TSMA President's Letter - Fall 2025

Phil Johnson

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Greetings to TSMA members, associates, and friends!

I hope you are all enjoying Minnesota’s beautiful fall and Manufacturing Month!

The TSMA Golf Social was a tremendous success, bringing together members and guests for a day of networking, connection, and friendly competition on the course. We were thrilled to see such strong participation and enthusiasm, which made the event both enjoyable and memorable. A special thank-you goes out to our sponsors, volunteers, and all who attended—your support helps make events like this possible and continues to strengthen our TSMA community.

The Tri-State Manufacturers’ Association (TSMA) is excited to share the success of our recent manufacturing tours, which gave local students the chance to step inside the world of modern manufacturing. These tours build on the momentum of our Dream Team initiative, where manufacturers visit classrooms to share their personal career stories and showcase the many opportunities available in the industry.

Now, students are taking the next step, touring facilities to see firsthand how the skills and technologies they’ve been learning about in class come to life on the production floor. This powerful connection helps students better understand the wide range of careers available in manufacturing and inspires them to picture themselves as part of this thriving sector. Special thank you to our tour hosts: Aagard, Force America, ITW Heartland, Massman, Douglas Machine, and Vector Windows!

To make these experiences possible, TSMA is providing busing for participating schools and will partner with Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC), which has been coordinating student tours since 1992. Together, we’re proud to expand access and create meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities for the next generation of talent in our region.

The Tri-State Manufacturers' Association (TSMA) is now accepting nominations for its Board of Directors. This is a great opportunity to connect with industry peers, contribute to the growth of our organization, and make a meaningful impact within the manufacturing community.

Nomination Deadline: October 13, 2025
Positions Available: 5
Term Begins: January 1, 2026
Who Can Be Nominated: All owners and employees of TSMA member companies are eligible. You may nominate yourself, a colleague, or another qualified TSMA member.

Board Member Details:

Term Length: 2 years
Meeting Frequency: 6 Meetings - Bi-Monthly (typically virtual via Zoom)
Time Commitment: A few hours per month, with opportunities for additional involvement through committees

If you are interested in nominating yourself or another TSMA member, please click here to complete a brief nomination form.

For more information about the responsibilities and expectations of TSMA Board members, please contact Lynda Bailey, Executive Director of Midwest Manufacturers’ Association, at Lynda@midwestmanufacturers.com or 218-812-8665. Thank you for supporting TSMA and helping us grow a strong, engaged leadership team!

Mark your calendars! TSMA’s Holiday Social will be held at Willy T’s on Tuesday, December 2, at 4:30 p.m. Join us for an enjoyable evening of networking and camaraderie, and take the opportunity to connect with our Dream Team members. Additional details will be shared soon.
Thank you all and have a great week!

Warm regards,
Phil Johnson
TSMA President