Summer 2021
Letter from Les
Hello CMMA members, friends and associates.

I always look forward to sharing some CMMA “news from my desk” and I hope this message finds you and yours doing well amid these changing times. 

First off, let me please tell you of some exciting events, activities and opportunities coming up. Our annual Summer Social is just around the corner on August 19... Read more.
Member feature
Building the welding workforce -
Lynnes Welding Training
Customer demand for quality welders has never been greater. For over 15 years, Lynnes Welding Training has trained over 2,000 welders in our schools and on-site at over 50 different companies.

Lynnes Welding Training exists for two primary reasons:
  1. Build a welding workforce through hands-on-training.
  2. To increase a company’s existing welder’s capabilities to improve their Customer demand for quality welders has never been greater.
Events
Summer Social 2021
August 19 • 4:00 pm
Regular Meeting
September 23 • 7:15 am
St. Cloud
Manufacturing CTE Jamboree
October 21 • 7:30 am
ROCORI High School
Regular Meeting
November 18 • 7:15 am
More information to follow
Past CMMA Meeting Recordings
CMMA news & happenings
Manufacturing month resource for manufacturers and educators
Manufacturing month is only six weeks away and a plethora of plans are under way! We have collected all the information together for you in one convenient place — the Manufacturing Month web page on the MMA/CMMA websites.

You can find information on manufacturing tours, how you can participate, information on statewide events, local events, and much more.


When planning or marketing your own manufacturing events or activities on social media, please use "#MNManufacturingMonth" to make it easier for those interested to find your information.
MN Statewide Tour of Manufacturing - Make plans to participate
Manufacturers – it’s not too late to register for the 2021 Statewide tour of Manufacturing. The event will promote both live and virtual tours. Minnesota Manufactured has resources available to guide you through either approach.  
 
This year, we’ll celebrate Minnesota Manufacturing Month the entire month of October. Reach out to your local school now to schedule a student tour this fall ... Read more.
Aaron Barker named 2020 Collaborator of the Year

CMMA President Les Engel recently presented Barker with this well-earned award to celebrate not only his commitment to CMMA, but inspiring youth to consider a future in manufacturing.  
 
Barker is an Energy/Mechatronics/ Instrumentation Instructor at St. Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC). Read more.
Darter Plastics named 2020 Manufacturer of the Year

CMMA President Les Engel recently presented Darter Plastics with this well-earned award to celebrate not only the company’s commitment to CMMA, but the betterment of manufacturing overall. 

Darter Plastics of Becker is a 10-year member of CMMA. This outstanding company has added value to CMMA and the manufacturing community in... Read more.
K12 Navigator needs manufacturers
The K12Navigator is a FREE tool to connect education and Central Minnesota manufacturers. The website aggregates work-based learning resources to integrate into classrooms or workforce development programs. Educators can log on and search for a list of manufacturers in Central Minnesota that are willing to provide the following items:
  • Classroom speakers
  • Company tours
  • Job shadowing
  • Youth apprenticeship programs
  • Work-based training
  • Student mentors
  • Student technical project support
  • Material donations.
Manufacturers - please register your business to be a part of the K12navigator.org
Youth Apprenticeship Toolkit launched to help manufacturers
If you're interested in starting a Youth Skills Training or Youth Apprenticeship program, you now have access to step-by-step instructions, , costs, forms, and other resources here. Help spread the word.
Sponsorship packages
As the central office serving CMMA our job is to help your business succeed. We are offering discounted 2021 sponsorship packages and are ready to help you reach your prospects, customers and follow members. Learn more!
CMMA volunteer profile - Steve Leen
Title: CPA, CGMA

Where do you work, what work do you do? BerganKDV since 2000; I am a tax partner.  The largest group I work with is manufacturers and my goal is to help them navigate the business and tax world so they can keep more of the profit they make.

What was your first job? I grew up in Bemidji and ... Read more.
Riveters Club Milestones Announced
Three CMMA members recently received a cash award for earning 5 rivets: Les Engel, Engel Metallurgical; Bruce Hagberg, riteSOFT; and Lance Louis, Louis Industries.  Thank you Les, Bruce and Lance, for actively inviting others to attend and join CMMA.  

Current members earn rivets by bringing a prospective member to a meeting and/or encouraging the company to join CMMA. Spread the word about CMMA!
CMMA 40(k) Retirement Plan

Save money, and spend less time on plan administration. Structured as a Multiple Employer Plan (MEP). Learn more.
2020 CMMA Annual report
Check out the CMMA 2020 activities and accomplishments in this annual publication.
Web marketing minute
Are you tapping into the power of video to promote your business, attract employees or provide virtual tours? I believe video is the most powerful medium to inspire, persuade and entertain. View CMMA's growing video archiveContact Becky, Communications Director, with questions.
White list MMA staff
Please white list or add our emails to your contact list:
Like and share CMMA
Welcome new members
PO Box 55 • Ashby, MN 56309
(763) 280-2153
Workforce development, recruitment strategies, recruitment videos, virtual tours.
2999 W. County Road 42 • Suite 206
Burnsville, MN 55306
(952) 890-6450
Commercial general contractor, design/build service.
160 Hardman Avenue S • St. Paul, MN 55075
(651) 583-7842
Custom stair, railing, ornamental, and miscellaneous metals fabricators.
1501 West Saint Germain St•St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 270-0722
Marketing agency.
CMMA Foundation
Donations are welcome and encouraged
K12 schools can apply for CMMA grants and scholarships here

Funds support youth manufacturing programs. Donations are eligible as a 501(c )3 charitable contribution. Donate online at Community Giving, or send to 101 7th Ave. S. #100, St. Cloud, MN 56301 with CMMA Fund in the memo line.
Lower your operating costs through CMMA Membership
Responding to your needs, we have carefully selected four vendors — vetted by our board and endorsed by fellow members— to provide a cost savings to your operation, including...
ANNOUNCING
MMA has added this exciting new benefit to MBiz Solutions. This new partnership provides CMMA members access to cost-effective employer dental & vision plans offering: 
  • Range in plan designs
  • Cost efficiencies
  • Innovative technology
  • Simple enrollment and administration.