Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA) has named Aaron Barker as the 2020 CMMA Collaborator of the Year. CMMA President Les Engel recently presented Barker with this well-earned award to celebrate not only his commitment to CMMA, but inspiring youth to consider a future in manufacturing.  
 
Barker is an Energy/Mechatronics/Instrumentation Instructor at St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC). SCTCC has been a member of CMMA since its inception in 2008.
 
Colleagues know Barker as a dedicated and enthusiastic individual with a passion for teaching and the ability to think outside the box. When Barker became the head of the electronics program at SCTCC in 2009, low enrollment threatened the program’s existence. Since then, he has been the driving force of the program’s growth and played a major role in the development of other programs at SCTCC.
 
In addition to his role as a college instructor, Barker volunteers as the event organizer for the region’s VEX Robotics competition. The program uses robotics to introduce middle and high school students to science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun and collaborative environment. SCTCC hosted Minnesota’s first VEX Robotics World Qualifying competition in 2012 and the event has grown ever since.
 
New in 2021, CMMA will make a $500 donation to the award winner’s charity of choice. Barker chose St. Cloud Technical & Community College Foundation in support of VEX Robotics. VEX Robotics provides tools for today’s educators, mentors, and parents to inspire the problem solvers of tomorrow. VEX Robotics is a high school competition providing an avenue for youth’s creativity.
 
Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association is a membership organization serving the manufacturing industry in central Minnesota. CMMA’s 218 members benefit from peer networking, plant tours, benefit programs, legislative voice, industry awareness, promotional opportunities, workforce development efforts, and more. You can learn more at CMMAWorks.org.