Minnesota and the Commerce Department form a winning team to promote development and exports

Business America, Nov 9, 1987 by Marci Levin

The Abstract contains the most comprehensive, up-to-date economic and statistical data, information, and analyses of an individual state ever produced by Commerce.

New export and import data series were developed for the Abstract. Also, a narrative analysis of foreign trade trends in Minnesota was produced. As Deputy Assistant Secretary Knauss stated, "You have in one place an information source on basic data concerning a state, ranging from international trade to exporting, importing, high technology, manufacturing and employment, climatography, and tourism.' The Abstract also contains gross state product estimates--which is on every state's list of most requested data.

Much of the data was put together at the Census Bureau under the direction of Glenn King and his staff--the same people who produce the Statistical Abstract of the United States--with information contributed from every data-producing agency at Commerce, the Abstract is of great value to policy makers and economic planners.

Some statistical examples:

About 81,000 Minnesota jobs are sustained by exports; of these, 41,000 are in manufacturing and the rest are scattered in industries throughout the state's other economic sectors.

Thunderstorms generally cause more damage to Minnesota property than any other weather factor.

The increase in high-tech jobs between 1982 and 1985 was almost three times the national rate of 8 percent.

Almost one-third more patents were issued to Minnesota residents in 1985 than in 1983. Most of the patents were in the non-electrical machinery field.

Tourism is the second largest employer in the state, generating 107,900 jobs.

There are 1,729, 102 telephone access lines in Minnesota.

The Abstract should help planners, public officials, and business executives spot economic trends. A review of the data could pinpoint troubled areas as well as identify strengths. This kind of information could guide legislative decisions on tax and spending policies. It also helps businesses and investors focus marketing strategies.

The Commerce/Minnesota joint projects. In addition to the Abstract, the Minnesota Initiative calls for a series of technical assistance projects to be conducted by the state and Commerce. For the first time, representatives of the various operating units within the Department are meeting simultaneously with their counterparts in the Minnesota state government.

A sample of the projects includes:

Developing a gross state product for the state;

Improving advanced manufacturing;

Increasing productivity and quality; and

Providing technical support to develop a statistical trade model for Minnesota.

Some of the projects are already under way. One project involves the Minnesota Weather Information Network and the National Weather Service. The two offices are working together on several proposals, including improving Minnesota's severe weather warning system. Plans are being made for setting up a timely system for notifying police, fire fighters, and other public safety officials about severe storms and potentially hazardous weather conditions. The National Weather Service is also working with Minnesota on ways to educate the public about weather by providing films and tapes for local television stations.