Greetings to you and the best of the changing seasons to all our CMMA members and friends. As always, I appreciate this opportunity to share a few CMMA updates with you.    

First off, some business… our organization continues to be financially solvent, our Community Foundation fund is solid, and we’re well positioned to continue to invest in initiatives that align with our mission. Our membership is growing, we’re a diverse group with strong representation from our manufacturing community, and those that collaborate with and support them.  

We’re seeing a welcomed increase in attendance at our membership meetings, a sure sign we are returning to a semblance of normalcy. CMMA continues to deliver top quality information, presenters on topics of interest, networking opportunities, and outstanding insight gained through our manufacturing facility tours.

October was a busy month as we celebrated and promoted Manufacturing Month in Minnesota. Many thanks to our event organizers, tour hosts, and many others who worked together to elevate the awareness and appreciation of our industry and the important role we play in our area’s economic success story. Read the follow-up article.

We also continue our focus on workforce development, especially in this tight labor market. We’re invigorated by and appreciate our new partnership with Otter Tail County and the expansion of our online K12Navigator career exploration tool. The K12Navigator now includes all career clusters and mirrors the MN Dept. of Education’s Career Wheel that educators and students use in education and career planning. The easy-to-use design provides all businesses the opportunity to include information for students, teachers, and parents to learn and discover. Don’t miss out, add yours now!

Our CTE (Career and Technical Education) Jamboree is scheduled for November 17. This session is a unique opportunity to further connect and induce synergy between manufacturers and our education community. Register now, let’s close the gap between education and industry!      

CMMA appreciates the ongoing support and leadership we receive from the team at Midwest Manufacturers’ Association (MMA), a nonprofit organization that fosters the creation, growth, and success of industry associations throughout the Midwest. MMA has been our administrative partner since inception, we’ve come far, together!

As CMMA President, I also appreciate the commitment and selfless service that our committee and board members contribute to our organization. Many hands make light work, and this group is keenly focused and driven to succeed.

Thanks to you, too, my CMMA friend, for your investment, support, and active participation. I trust that you pocket much from CMMA as together, we make innovation and progress happen!

In service,
Les Engel, CMMA President