The state of Minnesota is beginning to plan October as Manufacturing Month again. Manufacturing is Central Minnesota’s second largest employing industry, providing nearly 40,000 jobs with an average annual wage of more than $60,500, well above the region’s overall average of $50,900. Manufacturing also accounted for 11.3% of statewide employment and provided 14.5% of the state’s gross domestic product in 2021, so it’s clear that the health of Minnesota’s economy is closely tied to the strength of the manufacturing industry.

CMMA will once more lead the state in Manufacturing Month and the Tour of Manufacturing events and activities. Our goals are to educate potential employees about careers in manufacturing, tour local manufacturing facilities, assist manufacturers, and increase the value of CMMA. To meet these goals, we will focus on marketing and social media campaigns, educational resources, manufacturing tours, as well as employer and community engagement. If you are interested in participating, our Manufacturing Month Kickoff virtual meeting will be on May 26 at 1pm. Email Della for a link to attend.

Like last year, we will offer a virtual magazine, highlighting in-person and virtual tours scheduled in October, and throughout the year. This magazine is shared with local schools and communities to encourages parents, students, teachers, nonprofits, and job seekers to understand the career pathways available to them in manufacturing. Last year we had 14 in-person or virtual tours of manufacturers highlighted in the magazine and plan to increase the number of tours offered in our region this year.

CMMA will also continue to partner with DEED, CMJTS, and Career Solutions to set up school tours. Last year, CMMA assisted 25 different schools with over 1,000 students attending 55 different manufacturers throughout a 13-county region in central MN. CMMA will also host Career and Technical Education (CTE) Jamboree at St Michael Albertville (STMA) High School on November 17, where school leaders, CTE faculty, and manufacturers learn how to strengthen manufacturing programs and training. For more information on last year’s magazine and activities, go Central Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing VIRTUAL MAGAZINE or on the Manufacturing Month page at CMMAWorks.org.

If you are interested in participating on the committee, offering a manufacturing tour, or being a sponsor for Manufacturing Month, please reach out to Della Ludwig at della.ludwig@state.mn.us.