(ABC 6 News) – The Rochester Area Economic Development Inc. (RAEDI) held its annual meeting on Wednesday, with more than 300 business leaders at the International Event Center.

While issues remain with the economy in southeast Minnesota, business leaders expressed optimism going forward into 2024.

— RELATED: Olmsted County sees record low unemployment rate —

“Yes, we need to pay attention to housing. Yes, we need to pay attention to making sure we have great schools and opportunities for everybody. But when you walk away from these, we are in a very good place [for] the economy to be,” said John Wade, the president of RAEDI.

Another focus on today’s meeting were issues facing healthcare, agriculture and manufacturing.