Snow Business

It's mid-March and winter is still going strong. That might be tough for those of us who could use a burst of warm air and sunshine. But for central Minnesota businesses that depend on snow, a white winter usually means a lot of green. From snow machine maker Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls to Little Falls Machine, which manufactures snow plows, to the 8,500 businesses statewide that depend on winter tourism, our region's businesses benefit greatly from good winters and have to find ways to adapt when mother nature keeps our lawns brown in January.


The latest issue of IQ takes a close look at the impact winter has on the region's businesses, from manufacturing to farming to construction. Learn more from this in-depth story by Laura Billings Coleman.

Welcome, Dan Meyer!

We recently welcomed Dan Meyer to our board of trustees, where he will serve a renewable three-year term. 

Dan is the board chair of Atomic Learning, Inc., which provides technology training services and products to schools, small businesses and individuals. Meyer was among a group of educators who launched Atomic Learning in 2000 and served as CEO from 2007 through 2012. 

“Dan’s passion for technology and education make him an excellent addition to our board as we address challenges facing central Minnesota businesses and communities,” said Kathy Gaalswyk, Initiative Foundation president. 

“The combination of changing demographics in the workforce, skills needed by an increasingly technological workplace and the globalization of our economy present significant challenges and opportunities for the Initiative Foundation to continue to positively impact the region,” said Meyer. “Being asked to be on the Board of Trustees is a significant honor.” 

Dan holds a BA in Business Education from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN and a MA in Technology & Learning from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. Dan currently serves on the Brainerd YMCA Foundation Board and has been involved with many other organizations including the International Society for Technology in Education and Partnership for 21st Century Skills. 

Welcome, Dan!