SOM in Context
A panel of experts gives context to the results of the 2022 State of Manufacturing survey.
About Bob
As president and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota, Bob Kill leads the organization’s efforts to achieve its strategic, growth, and operational goals. A long-time manufacturing executive, Bob is passionate about helping manufacturers grow and bringing attention to manufacturing as a driver of Minnesota’s economy. Bob is committed to connecting public and private stakeholders of manufacturers together in order to foster the collaboration needed to produce a thriving manufacturing industry.
Bob is recognized as a spokesperson for Minnesota’s manufacturing industry and is regularly quoted in national and regional media on manufacturing trends and industry outlook. He has appeared before the Minnesota State Legislature and the U.S. Congress emphasizing the high value of manufacturing to our economy. Bob received national recognition in 2010 by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST/MEP) , as Group Innovator, for the State of Manufacturing® strategy. In 2011 he was recognized by Twin Cities Business Magazine as “one of 200 Minnesotans you should know” noting he is helping all understand that “making something” is cool again.
Prior to leading Enterprise Minnesota, Bob served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Ciprico Inc., a manufacturer of high performance data and networking systems. Before joining Ciprico, he served in senior management positions with Northern Telecom Inc. His career in manufacturing began with the Burroughs Corporation.
Bob serves on the Minnesota Agriculture and Economic Development Board, University of Minnesota-Morris Chancellor’s Advisory Board, Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence Advisory Council, and formerly served on the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board. Additionally, he has served on numerous industry boards, including software, technology, manufacturing, and startup companies. An avid bicyclist and golfer, both of which Kill has little time for because he is so dedicated to helping manufacturing enterprises grow profitably.
To request a speaking engagement or interview, please contact Robert Lodge ([email protected]).
Recent media:
- Manufacturing indexes turn negative for first time since spring 2020 (Star Tribune, Dec. 2022)
- Recession common concern among Minnesota manufacturers (Owatonna People’s Press, Dec. 2022)
- State unveils program for businesses to use robots to address workforce shortages (Star Tribune, Nov. 2022)
- Why American unemployment needs to rise (The Economist, Nov. 2022)
- Mankato-North Mankato a top spot for manufacturing jobs (Mankato Free Press, Nov. 2022)
Additional resources:
Enterprise Minnesota consulting services
Author Content
Winning Game Plan
How Minnesota manufacturers are using a three-step process to beat the worker shortage.
Turning Adversity Into Advantage
The Weekly Report – Dec. 12, 2022 Learning from manufacturers that have already faced the challenges of the coming year
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
The Weekly Report – Nov. 21, 2022 Hundreds turn out for the 2022 State of Manufacturing® despite the first snowfall of the year.
More Headwinds
The 2022 State of Manufacturing® survey finds expectations of recession amplify concerns about inflation and workforce challenges.
Confidence
I’ve been impressed with the consistent optimism expressed by Minnesota manufacturers.
Working together to solve problems
The Weekly Report – September 12, 2022 How manufacturers can protect themselves from future supply chain shocks.
It’s About Partnerships
Enterprise Minnesota’s Bob Kill interviews Willy Shih, Harvard’s supply chain guru, about how manufacturers can protect themselves from future shocks.
Expert Insight
America’s go-to supply chain authority — and a longtime business friend — tells us what’s ahead.
Bring it On
For manufacturers, challenges are merely opportunities for success.