SCTCC's Advanced Manufacturing Center was the recipient of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation’s (GSDC) 2024 Innovation Award, presented at the Nov. 7 All-Investor Meeting.
SCTCC was one of four awarded the Innovation Award at the event; two for-profit and two non-profit businesses or organizations are recognized each year.
The Innovation Awards highlight innovative strategies that organizations and businesses have implemented to overcome challenges and/or take on new opportunities. The award has been given since 2012, and 61 have been presented since then.
“I want to be perfectly clear – this Center would not exist without the power of collaboration within the Central Minnesota region,” said President Lori Kloos in her acceptance remarks.
The Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) opened in September 2023 and was funded by a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) and additional dollars from SCTCC.
In addition to improved facilities for SCTCC programs, the AMC expands training opportunities for those currently in the workforce, as was mentioned from DeZurik during their acceptance of the GSDC Employer of Choice Award at the event. The Sartell company is currently collaborating with SCTCC to train their employees in the AMC.
“This award is a testament to partnerships and a shared vision for a vibrant future,” finished Kloos. “Thank you for entrusting us to build that future for our students, for our Central Minnesota region, for the State of Minnesota.”