Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MinnEcon Blog
Paul Tosto

Economic Lookout: The economy as your neighbors see it

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Brent Olson is a Big Stone County commissioner who keeps a close eye on the western Minnesota economy. In May, he told us about spotting some hopeful economic signs in his hometown of Clinton.

In this latest post, he tries a cool experiment. "In one pleasant evening when we had a house full of people...I asked them to tell me what they wanted to about the economy."

The result: short videos that open a window on how our friends and neighbors are doing in the recession.

Given today's economic news, I thought this was a great time to post these. Minnesota's July jobless rate came in at 6.8 percent, unchanged from June.

The data came with some positive signs -- Minnesota has added 29,100 jobs over the past 12 months -- mixed with the reality that construction and other sectors are still struggling badly and job-wise, it's a long climb back.

The recent gathering at Olson's house offered a range of views and experiences on the state's labor market, which intrigued him. He wanted to get their unfiltered accounts.

"The guests ranged from a 17 year old about to be a high school senior who needed more hours (working) at the nursing home to a University of Minnesota employee with a PhD and a statewide staff," he told us.

Check out Olson's videos, then post your thoughts below. Tell us what you're seeing in this economy.

Interested in being an Economic Lookout? Contact us directly at MinnEcon.


Olson is a western Minnesota writer and Big Stone County commissioner

*************************************************


Want to be an Economic Lookout? Drop us a line.