Hello CMMA members and friends,

New Year, new energy, same great group!

CMMA has come far and done well since our very first meeting on January 24, 2008. We’ve grown, we’ve accomplished many things together and there’s still much important work to do to continue to elevate and celebrate manufacturing in central Minnesota! The number of members has surpassed 235 and is steadily growing.

Our CMMA Board of Directors recently completed its annual planning session which yielded clear direction and action steps to take to continue our mission. Our goals focus upon five key areas:

1. Increase manufacturing membership and meeting attendance. Achieve a ratio of 50% manufacturers and maintain a 95% member retention rate.
2. Diversify our revenue sources to continue to support and develop the CMMA Foundation which is exclusively utilized to support STEM initiatives in schools.
3. Impact the manufacturing workforce. We’ll continue our strong work in the development and deployment of our K12 Navigator tool, a successful resource for exploring and connecting students, educators, and the manufacturing community. We’ll also continue our leadership and support of the annual Central Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing, in addition to promoting and developing student apprenticeships and learning opportunities.
4. Improve legislative advocacy within the manufacturing community. CMMA will continue to be the voice of and bear the standard for the importance and value of manufacturing in our area. 
5. Celebrate manufacturing success. We realize it’s important to recognize and support significant goals, outcomes and events that impact manufacturing so as to keep a constant spotlight upon our critical industry.

CMMA supports robotics in Central Minnesota and congratulates all those who participate and compete in this activity as we realize and appreciate that those students are a large part of the future of manufacturing in our area and beyond.

Thanks to King Banaian, interim Dean of the College of Education and Learning Design, St. Cloud State University, for his message “Economic Outlook for 2024” at our most recent membership meeting at Graco in Rogers. His thoughts were insightful and encouraging, the meeting was well attended, and the tour was a privileged look into the world of how complex world class products are made with pride. We appreciate Graco’s hosts and hospitality.

Commitment, this word sums up the “secret sauce” at CMMA. We’re committed to our mission, delivering value and making meaningful and lasting positive impact. We’re a group of like-minded individuals that collectively tip the scales in favor of manufacturing in central Minnesota.

Thank you for being an important member and friend of CMMA. We value your input, contributions, attendance, and direction as we strive for excellence in our primary purpose of contributing to the growth and success of manufacturers. See you at our next meeting on February 22 featuring a presentation by Bob Kill on Enterprise Minnesota's annual survey of manufacturing. We are still in need of a sponsor for the meeting. Contact the office if you're interested.

In service,
Les Engel
CMMA President