Spring 2025

Letter from the MDMA President

Hello! Welcome to the first Minn-Dak Manufacturers Association (MDMA) newsletter that we’ll be sending in partnership with the Midwest Manufacturers Association (MMA). This newsletter and the monthly emails you’ll receive on events, programs, and initiatives being offered are all intended to help us more effectively communicate with members and foster collaboration and networking with manufacturing organizations both locally and regionally. 

 

As President of MDMA, I first want to again welcome members from the Red River Manufacturers and Engineers Association (RRMEA) to MDMA. We’ve worked very closely with the former RRMEA board as well as executive leadership from MMA to make this merger as seamless as possible. The biggest change currently for former RRMEA members... Read more.

Patrick Mineer,

MDMA President

The mission of MDMA is to contribute to the growth and prosperity of regional manufacturing.

Upcoming events

April 2025

Masterclass webinar series

Wednesdays • 11:00 am


4/9/25: Succession planning 101

Register.


4/16/25: How to leverage social media to market your business

Register.


4/30/25: Registered apprenticeship as a strategy for recruiting and retention

Register.

April MDMA Tour

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

12:30 pm • Mapleton


HORSCH is a leading global manufacturer of innovative agricultural technology and modern solutions for soil cultivation, seeding and plant protection. HORSCH began work in North America in 2001 by introducing the Horsch Anderson ATD air seeders.


More info

200 Knutson St., Mapleton, ND 58059

Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber

Advanced Manufacturing Round Table

Friday, April 25, 2025

11:30 am • Fargo


Focus: Workforce barriers, Good Jobs Challenge, and action steps.

Location: Cardinal IG, 4611 15th Ave NW, Fargo, ND


Free event.

RSVP.

Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation

Leaders Manufacturing Resources Roundtable Breakfast

Thursday, May 8, 2025

7:45 am • Fargo


Understand key policy updates post legislative session and advocate for future policy. Receive a menu of financing, technical expertise, and workforce development tools that can enable business growth in the market 

and much more. Register.

North Dakota Trade Office

Global Business Awards Luncheon

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

11:30 am • Fargo


The NDTO hosts this event annually to recognize and present the North Dakota Service to Exporters Award, the North Dakota Global Ambassador Award, and the North Dakota Exporter of the Year Award to businesses or individuals that have made significant advancements in the international marketplace.

Register.

May 2025

Masterclass webinar series

Wednesdays • 11:00 am


5/21/25 Marketing cybersecurity

Presenter: Michelle Henerson, BadCat Digital

Register.


5/28/25 Navigating sales leadership transitions

Presenter: Linda Mathiasen, Okapi Strategy

Register.

Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation

FM Regional Data & Analytics Summit

Wednesday, June 5, 2025

11:30 am • Fargo


Learn about the greatest workforce challenges facing our region and actions we can take. Keynote speaker is Josh Wright, the head of growth at Lightcast.


Hosted by GFMEDC.

Celebrate in October

Minnesota Manufacturing Month and Statewide Tour of Manufacturing


To celebrate, manufacturing facilities throughout the state are opening their doors for tours. Manufacturers can offer in-person or virtual tours; reach out to local schools and offer presentations about manufacturing career pathways; sponsor school’s VEX Robotics programs; or set up scholarships with local colleges.


Read more.

View past MMA webinar recordings


All the recorded virtual meetings and webinars are available at:

MMA YouTube channel

MDMA news

Partnership announced: Midwest Manufacturers Association announces Minn-Dak Manufacturers Association and Red River Manufacturers and Engineers Association

The Minn-Dak Manufacturers Association (MDMA) and the Red River Manufacturers and Engineers Association (RRMEA) are excited to announce a strategic partnership that will unite their efforts, creating one regional manufacturing association dedicated to supporting manufacturers. This collaboration will offer an expanded network and a broader range of services, making it easier for companies across the region to engage, connect, and thrive.


This partnership comes after careful consideration and... READ MORE.

Reactions to April 2 Tariff Economic Policy

On April 2 President Trump issued new economic policies based on tariffs. The Material Handling and Logistics publication reported reactions from the National Association of Manufacturers, international associations, and a national economist. READ MORE.

2025 Sponsorship packages

At MMA our job is to help your business succeed. 2025 sponsorship packages are still available. You can reach your prospects, customers and fellow members. Learn more!

Purchase sponsorship

White list MMA staff

Please white list or add our emails to your contact list:

Becky@MidwestManufacturers.com

Carolyn@MidwestManufacturers.com

Katie@MidwestManufacturers.com

Lynda@MidwestManufacturers.com

Sandy@MidwestManufacturers.com

The impact of AI on lean and quality management

Alright, let's talk about how AI is shaking things up in the world of Lean and Quality Management. It's like having a super-smart buddy who's always got your back, making sure everything runs smoother than ever!


Enhancing Lean Practices with AI


Lean is all about cutting the excess, right? Getting rid of waste and making things as efficient as possible. Now, imagine throwing AI into the mix. It's like having a personal trainer who never sleeps, always watching ... READ MORE.

NSC looking for employer participation to learn how public investments in skill training can. beimproved to better meet indsutry needs

The National Skills Coalition and its partner organization Business Leaders United invite businesses to support a study of small and mid-sized business recruiting practices.

 

The study seeks input from companies employing fewer than 5,000 people regarding candidate skill assessment.


The study’s purpose is to explore how businesses gather information about workers’ skills and the impact of public policies on workforce development and education specific to this information gathering.

 

Participation entails... READ MORE.

Dual-training Pipeline grant RFPs open

Request for proposals for a new round of Dual-Training Grants opened in early March. Those interested in addressing workforce needs through earn-and-learn dual-training programs are encouraged to apply. View the eligible occupations here.


Dual-Training grant recipients can use the funds to help cover costs related to instruction toward attaining an industry-recognized degree, certificate or credential for their employees through a dual-training program.

Member information

Lower your operating costs

Responding to your needs, Midwest Manufacturers Association carefully selected three partners — vetted by our board and endorsed by fellow members — to provide a cost savings to your operation, including...

Looking for a health plan that could save you and your company money? Fellow members have reported lower costs and money back at the end of low-claim years with MMA’s Employer Health Plans. Learn more.

Thank you to our valued sponsors!

The Minn-Dak Manufacturers Association Quarterly is produced in cooperation between Minn-Dak Manufacturers Association and Midwest Manufacturers Association. If you have comments, suggestions for future stories, or would like to inquire about advertising, please contact Becky@MidwestManufacturers.com.

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