The State of Manufacturing: Northwest Region Event Recap

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Feedback from the Warroad focus group
Over 40 manufacturing professionals, business executives, and community leaders came together in Bemidji for the 2017 State of Manufacturing northwest region celebration event on Tuesday, May 23rd. Enterprise Minnesota presented the 2017 survey results, as well as hosted a Q & A panel.

The survey results were overall very positive and showed an optimistic horizon for the manufacturing industry in Minnesota. 

Here are a few highlights:
  •          For the first time, 94% of manufacturing executives are “very confident” about their firm’s financial perspective
  •          The majority of respondents feel optimistic about the future of the economy
  •          35% of executives are expecting double-digit growth in revenue and profitability

Among the concerns facing the manufacturing industry:
  •          68% of executives say it is difficult to attract qualified candidates to their firm’s vacancies
  •         The cost of health care coverage is the #1 concern companies are facing
  •         Only 17% of companies have formally structured leadership development plans for employees

You can view complete survey results and responses on Enterprise Minnesota’s website here.

The Q & A panelists included Steve Cochems of Anderson Fabrics (Blackduck), Dave Goetz of Cass Forest Products, Dr. Jim Hess of Bemidji High School, and Bill Batchelder of Bemidji Woolen Mills.

Dave Goetz shared that his business is up, and he attributes some of this increase due to his online presence. Steve Cochems added that his website allows him to generate business across the country, including high profile clients such as Tiger Woods and the Clintons.

Bill Batchelder also talked about how the Woolen Mills’ website has helped keep revenue consistent. He also highlighted the Bemidji Industrial Park as an ideal location for manufacturing companies to bring their operations, as property is available at the fraction of market price.

Dr. Jim Hess discussed the importance of investing in high school and college programs. At Bemidji High School, they have established the Bemidji Career Academies, a program that introduces kids to various career paths. Bemidji Career Academies is funded in part by a grant from NMF. This co-curricular model provides students with opportunities to learn about trades and industries, such as health care, business, and manufacturing, while taking classes with relevant coursework. They also have a chance to do job shadowing and meet industry professionals outside of the classroom.

Lakeland News aired this news clip about the event with a few highlights from the panelists and Enterprise Minnesota’s staff.


For more information about Enterprise Minnesota and the State of Manufacturing survey, visit their website here.

  

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