What does the future hold for McLeod County?

A free seminar next week will help business owners and policymakers learn how demographics and long-term state plans might shape the area in the next 10 to 20 years.

McLeod For Tomorrow is sponsoring the seminar, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Brownton Community Center, 310 Second St. N., Brownton.

The keynote speaker, State Demographer Tom Gillaspy, will share his research on the demographic trends McLeod County will face. These trends will affect everything from the workforce to government spending.

A panel will follow, including county and state transportation and zoning planners, to discuss long-term transportation plans for state highway corridors in the area. Paul Moline, Carver County’s planning and zoning administrator, will share how his county’s businesses and quality of life have been affected by changing trends.

The seminar is open to the public, but attendees should preregister by March 31. To do so, call program coordinator Mary Jo Weiseler at (320) 864-1320, or e-mail her at maryjo.weiseler@co.mcleod.mn.us.

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)