Letter from AMFA president Rally Hess | |
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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 named the AMFA president for 2025 and am ready to get to work!!!
Sign up to attend the AMFA luncheon meeting next Wednesday, March 5 at 11:00 am at L & M Radiator, Inc. in Hibbing. We will hear from Holly Minne, the general manager of L&M Radiator followed by a tour. It is going to be an interesting meeting and tour so sign up now!
The AMFA Board of Directors held our annual retreat on February 5th in Hibbing. We discussed ... Read more.
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Welcome new members!!!!!!! | |
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Katie Dahlberg
69 North 28th St. #500 • Superior, WI 54880
(715) 718-3065
http://arcticcompressor.com
High pressure air compressors
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Al Johnson
1400 W Railroad St • Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 343-5464
http://www.botcrew.com
Fully autonomous construction robots that primarily support the renewable energy industry
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Stacey Gohl
3500 American Blvd. W. #155 • Bloomington, MN 55431
(320) 249-4791
https://bandcfund.com/
Group self-insured workers' compensation option for Minnesota contractors and manufacturers
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David Wheeler
507 N Nokomis St, Suite E • Alexandria, Minnesota 56308
(507) 250-2566
https://manpower.com
Specializing in people, training, HR services, outsourcing, & consulting
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Jim Petruga
935 1st Avenue, #200 • King of Prussia, PA 19406
http://philagear.com
Gear box solutions and services
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Joe Gabardi
1201 7th Ave • Grand Rapids, MN 55744
(218) 328-8352
https://theforgeitasca.com/
A space where innovators, students, entrepreneurs, and workers can evolve their ideas into products, careers, or businesses
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Member Anniversaries!!!!! | | |
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International Falls School | |
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Luncheon meeting
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
11:00 am • Hibbing
Join us for a luncheon meeting with speaker Holly Minne, General Manager of L & M Radiator, followed by a tour of their facility. They produce precision-engineered cooling and heat transfer solutions.
Register.
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Masterclass series
Wednesdays • 11:00 am
3/12/25 - Cyber risk in manufacturing
Register.
3/19/25 - How to hold a successful manufacturing tour
Register.
3/26/25 - How to create a solid fair chance process - the do’s and don’t and best practices
Register.
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Northeast Minnesota
Manufacturing Teacher Summit
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
8:30 am • Hibbing
This interactive event is all about learning, collaborating, and building connections that last.
⚙ Inspiration from innovative educators
⚙ Behind-the-scenes tours of cutting-edge manufacturing facilities
⚙ Powerful networking with like-minded professionals
⚙ Collaborative workshops and exciting discussions
Save the date!
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Brew, Axe Throwing, and Excitement
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
4:30 pm • Hibbing
Join the AMFA community for a fun evening of networking, celebration, and support for students and the workforce!
Team Axe Throwing Competition: Grab your teammates and see who can hit the bullseye!
Beverage Tasting: Taste a variety of craft beers from local breweries!
Silent Auction & Raffles: Score amazing prizes! All proceeds benefit the AMFA Educational Trust.
Register.
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AMFA Golf Social
June date TBD
11:30 am • Location TBD
The AMFA-ET Golf Social
- Is the organization’s primary fundraiser each year
- Generates funds to support technical education leading to a higher skilled manufacturing workforce
- Allows manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to have an impact.
Watch for the date to be announced!
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MMA YouTube Channel
Watch over 120 educational webinars and past meetings.
Past events
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Supporting the future of manufacturing: NE Minnesota Manufacturing Teacher Summit & Beverage Tasting Event on May 14 | |
Above: 2024 Mfg Teacher Summit.
Manufacturers across Northeast Minnesota understand the importance of a well-trained workforce. The Northeast Minnesota Manufacturing Teacher Summit is an upcoming event designed to strengthen the connection between educators and the manufacturing industry, ensuring that students are prepared for careers in advanced manufacturing.
This one-day event brings together teachers, students, and industry professionals for an interactive experience focused on modern manufacturing careers, education, and workforce development. Through facility tours, discussions, and networking, educators will gain firsthand knowledge of today’s manufacturing environment and explore how to better prepare students for careers in the industry....Read more.
| 2025 Sponsorship packages | |
As the central office serving AMFA, our job is to help your business succeed. You can reach your prospects, customers and fellow members with a 2025 sponsorship packages. Learn more!
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Get involved: The 2025 Northeast Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing | The 2025 Northeast Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing is more than just an event—it’s a strategic initiative to inspire and engage the next generation of manufacturing professionals. Over three days, manufacturers across the region will open their doors to students, providing a firsthand look at modern manufacturing and the exciting career paths it offers.... Read more. | MMA Board of Directors Election Results | |
Dean Kiffmeyer was recently named the 2025 President of the MMA Board of Directors. Kiffmeyer is the Vice President of Business Development at Central McGowan. He has served on the CMMA board since 2017 and the MMA board since 2020.
Nicole McDonald was named Vice President. McDonald is the General Manager of KLN Family Brands in Perham, Minnesota ... Read more.
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Board bio: Greg Sandau
Job: Business Relationship Manager V.P., US Bank, Hibbing
What is your education/training? B.S. Degree in Accounting from University of Wisconsin. College of Commercial Credit Graduate, Wells Fargo
What was your first job? Food Prep Bob's Big Boy restaurant
Where is your hometown? San Jose, California
Family? Triplet 16-year-old boys.
Pets? Zola, German Shepherd, and Clover, Boston Terrier
Your favorite book or author? The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn
Your favorite movie? Stand By Me
Your favorite food? Beef filet
Do you have any hobbies, play any sports, etc.? Golf, Cribbage, Backgammon
Comments on your involvement with AMFA: Have been a member for 20 years on the Iron Range
What would AMFA members be surprised to learn about you? I previously worked for LTV Steel driving a production truck.
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Upcoming grant application deadline: April 30, 2025
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 Lynda.
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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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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.
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Human Resources – allows you to manage HR, benefits, and payroll over the Internet.
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Payroll – outsourced payroll administration services accessed online.
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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.
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Risk Management - specialists to ensure a safer workplace and controlled workers’ comp costs.
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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