Iowa Lakes Corridor communities proclaim October as Manufacturing Month

PRESS CONTACT:
Alyssa Petersen, Coordinator of Administration & Communication
Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation
apetersen@lakescorridor.com
712-264-3474

Iowa Lakes Corridor communities proclaim October as Manufacturing Month

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation (Corridor) was joined by County Supervisors and City Officials this week to proclaim October as Manufacturing Month in their respective communities.

On Wednesday, the Corridor hosted a proclamation signing and reception to kick off Manufacturing Month in the Iowa Lakes Corridor Region. Several local mayors and county supervisors participated in the proclamation signing, with other supporters of manufacturing in attendance, including Spencer Municipal Utilities and MWI Components. October 2022 was proclaimed as Manufacturing Month in Buena Vista County, Clay County, Dickinson County, Emmet County, City of Estherville, City of Lake Park, City of Spencer, City of Spirit Lake, and City of Storm Lake.

Manufacturing Day is recognized on the first Friday each October. It is an initiative of The Manufacturing Institute with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association as a founding partner. It’s meant to inspire the next generation to start careers in manufacturing. This is done through a series of events scheduled through October throughout the nation.

Advanced manufacturing is Iowa’s largest industry and accounts for about 18% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturing companies employ nearly 15% of Iowa’s workforce with an average compensation of over $72,000 annually in 2019. In the four-county Corridor region, the manufacturing industry employs the most individuals at nearly 7,000 employees. Manufacturing also accounts for highest amount of the region’s GDP at over $800 million.

“Manufacturing throughout the Corridor region is a strong economic base bringing revenue into the region, providing quality employment and connecting local companies to the global marketplace,” said Corridor President and CEO Shannon Landauer. “Our manufacturers are continuing to grow, innovate, partner and adapt while they have seen challenges that are changing on a daily basis in recent years. The Corridor focus on manufacturing is really in appreciation for all that our manufacturers are doing in their companies and in our Corridor communities. Throughout the month of October we will continue sharing the stories of our manufacturers, highlighting programming in place for manufacturing facilities through our partners in economic development and education and emphasizing the economic impact that is made locally through the presence of these companies. We are proud to have the pleasure of working with these leaders in industry and innovation!”

The Corridor is participating in Manufacturing Month through organized tours of manufacturing businesses, social media campaigns and educational news and events.

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About the Iowa Lakes Corridor

The Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is the regional economic development agency for Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson and Emmet counties. Its mission is to foster, encourage, aid, promote or otherwise assist in the economic growth and development of the region. For more information about the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, call 712-264-3474 or visit www.lakescorridor.com