Advanced manufacturing is a driving industry in a number of states across the country. The following is the second in a series of special features as Operon takes a look at leaders from chambers of commerce and economic development groups, examining what they are doing to promote manufacturing in their region. Michael Langley, CEO of GREATER MSP (Minneapolis Saint Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership), outlines a new designation from the Obama Administration for the Minnesota Medical Manufacturing Partnership. GREATER MSP, a participant in the Minnesota Medical Manufacturing Partnership, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing public and private sector leadership, coordination and engagement to grow the economy of the 16-county Minneapolis Saint Paul region.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced in July that the Minnesota Medical Manufacturing Partnership received an important designation under the Obama Administration's Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership (IMCP) initiative.
This U.S. Commerce Department-led program is designed to accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing in communities nationwide by supporting the development of long-term economic development strategies. As a designated manufacturing community, the Minnesota Medical Manufacturing Partnership will receive coordinated support for its strategies from 11 federal agencies with more than $1 billion in federal economic development assistance. The federal designation sets our state and region apart. It confirms and will strengthen our global leadership in medical technology.
Secretary Pritzker said an IMCP designation is an important signal to potential investors that a community is a good place to spend money, and this is smart government at work.
Minnesota leaders across sectors worked together and drafted a medical technology sector strategic plan that addresses: workforce and supply chain challenges; infrastructure; research and innovation; trade and investment; capital access; and operational improvement for manufacturing companies.
