While there were a large number of quality inventions displayed at the 2005 MIC, the nine gold medallion award winners were exceptional. “The economic development potential of the inventions exhibited this year is at least as good and probably better than any show in recent memory”, said Raymond Walz, a director and past president of the MIC. Several inventions are already being manufactured, and are now or will soon be available to the public.

The Minnesota Inventors Congress again provided the inventor with many opportunities to learn about the invention process. Consultants, including patent attorneys, finance and marketing experts, were available for information and advice, at no cost, for both exhibitors and spectators.

Major advantages to the exhibitors displaying their inventions included the opportunity for public exposure, feed back from the public and fellow inventors, networking with other inventors, and the opportunity for contact with manufacturers and marketers.

There were many favorable comments by both the inventors and attendees about the community and the Congress which was held for the 48 th year in Redwood Falls , Minnesota June 10-12, 2005. People are very appreciated of all the support they receive by the volunteer Board of Directors and many other individuals who provide consultation and input to all inventors in attendance.

Jerry Ford, St. Charles , Minnesota received the following awards at this year's Congress:

$1,000 – F. Robert Starr Award – GRAND PRIZE First Place
$500 – Maynard Speece Award – People's Choice First Place
$300 – University of Minnesota – Agrability Award First Place
GOLD Medallion
Jerry's invention is an automatic braking system for manual wheelchairs. The braking system puts control of the chair in the hands of the attendant when needed. The brake system helps control wheelchairs on inclines.