Article by: Tom Monson
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce President, Bill Blazar challenged Blooming Prairie manufacturers to help set a new pace for innovation in Southeastern Minnesota. During the October 22 Manufacturers Luncheon commemorating the statewide Manufacturers Week, leadership from many of the largest local employers were in attendance to hear Blazar’s report on the state’s business climate, upcoming challenges and opportunities, and tools through the EDA and Chamber of Commerce that could be used in lieu of the information. Blazar’s message was capped by a challenge to not only Blooming Prairie manufacturers, but employers throughout the region: Get outside your boxes. Southeastern Minnesota has begun to trail the rest of the state and decline over the last few years in produced innovations despite having research and patent powerhouses in Mayo Clinic and Hormel. The local CEDA associate coordinated and assisted in planning the event as well as co-emceed. The success of the event will be measured through the results of the several project-based follow up meetings initiated by the event.
