Lake Superior College will partner with the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence to host the Second Annual Minnesota Manufactured Awards Banquet on Thursday, May 22 on its main campus from 5-8 p.m.
The event celebrates the success of the 2024 Minnesota Manufactured Statewide Tour and honors the students, educators, manufacturers and workforce leaders who contribute to growing the state's advanced manufacturing talent pipeline. This year’s Statewide Tour engaged 9,714 participants, including 4,095 K–12 students. A total of 191 manufacturers across the state opened their doors to host 668 facility tours. Since its launch in 2011, the Statewide Tour has reached 39,169 K–12 students, 1,565 educators and conducted 3,286 tours at 1,717 manufacturing locations.
“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.”
The Awards Banquet will be held in the Commons at Lake Superior College from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests will enjoy networking, dinner, a cash bar and an inspiring program recognizing outstanding contributions to the Statewide Tour. The evening will also include exclusive tours of LSC’s newly renovated manufacturing spaces, showcasing the college’s commitment to hands-on, high-tech training for in-demand careers.
“We look forward to hosting the Minnesota Manufactured Awards Banquet and welcoming guests to our beautiful campus,” 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.”
Event highlights include:
- Door prizes and raffles throughout the evening
- Catering by Black Woods Grill & Bar
- Musical entertainment by Waters Edge quartet from Bemidji
- Program remarks from Lake Superior College leadership and the Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence
- Student-created videos from the Minnesota Manufactured™ Student Video Contest, including finalist from Duluth East High School
“The Awards Banquet is a vital part of our efforts to sustain and grow the Statewide Tour,” said Jeremy Leffelman, executive director of the Center. “We are excited to bring this event to Duluth and showcase the region's strong manufacturing presence.”
All proceeds from the Awards Banquet support the Minnesota Manufactured Statewide Tour. Funds are used to provide busing for students, safety glasses for on-site tours, and educational materials to promote careers in manufacturing to students and their families.
To learn more about the Minnesota Manufactured Statewide Tour or the Awards Banquet, visit www.mnmfg.org/2025-minnesota-manufactured-awards-banquet.
