Introduction Hutchinson Area Chamber of

ABOVE: The city is home to long-established companies and new shopping options such as Olita Gifts and Goods, which opened in April. Pictured is Jill Renee, owner, of the new store at the corner of Main Street and Washington Avenue in downtown Hutchinson. RIGHT: Mason Primus operates a laser engraving machine as part of TigerPath Manufacturing, a fl edgling student-run company that makes real products for real customers.

WHERE SHOPPING AND COMMERCE MEET

Hutchinson is a regional hub that offers numerous opportunities, whether you’re looking to shop, find a job, or start a business of your own.

Known as “Minnesota’s Manufacturing City,” Hutchinson offers a range of businesses from 3M, a Fortune 500 company, and manufacturing companies to home-based entrepreneurs, independent retailers and familiar chains such as Aldi, Target, Walmart, Cash Wise Foods, PetSmart and Menards.

The Hutchinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism is known for its moniker, “Minnesota’s Hometown.” It’s a tagline the Chamber uses to promote all the advantages this regional hub offers as a place for business and family fun.

Hutchinson’s Economic Development Authority aims to drive job creation in the community. It also works to draw new businesses and help existing businesses grow to their full potential. Most recently, it was instrumental in attracting Uponor North America, another manufacturer, to expand to the city.

Offices, industrial areas, restaurants, stores and hotels are found throughout Hutchinson. A large part of the city’s businesses are congregated along its two major axes — eastwest State Highway 7 and north-south State Highway 15.

The city’s crown jewel is its downtown district. The historic area has century-old buildings, including the Carnegie Library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown is a center of entertainment. It features restaurants, live music, a restored art deco movie theater and Library Square, a popular site for events.

“Every year, 220 some odd students graduate, If we can get a percentage of that to work in Hutchinson, to go to Hutchinson companies, that’s a big deal. Employees have to come from somewhere. To me it makes the most sense they come from Hutchinson. They are here, they love this community, so why not make it so they can have a career here, too?”

Miles Seppelt, Hutchinson’s economic development director MARKETPLACE