Chapter One Federal Government - Minnesota State Legislature

Chapter
Five
State Agencies
Chapter Five State Agencies
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Law provides: The department is the state’s principal economic development agency, with programs
promoting business recruitment, expansion, and retention; workforce development; international
trade; and community development. The department employs all available state government
resources to upgrade the skills of Minnesota’s workforce, foster economic independence and selfsufficiency,
and facilitate an economic environment that produces net new job growth in excess of
the national average. (Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 116A, 116J, 116L, 116M, 248, 268, and 268A)
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Commissioner: Matt Kramer Appointed: 2003
Salary: $108,400
1st National Bank Bldg., 332 Minnesota Street, Suite E200, St. Paul 55101
(651)297-1291; Toll-free: (800)657-3858
Web site: www.deed.state.mn.us
Email: deed.customerservice@state.mn.us
Function: The department supports the economic success of individuals, businesses, and
communities by improving opportunities for growth.
Business and Community Development Division administers technical assistance programs and
business promotion and retention strategies for businesses, local government units, and community
organizations; and provides business information and analysis for location and expansion decisions.
It also offers comprehensive planning, economic development, and funding assistance to local
communities and businesses to ensure a unified approach to community development and to
encourage balanced economic growth throughout Minnesota.
Minnesota Trade Office provides programs and services to assist Minnesota companies,
particularly small and medium sized companies, effectively engage in international trade. The office
organizes export education and training programs, provides consulting and technical assistance,
arranges trade promotion activities, and hosts foreign delegations.
Workforce Services Division delivers federal workforce development programs including state
services for the blind, rehabilitation services, workforce exchange services, labor market
information, and disability determinations services. Many of these services are provided through the
Minnesota WorkForce centers located throughout the state.
Workforce Partnerships Division includes employment and training programs and functions
where the state works primarily through outside service providers, such as local workforce service
areas, counties, and community and faith-based organizations that in turn work directly with
individuals and businesses.
Unemployment Insurance Division collects unemployment insurance premiums and wage records
from employers and processes applications and payments for unemployment insurance benefits.