Final Call

If you haven’t had a chance to participate in this year’s State of Manufacturing survey events, I urge you to join us for one of the final two. We’ll be in Bemidji on January 10, and because of bad weather earlier this month, we are rescheduling our Worthington event later in January (date to be determined).

We’ve been crisscrossing the state for the last several weeks, presenting the data from this year’s State of Manufacturing survey. Ever since our signature annual event in Minneapolis in November, we’ve been meeting with manufacturers from every corner of the state to discuss the results and listen to ideas and reflections, enjoying connecting with manufacturers, and all those people/organizations who support them.

The audiences at the Greater Minnesota events comprise a wonderful nexus of businesspeople, educators, legislators, economic developers, manufacturing trade groups and members of the media. Their presence adds another layer of manufacturing experience to the conversation, and it deepens the potential for networking for everyone who attends. In addition to his usual optimism and enthusiasm, Bob Kill, our president and CEO knows the survey data inside and out and that makes for a richer conversation about the current state of manufacturing and its future potential.

The regional events also give us a chance to share survey responses that are unique to the area where they are held. Each year our pollster adds an “oversample” of 50 manufacturer interviews in each of the six Minnesota Initiative Foundation regions. This region-specific information gives participants insight into how manufacturers across town are feeling about key issues, opportunities, and challenges. At our Owatonna event Bob pointed out that while manufacturers across the state expressed concern about recession, most are confident that their own companies can weather a downturn. “Manufacturers in southeastern Minnesota are especially optimistic,” he said, citing data from the survey showing 90% of those surveyed from that part of the state believe their companies can weather an upcoming recession. He also discussed the supply chain and worker shortage concerns that continue to hit that region’s manufacturers particularly hard.

With the combination of great information, a knowledgeable presenter, and a broad spectrum of participants with various stakes in the health of Minnesota’s manufacturing sector, these events promise a lively and enlightening discussion. I hope to see you there.

Email us or visit our events page to register

View all Enterprise Minnesota upcoming events here.

Industry News

General Mills boost outlook at consumers absorb price hikes
December 20, MSP Business Journal

Marvin sharing more than $12 million in profits in 2022, among other employee benefits
December 21, Grand Forks Herald

How St. Cloud nearly became a car manufacturing hub
December 23, Star Tribune

Federal funding secured for projects benefiting Austin, Rochester, Southeast Minnesota
December 22, Albert Lea Tribune

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