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	1961 Premier Dr., Suite 100 Mankato, MN 56001 507.385.3212 - 800.697.0652 CONTACT: Jonathan Zierdt, Executive Director	September 13, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERCITY LEADERSHIP VISIT ASSEMBLES DELEGATION, SETS AGENDA

A delegation of 75 community leaders has been assembled to participate in the second InterCity Leadership Visit (ICLV) to Fort Collins, Colorado, October 8-10, an initiative of the Greater Mankato Economic Development Corporation. Not only do these trips bring knowledge to the participating leadership team, but they also strengthen the bonds between diverse leaders who need to excel in working together for the region.

The profile of the delegation is a diverse mix of community stakeholders, which includes:

- 36 CEOs from corporations in Greater Mankato and southern Minnesota
- 3 presidents of area community development organizations and foundations
- 3 presidents of area colleges and universities
- 4 mayors
- 3 county and city administrators/managers
- 5 elected city/county/school officials
- 13 nonprofit and commission executive directors
- 6 chairs of nonprofit boards and commissions
- 1 physician
- 1 pastor

Seven delegates come from outside the communities of Mankato-North Mankato, with representatives coming from Blue Earth County, Nicollet County, St. Peter, Le Sueur, and Winnebago. The inclusion of these delegates brings a regional marketplace perspective to this initiative.

To encourage representation from all sectors, GMEDC's planning team again utilized a scholarship program. Through the generosity of the corporate participants, 11 delegates have been awarded scholarships totaling $11,712.

The three-day agenda is built upon the six Key Performance Areas identified through the Envision 2020 process. Sessions include a first-hand look at Fort Collins downtown and river corridor development, a site visit to the Wal-Mart distribution center in nearby Loveland, industry-related break-out sessions, examples of successful economic development partnerships, and addressing talent retention.

"The robust agenda that has been crafted is both exhausting and stimulating," stated Dr. William Rupp, chair of the planning team. "The group will gain insights into Fort Collins- successes through interaction with key Fort Collins and Larimer County leaders in government, industry, economic development, health system, public schools, higher education, community organizations, arts, and more."

Sponsors of the initiative are: Immanuel St. Joseph's - Mayo Health System (Supporting Sponsor); BENCO Electric Cooperative; Davisco Foods International; Eide Bailly; Exclusively Diamonds; Gislason & Hunter; Greater Mankato Chamber of Commerce; I & S Engineers & Architects; Leonard, Street & Deinard; Mankato Clinic; Midwest Wireless; Minnesota State University, Mankato; North Mankato Port Authority; Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic; Paulsen Architect;, South Central College; Taylor Corporation; Valley Bank; Wells Concrete Products; and Wells Fargo Bank

While such trips are common in economic development circles, Greater Mankato Economic Development Corporation's organization of the ICLV is a first in Minnesota outside of Minneapolis/St. Paul, which initiated annual visits in 2002. Complete details, including the trip agenda and list of delegates, are on-line at www.iclvisit.com.

Greater Mankato Economic Development Corporation is a private, nonprofit economic development organization established by business leaders in 1983 to serve the community of Mankato-North Mankato. Its core mission is to enhance the economic vitality of the community by focusing on existing business support, retention, and expansion; enterprise development; and external marketing and attraction.