Project Optimist
  • Environment
  • Business
  • Social issues
  • Art
  • Community voices
  • Dialogue events
  • About
  • Donate
  • Who We Are
  • Pitch us
  • Media mentions
  • Consulting, training
  • Newsletters Archive
Sign in Subscribe

Business

7 posts

A woman and a man stand on the snowy ground next to a tall solar panel array. Evergreen trees are seen behind them.
Other nonprofit media

Solar power gives resort ‘new blood, new life’

After sitting dormant during the winter for the past decade, the Lodge of Whispering Pines is up and running on the strength of a solar project that largely powers its dozen cabins.

Woman empties the contents of a cloth bag into a pile to sort.
Business

Subscription recycling service draws Minnesota customers

Ridwell currently operates in the Twin Cities metro area and is experimenting with a mail-in service for people who live in rural areas.

Woman pours a THC-infused drink into a glass.
Business

Minnesota brewers tap into shifting tastes

Craft breweries in Minnesota created new products and events they hope appeal to younger customers of drinking age, who tend to drink less beer than members of older generations.

Woman smiles as she poses for a photo.
Recycling

St. Cloud woman revitalizes furniture

Ashley Green reupholsters and fixes damaged furniture, bringing a new meaning to the term 'green thumb.'

Woman looks in a compound microscope.
Biophilia

Biomimicry: Duluth woman seeks solutions through nature

“Nature has come up with some really amazing things. That’s really what biomimicry is about," said Sue Okerstrom.

Illustration of a resilient nurse who's able to fend off burnout. (Ginny McClure for Project Optimist)
Business

Care for the caregivers: Reflective consultation can help therapists serving children and families

This practice is helping some frontline workers manage burnout. Here's how it works

Good corporate culture is a priority for businesses in today's labor market. (Andi Arnold for The Optimist)
Business

How culture helped 2 St. Cloud manufacturers grow despite the tight labor market

So what does a good, intentional culture look like? Experts agree it's responsive to employees and treats them with respect

Project Optimist

Project Optimist © 2025

Powered by Ghost
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • What is solutions journalism?
  • Funding sources
  • Organization policies
  • Privacy policy
  • Sign up
  • Terms of service