Economic Growth Collaborative of South Central Minnesota
Welcome
The Economic Growth Collaborative of South Central Minnesota was established under the FIRST (Framework for Integrated Regional Strategies) grant to develop and implement market-driven strategies that align resources and increases the economic competitiveness of the region.
The Economic Growth Collaborative of South Central Minnesota invested funding in the Partnership for Regional Competitiveness Project (38 county collaborative) to hire the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) and engage the region in asset-based mapping to identify the strengths, assets and competitiveness of the region. Results of the RUPRI Study (Read Full Study) revealed the six industries that will provide our best economic opportunities:
Health Care
Food & Agriculture
Bioscience
Renewable Energy
High Technology
Manufacturing
Business, community, economic development, education, and workforce development professionals came together with the common purpose of assessing the challenges and opportunities for communities in South Central Minnesota to thrive and prosper. Members of the leadership team of the Economic Growth Collaborative of South Central Minnesota include:
Greater Mankato Diversity Council
Greater Mankato Growth
MN Dept of Employment & Economic Development
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Region 9 Development Commission
South Central College
South Central Service Cooperative
South Central WorkForce Council
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation
V-Tek, Inc.
In addition to these partners, the leadership team identified over 150 “regional champions” who we will continue to engage in developing and implementing economic strategies and solutions for the region.
