"Our customers say our product quality is exceptionally high. But we recognize that this comes down to the quality of our workforce . . . to people who appreciate and value their jobs, as well as their environment; people who give 110% and who show their loyalty."

— Reginal Clow, Executive Vice President,
Clow Stamping Company

WORKFORCE

A skilled, affordable workforce

One of the Brainerd Lakes Area’s greatest resources is its people. The workforce here tends to be educated, loyal, skilled, hardworking, and conscientious, and workers benefit from the area's high quality of life.

While the workforce has attractive qualities, it's also affordable. Consistently lower wages here, compared to the Twin Cities and national averages, have allowed area businesses to significantly reduce operational costs.

Annual Average Weekly Wage
	Crow Wing County	Minnesota	U.S.
All Industries	$658	$899	$899

Source: Minnesota Dept of Employment & Economic Development, 2010 Annual Data

Area's employment base is strong

More than 90,000 workers live in our micropolitan area. About 32,000 live in Crow Wing County while 58,000 reside within the economic region. Employment growth here has outperformed state and national averages.

Rate of Job Creation
2000-2008		2008-2009	2009-2010
Crow Wing County	10.5%	(5.1%)	.1%
Minnesota	2.8%	(4.1%)	(.5%)
U.S.	3.8%	(4.6%)	(6.0%)

Source: Minnesota Dept of Employment & Economic Development, 2010 Annual Data

The benefits of a diversified economy

Job growth in our area has been significant — more than 10% from 2000–2008, which is higher than statewide and national growth. One factor is the area's diversified economy, where major employers represent everything from manufacturing to education to healthcare.

State and local resources are available

Area employers have access to a variety of employment and training resources from partners like the Minnesota WorkForce Center and the Minnesota Small Business Development Center. They offer programs that help underwrite the cost of training to tax credits for job creation.