“Today, growth and innovation can rarely be maximized by one company, one service organization or even one industry going it alone.” CMMA adopted this mantra at inception, and it seems evermore important these days. I’m happy to share some good news of unity, effort, opportunity, and success in this Spring season of growth and renewal.  

CMMA has long supported, created, and invested in upstream workforce development initiatives. These opportunities include collaboration with schools, students, and STEM activities. We’ve gone deep with our support and it’s yielding great results like the recent news from the Watertown-Mayer Robotics Team 7530 - Raiders of the Lost Spark, “Our recent successes at our regional competitions qualified us for the MSHSL State Robotics Tournament on May 10 at Concordia University in St. Paul. The top 36 teams in the state qualify and we ranked 28 out of 187 teams. This will be our team’s second time qualifying for State in our short career.”  CMMA congratulates this team and all the teams in our area, we’re proud of your accomplishments and we’re excited for your future.
 
Outcomes like these are not achieved alone. Our annual CMMA Golf Fundraiser generates funds to support our students and their successes which are ultimately good for us in manufacturing as we help to chart futures careers in our industry with early engagement. This year, the fundraiser is scheduled for June 10, and you can be a part of the fun! Since 2008, CMMA has provided over $193,000 in support of workforce development and career awareness by offering grants and scholarships to local schools for industry-related endeavors. Register your team today!
 
An exciting new initiative has been launched in collaboration with MMA! On our website, we’ve been gathering information on summer activities, camps, fun and educational activities for kids. It’s the Midwest Manufacturers Summer Camps & Activities Hub — your go-to resource for discovering hands-on learning experiences in manufacturing, STEM, and skilled trades!” With this enhancement, we’re growing our services, membership value, purpose, and impact. Thanks to our MMA partners and leadership for this new tool!
 
Make your plans now to be a part of our annual Central Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing taking place October 1 - 4. How about opening your doors to the public to proudly show them who you are and what you do! Let’s rally again and support this annual myth busting and eye-opening event designed to engage and inspire. See our website for everything you need to get going!

Speaking of our website, have you checked out the 2025 MMA Masterclass Education Series? All webinars are FREE and typically take place September through May. Preferred presenters are members of one or more of our associations. Register for the May 21st Marketing for Manufacturers Webinar Series on Marketing Cybersecurity and the May 28^th Workforce Development Webinar Series on Navigating Sales Leadership Transition.

You’ll soon receive your new electronic CMMA membership shield, an item that you can display to proclaim your CMMA membership for all to see!

Thank you for being an important member and friend of CMMA. We value your input, contributions, attendance, and direction as we strive for excellence in our shared and continuing mission to contribute to the growth and success of manufacturers. See you at our next meeting on May 22 at Glenn Metalcraft in Princeton! Register today.

In service,
Les Engel
CMMA President