New dollars from the federal government are supporting the launch of the State Trade and Export Promotion Program. It'll help business making their first foray into foreign markets.

The plan was formed with the Brookings Institution based in Washington, D.C. Part of the program will help identify potential exporters that aren't aware of an international demand for their product. In 2010, the Twin Cities exported more than $17.5 billion worth of goods and services.

A new $500,000 grant is coming to the Duluth area to help residents still struggling to recover from damage from the June flood. The Duluth News Tribune reports the money comes from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation of Eden Prairie, Minn

Tourism officials in Duluth said despite the record breaking flooding that devastated parts of the city, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses in the city are open for business. Some officials in the city and surrounding areas are worried about how the damage will affect the region's $800 million tourism industry.

Increased demand for Minnesota-made goods in China, Japan, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Belgium, Singapore and the Philippines helped boost exports in 2011 by $1.4 billion.

The New York Times features Tycoons Restaurant in Duluth in its Travel section. It notes the $2.3 million restoration of the one-time City Hall, built in 1889, combines real-deal elements of Duluth’s affluent past with a down-to-earth attitude, and mixes in "a healthy dose of cheekiness."

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton told employees and officials of the soon-to-be shuttered Georgia-Pacific Co. board plant in Duluth Friday that he will help workers and families through trying times. The company said Tuesday it was closing the Duluth plant at the end of the month, which will put 141 people out of work.