Greetings to AMFA members, associates, and friends!
 
Sign up to attend the AMFA luncheon meeting this Wednesday, December 11 at 11:00 am at Green Mill Restaurant in Duluth. We will hear from Mickey Pearson of APEX on How APEX Relates to Manufacturing, and Al Johnson, President of BotCrew, followed by a tour of the BotCrew facility. It is going to be an interesting meeting and tour so sign up now!
 
It was a busy fall for AMFA. In mid-October a delegation from AMFA attended FABTECH 2024 in Orlando, Florida. We were represented at FABTECH as the result of a partnership with the IRRR. Read more about our experience here.
 
On October 23-25 we were a proud contributor for the second annual Northeast Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing in the Duluth/Superior and Iron Range regions! The participation doubled in 2024 with 40 businesses opening their doors to nearly 650 students from 29 local schools. Read more.
 
AMFA hosted the third annual CTE Jamboree on November 12 that was attended by 40 people including teachers, administrators, AMFA members, and area manufacturers. We had a great day of learning, and we toured the CTE facility at Superior High School. In 2025 we plan to retool the event a bit and I wholeheartedly encourage you to attend and get to know teachers and admin in your area.
 
This will be my last President’s letter as I will be leaving the AMFA board at the end of the year, along with Joe Wolff. Shout out to new board members Greg Sandau and Kevin Hagen. Rounding out the board in 2025 will be Rally Hess, Heath Boe, Sandy Bryant, and Brad Vieths. Thank you to you all for volunteering your time for the betterment of our organization. We appreciate your time and effort! 
 
Please help me welcome the MMA Development Coordinator Katie Baumann. Katie previously worked in marketing at a manufacturer in Princeton, MN.

We are looking for speakers, manufacturer tours, and sponsors for upcoming meetings. Please contact Carolyn with your ideas and information.
 
I would also like to encourage your registration and participation in all our upcoming events. We are here to help you succeed, but we need your help and your participation for us to continue to succeed!
 
Wishing you all the best! See you all at the meeting on Wednesday!
 
Best Regards,
Wade Karnes,
AMFA President