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Enterprise Minnesota Magazine - December 2011
HELPING MANUFACTURERS GROW PROFITABLY
Diversifying the Iron Range Economy
Enterprise Minnesota and the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board team up to help companies and workers move away from a boom-and-bust economy.
BY TONY SERTICH
GAP, to many people may mean a clothing store for men, women, children and babies. But in economic development, it’s an important funding tool that helps create healthier businesses and new jobs.
Originally created by Enterprise Minnesota, the Growth Acceleration Program (GAP) provides matching grants for qualified companies to access business improvement services that help eliminate waste and boost efficiency. By becoming more efficient, manufacturers increase competitiveness and create opportunities for new and retained jobs.
As Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) commissioner, I am pleased to support GAP, as this program to date has realized a $30 return for every $1 of GAP investment. In some instances, companies experienced up to a 40-to-1 return on investment.
To strengthen our manufacturers, the IRRRB in October allocated $50,000 to a partnership with Enterprise Minnesota that offers additional GAP services to manufacturing companies in northeastern Minnesota. GAP reimburses manufacturers for Enterprise Minnesota services, including “lean” concepts, CEO peer councils, and proactive marketing.
As an economic development agency, the IRRRB’s mission is to invest in, and promote, the business community and its workforce for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota. More and more, I hear from businesses that the availability of workers with the right skills and attitudes is the top issue for our future.
A recent study by Georgetown University concluded that more than 70 percent of the jobs in Minnesota over the next several years will require more than a high school degree. It is indeed rare for a high school graduate to find a job that will support a family. If employees and businesses in Minnesota’s economy intend to succeed in the 21st century, we’re all going to have to focus more time, energy and resources in workforce development.
We are fortunate in northeastern Minnesota to have partnerships with our public schools, college system, and businesses to work on issues of educational alignment for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Our customized training, industry specific certification, and college credit in the high school position our learners for success in the workforce. I plan on spending more of my time and energy to see that we are maximizing our partnerships and making sure our people and businesses have the tools they need to succeed, as more must be done to compete in the evolving, competitive global economy. The states that do the best at solving issues surrounding workforce development will be those most successful in the next century.
Tony Sertich, a fourth generation Iron Ranger, was appointed commissioner of the IRRRB in January 2011 by Governor Mark Dayton. Previous to his appointment, Sertich served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for over a decade. In 2006, Sertich was elected House Majority Leader. At age 30, he was the youngest majority leader in Minnesota history.
Tony also is the business manager of a family business on the Iron Range. Tony lives in his hometown of Chisholm with his wife, Tallie. He loves all that rural northern Minnesota has to offer from hunting and fishing to camping and snowmobiling. He appreciates that there are no traffic jams on the Range and you can see many stars on a clear night. Tony is an avid reader who also enjoys attending arts events and watching movies.
©2011, Enterprise Minnesota. All rights reserved.Reproduction encouraged after obtaining permission from EnterpriseMinnesota. Additional Magazines and reprints available for purchase.
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