Growth Acceleration Program Fuels Stories of Success for Minnesota Manufacturing

The Star Tribune recently published "Growing Up In a Down Economy," highlighting companies that are thriving despite the current difficult economy.
 
"It's a truly outstanding look at a number of Enterprise Minnesota's manufacturing clients - that are finding success," according to Bob Kill, President & CEO of Enterprise Minnesota.
 
What are these companies doing? They're being creative, investing in their people, and improving their competetive advantage.
 
Several featured companies in the article qualified for help through the Growth Acceleration Program (GAP), a state-funded matching grant program for smaller manufacturers to make changes that improve their business.

GAP provides small manufacturing and manufacturing-related companies with needed help to compete and continue their commitment as employers, job creators, and contributors to local community life.
 
Authorized in 2007 by the Minnesota State Legislature, the Growth Acceleration Program (GAP) allows manufacturers with fewer than 100 employees to receive up to $25,000 per year toward projects intended to help the company grow. The business must match any GAP money awarded. That means a maximum of $50,000 per company, per year, including a 50 percent match. More than 50 companies statewide have received GAP grant monies in just the last year.
 
GAP funding is making an impact on Minnesota manufacturers, Kill says. "We are seeing a return of $15 for every $1 invested in the program," Kill said. "That's a huge impact in terms of job retention and job creation for the communities where these companies are located."
 
"Small manufacturers are the backbone of Minnesota's economy, and GAP is another tool for them to grow," Kill said.

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Growing UP in a Down Economy
By Dee DePass
Star Tribune
December 28, 2008

Developing Leaders at All Levels in Business

DATE: Wednesday, January 21, 2009

TIME: 8:00 am - 11:30 am

LOCATION: Dunwoody College of Technology (map)

COST: $129.00 or group rate is 4 attendees for $475.00

Come learn how to maximize leadership effectiveness at every level of your organization. You will hear from industry experts about creating a culture that allows everyone to better meet organizational goals. Whether a supervisor, manager, or executive, each person deserves the opportunity to improve their skills to help impact bottom lines results!

Speakers include:

• Jim Carr, Vice President, Vision One Coaching & Consulting (Burnsville, MN)
• Bill Doty, President, NACS, Inc. (Ham Lake, MN)
• Jan Hepola, Business Growth Specialist, Enterprise Minnesota

Followed by a panel with:

• Greg Closser, President, All Flex Acquisitions, LLC (Northfield, MN)
• Mike Jensen, President, Gauthier Industries (Rochester, MN)
• Amy Karrow, HR Manager, Engineered Products Co. (Minnetonka, MN)
• Don Hayward, President, Engel Diversified Industries (Jordan, MN)

Register Today at www.enterpriseminnesota.org

For questions or more information email events@enterpriseminnesota.org or call our events line at 612.455.4239.

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