Minnesota Department of Commerce

SAINT PAUL, MN: The Minnesota Department of Commerce is encouraging Minnesotans to make a New Year’s resolution to be a scam spotter in 2025 and help to identify and prevent scams that harm Minnesota consumers, organizations and communities. https://lnkd.in/g82TA4YY

The board for the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MnCIFA) has approved its 2-year strategic plan and its investment strategy, with the goal of lending to hundreds of Minnesota projects that will save energy and reduce greenhouse gases. At least half of the projects will serve Minnesota communities that have the greatest need to reduce energy costs. “With this plan, we are bringing innovations in financing that are critical for Minnesota to be a leader in the clean energy economy,” said MnCIFA Executive Director Kari Groth Swan. "Our plan provides gap funding that is critical to moving clean energy projects forward, creating local energy jobs, and increasing local ownership in our state’s increasingly clean energy system” “Our strategic plan and investment goals fulfill MnCIFA’s vision to empower communities that have historically been left behind when it comes to decisions about energy resources and energy costs,” said MnCIFA Board Chair Bali Kumar. “When we remove barriers for financing, we open the door for innovative projects that will deliver long-term savings and benefits for communities.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gtFEjFWS

Searching or considering health insurance from a company that you’re not familiar with, one of the most important things you can do is make sure that the business or professional you’re working with is legitimate and licensed. At the Minnesota Department of Commerce, we make this easy with our online tool. Commerce regulates several industries, so we have multiple tools available to check a license status. To access the tool please visit: https://lnkd.in/gxuv_umk

Gift card scams are becoming a major concern, especially during the holidays. Scammers might pose as someone you know, a company, or even the IRS, asking you to pay for something using a gift card. That’s a big red flag. Legitimate companies and the government will never ask you to pay with a gift card. Here are some steps to help you identify, avoid and report gift card scams. The Minnesota Department of Commerce provides many consumer fraud resources. Our service center can help you address complaints about businesses regulated by the department, including banks, insurance, and debt collectors. To file a complaint, call 651-539-1600. Or visit: https://lnkd.in/gNrWNES8

Last year, more than two and a half million Americans reported that they had been scammed, and that number has been increasing, along with their losses. Listen to MPR News host Angela Davis MPR and her guests talk about the latest examples and trends in scams, how anyone could fall for them and how to protect yourself. https://lnkd.in/gsJa5Dt3

Scams are surging. Could you be a victim? MPR News News host Angela Davis talks about the latest examples and trends in scams with Minnesota Department of Commerce assistant commissioner Jacqueline Olson. To learn more and listen to the full segment please visit: https://lnkd.in/gsJa5Dt3

A new energy jobs training program will be launched by the White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) through a partnership with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which was awarded a $1.8 million grant with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Auditor Training Program. To learn more please visit: https://lnkd.in/dA8nBSYm

Announcing the Community Energy Ambassadors Cohort. The Clean Energy Resource Teams announces a pilot cohort program to advance clean energy projects across Minnesota. This inaugural initiative is part of the Community Energy Ambassadors program, where volunteers help people in their communities understand clean energy opportunities. To learn more about the Community Energy Ambassadors Cohort please visit:

Congrats to Mark Hastie and the team at the Minnesota Department of Commerce for all the work to develop and advocate for these new model laws to modernize how we manage nonbanks to protect consumers and ensure a fair marketplace. The model laws demonstrate the value of collaboration via Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS).

Major milestone today in Minnesota’s clean energy transition: Gov. Tim Walz joined leaders from Xcel Energy, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, IBEW Local 292, Blattner Energy, as well as Deputy Commissioner of Energy Pete Wyckoff with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, to showcase Sherco Solar as it begins to deliver carbon-free, low-cost power to Minnesota homes and businesses – and creating good-paying jobs. See data on Minnesota’s transition to clean energy:  https://lnkd.in/g-caDNEz