Despite that goal, there were few ethnic minorities among the delegates.

Bukata Hayes, executive director of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, led a session and asked the group to “look around and see who wasn’t in the room and get those folks at the table.”

Even so, he said more leaders were interested in preparing for diversity than before the meeting.

It’ll be up to many institutions — including Greater Mankato Growth, local businesses and the diversity council — to help the area be welcoming and inclusive to minorities, Hayes said.

During the next several weeks, a planning committee will turn the priorities identified in the retreat into action steps.

The group would still like to visit other cities for future visits when the economy improves. She said they’ll “give a hard look” to Burlington.