Summer 2020
Letter from Les
A rock to stand upon, a source of connectivity and unity, a bright beacon on rough seas...these are reasons to be a part of CMMA these days. As central Minnesota manufacturers continue to create, innovate and deliver world class goods and services, CMMA continues to convene, to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices and to provide our members with meaningful services and resources in changing market conditions.... Read more
Member features
Fox Valley Spring Company, LLC
Compression springs for all your needs
Fox Valley Spring was established in 1989 as a customer-oriented company providing custom springs located near Appleton, WI. In 2011, our facility was expanded from 25,000 sq. ft. to 53,000 sq. ft. with 7,000 sq. ft. dedicated to office space. The balance of the facility is divided between manufacturing and distribution. This addition allowed us to house more.... Read more
King Solutions Global
Healthcare logistics partners: a critical link in the COVID-19 crisis
As the effects of COVID-19 hit the United States, shutting down entire industries, putting a strain on others, and quickly eliminating safety and buffer stock levels, there were some industries that sprang into action. Manufacturers ramped up production of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and other products medical professionals needed to fight the epidemic. Even companies who have never produced medical devices or equipment stepped up to innovate new capabilities and produce new products to help meet the demands of the COVID 19 crisis. Read more
Events
Mastering Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
August 26 • 11:00 am
September 2 • 10:30 am
September 15 • Golf Social
Wapicada • Sauk Rapids, MN

Essential marketing practices for small businesses during the pandemic
September 16 • 11:00 am
Online webinar
CMMA news & happenings
COVID-19 manufacturer survey results
CMMA partnered with Diedrich RPM to develop and deploy a survey targeting our manufacturing members to understand how COVID-19 is impacting their operations. This White Paper reports what we learned about how manufacturers are faring in this new normal, and how they are dealing with the challenges by implementing new ideas and processes.
2019 CMMA Manufacturer of the Year
CMMA is honored to recognize Rotochopper, Inc. in St. Martin Minnesota as our 2019 Manufacturer of the Year. This award recognizes and appreciates member excellence and the extraordinary investments, services and contributions offered to our thriving group. Rotochopper Inc., manufactures grinding equipment that creates new opportunities for ... Read More
2019 CMMA Collaborator of the Year
CMMA is honored to recognize the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (BBE) School District and Superintendent Patrick Walsh as the 2019 CMMA Collaborator of the Year. This award recognizes a supporting member of CMMA, a non-manufacturer, for outstanding contributions, leadership, and achievements. Primary consideration is given to business and professional contributions to CMMA over the last year,... Read More
CMMA in-person meeting survey
In late July, CMMA issued a brief online survey to gauge where our members are “at” with in-person events.
  • 47% indicated they would attend an in-person event in 2020, while 35% prefer to not to attend until 2021. The remainder are “undecided.” 
  • 73% said they’d attend virtual CMMA meetings.
  • Click here to review the survey findings. 
 The CMMA Board of Directors will use this information to guide upcoming meetings and events. To all who took the time to complete the survey – thank you!
CMMA volunteer profile - Eric Reisinger
Title: Vice President Business Banking Team Lead
Where do you work, what do you do? Bremer Bank. I help businesses with loans, deposits, and other banking needs.
What was your first job? In high school I was a lifeguard back when St. Cloud had numerous public pools.
Hometown? St. Cloud
Family? Wife Elizabeth, 2 kids 12 and 9.
Hobbies, sports or favorite games? Spending time with family, downhill skiing, wake surfing, tennis, racquetball, and playing video games with my kids.
Comment on your CMMA involvement? I have been a member of CMMA for over 10 years. Most recently I have enjoyed serving on the Program Committee.
What would CMMA members be surprised to learn about you? When CMMA received a training grant a few years ago, I took a Robotics course at SCTCC and got an A.
MN House and Senate candidates invited to address manufacturing issues
CMMA is undertaking a project that will help gauge the extent to which area candidates are pro-manufacturing. Candidates running for a seat in the MN House or the MN Senate will be asked to respond in writing to a series of questions. Read more.
Riveters Club
This program runs on a point system, or rivets, with CMMA advocates (current members) earning rivets as follows:
  • 1 Rivet when you bring a guest to a meeting
  • 3 Rivets when your manufacturer guest JOINS CMMA!
  • 2 Rivets when your non-manufacturer guest JOINS CMMA!
  • 1 Rivet each time the company RENEWS their membership.
CMMA anniversaries - Thank you for your membership!
Member for 10 years
Member for 5 years
Johnson transitions to MMA Assistant Director
Midwest Manufacturers’ Association is excited to announce that Amy Johnson will transition from Summer Intern to a brand new position: MMA Assistant Director. In her new role with MMA, Amy will focus on expanding relationships with individuals and organizations that are like-minded in their desire to enhance the success of the manufacturing industry. Her efforts will increase the ROI for members of AMFA, CMMA and TSMA... Read More.
Looking for tour hosts
Minnesota State Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence will host the 2020 Minnesota Statewide Tour of Manufacturing, despite COVID-19. Please adhere to your company’s social distancing policy when hosting a tour.
Register your tour NOW for the October 2020 Tour of Manufacturing! Register.
2019 CMMA Annual report
Check out the CMMA 2019 activities and accomplishments in this annual publication.
2020 Membership directory
You should have received your complementary copy. Contact the office for additional free copies.
SCSU team available to consult with CMMA members
Attention business owners! SCSU student consulting teams work with businesses on consulting projects in the following areas:
  • Product export feasibility studies
  • Human resources
  • Market studies
  • Social media strategies
  • Business and manufacturing operations
Click here to learn more about the Business Consultation Course from SCSU.
Incumbant worker training program (IWTP)
IWTP is business-driven funding assistance for qualifying employers to improve the skills of their workforce with new or upgraded work skills. It supplies marketable expertise to employees, can build and maintain a quality workforce, and is designed to assist employers to retain a skilled workforce or avert layoffs. More.
Web marketing minute
Even before the onset of COVID-19 videos were the hottest marketing avenue for manufacturers. Creating videos is easier than you think and can be displayed on your member listing on the CMMA website. Contact Becky, Communications Specialist, with questions.
Welcome new members
748 1st St SE • Richmond, MN 56368
(320) 597-7161
Precise machining of components for industrial and commercial applications.
141 West Rustic Lodge • Minneapolis, MN 55419
(612) 770-8056
Fractional executive marketing



Like and share CMMA
850 5th St. S. • Hopkins MN 56343
(952) 746-4424
Content agency.
1300 SW 22nd St., Willmar, MN 56201
(320) 235-5310
Job skills and vocational training for people with disabilities and partner with businesses to provide jobs to 300 clients.
6551 Jansen Ave NE #203 • Albertville, MN 55301
(763) 494-9825
New and used machine tools.

Workforce development
Scholarship awards
See the above thank you letters from recent scholarship recipients.

To learn more about the CMMA Scholarship Program or to make a charitable donation, give the CMMA office a call at 800.654.5773. Or – show your support via sponsorship or attendance at the CMMA Golf Social on September 15 at Wapicada Golf Club. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser are used exclusively in support scholarships and youth manufacturing programs in the region. Learn more about CMMA Scholarship Program, or make a donation.
Lower your operating costs through CMMA Membership
Responding to your needs, we have carefully selected 5 vendors — vetted by our board and endorsed by fellow members— to provide a cost savings to your operation, including...
Human resource management

PROduction Workforce Professionals, specializing in human resources management services just for manufacturers, is a subsidiary of Pro Resources, a professional employment organization (PEO) established in 1991 and headquartered in Detroit Lakes, MN.

  • Human Resources – allows you to manage HR, benefits, and payroll over the Internet.
  • Payroll – outsourced payroll administration services accessed online.
  • Employee Benefits - a package of benefits for all full time (30+hours per week), permanent employees that does not cost the employer anything unless they choose to pay a portion of the premiums.
  • Risk Management - specialists to ensure a safer workplace and controlled workers’ comp costs.

To learn more, contact Matt Denker, (612) 578-6585.