Wednesday’s groundbreaking for the $28.5-million Hormel Institute expansion was an undeniably bright day for the city of Austin.

Dignitaries like Gov. Mark Dayton and U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken talked a lot about what the expansion will mean for the state of Minnesota, about what it will mean for cancer research, and about how innovation is important for the nation’s future. While it’s exciting that an Austin organization like The Hormel Institute will have wide-reaching effects, we’re most excited about what the Institute expansion means for Austin.

First and foremost it means jobs — an estimated 120 new jobs, which is more than most new businesses. Those jobs will be a tremendous economic boost for Austin, bringing in new faces and helping cycle the dollars invested in the expansion throughout the community.

Along with creating jobs and opportunities, the Hormel Institute expansion should serve as a source of community pride, and it will help bolster Austin’s image.

We agree with Hormel Foundation Chairman Gary Ray, as he said the Institute “enhances our reputation as an attractive, diverse destination.”

Efforts like Paint the Town Pink prove that the whole community is behind the Institute and the fight to cure cancer. Wednesday was a big step in the right direction.

Austin Bruins owner Craig Patrick, who was pivotal in starting Paint the Rink Pink which led to Paint the Town Pink, suggested Dayton consider a Paint the State Pink to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. While the comment got a few laughs, we think it’s a great idea — a great Austin-grown idea.

We commend Hormel Institute leaders, the Hormel Foundation and state leaders for all the work they’ve done on the project thus far, but the best is yet to come.

Austin should be proud.