Spring greetings to all our CMMA members and friends as we welcome warmer temps, the songbird’s return, and a renewed start to another busy season of manufacturing in central Minnesota.

I’m happy and honored to report that our dynamic group continues to grow, thrive, and prosper. Our budget is on track, we’re gaining members, and making positive impact with our strategic initiatives. We continue to educate our members, prepare our future workforce, and give voice to our concerns and wishes to our elected officials. We are in good alignment with Midwest Manufacturers’ Association, our partner and supporting organization, that fosters the creation, growth and success of industry associations throughout the Midwest.  

Spring brings us new opportunities to play together. Make plans to join us for a day of fellowship and fun at our 12th Annual CMMA Golf Social on June 11, 2024, at Wapicada Golf Club in Sauk Rapids. Please help us raise $15,000 to benefit youth programs that support manufacturing in our region. Our donations and investments in K12 institutions include apprenticeship programs and scholarships; welding equipment, routers, plasma tables, calipers, robotic lifts and more; transportation costs to STEM events; and team participation in FIRST and VEX robotic competitions. Anyone may sponsor or participate in the CMMA Golf Social. Participation in our golf social directly impacts future success of manufacturing in our region. Register today!

CMMA is once again planning to lead the state in Manufacturing Month with the Tour of Manufacturing events in October. We are the originator of this successful myth-busting educational and inspirational annual experience that opens doors, opens eyes, and minds to our industry and the rewards that lie within.

Manufacturing Week in Central Minnesota is planned for September 30 - October 5, 2024, and takes much planning and coordination. Our leadership team is working together to ensure a positive and measurable success again this year.  If you are interested in learning about the activities and events or want to participate on the planning committee, please let us know! You do not need to be a CMMA member to take part in Manufacturing Week or the Tour of Manufacturing. CMMA has created activities and events with our partners, manufacturers, schools, and communities by exhibiting and marketing the opportunities in the high-tech world of modern manufacturing.

At CMMA, we’ve learned to cultivate, recognize, appreciate, and support excellence in many ways. Annually, we celebrate those amongst us who exemplify and bring life to our mission. We’re currently seeking nominations for the 2023 Manufacturer and Collaborator of the Year as we recognize two outstanding members for their significant and long-standing support of, investments in, and contributions to CMMA. These awards set the bar high for our group. The Manufacturer of the Year award is presented to a member company to celebrate not only the company’s commitment to CMMA, but the betterment of manufacturing overall. The Collaborator of the Year award is presented to non-manufacturer members that put forth extra effort to assist in CMMA’s goals. Let us know who you think of when excellence comes to mind!

What’s all the talk about K12Navigator? We’re glad you asked! The K12Navigator is a FREE tool to connect educators and businesses for high school student career exploration and more. We’ve worked diligently to improve and expand this functional resource and we encourage you to utilize and benefit from this easy-to-use format that creates synergy and interaction between your shop, your school, and our future! 

Sharing gratitude is an important function in my CMMA role as we all appreciate that our group is fueled by volunteers and driven by shared vision. Please join me in thankfulness for our meeting hosts and tours, our speakers, our board of directors, committee members, and for all those who elevate our group, our purpose, and our industry.

Today, growth and innovation can rarely be maximized by one company, one service organization, or even one industry alone. CMMA is our conduit, our convener, and our shared broker to a bright future and we’re working hard to make you proud!

In service,
Les Engel, CMMA President