I always consider it to be an honor and an obligation to lead CMMA and to share helpful insight into our activities, intentions, and successes. Teamwork, focus, and commitment contribute to our outcomes, and we have some celebrating to do! 

First, let me start with gratitude to all those who participated in and contributed to our recent CMMA golf social and fundraiser. The weather was favorable, the play was fun, and a good time was had by all.  We raised significant funds to continue to positively impact our industry, particularly our workforce development goals. All proceeds from this meaningful event are earmarked to support the CMMA Foundation. The Foundation distributes scholarships and grants that support youth manufacturing programs in the region. Examples of these wise and strategic investments include Robotics programs, STEM activities and equipment, and industry-related endeavors. Since its inception in 2008, CMMA has provided over $203,000 in support of workforce development and career awareness. Congratulations to our tournament winners and many thanks to our sponsors, helpers, and Wapicada for hosting us.       

While at our golf gathering, we celebrated Two Rivers Enterprises as our CMMA Manufacturer of the Year and Les Engel (President of Engel Metallurgical) as CMMA Collaborator of the Year. These awards are designed to recognize and support excellence in action. Both recipients were very appreciative, and we’re proud of you! Thanks for lighting the path and leading the way!

Make your plans now to participate in our upcoming Central Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing, October 1 - 4, 2025. CMMA has created activities and events with our partners, manufacturers, schools, and communities by exhibiting and marketing the opportunities in the high-tech world of modern manufacturing. Open doors, open minds, a sense of place and purpose, and pride in products are available to all. Let’s dispel dark, dirty, and dangerous, and let’s educate, inform, and inspire instead! Check our website for all the information you’ll need.

Our Summer social is yet another opportunity to gather in friendship and create new partnerships. We’ll be at the Bad Habit Brewery on August 20 with food and fun, hope to see you there!

Our next breakfast meeting and tour is on September 25, 2025, at Falls Fabricating. Our speaker is Carol Anderson, Executive Director, Morrison County Community Development.  Carol was recently named the 2025 Small Business Administration (SBA) Minnesota Women in Business Champion of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Greg Johnson, Little Falls Superintendent of Schools. Together, we will hear an overview of the community of Little Falls and Morrison County.

Don’t forget to leverage the CMMA K12 Navigator in your workforce development plans. This online repository of companies, schools, and connections is designed to help progress our industry by personally connecting educators and influencers with students and future employees. We can also help you with Apprenticeship information and development, a forward-thinking talent accelerator!

Lastly, have you taken advantage of the online workshops that are available? There is so much to learn in our manufacturing industry, marketing, and workforce development sessions; convenient with actionable knowledge all at your fingertips on our website and on our YouTube channel! 

Thank you for your membership, contributions, and your active participation in our organization. We’re stronger together.

See you soon!

Les Engel, CMMA President