EXCERPT: “Looking for the hottest economic region in Minnesota? Drive about an hour southwest of the Twin Cities and you’ll find it in Greater Mankato. With one of the fastest-growing economies in the state, a revitalized downtown and a growing mix of restaurants, retail, entertainment venues and everything else a big city offers—without the traffic jams—residents, visitors and businesses are thrilled with the area’s newfound economic exuberance . . . In 2016, Greater Mankato had the highest gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate in the state—and third highest in the Upper Midwest. Another sign of success: From 2014 through 2016, the Greater Mankato area had more than $491 million in capital investments, through 284 projects. And the area has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation—2.7 percent in December, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.” FULLSTORY: http://bit.ly/2JnWCKA
