2007.08.20 EDA Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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SI �,/ Department of Employment J Y and Economic Development m July 23, 2007 Mr. Bryan Bear City Of Hugo 14669 Fitzgerald Ave N Hugo,MN 55038-9301 Dear Mr. Bear: You've probably heard the very old story about how to boil a frog.Drop it into a pot of hot water and it simply jumps out. But place the frog into a pot of cool,comfortable �r ral water,raise the heat slowly,and eventually you have an oblivious,boiled frog. A changing world economy is turning up the competitive heat and slowly,almost imperceptibly,our economic frog is getting cooked. Increased productivity means that fewer workers produce more.Jobs are being simplified, automated and often exported.The new economy requires vastly different job skills than the traditional economy did. In a flat world,there are no inherently Minnesota jobs. Advancing Minnesota's economic prosperity requires leadership and collaboration. This summer the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is convening a series of eight regional competitiveness forums. Our goal is to bring together state and local leaders to identify the partnerships and strategies we need to develop globally competitive communities and robust regional economies for the 21st century. We're inviting local elected officials,legislators,workforce investment board members and staff,economic development professionals,higher education leaders,school board members,business owners, media representatives,and others to address Minnesota's critical workforce and economic development issues: • Does our approach to workforce development produce the workers we need? • Do the"silos"that separate workforce development,economic development, and higher education still serve our regions well? • Should we consider new organizational options, such as changing our workforce service areas to reflect the new realities of the 21"century? • What's most effective: a single statewide competitiveness strategy or several regional strategies?Can we develop a statewide strategy that comprises several regional strategies? • Will employers benefit by helping with mentorship and internship programs or other approaches? • What other competitiveness strategies should we be exploring for Minnesota? The times and locations for the remaining forums are shown on the attached list.The program is free and open to anyone who would like to attend.We would appreciate having your registration so we know how many people to expect. Please bring your questions,your ideas and your suggestions. I am looking forward to meeting you and working together for a bright and competitive Minnesota future. Sincerely, Dan McElroy Commissioner Department of Employment and Economic Development 1st National Bank Building• 332 Minnesota St.,Suite E200 • Saint Paul,MN 55101-1351 •USA 651-297.1291 • 800-657.3858 a Fax 651.215-3841 •TTY/TDD:651.296-3900 •www.deed.state.mn.us An equal opportunity employer and service provider.