The healthcare industry leads the way in central MN

The healthcare business is the largest industry  in Minnesota, employing about 427,000 people--or 16.3 percent of total state-wide employment. In central Minnesota, there are 45,500 healthcare jobs, representing 17.5 percent of total employment.

And those numbers are expected to climb still higher. Over the coming decade, healthcare is estimated to provide about 103,000 new jobs statewide and about 14,500 new jobs in central Minnesota. That's growth of 25.5 percent statewide and 33.6 percent in central Minnesota.

To learn more about how the healthcare industry is contributing to central Minnesota's economy, take a look at John Reinan's story in the latest issue of IQ.

And be sure to keep an eye out for the new IQ in early November. We'll be eager to hear what you think of our new look and focus.

Wellness at Work

Did you know every dollar that’s invested in employee wellness programs returns between $3 and $6 in reduced absenteeism, improved productivity and avoided medical costs? In our recent issue of IQ devoted to health care, Laura Billings Coleman highlights several local companies who are leading the way in keeping employees happy and healthy.

One standout is Becker Furniture World in Becker. “We feel our employees are our most important assets, but most of the time you do more maintenance on your trucks, furnace, and air conditioning.,” said Brian Huseby, the owner of Becker Furniture World. In addition to onsite fitness centers, biometric testing, chiropractic services, and even vitamin recommendations for all employees, Becker also has a prescription for success that you can read here.

St. Cloud-based ING Direct and Clow Stamping in Merrifield are also profiled in the story.