Dear LAMA Members,

As we move into the fall season, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of the Lakes Area Manufacturers Alliance. Our manufacturing community continues to make a lasting impact across the Lakes Area, and it is through your involvement, collaboration, and commitment that we are able to promote manufacturing, support our workforce, and create opportunities for the next generation.

We have two exciting events coming up on October 6, and I encourage you and your team to join us!

Join us for our annual Celebrating Manufacturing event on Tuesday, October 6, from 7:30–11:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow manufacturers, learn from industry and workforce leaders, and celebrate the importance of manufacturing in our region.

This year’s program will feature Mike Henke of MHI Consulting presenting Winning the Talent War in Rural and Small Communities, along with Della Ludwig of DEED sharing insights on turning workforce programs into talent pipelines. With workforce development and talent recruitment continuing to be important priorities for our industry, this event will provide valuable ideas and resources to bring back to your business.

That afternoon, we will continue our focus on leadership development with the LAMA Emerging Leaders Program. This program is for participants from the 2024/25 leadership groups to reconvene and continue their training and collaboration.

We are also seeking sponsors for our upcoming events. Sponsorship is a great way to support LAMA’s efforts while gaining recognition for your company and showing your commitment to the local manufacturing community.

As we look ahead, board nominations for LAMA are here. Serving on the LAMA board is a great opportunity to get more involved in our manufacturing community, help guide the direction of the alliance and contribute to the continued growth and success of our industry. I encourage members who are interested in taking on a leadership role, sharing their experience, and helping shape the future of LAMA to consider putting their name forward when nominations open. More information on the nomination process and upcoming opportunities will be shared soon.

October is manufacturing month! If you are interested in being apart of the Tour of Manufacturing, please reach out to us! Schools are eligible for busing funds.

Stay up to date on communication being sent out from MMA about training opportunities through the grants they have received! More exciting things to come.

Thank you again for your continued involvement in LAMA. I hope to see many of you at our October 6 events to celebrate manufacturing. Together, we can continue to strengthen manufacturing, develop our workforce, and support the future of our industry.

Stronger Together,

Jenny Castle

LAMA President