Summer 2026

Letter from AMFA President Rally Hess

As we head into another busy and exciting summer season, I want to thank all of our AMFA members, partners, and supporters for your continued commitment to strengthening manufacturing across our region. Your involvement continues to make a positive impact on our industry and communities.

One of our biggest summer events is just around the corner — the AMFA Golf Social on June 4th at Giants Ridge - The Legend. We encourage members to register golf teams, individual golfers, and sponsorships soon, as spots are filling quickly. Sponsorships close May 29th.... Read more.

Welcome new members!

Dwight Hill

(715) 395-3427

https://www.genesisattachments.com/

Member Anniversaries!

5 Years

Upcoming events

Golf Social

Thursday, June 4, 2026

12:00pm - 6:00pm

Get ready for our annual golf social this year, being held at The Legends at Giants Ridge!

Registrations and sponsorships are now open! Don't miss out on the early-bird sign-up prices.

Tour of Manufacturing

October 21-23, 2026

This event helps connect the next generation of talent with local manufacturers and showcases the impact manufacturing has across our region.

Interested in becoming a tour host or sponsor? Reach out to us to learn how you can get involved and support the future of manufacturing.

Made HERE Expo

November 9-10, 2026

Event Highlights:

· Day sessions designed specifically for students.

· Evening community event open to all and offering career exploration opportunities.

· Interactive manufacturing displays showcasing products made throughout Northeast Minnesota and Northwest Wisconsin.

· Hands-on career exploration stations featuring hands-on and VR/Augmented reality experiences and craft projects.

Limited spots available!

More information here!

Latest AMFA news

Thank you again to ME Elecmetal for hosting our March meeting!

The Career Connect Initiative (CCI) is a workforce program designed to help individuals connect to training, credentials, and employment opportunities in Minnesota’s manufacturing industry.

This program focuses on creating clear pathways into manufacturing careers while reducing barriers to employment across Greater Minnesota.

MMA's affiliate association members will be able to participate in this program. To become a member of AMFA, CMMA, LAMA, Minn-Dak or TSMA, contact our office.

Learn more!

Thank you, Brad Vieths

We would like to take a moment to recognize the commitment and support Brad has given towards AMFA being on the Board of Directors.

We wish you well in your future endeavours.

Congratulations to our scholarship recipients!

Jayden Sulzbach at Hibbing High School

Logan Hart at Floodwood High School

Member Benefit

Manufacturers - Take the next step in developing your emerging leaders with the Professional Team Leader Certification from Manufacturers Alliance. This exclusive opportunity is available only to MMA affiliate members and is offered at no cost, a $650 value.

Space is limited to just 35 participants, with a maximum of two registrations per member company.

Click to Register!

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...

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!

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.

amfa-mn-wi.org | 800-654-5773 | Katie@MidwestManufacturers.com