Central Minnesota is a manufacturing stronghold, with several global manufacturing firms operating there.
The region is especially well known for its expertise in food processing, printing, furniture manufacturing, appliances, machinery and heavy equipment manufacturing.
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11/8/2022 9:00:00 AM
Luke Greiner
U.S. military veterans are small in number in comparison to the total population, but make a large impact in our country, state, and region. In Central Minnesota there are an estimated 41,750 military veterans, accounting for just under 6% of the total population. According to Census estimates, there were more than 15,200 veterans in the region's labor market. Veterans are very active in the economy, with nearly 80% of veterans between 18 and 64 years of age participating in the labor force.
After years of decreasing large scale deployments and a tight labor market, veterans in Central Minnesota have started displaying lower unemployment rates, lower even than for nonveterans, at 3.4% versus 3.7%, based on the latest detailed demographic data available from 2020. Unemployment rates have trended even lower since then, reaching historic lows in the summer of 2022.
Although we have fewer veterans in Minnesota compared to states that have one or more military installations, it's important to understand the challenges and achievements our military veterans experience in the economy. Fortunately, there is more substantial and detailed data on the employment of veterans nationally that can be added to local data from the year prior.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has a team dedicated to serving Minnesotan veterans and their needs. Check out the CareerForce Veterans Employment Services page to find your regional contact and how they might help you or a veteran you know. DEED also assists employers hiring veterans.
We can all thank a veteran for answering the call to duty.
Contact Luke Greiner at 320-223-6992.