Information technology training center opening in Apple Valley

An international information technology training center is holding a grand opening for its Twin Cities franchise in Eagan on Thursday.

New Horizons Twin Cities will offer complimentary learning sessions, facility tours, food, drinks and prize drawings.

The franchise president, Lisa Loken, owns Sovran, a technology solutions company, located in the same building at 2915 Commers Drive in Eagan. Sovran was named one of the top 25 businesses owned by women by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal in 2010.

"By providing access to educators, mentors, staff and engineers with current field experience, New Horizons Twin Cities provides training that is especially relevant to business technology learners in the Twin Cities area," Loken said.

Learning sessions, available from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will cover a range of subjects. For details, go to www.sovran.com/events/nhtcgrandopening/.

With more than 300 centers in 70 countries, U.S.-based New Horizons Worldwide Inc. says it is the world's largest IT training company. The company delivers a range of technology and business skills training, from basic application and desktop productivity tools to complex and integrated business systems.

For more information, contact Cammy Monnens at cmonnens@nhtwincities.com or by phone at 651-287-9950.

The Farmington City Council has revised its Block Grant rules to allow retail businesses to apply for grants from the federal Community Block Grant program, said city Finance Director Teresa Walters. She said the grants offer dollar-for-dollar matches for redevelopment and other projects.

New stores at Burnsville mall

Two new stores have opened at Burnsville Center.

Teavana, a tea bar and emporium, has opened on the upper level. The store offers fine loose-leaf tea and all the accessories needed to brew and serve tea.

Teaologists will explain the history of tea-making and the healthful qualities of tea. Through their EquaTradeTM program, which donates 1 percent of annual tea profits back to the countries where tea is grown, Teavana supports programs for education, economic development and clean drinking water around the world.

New firms in Apple Valley

Two new businesses plan to open this fall near Apple Valley's two Super Targets.

AllState signs are up on the windows of its new office next to the Minnesota Twins store in Apple Valley, near Cedar Avenue and County Rd. 42, said Ed Kearney, president of the city's Chamber of Commerce. He expects the office to open this month.

Kearney said iBeach Tan also is moving into a corner store in a vacant strip mall in front of the city's other SuperTarget on Pilot Knob south of County Road 42. It will be the 13th store in Minnesota for iBeach, headquartered in Minneapolis.

"This is a welcome start to leasing out that strip of dark space," Kearney said.