Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association
February 2019
AMFA feature article
The AmeriFab Roots

AmeriFab Industries started in the Fergus Falls, MN area in the early 1990’s as TG Concept Designs when Terry Gardner purchased the AutoCAD LT design program and started doing freelance design work while working full time for a manufacturer. With his design schooling, knowledge, and manufacturing experience he provided basic design services for a few acquaintances with small manufacturing business.... Read more
General Meeting
 Wednesday, February 13 • 12 noon
Speaker: the A-Team from Giant Voices
Location: Sunrise Bakery, Hibbing
Beer Tasting Social
Wednesday, March 27 • 5:00 pm
Clyde Iron Works • Duluth
Mark your calendars
General Meeting
 Wednesday, April 10
Watch your email for time, location and speaker details.
Remaining Meeting Dates in 2019 - Mark your calendar
March 27 Beer Social, April 10, May 8, June-Golf, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11
Latest AMFA news
AMFA will again represent the region’s manufacturing industry at the 22nd annual Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol on February 20 at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel.
 
AMFA volunteers will be the “voice of manufacturing” to Minnesota senators and representatives on legislation that is a priority to manufacturers in the region, including:
  • Streamlining regulatory and permitting processes
  • Supporting efficient tax code reform to reduce the burden on business
  • Investing in workforce development and talent recruitment
  • Maintaining critical multi-modal transportation infrastructure.
 
Manufacturers – what are your “hot button” legislative issues this year?  If you would like to add to the list above, please contact the AMFA office.
The planning committee needs additional volunteers to determine venue, format, activities, sponsors, and more. Call 800.654.5773 or email the office.
Generate leads/sales thru
AMFA website and newsletter

AMFA members have a new opportunity to reach fellow members and prospects through advertising on the AMFA website and in this newsletter. Learn more.
Website campaign in February
AMFA membership includes a free web presence on AMFA-MN-WI.org. You will have an opportunity to upgrade your web presence during a campaign in February through our database and website provider: GrowthZone. Watch for details!
Reach all MMA members
This program allows you to put your product or service in front of your target audience nearly 245,000 times throughout the year. You can market to fellow colleagues in our three associations:
  • AFMA
  • CMMA
  • TSMA.
The package includes website banners that will appear on all three websites. There are three packages still available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Thank you to W. Gohman and Flywheel for your participation. Contact us.
New member corner
17115 Hemlock Ct
Lakeville, MN
(612) 212-9783
Coolant and cutting oil manufacturer.
CHANGE in publication schedule
Shoptalk will be published five times in 2019: February, April, June, October, and December.
Board election results
See all the results here .
Mark your calendar for the evening of Wednesday, March 27, for the AMFA Beer Tasting Social! The fun begins at 5:00 PM at Clyde Iron Works in Duluth. Admittance includes beer samples (of course), pizza, and more – don’t miss the seventh annual Beer Social!
 
A range of exhibitor and sponsor options are available; contact the office to inquire.

Proceeds from the event fund the AMFA Educational Trust to support K-12 robotics teams, equipment and material purchases, manufacturing field trips, and more.
Web Marketing Minute
AMFA encourages members to submit their company news and events and we will help you disseminate the information via this newsletter and the AMFA-MN-WI.org website. This is a free benefit of your membership in AMFA. Contact Becky, Communications Specialist, with questions.
Thank you to presenter Suzanne Cormie from the Canadian Consulate for speaking at the January meeting. Attendees learned about the USMCA, steel and aluminum tarrifs, and trade relations with Canada.
AMFA to Exhibit at SME Conference in Duluth
We are looking for volunteers to staff the booth. Read more.
2019 MMA directory
Ad deadline: Feb 7.
Thank you to all who updated your data!!! There are still ad spots available! Read more
What's New at the Iron Range Makerspace (IRM)
Workforce development
Next grant application deadline: 9/30/19
You must be a 501(C)3, school, or other public entity to qualify, with a focus on one of three priority areas. More information and applications here.
Dream It Do It
Contact: Jaimee Meyer, Exec Director • 218-755-2206
1500 Birchmont Drive NE, #34 • Bemidji, MN 56601
MMA information
Member directory and RFPs
Gold level support
A Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Program
Find out how your company can benefit today! Sandy@MidwestManufacturers.com • 800-654-5773
Shoptalk is produced and edited by Midwest Manufacturers Association. If you have comments, suggestions for future stories, or would like to inquire about advertising, please contact us.