Minnesota has always been an area that has thrived on the contributions of immigrants. Immigrant-owned businesses in Minnesota employ approximately 21,000 workers and generate sales and receipts to the tune of $2.2 billion. Concordia University economist, Bruce Corrie, has calculated that in Minnesota, Asian-Americans and Latinos have accounted for approximately $7 billion in purchases annually. Along with the economic benefits from immigrants, there are also immense cultural benefits that add to the rich diversity of the communities within Minnesota.