Letter from AMFA president Wade Karnes | |
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Greetings to AMFA members, associates, and friends!
I hope this spring is finding you healthy, happy, and productive.
I am thrilled to be back as the president for 2024 and am ready to get to work!!! If you don’t remember I was the AMFA president from 2020 to 2022.
The AMFA Board members gathered for a retreat in early February and some exciting things came out of that meeting, including a membership incentive program, as well as plans for the 2024 events.
The first big event will be the Northeast Minnesota CTE Teacher Summit and Beverage Tasting Fundraiser to be held on April 24 at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher Summit will be held from 10:30 am to 3:45 pm followed by the Beverage Tasting event from 4:00-6:00 pm.
The Northeast Minnesota CTE Teacher Summit is... Read more.
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Mission: The Arrowhead Manufacturers and Fabricators Association (AMFA) is a member driven organization helping to strengthen and grow the manufacturing industry in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin.
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New Member Orientation
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
2:00 pm • Online
Join us for an overview of what your membership entails, meet the association staff, learn, ask questions, and get acquainted with other newbies!
This event is open to all current members; all employees welcome.
Register.
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Northeast Minnesota CTE Teacher Summit and Beverage Tasting Fundraiser
Thursday, April 24, 2024
10:30 am • Duluth
The Northeast Minnesota Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher Summit will be held from 10:30 am to 3:45 pm, followed by the Beverage Tasting fundraiser from 4:00-7:00 pm. Manufacturing CTE teachers from high schools and colleges in the Arrowhead region are invited to attend and gain insight on best practices and meet fellow professionals. Manufacturers who would like to get acquainted with local CTE instructors are also invited to attend.
Register.
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Employer Health Plans
Friday, May 17, 2024
9:00 am • Online
If you have two or more employees and are interested in saving money on your health plan, we invite you to invest 30 minutes to learn about Employer Health Plans. No cost to attend. Note: You CAN switch health plans mid-year; no need to wait for your renewal date.
Register.
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AMFA 2024 Golf Social
Monday, June 3, 2024
12:00 pm • Cloquet
Invite your suppliers, vendors, business prospects and colleagues, our annual event is open to everyone! Help us reach our goal of $15,000 to benefit youth manufacturing programs in the region. Please reach out to Jenny for more detail on our three sponsorship options.
Register.
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View webinar and meeting recordings
All the recorded virtual meetings and webinars are available at:
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AMFA 2024 Board of Directors | |
The AMFA 2024 Board of Directors includes
- Wade Karnes, AMFA President, Zakobe
- Rally Hess, AMFA Vice President, Hibbing Fabricators, Inc.
- Joe Wolff, AMFA Treasurer, Marsh McLennan Agency
- Heath Boe, AMFA Director, Minnesota North College
- Sandy Bryant, AMFA Director, Revolv Manufacturing
- Brad Vieths, AMFA Director, Cirrus Aircraft.
| 1210 Broadway St #240 PMB154, Alexandria, MN 56308 | 2024 Sponsorship packages | |
As the central office serving AMFA, our job is to help your business succeed. 2024 sponsorship packages are now available. You can reach your prospects, customers and fellow members. Learn more!
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Welcome Jenny Theis, Event Coordinator! |  | |
Jenny is a life-long resident of Central MN. Her career has taken her from the private to public sector, county government and non-profit work. Her specialties include business development, event planning and program management. She is a proud graduate of the College of Saint Benedict.
Jenny loves to meet and connect with new people and businesses. She is a creative problem solver, loves a good spreadsheet and is always open to new ideas. Her love for manufacturing began during her time at United Way of Central MN, and she's excited to learn more about each of your businesses.
In her free time, she and her partner Brandon enjoy summers at the camper near Park Rapids. She's also a life-long reader and tries to teach her old dog new tricks. She's a fan of football and baseball (high school + college are favorites.) Jenny is the mom of four adult children spread throughout the U.S. (Colorado, Oregon, North Dakota and Minnesota.) She's lucky to spend her life with Brandon's young daughter who keeps her up-to-date in the latest TikTok trends, slang and Taylor Swift.
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Where do you work? What do you do? I work in one of three of our Revolv Manufacturing plants in Hoyt Lakes, MN. We are a custom Roto Molder and Thermoformer of plastics. My function is the Plant Manager at this location.
Education/training? I have some education and training in computer programming and electrical maintenance.
What was your first job? My first real job in Minnesota was working for Malton Electric/Equipment. I started as a CNC machine operator, went into engineering, then into Plant Management.
Hometown? I live in Gilbert, Minnesota but I grew up in Northern California.
Family? I am married to Ann and have two kids, Charday and Chandon (named after wines). I have one grandchild. I have been married for 39 years.
Pets? Two cats that are sisters.
Favorite book or author? I don’t think I have a favorite secular book. But I do read the bible.
Favorite movie? I am not sure what my favorite movie is, but Raiders of the lost Ark I thought was a classic, and Planes, Trains & Automobiles was a one of a kind.
Favorite food? A good Italian meal with red wine.
Do you have any hobbies, play any sports, etc.? I love playing volleyball but stopped playing recently, because I can’t play 100%. I like being in the outdoors.
Comment on your involvement in AMFA: I was on the AMFA Education trust board for several years, then I served on the AMFA BOD for some more years and as president for two of those years.
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Welcome new members!!!!!!! | |
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Kelly O’Toole
4930 Lightning Dr Ste 1 • Hermantown, MN
(218) 722-7442
http://aluminumcabinetco.com
Aluminum drawer, base, overhead, wall, closet, wheel-well, trailer cabinets and aluminum counter tops
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Shawn Lovett
28918 Sleepyeye Rd • Bovey, MN 55709
(763) 244-0352
http://lovetttechnology.com
Fractional CIO / Interim IT Leader
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Amy Klima
1401 West Chestnut St. • Virginia, MN 55792
(218) 741-8191
http://www.superiorrockbit.com
Manufacturer of tri-cone rotary rock bits
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Melissa Johnson
8142 Pine Street • Willow River, MN 55795
218-372-3131 ext. 128
http://www.isd577.org
E-12 public educational facility
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Member Anniversaries!!!!! | | |
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Cromwell Wright Public School | |
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Upcoming grant application deadline: September 30, 2024
You must be a 501(C)3, school, or other public entity to qualify, with a focus on one of three priority areas. More information and applications here.
Donate
Donations are welcome and encouraged! Donations are eligible as a 501(c)3 charitable contribution. You may send your contribution to 1210 Broadway St. #240 PMB154, Alexandria, MN 56308 with AMFA ET in the memo line or email Rachel@MidwestManufacturers.com.
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AMFA information and member directories | |
Lower your operating costs | |
Responding to your needs, we have carefully selected three partners —
vetted by our board and endorsed by fellow members— to provide
a cost savings to your operation, including...
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Interested in adding dental and vision to your employee benefits? Dental health has a profound impact on overall health. Vision care is important to prevent visual impairment. We offer a range of plan designs. Learn more.
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Thank you to our valued sponsors! | |
Shoptalk is produced and edited by Midwest Manufacturers Association. If you have comments, suggestions for future stories, or would like to inquire about advertising, please contact us.
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