Manufacturing is being celebrated around the nation during the month of October. Many communities promote tours as an opportunity for individuals to understand the high-tech and innovative work environments that these organizations provide.
Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) partnered with the State of Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and Journey To Growth (J2G) to host tours of manufacturing facilities in four communities throughout southeastern Minnesota: Stewartville, Rochester, Blooming Prairie and Caledonia.
Education professionals, elected officials, and media personnel were encouraged to attend one or more of these tours which consisted of a brief appreciation ceremony including presentation of certificates from the Governor’s office by an official from DEED as well as a guided tour at each company. Participants were asked to share their experience through photos, videos, streaming, blogging or other means of communication.
Because Minnesota is so well represented by the manufacturing industry sector, this event was a meaningful and important way to expose educators and elected officials to the diverse, impressive, abundant and valuable career opportunities that exist in manufacturing.