1. Technology & Trades on the Prairie
Thinking Forward for Southwest Minnesota

2. Thinking Forward
“The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating. The paths are not to be found, but made. And the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.” ― John H. Schaar 2

3. Vision & Mission
Vision: Promote the economic vitality of careers in the technology and trades industries in Southwest Minnesota.
Mission: Meet current and future local workforce needs through strong partnerships between business, communities, academic institutions and others committed to Southwest Minnesota sustainability.

4. Board Members Andy Easley, Chair Farmers Union Industries, LLC
Sadie Reiners, Treasurer Harvest Land Cooperative
Loran Kaardal, Secretary State Farm Insurance
Pauline Nickel UM Extension
Marcus Parence Good Samaritan Society
Sherri Schueller MinnWest Bank
Julie Rath, ExOfficio Redwood Area Development Corporation 4

5. Current Initiatives
Incorporate Technology & Trades on the Prairie (Complete)
Obtain 501 (c) 3 status under Redwood Area Communities Foundation (RACF). (Complete)
Obtain $100,000 in initial funding: (Underway)
Farmers Union Industries Foundation has committed up to $50,000 start-up funding on a match basis.
In process of obtaining an additional $50,000 in funding to maximize FUI’s contribution.
Develop plan for programs and activities to fulfil the corporate vision and mission. (Underway)
Develop plan for continual/sustainable funding. (Underway) 5

6. Goals
To create awareness of the career opportunities focused on the technology and trades job sectors in Southwest Minnesota
To provide the means for employers in all industry sectors to work together to promote the benefits of working and living in Southwest Minnesota
To encourage graduating students to remain or to return to the area
To create a pool of highly motivated and skilled employee candidates 6

7. Existing Career Paths 2 year degree, Certification, Apprenticeship, Vocational Tech training
Administrative/Accounting
Agronomy & Plant Science
Construction
Electricians (manufacturing/commercial)
Farm Equipment Technology
Health Services
Heating, Ventilating & Cooling (HVAC)
Hospitality
Information Technology
Instrumentation
Maintaining Equipment
Calibration (agriculture/industry)
Process Control
Plumbing
Maintenance
Millwrights
Pipe Fitters
Broilers
Refrigeration
Welding 7

8. Target Audience Leadership within the various communities
Area vocational and technical school administrators
School administrators and staff of middle and high school staff
Superintendents
Principals
Counselors
Curriculum Staff
Students in grades 7 – 12 and beyond
Parents of students
Area residents 8

9. Delivery Methods Career educational days Field days
Various networking opportunities
Participation in career fairs
Job shadowing
Apprenticeships and internships
Website 9

10. Technology & Trades on the Prairie
Questions?