CMMA February Meeting and Tour of Blow Molded Specialties

CMMA Breakfast Meeting at
Northern Hallow Winery and
Tour at Blow Molded Specialties, Inc.
Foley, MN
February 26, 2026

7:15 - 8:00 a.m. - Breakfast and Networking
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Announcements and Speakers
9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Tour of Blow Molded Specialties

Speaker: Mark Gill Director of the AI & Visualization Lab at St. Cloud State University and founder of TrueNorth AI Services

Topic: AI for Manufacturing: Practical Paths Forward

Overview - An accessible introduction to artificial intelligence for manufacturing leaders, focusing on immediate, practical applications that address workforce challenges and operational efficiency. This session cuts through the hype to show how small-to-mid-sized manufacturers can leverage AI tools today—without enterprise budgets or data science teams.

Key Topics -

Workforce Multiplication: How AI preserves institutional knowledge and accelerates training when skilled workers are scarce
Accessible Entry Points: Practical AI applications in documentation, quality control, process optimization, and training that work for smaller operations
Building AI Literacy: What your team actually needs to know (hint: not coding) to work effectively alongside AI tools
Strategic Implementation: How to start small, measure impact, and scale AI adoption in ways that fit manufacturing culture and constraints

Mark Gill is Director of the AI & Visualization Lab at St. Cloud State University and founder of TrueNorth AI Services, where he provides AI training and consulting to rural Minnesota communities and small businesses. Mark teaches courses in game engine development, programming, and AI integration, focusing on practical applications that bridge the gap between emerging technology and real-world implementation. His work emphasizes accessible AI adoption for small-to-mid-sized organizations, helping teams build capabilities without requiring extensive technical infrastructure or expertise.

About the Tour:

Blow Molded Specialties, Inc. (BMS) Midwest is a trusted leader in custom blow molding solutions, specializing in the design and manufacture of high-quality plastic components for a wide range of industries. With decades of experience, BMS Midwest combines advanced blow molding technology, in-house engineering expertise, and a commitment to precision to deliver durable, innovative products tailored to each customer’s unique needs.

During your tour, you’ll see firsthand how BMS Midwest transforms ideas into reliable molded solutions—from material selection and tooling to production and quality assurance. Our team takes pride in a collaborative, safety-focused culture and a continuous improvement mindset that drives efficiency, consistency, and customer satisfaction. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing how BMS Midwest helps shape dependable products that perform in demanding applications.

Tour Requirements:

Closed toe shoes
Long pants
Safety glasses (provided by host, or bring your own)

Parking and Entrance:

Park in the lot or along the street.

Thank you to our sponsor:

Northern Hollow Winery

Blow Molded Specialties, Inc.

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Date and Time

Thursday Feb 26, 2026
7:15 AM - 10:00 AM CST

Breakfast and Meeting: 7:15 - 9:00 AM
Northern Hollow Winery

Tour: 9:00 - 10:00 AM
Blow Molded Specialties

Location

Meeting:
Northern Hollow Winery
6120 105th Avenue NE
Foley, MN 56329

Tour:
Blow Molded Specialties, Inc.
222 Bronder Drive
Foley, MN 56329

Parking:
Parking available in the lot or on the street

6120 105th Ave NE Foley MN 56329

Fees/Admission

Thank you to our meeting sponsor:

$25/member*
$35/nonmember

Includes full breakfast. CMMA requests remittance for all reservations not canceled prior to the meeting.

*If a company is a CMMA member, ALL employees are eligible to attend at the member rate. Special needs? Contact Carolyn at 800-654-5773.

Website

CMMAworks.org

Contact Information

800-654-5773
Send Email