Workforce
The APEX service territory covers all seven counties of northeast Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region and extends into Douglas and Bayfield Counties in Wisconsin. As the largest U.S. county east of the Mississippi, St. Louis County (Duluth) stretches from Lake Superior to the Canadian border and contributes greatly to the region’s abundant and highly productive workforce.
The unemployment rate in the Arrowhead Region has averaged at approximately 6.5% over the past 10 years, after peaking at 9.5% in 2009. The median wage rate for northeast Minnesota is favorable at $15.32/hour, compared to a statewide median wage of $17.42/hour, and a national rate of $16.21/hour.
The regional workforce has demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic and an unwavering sense of dedication. From the offices of downtown Duluth to the mining communities of the north, our citizens pride themselves on upholding this reputation every single day.
A recent survey of employee attitudes, conducted by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the UMD School of Business and Economics, quantified the quality of the region’s work ethic by comparing worker attitudes in Northeast Minnesota with workers statewide:
In response to the statement, “Hard work makes a man or a woman a better person,” 93% of the participants agreed. To the statement, “Wasting time is as bad as wasting money,” 84.4% of the workers in Northeast Minnesota agreed, versus 78% statewide. In answer to the statement, “A good indication of a man or woman’s worth is how well they do their job,” 84% agreed, compared to 77% statewide.
The workforce of northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin is highly proficient and wage/benefit rates are positioned competitively. Combined, these factors create a successful atmosphere which allows business to thrive.
