Advancing Business for a Stronger Community
Greater Mankato’s Education Economy Based on payroll, education is the third largest sector in Greater Mankato’s diverse economy, just behind manufacturing and health care. But looking at the expenditures made by our five higher education institutions and their students, the economic impact is even more significant. According to a study released this past spring by Minnesota State University, Mankato, the university contributes $452 million to the local economy ($310 million of that direct spending and $142 indirect/induced spending). In addition to what the higher education institutions spend themselves, students infuse millions of dollars into the economy on their own. This consumer spending extends beyond the students themselves to visiting family and friends. See the article on page 43 by Visit Mankato for details on the student impact on the visitor economy. Greater Mankato’s five higher education institutions bring more than just consumers to the area. One of their greatest contributions is the talent students provide, even before they graduate – as interns and employees for area businesses.
One event coming up that enables businesses to reach out to students as potential “consumers” and “workers” is the Greater Mankato Campus & Community Fair on September 4. Greater Mankato Growth and Minnesota State University, Mankato team up to welcome more than 2,000 college students to the community and connect them to local businesses for products, services, jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities. At $75 to $250, exhibiting at the Campus & Community Fair provides businesses with an economical option to reach students. For more information and to sign up, visit greatermankato.com/campuscommunity-fair.
Health Care Reform Implementation Seminar
August 16, 2013 | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Verizon Wireless Center, Mankato
Greater Mankato Growth
The Affordable Care Act has changed the landscape for health insurance for every employer in Minnesota. While some parts of the law have been delayed, others are moving forward as scheduled. To bring businesses up to speed on the law’s requirements, Greater Mankato Growth is bringing in top experts on health care reform. This full day seminar will provide you with the tools you need to make critical decisions to comply with the law while managing costs and providing sound benefits to employees. Businesses small and large will get Agenda 9:00 am 9:20 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 11:30 am 12:00 pm 1:30 pm 3:00 pm
complete information and advice on the legal requirements of the law, the various purchasing options available to employers, the role of the new state health insurance exchange (MNsure), the ways that coverage premiums will be determined, as well as analytics tools to help businesses make the most fiscally prudent choices. For more details see the agenda below and visit greatermankato.com/events. Sign up on this site by August 14.
Registration, Networking, Exhibitor Booths Open Welcome and Introductions | Jonathan Zierdt, President & CEO, Greater Mankato Growth The Basics | Ross Manson, Principal, Eide Bailly Understanding the Exchange | April Todd-Malmlov, Executive Director, MNsure Break, Networking, Exhibitor Booths Open Lunch and Panel Discussion | Ross Manson, Principal, Eide Bailly; April Todd-Malmlov, Executive Director, MNsure; Senator Tony Lourey, Chair, Committee on Finance - Health and Human Services Division; Scott Keefer, Vice President of Public Policy and Legislative Affairs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MN Breakout Roundtables Conclusion
Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development
507.385.6640 • greatermankato.com 38 • august January2013 2013• •MN MNValley ValleyBusiness Business