Reporters and the rest of the news staff at the West Central Tribune are gearing up for the annual Focus edition – a showcase piece published early each spring by the West Central Tribune centered around a certain theme.

Over the years, the Tribune staff has taken a look back at history, a look ahead to the future, a look at interesting aspects of area communities and people within those communities, as well as a look at the more traditional “progress” aspects of the region.

“Made with Pride” – or some variation on that theme – has been selected by the news staff as the focus of this  year’s project.

We are going to stick with actual physical items that are produced across the region, as opposed to, say, services.

We will include fact sheets on what goes into producing the product, where the product goes, etc., while taking a closer look at one of the more interesting aspects of the production process.

Statistics are available on the number and type of production manufacturers in the region, and we will tell the stories behind some of that production.

If you know of a product made across the west central region of rural Minnesota, give us a call at 320-235-1150, drop us a line at Box 839, Willmar MN 56201, tweet it to @wctrib, tell us on Facebook or stop in our offices at 2202 Trott Ave S.W. in Willmar’s Industrial Park. You can also leave your suggestions in the comments below.

While we, obviously, won’t be able to tell every story, we will strive for a good cross-section that covers the region and its offerings.

Watch for Focus 2012 coming out in April in the West Central Tribune.

-Sharon Bomstad, features editor