Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. is an exciting change in the creating a new business combination that offers results-oriented business and community benefits.

The Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau division of the Chamber is not directly integrated into the new organization but will operate as a separate entity.

Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. wants to enhance coordination and balance within economic and community development initiatives to putting in place the staff and resources to execute a desired community future.

Greater Mankato Growth has partnered with Minnesota State University - Mankato and formed a Collegiate Leadership Program to connect students with business professionals. The initiative is to keep current graduates around the Greater Mankato area and find their ideal job. I strongly recommend joining this program next year. I've been involved and I've met some sophisticated professional people, most of who are business owners.

Below are some networking events that are happening this month. If you need any more information, please contact me or read further below for the correct contact information. I am planning on attending the Business After Hours on March 11th. If you are interested in going, let me know and we can coordinate to go together!

Management Symposium

"Less Waste is Smart Business"

Find out how environmentally conscious business practices, such as recycling and reducing solid waste, will improve your bottom line. Presenter: Kate Worley, Minnesota WasteWise read more...

Wednesday, March 5, 7:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Location: Technology Plus

Cost: $20 for Members, $30 for Non-members

Food & Beverage Sponsor: Caribou Coffee

Event Sponsor: MSU Extended Learning

RSVP: email or call 507.385.6640


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Business After Hours -

Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College has settled into their new campus and are excited to show off their state-of-the-art facility. Prizes, tours, and networking for everyone!

Tuesday, March 11, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Rasmussen College's new location at 130 St. Andrew Drive

Event Sponsor: Eide Bailly


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Professional Development Series -

"Four Generations in the Workplace"

For the first time in history, there are four generations in the workplace: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials. Learn how to leverage the different experiences, skills, biases and preferred management styles each generational group brings to your organization. Presenter: John Morrissey, Morrissey Consulting

Thursday, March 20, 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: South Central College Conference Center

Cost: $99

Sponsors: Crystal Valley, MSU Extended Learning, HickoryTech, Rasmussen College

RSVP: email or call 507.385.6640

BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS
Greater Mankato PromoPack

Insert an ad or coupon about your business in our April PromoPack. For just $250 you can reach more than 1,500 businesses. Deadline is March 17. For more information email Liz Sharp or call 507.385.6641.


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Greater Mankato Business Gives - Enroll Now!

We want to recognize the many contributions Greater Mankato organizations make to the regional marketplace. Any business or professional association that is a member of Greater Mankato Growth is encouraged to participate in Greater Mankato Business Gives. To enroll, complete a participation form certifying that in the most recently completed fiscal year, your business gave at least 2% in its pretax earnings in cash and/or in-kind contributions to charitable organizations. The form and worksheet to help with calculating the 2% is available at:

Greater Mankato Business Gives.


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Strategies for Smart Giving Workshop -

When to say "yes" and how to say "no"

Get the tools your business needs to develop a plan for your giving. Workshop participants will identify their goals and criteria for giving, establish contribution policies and procedures and discuss ways to make the decision-making process more efficient and effective. All participants will receive a copy of The Minnesota Giving and Community Involvement Workbook (Value: $24.95).

Thursday, March 13, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Location: Technology Plus

Cost: $10 (includes box lunch and workbook)

RSVP: email or call 507.385.6640.

BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS
Legal Seminar for Start-up and Emerging Businesses

Learn about: Entity Selection, Contracts & Agreements, Human Resources, Intellectual Property. Click here for schedule and registration information.

Saturday, March 15

Location: Technology Plus

Cost: no charge


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Workforce Summits

South Central College and Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. are inviting leaders from business, government, academic and community organizations to a series of workforce summits.

Each session will provide participants with the opportunity to share and broaden their knowledge and to contribute to the development of strategies needed to tackle the workforce issues facing industry.

Manufacturing Workforce Summit

Thursday, March 20, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: South Central College Conference Center



Healthcare Workforce Summit

Wednesday, March 26, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: South Central College Conference Center

For more information contact Marsha Danielson at email or call 507.389.7426.


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Upcoming Conventions & Tournaments

The Greater Mankato Convention & Visitors Bureau is continuously exploring new opportunities to drive visitors to our community through conventions, tournaments and special events.

Click here to view who is coming to town in the next couple of weeks and how you can showcase your business.