Looking backward and focused forward. Happy New Year to our CMMA partners and friends, it’s an honor to update you on the current status, goals and progress of our great association. Looking back, I’m reminded of the very first CMMA meeting that occurred on a cold January morning in 2008 and how far we’ve come. Our most recent membership meeting was also in January and yet again it was cold but what a difference time and commitment can make! We’ve been inspired, we’ve had visons and we’ve dreamt and together we have created the CMMA we all share, tend and benefit from today. 

We’re larger, more organized, focused and resourceful. We’ve refined our purpose and tools and achieved many goals, we’ve expanded our intentions and impact. And while steadily growing, we relentlessly pursue our core tenets of educating our members, workforce development and legislative advocacy.  We’ve gained horsepower through volunteerism, we’ve gained notoriety, knowledge and subject matter expertise through partnership. We’ve created many new opportunities for collaboration and success.  CMMA thanks all for your involvement, dedication and support. We value your input, we’re working hard to deliver value for your membership investment.

We’ve been focused on the following goals and making solid measurable progress:
Goal 1. Increase Membership and Sponsorship Engagement
Goal 2. Optimize Financial Management and Cost Control
Goal 3. Strengthen Legislative and Community Engagement
Goal 4. Leverage Technology for Growth and Efficiency
Goal 5. Develop and Launch Educational Initiatives

Our current scheduled programs include our Golf Fundraiser in June, the Legislative Committee Event in August, our longstanding Tour of Manufacturing in October and our CTE Jamboree in November. Mark your calendars now! Some new CMMA project for 2026 include a republication of our Manufacturing Magazine, the creation/expansion of our Educational Council, and a Dream Team to promote and engage students and schools. As we look ahead, we are excited to share two upcoming publications that highlight the strength and momentum of our manufacturing community. In February, a follow-up Tour of Manufacturing magazine will build on the success of the Central Minnesota tours with new articles, company stories, and impactful photo features showcasing manufacturing in action. Alongside this, our Impact Publication will provide a year-in-review celebrating achievements across Central Minnesota and our regional affiliates, while also offering a forward look at the programs, partnerships, and priorities guiding the year ahead.

Officers were appointed, committees were confirmed and goal-oriented action steps were set in motion at the recent annual CMMA Board of Directors strategic planning retreat. We currently have 248 members, the CMMA doorway to engagement is always open and there’s always a seat for new members, help spread the word!

Hats off to Lynda, our visionary and motivated leader at MMA for recently securing significant grant funding to support the redesign and redeployment of the CMMA k12 Navigator site and system. With this work, the worthwhile initiative will  continue to engage and offer opportunity for both career and workforce development. We’re also devising new collaborative training options for adult learners, both new entrants into our industry and for those wanting to increase their current knowledge, skills and abilities.

Here’s some numbers to be proud of… in 2025 CMMA awarded 14 different student/school grants to support career and technical education in the amount of $15, 750.00! We’re deep into Robotics programs and other eye and door opening investments that are certain to yield solid return downstream. This accomplishment is completely funded through the CMMA community foundation which receives all proceeds from our annual golf tournament and additional funds including yours if you’re so inclined to contribute!    
     
Have you checked out the new AI meeting summaries yet? We’re harnessing new technologies to make our message more available!

We’ve come far and served our purpose well. We’re ready for future opportunity and challenge. We’re united, strong and solid. This amazing story of success is brought to you by CMMA members, volunteers and stakeholders all sharing the same passion and energy for our great industry and I’m very proud to share it with you!

Today, growth and innovation can rarely be maximized by one company, one service organization or even one industry going it alone. CMMA is your conduit, your convener, and your shared broker to a bright future, working hard to make you proud!
 
In service
Les Engel, CMMA President