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Enterprise Minnesota Set to Release State of Manufacturing Poll Results
 In early February, Enterprise Minnesota will release findings from the first ever State of Manufacturing Poll, a statewide survey research project that includes more than 400 phone surveys with manufacturing executives, and nine focus groups.
"This is a critical time for many Minnesota employers, says Bob Kill, president & CEO of Enterprise Minnesota. "Our goal is to understand what is important to small and midsize manufacturers, where they see opportunities, and where they see challenges.
"I think this will really be an interesting eye opener," he added.
Kill expects the survey results to be very valuable because manufacturing is such a large part of Minnesota's economy. "Manufacturing is significant to the health and well being of Minnesota's economy, and these poll results will give an indicator of where we're at in the industry's progress," Kill said.
A recent study by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), found that more than one in ten Minnesota jobs are in manufacturing. Each one of these jobs supports another 1.3 related jobs - meaning that nearly 800,000 jobs in Minnesota are associated with the manufacturing industry. That equals 29 percent of the state's workforce.
These manufacturing jobs pay higher than average salaries according to DEED. In 2007, a manufacturing employee in Minnesota received an average $1005 weekly wage, compared with $853 for all industries combined.
TAnd the state's manufacturing exports continued to grow through the third quarter 2008, up 8.6 percent from the same period a year ago to $4.5 billion according to DEED. Through the third quarter, Minnesota exports have grown 9.5 percent to $13.1 billon. The state is on pace to break last year's export record of $16.2 billion.
While exports have grown, accompanying job losses in the industry temper public perceptions says Kill, but he expects the survey results to provide insights into those numbers.
Enterprise Minnesota collaborated with sponsors Bremer Bank, Larson Allen, LLP, RJF Agencies, and Minnesota's State Colleges and Universities to make the survey a reality.
"The type of information that we're asking for in this poll has not been readily available," Brent Terhaar of Larson Allen said. "Having that is going to help figure out where we are and where we're going in the future."
Results will be available in book form, and published in part in the January/February issue of Enterprise Minnesota magazine.
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Manufacturers Benefit from Growth Acceleration Program
From Albert Lea to the Iron Range, Enterprise Minnesota is showing state legislators the value of the Growth Acceleration Program (GAP) to their area manufacturing company constituents.
Since October, Enterprise Minnesota president & CEO, Bob Kill has traveled throughout Minnesota, touring over 20 client companies with local area legislators to share how GAP resources are helping companies and company employees
"Our local businesses provide good jobs, and we need them to be able to have access to these types of programs," State Senator Linda Scheid said at a visit to Central Container in Brooklyn Park on December 12. "I think GAP is exciting for job retention and potential job growth in companies."
GAP provides small manufacturing and manufacturing-related companies with a matching grant to implement new techniques to compete and continue a commitment as employers, job creators, and contributors in local community life.
 "GAP is particularly important during these economic times," Enterprise Minnesota President Bob Kill said. "Nearly every business owner we speak with emphasizes the need to invest in business development. GAP can be a major part of that investment."
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.
 Enterprise Minnesota will meet with more legislators into early next year to ensure that funding for GAP is in mind. On a recent visit to Interscapes, Inc. a Minneapolis-based architectural woodworking company, State Senator Linda Higgins considered the outlook for the 2009 Legislative Session."We've started conversations about how the session is going to go and what the priorities are going to be, and we all agree that there has to be a jobs focus," State Senator Higgins said. "GAP fits very well into that goal."
Learn More About How GAP Works.
See Photos From the Tours.
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Industry News
New Hiring: Richard Lunsford has been named President and Chief Executive Officer at Anulex Technologies, a Minnetonka-based medical device manufacturer. Lunsford previously served as Senior Vice President and President of US Commercial Operations at ev3, Inc., a medical device manufacturer in Plymouth.
Top Area for Business: For the second straight year, the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area was named the best metro area for business by MarketWatch. Boston ranked second and the top five rounded out with Denver, Washington D.C., and Richmond, VA. Rankings are based on data available in eight categories, ranging from numbers of establishments to job growth.
MnTAP Intern Program: The Minnesota Technical Assistance (MnTAP) at the University of Minnesota is accepting applications for companies to participate in the MnTAP intern program. Companies interested in participating in the MnTAP intern program are encouraged to visit the MnTAP web site ( www.mntap.umn.edu) and submit a project proposal before February 1, 2009.
In The Headlines
GAP Grant Helps FLOE International ( Voyageur Press of McGregor, 12/2/2008)
Growing UP in a Down Economy ( Star Tribune, 12/29/2008)
Tri M Graphics Experiences Growth During Recession ( Owatonna People's Press, 12/30/2008)
Upcoming Events
Developing Leaders at All Levels in Business
January 21, 2009 - Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis
8:00am - 11:30am
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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. Experts include:
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Amy Karrow, HR Manager, Engineered Products Company
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Don Hayward, President, Engel Diversified Industries
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Using Green to Grow Your Business
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For anyone in marketing, advertising, design or communications...Plan now to catch the latest on printing, paper, and finishing! Join us as we go Back to the Basics, with sessions on Digital vs. Offset and How to Choose Your Green Printer. Admission is free if you pre-register online by February 6; $10 at the door. Registration open now: visit www.pimn.org and click on Classes.
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AGA Medical, Minneapolis
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Xcel Energy/MnTAP Training
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Registration Closes January 9, Click Here for more info
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