Celebrating Manufacturing Excellence: Insights from Long Prairie's Annual Manufacturer's Breakfast

October was designated Manufacturing Month, a time to acknowledge the significant impact of manufacturing on communities like Long Prairie. This annual event highlights the crucial contributions of local manufacturers in areas such as economic growth, job creation, and sustainability initiatives. For Long Prairie, manufacturing is not merely an industry but a vital foundation for the local economy.

As part of the celebrations, the 2024 Business Appreciation Manufacturers' Breakfast took place on Thursday, October 24, from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Long Prairie Country Club. This annual event was hosted by the Long Prairie Economic Development Authority and the Todd County Development Corporation, bringing together local business leaders to celebrate Manufacturing Month. This year's breakfast featured an inspiring talk by Toby Polkinghorne, Complex Manager at Central Bi-Products. He emphasized the essential role of manufacturing in the region's economy, along with ongoing advancements in sustainability and innovation.

The Manufacturer's Breakfast: Recognizing Local Impact

Held every October, the Manufacturer's Breakfast serves as a Business Appreciation event where manufacturers and community members come together to celebrate the achievements and impact of the local manufacturing sector. Toby Polkinghorne shared insights about Central Bi-Products' work across various industries, including livestock feed, pet food, and renewable energy. Central Bi-Products is a key supplier of high-quality ingredients that enhance the efficiency and sustainability of these industries.

Polkinghorne highlighted the importance of recycling and repurposing raw materials, especially in a world increasingly focused on sustainability. "Our partners benefit from high-quality, concentrated materials that reduce the volume needed, making formulations cost-effective while supporting environmental stewardship. Innovation and good stewardship are two of our main ingredients," he stated. This approach minimizes waste and contributes to environmental protection by recycling materials that might otherwise end up in landfills, turning them into valuable resources.

Central Bi-Products: Fueling Economic Growth in Long Prairie

Beyond environmental contributions, Central Bi-Products plays a significant role in Long Prairie's economy. Polkinghorne discussed the company's deep commitment to the community, which includes direct employment and support for local services and infrastructure. "With over 160 employees and many contracted skilled laborers, we are one of the area's largest employers. The economic health of Long Prairie benefits from the taxes we contribute, as well as our community support through programs like donations to the police, fire department, food shelves, and our purchase of L.P. Chamber Bucks for employee incentives," he explained. These contributions help sustain Long Prairie's local businesses, schools, charities, and civic groups, positively impacting the community's vitality and well-being.

Addressing Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

In his address, Polkinghorne acknowledged the challenges and opportunities in today's manufacturing landscape, particularly concerning workforce needs and sustainability initiatives. "Available labor is always a challenge, affecting our production capabilities," he said, noting that Central Bi-Products, under its parent company Farmers Union Industries, views this as an opportunity to reinforce the company's core values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork (G.R.I.T.). The company enhances retention and quality by fostering a positive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being.

Reflecting on the essence of Manufacturing Month, Polkinghorne stated, "Our business is sustainability; we are the ultimate recyclers. Our rendering process minimizes negative environmental impacts by repurposing items that could otherwise harm our environment." Rendering converts raw materials like animal by-products into usable resources like fats, oils, and proteins. These high-quality materials are then repurposed for various industries, including livestock feed, pet food, and renewable energy. Rendering minimizes waste and supports sustainability by recycling materials that would otherwise be discarded, turning them into valuable products that benefit the environment and economy. Central Bi-Products' commitment to the renewable fuel sector further supports its sustainable mission, contributing to a cleaner environment by promoting alternatives to fossil fuels.

Looking Forward

Manufacturing Month in Long Prairie offers an opportunity to appreciate the transformative role of local businesses like Central Bi-Products, which exemplify values of hard work, environmental responsibility, and community commitment. The Manufacturer's Breakfast serves as a celebration and a chance to reflect on achievements, address industry challenges, and anticipate continued growth and innovation in Long Prairie's manufacturing sector. The City of Long Prairie thanks Central Bi-Products and all local manufacturers for building a stronger, more sustainable community.