 Members of the business community came together in Bemidji to discuss the state of manufacturing. The Northwest Minnesota Foundation hosted Enterprise Minnesota who presented its findings from a comprehensive survey on manufacturing. The gathering featured local business and community leaders who shared their thoughts on the manufacturing sector. While there is optimism in the job sector, there is anticipation of a workforce shortage leaving communities to get creative. We're finding that communities like Brannard, Bemidji all over the state are really focusing together their economic development with the manufacturers, with the colleges, with chambers, and just business leaders to try to resolve this on a community-by-community basis. And there's some great things going on as our panel here in Bemidji will tell us today of collaboration. The survey also revealed that manufacturers have a high level of optimism, record revenues, profitability, and increased wages. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.