2025 Minnesota Manufactured™ Awards Banquet

You're Invited!

The Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence is pleased to share the results of the successful 2024 Minnesota Manufactured Statewide Tour and announce the 2nd Annual Minnesota Manufactured Awards Banquet.

The 2024 Statewide Tour engaged a total of 9,714 individuals, including 4,095 K-12 students. This year, 191 manufacturers participated, hosting 668 tours across the state. Since its inception in 2011, the Statewide Tour has reached 39,169 K-12 students, 1,565 educators, and visited 1,717 manufacturing locations, conducting 3,286 total tours.

“The Statewide Tour provides invaluable experiences for students, allowing them to witness firsthand the exciting career opportunities available in modern manufacturing," said Jaimee Duffy, director of marketing and outreach at the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence. "These tours spark curiosity, dispel misconceptions, and inspire the next generation of skilled workers."

To celebrate the achievements of the Statewide Tour and further support manufacturing education, the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence will host the 2nd Annual Minnesota Manufactured Awards Banquet.

You're Invited

Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025

Location: Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minn.

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Early Bird Price: $79/per person (until April 1, 2025)

Regular Price: $99/per person (after April 1, 2025)

Registration Link: https://bsualumni.org/mmst/

The banquet will be an evening of fundraising and celebration, recognizing manufacturers, educators, workforce development professionals, and students who contribute to the success of the Statewide Tour. Attendees will enjoy networking, dinner, a cash bar, and an inspiring program, including recognition of outstanding individuals and companies.

"The Awards Banquet is a vital part of our efforts to sustain and grow the Statewide Tour," said Jeremy Leffelman, executive director of the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence. "We are excited to bring this event to Duluth and showcase the region's strong manufacturing presence."

Investing in the Future of Manufacturing

The Awards Banquet serves as a critical fundraising event for the Minnesota Manufactured™ Statewide Tour. Proceeds from the banquet directly support the program's mission to provide students with immersive experiences in manufacturing facilities. This includes funding for buses to transport students to tour sites, providing safety glasses to ensure student safety during tours, and developing and distributing pro-manufacturing literature to educate students and their families about career opportunities in the industry.

Exclusive Tours of Lake Superior College's Manufacturing Space

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour Lake Superior College's newly renovated, state-of-the-art manufacturing space. The tours will showcase the college's commitment to providing students with hands-on training and access to cutting-edge technology, preparing them for successful careers in advanced manufacturing.

"We look forward to hosting the Minnesota Manufactured™ Awards Banquet and showcasing our beautiful campus, including our newly renovated manufacturing space," said David Kline, vice president of advancement and external relations at Lake Superior College. "Manufacturing education is key to preparing students for high-tech, high-demand careers right here in our community. By supporting these programs, we’re strengthening the future of our local workforce.”

The Awards Banquet will also feature highlights from the Minnesota Manufactured™ Student Video Contest, where students showcase their creativity and passion for manufacturing.

"The video contest is a fantastic way for students to explore their interests in manufacturing and share their perspectives with the community," said Duffy, director of marketing and outreach, at the Center. "We encourage all students to participate and let their voices be heard."

Event Highlights:

Exciting door prizes and raffles throughout the evening.

Catering provided by the renowned Black Woods Grill & Bar.

Musical entertainment provided by Waters Edge quartet from Bemidji, Minn.

Celebration and networking with the Minnesota manufacturing community.

Inspiring program featuring Lake Superior College leadership and the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence.

Exclusive tours of Lake Superior College's state-of-the-art manufacturing space.

For more information about the Minnesota ManufacturedÔ Statewide Tour and the Awards Banquet, please visit https://www.mnmfg.org/2025-minnesota-manufactured-awards-banquet/.

For More Information 

For more information about the Awards Banquet or the Statewide Tour, please contact Jeremy Leffelman, executive director of the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence, at jeremy.leffelman@minnstate.edu or (218) 755-4222. 

About the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence 

Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence is one of eight Centers of Excellence throughout Minnesota State, the state college and university system that was developed to serve the needs of industry through education and outreach. The Center is located at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minn. and is an innovative, collaborative effort between education and industry to recruit, educate, and train workers for dynamic careers in advanced manufacturing. The Center collaborates with industry, education, and workforce development partners to foster innovation, enhance skills, and establish career pathways in advanced manufacturing. 

About Lake Superior College

Lake Superior College (LSC) is a comprehensive two-year community and technical college in Duluth, Minn., offering more than 90 programs, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical and trades programs, allied healthcare and nursing programs, and continuing education and customized training for business and industry. LSC is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. LSC is also a leader in online courses in Minnesota and offers competitive DII athletics and intermural activities. For more information visit: www.lsc.edu.

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