Thank you for the recent story titled "Manufacturing is trending up in Minnesota." Manufacturing continues to play a critical role in the state and national economy and is now a priority for the current administration, with good reason.
Manufacturing is equally critical in the Brainerd lakes area, and continues to be a priority among business sectors for the Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation. We want to ensure the success of local manufacturers while encouraging other companies to locate or expand for the purpose of strengthening the economy here.
The good news is that the local manufacturing sector reflects the statewide upward trend, with owners and management sharing optimism for the near future. Companies like Lexington, Clow Stamping, LINDAR, and Cross-Tech are local success stories that weathered the recession storm and are now growing.
The local manufacturing landscape isn't without its challenges, though. At the statewide level, filling vacant positions continues to be a concern. The Brainerd lakes area, however, enjoys the support of Central Lakes College, area school districts, and Bridges Workplace Connection, which work with local manufacturers to identify trends and workforce needs, and then develop programs and curricula that arm students with the skills necessary to be valuable and productive employees for years to come. BLAEDC has also developed the KEY Recruitment Program to help companies hire key talent so they can continue to grow and expand in our community.
The Brainerd lakes area is fortunate to have an economy that continues to diversify and find strength in sectors like manufacturing, tech services, health care and tourism. Our success comes from public and private entities that work together and support each other. That's a simple formula that is paying dividends.
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Sheila Haverkamp, executive director
Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation
