CMMA April Meeting: Tour Simonson Lumber

CMMA Breakfast Meeting on April 28 in St. Cloud followed by a Tour of Simonson Lumber
** Due to limited parking space at Simonson Lumber, those planning to attend the tour will need to carpool to the site. Thank you.

Topic #1: Strengthening the Diversity of Your Workforce
PRESENTERS: Della Ludwig, Workforce Strategy Consultant at DEED and Leslie Wojtowicz, Development Manager at CMJTS

Did you know white people make up 83% of the current manufacturing workforce, which is also 70% male? And did you know Minnesotans from BIPOC communities are expected to grow by 61.4% between 2018 and 2038, while the number of white residents will decrease by 1.6% during that same time frame?

The Inclusive Workforce Employer (I-WE) Designation recently launched in Central MN to assist all people who live and work in our communities in feeling welcome. The I-WE designation supports and recognizes employers committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their workplace culture and community. We will also discuss how your organization can become involved in the statewide Diversity in Manufacturing Initiative (DiMi), which is aimed at increasing the number of black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) Minnesotans and others from diverse talent pools to work in the manufacturing industry.

Presenters:

Della Ludwig is a Workforce Strategy Consultant with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for the 13-county region of Central Minnesota. She is a SCSU graduate, and earned a Master's degree in Management from St. Scholastica. She has extensive human resources, benefits, and recruiting experience in several industries, including healthcare and manufacturing. In her current role with DEED, she connects key stakeholders to workforce resources and supports businesses in developing strategic workforce solutions to drive economic equity and growth.

Leslie Wojtowicz is the Workforce Development Division Manager at Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS) and leads the Employment Network Services. Leslie also oversees grant writing and fund development as her team seeks to increase capacity to serve businesses in central Minnesota. Leslie earned a B.A. in Criminal Justice from St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud and holds certifications from The Grantsmanship Center, San Diego, California; the University of St. Thomas, Center for Business Excellence, Minneapolis; and several other organizations. She is currently co-leading the Inclusive Workforce Employer Designation for the 13-county central Minnesota Region with Della Ludwig at DEED.

Topic #2: The History and Expansion of Simonson Lumber

PRESENTERS: Richard Hobbs, President/Owner of Simonson Lumber and Eric Borchardt, General Manager of Matthew Hall Components
Our second presentation will be from Richard Hobbs, President/Owner of Simonson Lumber and Eric Borchardt, General Manager of Mathew Hall Components (Owned by Simonson Lumber) to discuss the history and expansion of Simonson Lumber from the first lumber business started in 1913 by Neil Simonson, to the six locations that serve Minnesota today. Simonson Lumber acquired Mathew Hall Components in 2019, with the plant expansion becoming operational in the Spring of 2021. The presentation will be followed by a 30-minute tour of the St. Joseph MN distribution center to give members a better understanding of Simonson Lumber and how they have evolved and continue to serve Minnesota over the years.

Presenters:

Richard Hobbs currently serves as the President and Owner of Simonson Lumber, which has been in business for over 100 years. He started working for Simonson at age 10 and has done every job in the company, from janitor to cashier to the manager, all the way up to President. Through Richard's leadership, Simonson has grown from a $7 million/year company with 60 employees in the 90's to over a $100 million/year company with over 200 employees today. While Richard has spent his life in the lumber business, his true passion has always been the people around him. Starting with his wife Sharon, son Jordan, daughter Mckenna, all the way to the newest member of the Simonson team. He's been known to say that "the people around me don't need me, but I certainly need them."

Eric Borchardt currently serves as the General Manager of Mathew Hall Components (owned by Simonson Lumber). He grew up in St. Michael-Albertville, graduated from St. Cloud State and currently lives in the St. Cloud area with his wife and three young children. Eric has had the privilege of leading several manufacturing plants in the area, bringing his previous expertise to the Mathew Hall truss plant. In his free time Eric enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, and spending time at the cabin with family and friends.

About the Tour:

Simonson Lumber is committed to your project, every step of the way. From design to delivery, were passionate about getting it done right. As a full-service lumber yard since 1913, we know a thing or two about service, building, and of course lumber. Our experience means we've seen and done it all, so we have the right solutions for all of your needs.

Whether you're a contractor or homeowner, with a big or small project, we've got what it takes to make it happen. The Simonson team is dedicated to being your go-to source for expert advice, project planning, and help along the way. With Simonson, you've found a partner for life.

Best materials. Best service. Best price. Guaranteed.

CMMA April Meeting: Tour Simonson Lum...

Register

Date and Time

Thursday Apr 28, 2022
7:15 AM - 10:00 AM CDT

7:15 - 9:00 AM Breakfast / Meeting
9:00 - 10:00 AM Tour - Simonson Lumber

Thank you to our meeting sponsor

Location

MEETING Location
Moose Lodge
1300 3rd St N, Waite Park MN 56387

TOUR Location
Simonson Lumber - distribution center
30411 76th Ave. N, St. Joseph, MN 56374

Fees/Admission

$20/member*
$30/nonmember

Includes full breakfast. CMMA requests remittance for all reservations not canceled prior to the meeting.

*If a company is a CMMA member, ALL employees are eligible to attend at the member rate. Special needs? Contact Alisa or 800-654-5773

Website

CMMAworks.org