Hello CMMA members and friends,

Shared vision, laser focus, partnership, and teamwork. This is the recipe for success during October’s Manufacturing Month here in CMMA country. Manufacturers across the state open their doors to students, parents, and the public, helping to inspire and recruit the next generation of manufacturing talent during manufacturing month. CMMA is the originator of this initiative, and we can be proud of this momentous collective effort that yields inspiring results. Let’s recognize one another’s commitment and our shared time, talent, and resources. We’re better together, shoulder to shoulder, opening the doors to opportunity and shining bright light upon our inclusive industry which offers promise and prosperity to all, no matter your starting point.    

Return on membership investment is easy at CMMA! The many benefits of membership include member education and networking, strategic partnerships, workforce development and legislative advocacy – a  voice for manufacturing in central Minnesota. In addition to our monthly meetings and social events, please avail yourselves to our online development tools focusing on marketing, health plans, talent recruitment, and more.  We’re a full-service group encouraging you to take action — you won’t be alone and there’s much to gain! Want even more? How about rolling up your sleeves a bit and joining one of our committees, your talent is needed in any of these work groups including: programs, marketing, membership, government relations, workforce, and golf. Our strong organization is created by the engagement of all members and functional committees. 

On the important topic of workforce development, remember that you have a full and actionable toolbox available to you that is convenient and easy to use. Our k12navigator.org is designed to empower you to fully engage one another, both the education and manufacturing communities, to explore mutual wants, needs, and opportunities. The site is a point of connectivity, a one stop source of partnership! Wondering about great ways to swim even further upstream? You need to look no further than the CMMA Youth Apprenticeship Toolkit for structured methods and assistance to start a win/win relationship with a school, a student, and your shop!   
Our CTE (career and technical education) Jamboree is coming up on November 16 at 7:15 am at the St. Cloud Technical & Community College! This event is our annual large scale gathering designed to further integrate education and manufacturing. We extend free membership to all schools in our area because educators are important partners in the critical work we do together. Register now to attend!
Mark your calendars and register to attend the CMMA Holiday Social on December 12th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Partner’s Pub in Sartell. It’s an open house format with heavy appetizers.
Busy times at CMMA with much going on. No matter your interests… you can discover, learn, connect, and utilize here. You can share, laugh, and bond here. You can volunteer, you can sponsor, you can host a tour.

There’s a place for you here, we’re glad to have you, let’s join together as we know many hands make light work. Let’s be proud of our industry, our group, and our accomplishments as we keep our eyes on the prize of elevating manufacturing in central Minnesota, the place we call home, where we live, work, and prosper together.

CMMA, moving manufacturing forward, together.

In service,
Les Engel
CMMA President