Last summer DEED held a number of around the state to talk very broadly to locals about the economy. Here’s a little background on the efforts (from the report)…

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has embarked on a regional economic competitiveness project that is identifying opportunities to sharpen its strategies and help drive regional economic growth. DEED leadership recognized that the state’s economic policy needs to be updated to reflect post-recession realities. To generate long-term, quality growth across the state, Minnesota needs to focus on three key economic drivers – innovation, trade, and human capital. The state needs to find ways to empower regions to act on those drivers, enabling them to leverage their distinctive strengths.

As part of this project, DEED has worked closely with local regional organizations (listed below) to convene over 22 meetings in 21 cities throughout Minnesota and meet with over 400 regional leaders representing businesses, workforce development organizations, economic developers, chamber officials, and foundation leaders.

DEED focused on three areas: talent, innovation and trade. Broadband came up as a support for innovation…

Most of the discussions on innovation focused on investing in the infrastructure needed to position regions for future growth. In addition, there was recognition for the need of developing and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs that will build the next great companies in Minnesota. Some of the common themes identified included:

* Expanding the availability and adoption of broadband; this was of special concern in more rural regions of the state where advanced agriculture and manufacturing increasingly rely on advanced information technology for enhancing competitiveness.

* Supporting local innovation and local entrepreneurs; there was wide recognition that, for longterm sustainable growth, the focus should be on retaining local business and supporting homegrown innovation and entrepreneurs that are connected to the communities in which they grow.

According to DEED…

We have recently shared what we heard with the Governor’s office and leaders from other agencies as they frame their priorities for the upcoming legislative session.  There will, undoubtedly, be more on the to-do list than can be done in one year, but we are hopeful that many to the issues brought forward in our conversations will be addressed this upcoming legislative session. We will plan to report back in February with an update on this work.

 

It seems like one more voice in the growing mass supporting broadband!