Turning the corner, coming together and making a difference

Greetings to CMMA members, associates and friends.

As I think of all the good things that are happening at CMMA and determining the topics to highlight and celebrate in this newsletter, I am both encouraged by the success and progress we’ve made since my last letter and challenged by the many ways that we can be even better together!

First off, we’re thankful for the excellent meetings we’ve recently shared together. Our sessions have addressed a variety of timely issues and critical topics including workforce talent, marketing for manufacturers, workplace safety, employee benefit plans, team building and more. We’ve also taken significant steps to further embrace better methods of creating a diverse and inclusive workforce through employment-based training. We appreciate all those that have collaborated to deliver relevant and helpful information, solutions and action steps to elevate manufacturing in central Minnesota. 

Now to talk with you about how you can help your CMMA and what’s in it for you, and for us!

CMMA stands solidly upon the foundation of educating our members, developing and advancing our workforce and legislative advocacy. Our group has made significant investment in and progress with our new youth/student/educator/parent engagement tool. Our exciting, demand-driven, innovative and interactive web-based K12Navigator.org is a door opener to opportunity, connectivity and prosperity. Together we can use the K12 Navigator to connect education and Central Minnesota manufacturers for career exploration and more! 

For teachers, counselors, career development coordinators, career coaches, parents the CMMA K12 Navigator aggregates work-based learning resources that can integrate into classrooms and/or workforce development programs. 

For manufacturers, the K12 Navigator can help you reach your long-term goals, including developing a solid future talent pipeline, reducing hiring and training costs, limiting turnover, engaging more employees, measuring impact, making meaningful investments in your local community and provide support to local schools and education initiatives. Please answer the CMMA call to action and click here to enter your offerings and interests into the K12 Navigator, seeds sown will yield reward! Activities for manufacturers include: classroom speaker, company tour, job shadowing, youth apprenticeship, student mentoring, donate materials, work-based training and student technical project support. Together, we can do this!

Our annual fund-raising golf tournament is coming soon! Plan now to join us in fun and camaraderie at the Golf Social on June 8 at Wapicada Golf Club in Sauk Rapids. Please help us raise $15,000 to benefit scholarships and youth programs! CMMA donates all funds from this event to our area k12 robotics programs and many additional STEM and manufacturing-related education initiatives. 

October is already shaping up to be a busy month! CMMA, the creator of the innovative “Tour of Manufacturing” will again be a part of continuing efforts to enlighten and educate the public on the importance of and pathways into careers in our industry. Additionally, we will facilitate our Career and Technical Education (CTE) Jamboree on October 21, a unique gathering of educators and manufacturers that provides further partnership opportunities to work and learn together.

On the pandemic front, things are getting better folks! We’re talking now at the Board of Directors table about best and safest ways to resume in-person gatherings and the future is looking bright! 

Sincere thanks for your investment in and contributions to our CMMA. Together we shine brightly as we know that today, growth and innovation can rarely be maximized by one company, one service organization or even one industry going it alone.

In service,
Les Engel
CMMA President