October 2016
Current Issue: October 2016
How industry and higher ed are working together to prepare workers for the manufacturing careers of the future
Members of the Oromo Community of Minnesota celebrate a graduation
New immigrant groups are working hard to develop their talents, especially the second generation. That was the impression I got when I was invited by Teshite Wako to speak at the graduation ceremony of the Oromo Community of Minnesota.
Starters
We are at another juncture of our political cycle where soon we will arise en masse, trudge to the polls and — with more holding their noses than ever before — collectively choose our new commander in chief. I am only somewhat more optimistic than those touting the bumper sticker “Giant Meteor — 2016 — Just end it already!”
Author Bobbie Carter will tell you that her new book is definitely not the best one you will ever read. That’s rather humble — and honest — for a writer. But as the founder and head of Selective Search Staffing and Consulting, Carter is not really looking for a mass audience.
Last September, local startup Astro HQ won the MN Cup Grand prize and walked away with $80K in cash. Its app Astropad turns the iPad into a professional graphics tablet for Mac, and the app has been gaining traction in the art community.
This month, the 2017 edition of the Buy Local Twin Cities Guide, published by Twin Cities MetroIBA (Independent Business Alliance), will be available throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Camp COCO 2016October 7 – 9, 2016Wolf Ridge ELC, Finland, Minn.If you’re looking for a transformative camping experience, Camp COCO is for you. The weekend combines networking and inspirational talks with hiking and bonfires in Northern Minnesota’s Wolf Ridge Environmental Center.
An Industry Watch + features a collection of stories, Q+A's, How-To's and more to give readers a 360 degree look at one topic. This month's topic is Cybersecurity — below you will find pieces on cybersecurity in the workplace, assessing risk, cybersecurity by the numbers and more.
Don (Dad), Jane (Mom), Matt and Ben Zoubek. Photo by Tate Carlson
When Ben and Matt Zoubek walk into work every day at ZTECH Precision, they call the president of the company “Don” and the office manager “Jane.”
When they’re not on duty at the Elk River precision machine shop, they call them Dad and Mom.
When they’re not on duty at the Elk River precision machine shop, they call them Dad and Mom.
At Ultra Machining Co. (UMC) in Monticello, business is humming like the whir emitted by the multimillion-dollar CNC machines on the factory floor.
Manufacturing is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy. When we add it up, manufacturing provides more than 292,000 jobs and contributes $37 billion to the state’s economy, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development. Simply put, manufacturing makes a difference.
It isn’t every day you meet a leader at the SVP level as humble and genuine as Studio/E member and Master Julie Guggemos. Senior vice president of product design and development at Target Corporation, Julie has a demanding job, but in her presence she fully concentrates on you — with no phone in sight.
Laurie Wondra has been a CIO and VP of Client Experience. She’s currently an executive consultant and also a shaman, one who is conversant with the spiritual realm. Let me start with a disclaimer in case your inner skeptic kicks in. Laurie has had an impressive career as a leader in IT, an industry that doesn’t attract large numbers of females.
Downtime” is a word manufacturing owners want to avoid. They explore every possible avenue of quality, safety, efficiency and innovative solutions to remain relevant and running.
For years, one major challenge to their success has been the search for skilled talent. But with skilled talent comes another challenge: retention.
For years, one major challenge to their success has been the search for skilled talent. But with skilled talent comes another challenge: retention.
There has been a lot of talk in this election cycle about restricting trade. There has also been a lot of talk about income inequality and the demise of the American middle class. I believe there is a strong causal relationship between these trends.
Though his career has taken a few curve balls, Peter Himmelman has always been creative. The Minnesota-born songwriter, musician and singer started out by becoming a rock star, first with the group Sussman Lawrence and then with a band under his own name. From there he became a composer for film and television.
Jesse Lammi wanted to find a way to keep aging family members close. After his grandfather injured himself at age 92 and ended up in a nursing home, Lammi found it distressing to watch his grandfather leave loved ones and become isolated from his community.
Success hasn’t changed MyPillow inventor Mike Lindell. Certainly, his good fortune with his company (My Pillow Inc.) has transformed his small family business into a big employer, but his business model and philosophy on life? Rock solid.