East Central Manufacturing Summit Comes to Isanti Community Center

The City of Isanti is proud to announce that the annual East Central Manufacturing Summit will be hosted locally at the Isanti Community Center on Friday, September 25, 2026.

This free, high-impact regional event brings together business owners, industry leaders, and economic developers to explore actionable strategies for long-term growth, operational resilience, and legacy planning. This year’s summit centers on two essential pillars for business longevity: Scaling for Success and Succession Planning.

Local Business Spotlights

The 2026 program features special presentations from two prominent Isanti-based manufacturers:

• BP Metals: Sharing key insights and lessons learned from their recent rapid operational expansion.

• Metal Coatings: Highlighting their ongoing facility expansion and their journey as a thriving, second-generation family-owned business in Isanti.

Presenters & Keynote Speakers

• Keynote Speaker — Mark O'Leary, President and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota (Minnesota’s official Manufacturing Extension Partnership center). O'Leary will deliver practical frameworks for scaling operations in Greater Minnesota, drawing from his extensive executive leadership background across manufacturing, supply chain, technology, and finance.

• Featured Speaker — Kirsten Kennedy, MN CEO. Kennedy will lead a session on business transition and legacy planning, guiding owners through key steps for successful succession.

Event & Registration Details

• Date: Friday, September 25, 2026

• Time: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM

• Location: Isanti Community Center, Isanti, MN

• Cost: Free (Registration is required)

• Catering: A complimentary warm breakfast will be provided by Isanti Retail Meats.

To secure your seat at this year's summit, please register online here.