 Educators and manufacturers all came together in Bemidji today to learn about the current state of manufacturing. Haiti Clotter shows us how locals are addressing the issues affecting the industry. Steve Kokoms of Anderson Fabrics has designed fabrics for clients such as Bill and Hillary Clinton and Tiger Woods, just to name a few. Yet he still has a hard time hiring employees even though they don't need a background in manufacturing. 30% of our workforce has been there for over 15 years, but baby boomers are getting older and we have a number of people that have been very, very good Anderson Fabrics employees for many years that are retiring now and we need to bring in younger people. Kokoms educators, economic developers and manufacturers were in the same room at the Northwest Minnesota Foundation for the 9th annual state of manufacturing. Manufacturing creates 13% of the jobs in the state and 16% of the wages which is a great multiple and offers great careers for young people and even people thinking about changing their career and maybe later in life. The occasion highlighted a survey on trends in the manufacturing industry and how to address any challenges. The survey was centered on the 12 counties in the Northwest region. Manufacturing is a core of strengthened communities. The phone survey of 400 manufacturing executives revealed key issues like healthcare coverage and also the biggest challenge of retaining a qualified workforce. I think we went through a generation or two of telling people that manufacturing is not a great job for young people and now we're starting to realize that it shouldn't be a consolation prize. It's a great career opportunity and very good pay and it keeps young people in the community. Kokoms also heard from panelists including the superintendent of Bemidji Area Schools. Kokoms responds to the surveys every year and appreciates the focus on the community. Interesting to see that other parts of the state have many similar problems but when you get to the rural areas of Minnesota that there's unique challenges. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, manufacturing was the largest private sector contributor to Minnesota's gross domestic product in 2015 in Bemidji, Haiti, Clowder, Lakeland News. A part of the survey included a focus group conducted at Brainerd High School and it uncovered how there aren't enough women in the industry and the importance of internships in having a career in manufacturing. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.