Minnesota’s falling jobless rates (down to 3.8 in September) and the tens of thousands of anticipated new jobs needed to support DMC over the next 20 years have prompted the development of new regional initiatives to ensure that the southeastern region of the state is prepared. These initiatives are also helping to guide economic success and ensure growth is managed, diverse, and collaborative. Two such initiatives, which are complementary to efforts taking place through DMC, include SE Minnesota Together and Journey to Growth.
SE Minnesota Together is a complementary project funded through a $80,000 community development grant provided by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. SE MN Together is focused on ensuring that the entire southeast region, especially the smaller communities, is equipped to address workforce shortages as well as transportation and housing issues.
SE MN Together is hosting a series of three community conversations to empower communities to address their own labor force issues, develop partnerships and collaborations within the region, and leverage the opportunities provided by DMC and J2G.
The first conversation will be held in Albert Lea on Oct 29 with subsequent conversations taking place in Owatonna on Nov 12 and in Winona on Dec 3. You can register to attend any or all of these free events on EventBrite.
Journey to Growth (J2G) is a Rochester Area Economic Development Inc. initiative which seeks to diversify the economy, optimize the regional talent base, and enhance the identity and connectedness of the eight counties of SE Minnesota and beyond.
Working together is critical to successfully achieve the global destination vision of DMC. By being collaborative, proactive, and inclusive, southeastern Minnesota can optimize the long-term growth taking place across this prosperous region.