Press Releases

The need for tax cuts, reduced and simplified regulations, a well-trained workforce, lower employee health care costs, and a state-sponsored industry advocate are among the top concerns shared by a core group of Minnesota manufacturers.

Those views and others are summarized in Positively Minnesota Manufacturing: Making It Great, a report just released by the state Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The report is a synopsis of feedback obtained during a series of roundtable meetings convened by Governor Tim Pawlenty in October of 2003.

Concerned about widespread job losses in Minnesota’s manufacturing sector, Governor Pawlenty brought together 75 top executives from manufacturing companies across the state. He wanted to learn firsthand about their most pressing concerns and - more importantly - what the state could do to help.

During three separate two-hour roundtable discussions, the executives were asked to focus mainly on issues that were in the state’s power to change. The result was a sweeping set of recommendations, some of which are already being implemented, said DEED Commissioner Matt Kramer.

“Manufacturers have asked for a state-level advocate to look out for their best interests and we’ve given them one,” said Kramer. “They told us loudly and clearly that they need a streamlined and more customer-friendly permitting and regulatory process. We’re in the process of making that happen, too.”

Diane Knutson, a business development specialist at DEED, has been named the manufacturer’s advocate. She may be reached by phone at 651-296-6076 or by e-mail at diane.knutson@state.mn.us.

In addition, DEED and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) are cooperating to launch a one-stop service to help companies navigate the state permitting process. The initiative will be know as Positively Minnesota BizNice. Details about BizNice will be released later this month.

Other recommendations in the report may serve as the basis for future policy initiatives that the Governor may advance during the 2004 or future legislative sessions. DEED has identified several key areas that may warrant further consideration as the administration looks for ways to help the greatest number of manufacturers. They include:

•  Reforming corporate taxation and sales tax on capital equipment.
•  Working with higher education institutions to build a skilled manufacturing workforce.
•  Examining ways to help contain health care costs.
•  Cutting air travel costs for manufacturers.