

Brenda Byron, Prairie Lake Regional Arts Council