The newly opened St. Cloud State University’s School of Public Affairs Research Institute has announced a partnership with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.

The SOPA Research Institute will be working with the state office to produce regional economic and business condition reports.

The Secretary of State’s Office requested similar reports to be filed to provide an insight into the current business climate so entrepreneurs will have a general idea of the business conditions in their area.

Director of the institute King Banaian and SCSU professor Rich MacDonald currently produce the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report, detailing the business outlook in Central Minnesota.