Major business strengths in the TCMA include a highly-educated work force, excellent transportation services, a varied economic base and substantial sources of available capital. The top 10 employers account for one-tenth of all employment in the area, reflecting the strength of the economic base. The TCMA consistently has a significantly higher per capita income than the United States average. The TCMA serves as the transportation hub of the upper Midwest and Plains states. We're served by major cross-country freeways and interstates.
Efficient transportation is available between the populous western suburbs and both downtowns.
The Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, home to Northwest Airlines, is served by 17 national and international carriers, offering passenger service to approximately 80 major U. S. cities. Nearly 12 million passengers pass through the airport annually. Education Minnesota has developed excellent primary and secondary school systems. The University of Minnesota, with its main campus in the Twin Cities, is a major educational and research institution. We're also served by a variety of community and technical colleges, as well as nationally-ranked private institutions, including Macalester College, William Mitchell College of Law, and the College of St. Catherine.