The most important investment an inventor can make is to learn the product development process and finding out if there is a market for your product is an essential part of that process. Since 1958, inventors from across the country have traveled to Redwood Falls, MN to test market their products and attend our Inventing Success™ Workshops.  Inventing is about change and improving people’s lives and change is evident in the current economic environment. Inventors - reserve your booth today to find out if there is a market for your product. Don’t  miss this chance to lock in the early bird rate before May 14th to be a part of this years’ Invention & Idea Show™ at the 53rd annual Minnesota Inventors Congress event , on  June 11 & 12, 2010, at the Redwood Area Community Center.  Manufacturers – make plans to attend the event to see if any of the inventors products match your manufacturing capabilities.

My exhibition with the Minnesota Inventors Congress in 1986 was like the moment of birth of my healthy new start-up called Nada-Chair.  I learned that the process of birthing a business works in reverse: true labor pains begin in earnest after the moment of delivery and grow daily thereafter.  But 20 years of challenges and growth have not lessened my appreciation for the great care, skill and professional supervision MIC provided me at this critical time.  Confidence was built from interactions of attendees who became customers at the show. Sure footing was provided by the patent and legal counsel that was readily available without strings attached. Finally, exposure I received in the press was better promotion than I could have ever hoped for (given the two dimes I had pressed between forefinger and thumb had already been committed elsewhere).  My “get rich slow” scheme has given me and my company many productive years and I thank the staff at the Minnesota Inventors Congress for being there at the start and for following up faithfully since.  I look forward to exhibiting again in 2007 with what I hope will be an easier product to market.

Victor  T., St. Paul MN (2006)

To all whom made MIC 2003 the most organized expo I have ever seen. First, I would like to thank all of the founders, directors and also the behind the scenes people who I occasionally would see doing this or that as I was displaying at my booth.  These individuals I found to be most helpful and courteous, even concerning my most trivial questions.  I must say also that some of my questions were quite stupid no, let’s say lacking content and I still don’t know how they managed to keep straight faces when asked questions lacking content.  Also thank you, to those whom helped me get to the expo.  These people I know remember me, and my lacking content questions. Their patience should be rewarded with some type of sainthood award.  Thanks to the founders and veterans from whom bestowed their unwritten knowledge and experiences with all of us. To the city of Redwood Falls, I would consider moving to such a town, thank you to all the sponsors, businesses and chamber.  I also thank all who attended the conference you all were welcoming and you helped make my days fly by, thank you for your input for my research.  If you were involved with MIC and I missed you, Thank you too.  I hope to come back next year with perhaps a clean invention, God willing.  Thank you all.

Chad C., Tigerton WI (2003)

We would really like to thank you for your hospitality at the congress this weekend.  We felt genuinely welcomed at the show and from the town of Redwood Falls.We had a wonderful time and it was an unforgettable experience for all of us.  We were truly honored to receive the Awards.We will spread the work about the Congress and are looking forward to next year. 

Tom R., Connie R., Dave P., Martin B., and Dave C., Mahtomedi MN (2006)

Thanks loads for your help.  I hope I can be back at your show soon with the finished product and a success story that became a success because of my participation in the MIC. That participation was the motivation that kept this thing going.

Robert V., Iola Grove IA (2007)

MIC is devoted to the process of inventing….their good reputation is the drawing card for reputable manufacturers looking for new products.

Bob Lougher, Executive Director, United Inventors Association. (2002)

The MIC is by far the best resource I have found.

Marlin O., Comfrey MN

This is a very good place to start. Listen to what people say.

Walter W., Pittsville WI

Attend the Workshops – very informative.

Raphael Isaac, Great Neck NJ

Jerry Ford, The Jerry Ford Company. Inventor.

The response I received to my invention, from people attending the show, from other inventors and the judges was very important. Everyone showed a genuine interest in the product. With that response it gave me the confidence to put money into this.

Andy Amoroso, US Small Business Administration, Minneapolis MN.

I have never found a show that provides more information for helping you get your product into the marketplace.

Liz Struve, MN Small Business Development Center, Marshall MN.

The Minnesota Inventors Congress is an excellent resource for inventors at any stage in the product development process.

Ken Wilson, Wilson Marketing Group, Plymouth MN.

For new and experienced inventors, attending the education workshops at the expo is the best investment to make to assure success through the invention process.

John Calvert, US Patent and Trademark Office. Arlington VA.

The seminars are fact based and provide inventors with the tools necessary to make intelligent decisions in the invention development process.

Letter to Deb Hess:

Now that we have entered the fall season I am reflecting on my participation in The Invention and Idea Show held in June. Despite driving through a tornado, torrential rains, detours, and floods in Wisconsin I must say the trip was well worth it. I knew my luck had changed when I was pulled over for driving too fast in Minnesota but the officer let me go upon hearing that I was on my way to the Invention and Idea Show.

I want to thank “rent-a-helpers” Adam, Andrew, Jason, and Stacey for their help. The boys helped unpack my display for the show and packed it up after. Their efficiency, politeness, and words of encouragement certainly reflect the example set by the adults in Redwood Falls. Stacey helped me fill out surveys and sell samples of my invention, The Paint Glider™. She anticipated my every need and acted without having to be told what to do. This is a sign of a true leader. Very well done Stacey!

Needless to say, I achieved all my goals for the show and more. Many attendees gave great feedback regarding various aspects of The Paint Glider such as function versus need, and need versus price, while others bought one after a demonstration. The crowning point was when I received a gold medal for my efforts. As a result I had great exposure in the Redwood Gazette and my local paper in Chicago. This press coverage is helping to close buyers now interested in selling the Paint Glider and to encourage potential investors shall I need additional funds before The Paint Glider becomes profitable. Also, TV media and other press media are now looking at featuring The Paint Glider.

Last but not least I want to thank Deb Hess for putting the Invention and Idea Show together for the Minnesota Inventors Congress and making all this possible. Thanks Deb for a wonderful experience. I am looking forward to returning to Redwood Falls with more innovation and new ideas for the Paint Glider. See you all next year at the Invention and Ideas Show.

Sincerely,

Tom Pasinski

President,

The Paint Glider Co.