Four Men You Should Know
If this were People magazine, we might have called this issue “Manufacturing’s Most Intriguing Friends.” Our pages this month feature four people who don’t head manufacturing companies but whose knowledge, influence and advocacy contribute mightily to Minnesota’s manufacturing community.
Our cover story, features Dunwoody College of Technology, the truly unique industry- and student-centered private organization that has educated and trained generations of Minnesota’s manufacturers without having taken so much as a dime in government support. Since its founding in 1914, the institute’s ongoing success can be attributed to maintaining close relationships — and two-way communication — with its business customers. Dunwoody students know they are getting applied education in topics and on equipment that will be relevant to the job market because Dunwoody adapts its programs to accommodate the needs of businesses. Little wonder that its job placement rating for graduates sits at about 97 percent. Dr. C. Ben Wright, Dunwoody’s president, has been one of the visionary leaders behind the school’s pragmatic educational philosophy for almost a quarter century.
On page 20 begins a story that dives head-first into the work of the Defense Alliance of Minnesota. The Alliance is a confederation of defense-related businesses that exists to help its members identify and pursue business opportunities with the defense industry by networking and by keeping strong relations with various contracting agencies and individuals. The Alliance is the brainchild of Paul Wagner, chairman and chief executive officer of Minnesota Wire & Cable, who selflessly runs the organization through his offices. The day-to-day driving force of the Alliance is Chip Laingen, a retired U.S.Navy commander who devotes hours and hours of his time to developing the Alliance while also working for Minnesota Wire & Cable.
Finally, Dan McElroy, commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), is featured in a Q&A article. It is likely that you have met Dan or have heard him speak, since he maintains an ambitious schedule of public outreach. Dan brings to DEED a remarkable record of public service. In addition to 30 years of experience as a business owner and manager, Dan has served on the Burnsville City Council and as Burnsville’s mayor. He has been a member of the legislature, headed up Minnesota’s Department of Finance, and has also served as Governor Tim Pawlenty’s chief of staff. Pawlenty has been lucky to have him as a key adviser—and a tireless coalition builder—for such a long time.
For that matter, all of us who care about the issues and challenges that face Minnesota’s manufacturers are lucky and privileged to consider all of these gentlemen our allies.
Bob Kill
President and CEO
Minnesota Technology, Inc.
bkill@mntech.org