The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

July 24, 2012

Greater Mankato Growth to add full-time lobbyist to payroll

The Free Press

LE CENTER — Greater Mankato Growth announced Tuesday that they will be adding a full-time employee to serve as the Mankato-area’s lobbyist/ambassador to key decision-makers in the state.

The new worker is part of GMG’s plan to spend $130,000 a year for at least the next three years to raise the region’s profile. The organization serves as the combined economic development and chamber of commerce group in the Mankato area.

The decision by GMG’s board of directors follows previous efforts aimed at increasing recognition of Mankato’s increasing economic clout, including the annual Greater Mankato Day at the Capitol where local business and civic leaders visit lawmakers in St. Paul.

GMG President and CEO Jonathan Zierdt said progress has been made, but many leaders continue to underestimate the Mankato area’s impact on the state economy. He noted one metro lawmaker who thought Mankato had a population of only 10,000 (about one-fifth actual size of Mankato-North Mankato).

The new staffer should be in place by mid-October.

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