The December issue of Minnesota Employment Review is now available.

Retail Trade, the third largest employing industry in the metro area, is vital to the regional economy. And it's possible that Retail Trade will overtake Manufacturing as the region's second largest employing industry, if trends continue. The sector is changing. Read Retail Trade in the Twin Cities.

Small business is the bread and butter of the state's economy. In Small Business Success, Regional Analyst Chet Bodin shows how small business was affected by the Great Recession and their prospects today.

This month County Snapshots looks at the four K counties. Name them – and learn how to pronounce their names, too!  

Plus, industrial and regional analysis, Minnesota economic indicators, Current Employment Statistics and Local Area Unemployment Statistics.  

The Minnesota Employment Review, published by the LMI Office, examines labor market conditions and key economic indicators statewide.