CONNECTION DOWNLOAD
REGISTER

INTEGRATING SOLUTIONS
THROUGH MANUFACTURING
GROUP CONNECTIONS

Founded in 2021, Manufacturers Connect is an exclusive event where members discuss current trends, strategic insights, and best practices in manufacturing, outsourcing, capacity management, and quality assurance with like-minded individuals.

JOIN OUR GROUP

RECAP OF OCTOBER EVENT

Event Recap: Recognition that Retains Talent

Effectively recognizing employees is a powerful, low-cost strategy to combat high turnover rates in the manufacturing industry. By understanding what’s important to your company and how individual roles contribute to those goals and customer value, you can create a culture of appreciation. It’s crucial to know your company’s core values and ensure that recognition aligns with them. This targeted approach to acknowledging contributions can significantly boost employee engagement and loyalty, fostering a high-performing team that wants to stick together. 
 
To make recognition truly impactful, it’s essential to understand how different individuals prefer to be acknowledged—from direct reports and managers to peers. This means being intentional about observing behaviors that support company goals and values, and then consistently recognizing those contributions.  Going to the work location, observing, and specifically praising exceptional work can make a significant difference. By making recognition a regular habit, companies like Nortech Systems have seen as much as a 50% reduction in turnover, demonstrating the tangible benefits of a well-implemented recognition program. 

PHOTOS FROM OUR OCTOBER 2024 EVENT

UPCOMING EVENT

Manufacturers Connect: Navigating the Economy: A Special Talk for Manufacturers

Join us for an exclusive networking and learning opportunity at the Manufacturers Connect Event. This is a chance to gather with fellow innovators and leaders to discuss the critical issues shaping our industry.

We are honored to welcome our featured speaker, Dr. King Banaian, Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement at the Herberger Business School. Dr. Banaian will provide his expert analysis of the current economic landscape, with a specific focus on:

  • Fed rates and their impact on manufacturing

  • The effect of tariffs on supply chains

  • His professional outlook for 2026

This is an invaluable opportunity to gain a competitive edge and plan for the future.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, September 23rd, at 3:00 PM, at the Golden Valley Country Club.

When: September 23rd, 2025
Where: Golden Valley Country Club
Who: Executives from manufacturing companies; No vendors or sellers

Agenda:

3:00 – 3:25PM Check-In and Networking
3:25 – 3:45PM Introduction and Table Discussions
3:45 – 4:45PM Dr. King Banaian, Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement at the Herberger Business School.
4:45 – 6:00PM Networking/Happy Hour

Manufacturers Connect is a platform where professionals discuss current trends, strategic insights, and best practices in manufacturing, outsourcing, capacity management, and quality assurance. This event provides an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals in these fields.

King Banaian is a professor in the Department of Economics and directs the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement at St. Cloud State University. He has co-authored the St. Cloud Quarterly Business Report since 2004. A former university administrator and state representative from St. Cloud, he holds the Ph.D. in economics from the Claremont Graduate School.  He has authored 2 books and over 50 articles discussing monetary policy and political economy. He serves as president of the St. Cloud Economic Development Authority, a member of Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board and the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority.

Why should you attend?

Generate New Ideas

What technology and digital solution could enhance your company operations – use the conference to hear new ideas.

Build Your Personal Network

Meet other like-minded professionals and build your own network of contacts.

Take Advantage of Expertise and Experience

Speak to and hear from a mix of professionals from both service providers, solutions providers, and industry operators.