Marshall’s Action Trackchair Advances in Minnesota Manufacturing Contest

Issue #089

13 Sep

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 85

🗞️ SMSU Achieves Highest Fall Enrollment in 14 Years

🗞️ Marshall’s Action Trackchair Advances in Minnesota Manufacturing Contest

📣 Want to get your business in the Marshall Area Insider? Let’s talk!

📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

SMSU Achieves Highest Fall Enrollment in 14 Years

Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) experienced significant growth in fall enrollment, marking it as the fastest-growing four-year institution within the Minnesota state system.

Leaders at SMSU credit the faculty, staff, and administrators for the university's highest enrollment in 14 years.

The campus recently hosted an active listening session with leaders of Minnesota State, where faculty and community members addressed priorities for the university’s future, including tuition affordability. This session comes as SMSU prepares to contribute to the state’s biennial budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Across Minnesota universities, there has been a trend of declining enrollment over the past decade, but this year marks a reversal. SMSU’s fall 2024 total enrollment stands at 2,907 students, up 14.9% from the previous year.

This increase includes 879 new students, and dormitory move-ins have also risen nearly 10%. The retention rate for undergraduate students has improved to 73.4%, further contributing to the university’s growth.

One key topic during the session was maintaining tuition affordability, with SMSU benefiting from the statewide tuition freeze for the 2024-25 academic year.

Programs like the North Star Promise, which offers free tuition to Minnesota residents earning less than $80,000 annually, have helped boost enrollment, especially among undergraduates.

The rise in enrollment is expected to enhance financial stability for SMSU, providing the university with more resources to support diverse programs and students.

University leaders are optimistic that this growth will positively impact both the institution and the region it serves.

Marshall’s Action Trackchair Advances in Minnesota Manufacturing Contest

Action Manufacturing’s Action Trackchair has successfully moved to the second round of the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota contest, a prestigious event organized by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to showcase innovative local manufacturing.

Designed for individuals with mobility challenges, the Action Trackchair is a unique all-terrain wheelchair capable of navigating difficult environments such as sand, mud, snow, and water, empowering users to enjoy the outdoors.

In this round, the Action Trackchair faces Takeda, a Brooklyn Park facility producing vedolizumab, a medication used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease by reducing inflammation in the digestive system.

Public voting will decide the winner, with results announced at the 2024 Manufacturers’ Summit on October 8.

Voting is now open at mnchamber.com, with several rounds ahead before a winner is crowned.

This competition celebrates the creativity and impact of Minnesota’s manufacturing sector, offering businesses like Action Manufacturing the opportunity to highlight how their products are making a real difference.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Friday, September 13th

  • Car Cinema: Road Less Traveled at the Marshall-Lyon County Library starting at 8:30 PM

Thursday, September 12th - Monday, September 16th
Saturday, September 14th

  • Squidfest in Granite Falls from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    • 10:00 AM: 5k run/ walk

    • 10:30 AM: Kids Disc Golf at Rice Park

    • 12:00 PM: Registration for Steve Virnig Memorial Dis Golf Tournament- Tournament begins at 12:30 PM

    • 12:00 PM: Tricia and the Toonies ENVIROShow at Plaza on Prentice Street

    • 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Todd’s Garage opens, free art & educational activities, live music performances, circus art performance

    • 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Live music performance by the Squid City Slingers in the City Parking Lot

    • 4:00 - 8:00 PM: Rib Fest at the American Legion

    • All day: Vendors & food trucks

Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th

  • Picker’s Paradise Fall Show at the Red Baron Arena & Expo in Marshall

    • Saturday hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Sunday hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, September 19th

  • Thursdays on 3rd in Marshall from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

  • Prairie Jam at Schwan Regional Event Center on the Campus of Southwest Minnesota State University

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at the Minneota Farmers Market from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 21st
Monday, September 23rd

  • Unveiling & Dedication of the VFW Memorial in Ivanhoe starting at 5:00 PM

    • Memorial Site is on S. Bruce Street & HWY 19

    • Bring your own chair

    • Meal of Hot Dogs will be served after the program

    • Rain Date: September 24th

Saturdays and Sundays starting September 21st - October 26th
Thursday, September 26th

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at Knudson-Bosley Park (HWY 14) from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Saturday, September 28th
Saturdays, starting July 6th - October
Wednesdays in September

  • Farmers Market in Granite Falls at the Riverwalk from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, October 2nd (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jamie Lanners (507) 828-8891

Thursday, October 3rd

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at 484 Craig Avenue on HWY 14 in Tracy from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Friday, October 4th

  • Granite Falls Home Companion Comedy Show at the American Legion st 7:30 PM, free admission

Saturday, October 5th
Monday, October 7th

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Marshall’s & Southwest MN’s Best Kept Secret:
Is Your Business One of Them?

We ❤️ local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts.

If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you!

Marshall Area Insider is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Send us a message and let's collaborate to let the community know what makes your business special!

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