Founded in 2021, Manufacturers Connect is an exclusive event where members discuss current trends, strategic insights, and best practices in manufacturing, outsourcing, capacity management, and quality assurance with like-minded individuals.
In October 2025, as the manufacturing sector began preparing for a new fiscal year, Manufacturers Connect hosted a landmark networking and learning session focused on the road ahead. We were thrilled to see such a strong turnout of innovators and leaders dedicated to navigating the complexities of our ever-changing industry.
Our featured speaker, Dr. King Banaian (Professor of Economics and Director of the Center for Policy Research and Community Engagement at the Herberger Business School), provided a masterclass in economic forecasting.
With 2026 then on the horizon, Dr. Banaian’s expert analysis centered on the critical levers affecting the manufacturing floor:
Monetary Policy & The Fed: A deep dive into Federal Reserve rates and how their fluctuations directly influence capital equipment financing and manufacturing expansion.
Supply Chain Resilience: An honest look at the effect of tariffs on global trade, helping our members understand how to better insulate their supply chains from geopolitical volatility.
The 2026 Professional Outlook: Dr. Banaian shared his specific projections for the coming year, providing our attendees with a “competitive playbook” to use for their Q4 planning and beyond.
Beyond the economic data, the evening was a testament to the strength of our local manufacturing community. The networking portion of the event allowed for candid conversations between peers—sharing successes, discussing shared challenges, and building the partnerships that keep our industry robust.
As we move through 2026, the insights shared during this October session continue to serve as a valuable benchmark for our members.
The past four years have brought unprecedented challenges to the manufacturing sector. From global supply chain disruptions to shifting labor markets, the “choppy waters” since 2020 have tested every leadership strategy.
Manufacturers Connect cordially invites you to an exclusive event where we delve into the inner workings of a panel of executives recognized as the foremost leaders in Minnesota manufacturing. Join us to learn how these top-tier organizations didn’t just survive the post-COVID era—they innovated, adapted, and propelled themselves to the forefront of the industry.
Executive Insights: Hear directly from award-winning MN manufacturing leaders on their specific strategies for resilience.
Strategic Networking: Connect with fellow innovators and decision-makers in the Minnesota manufacturing community.
Beautiful Venue: Enjoy the afternoon at the historic and scenic Golden Valley Country Club.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, May 12th, at 3:00 PM, at The Club at Golden Valley.
When: May 12th, 2026
Where: Golden Valley Country Club
Who: Executives from manufacturing companies; No vendors or sellers
Agenda:
3:00 – 3:25PM Check-In and Networking
3:25 – 3:45PM Introduction and Table Discussions
3:45 – 4:45PM Featured Panelist
4:45 – 6:00PM Networking/Happy Hour
Manufacturers Connect is a platform where professionals discuss current trends, strategic insights, and best practices in manufacturing, outsourcing, capacity management, and quality assurance. This event provides an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals in these fields.
HED Cycling Products was founded in 1984 by Anne Hed and her husband, Steve, who shared a passion for innovation and performance. From Steve’s garage—and funded in part by Anne’s race winnings—they set out to create some of the fastest, most aerodynamic bike wheels in the world.
From the Ironman to the Tour de France, HED wheels have become synonymous with speed and excellence. Over the years, the company has been awarded several significant patents and is recognized globally as a pioneer in the cycling industry.
Anne’s leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have also earned widespread recognition. In 2014, she was named Established Business Owner of the Year for Minnesota by NAWBO. HED was a finalist in the 2016 FedEx Small Business Grant Awards, and in 2017, was selected as one of Forbes’ Small Business Giants. In 2018, HED Cycling won both the Corporate Small category and the Boldest of the Bold award at the ACG MN Bold Awards. That same year, Anne was honored by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a Business of Manufacturing honoree.
HED wheels continue to set the standard for performance, holding the record for the fastest split in the Ironman World Championship for 2022, 2023, and 2024.
In 2005, Christine purchased Maud Borup and transformed the company from a business-to-consumer model to a leading wholesale candy, confections, and food gift company, selling direct to specialty and mass retailers such as Whole Foods and Target.
This year the company produced 17 million units and brought 150 products to market. It is one of the top five candy companies in Minnesota employing 500 team members. The company vision has remained constant; provide a high level of customer service to the retailers and wholesalers it serves through trend-forward product design and development, a lean supply chain, and green manufacturing practices.
In 2020 0% landfill waste was implemented at its production facilities, which is one of thirty things it does as a company to reduce and reuse waste. Headquartered in Plymouth, MN, with three manufacturing facilities in Christine's childhood hometown of Le Center, MN, current hometown of Plymouth, MN, and Delafield, WI, the company continues to expand in-house manufacturing, production, and warehousing. Maud is Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) certified and certified to produce and pack Gluten Free and Organic products.
In 2022 the company became one of ten thousand Certified B Corporations in the world (fifty in Minnesota) using business as a force for good. Christine was recognized by Ernst & Young as a 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year® Heartland winner. She was awarded Minnesota's 2019 Small Businessperson of the Year by the Small Business Administration, the 2020 Woman-Owned Manufacturer of the Year, and made the 2022 and 2023 Fast 50 Companies list by Minneapolis/St Paul Business Journal in addition to the 2023 and 2024 Inc 5000.
She is committed to having a healthy balance between running a family-owned business and being a wife and mother. She hopes one day her kids will continue the Maud Borup tradition.
Zach has spent his entire career in the personal care and beauty contract manufacturing industry, originally at a large manufacturer primarily serving multinational, large-scale brands. In 2023, he acquired Evergreen Innovations with the vision of bridging the level of professionalism, operational excellence, and quality that powered the supply chain of some of the biggest brands in the industry with the proven development platform at Evergreen Innovations.
What technology and digital solution could enhance your company operations – use the conference to hear new ideas.
Meet other like-minded professionals and build your own network of contacts.
Speak to and hear from a mix of professionals from both service providers, solutions providers, and industry operators.
