Winter 2022
Letter from Les
Hello to all our CMMA members and friends!

I hope this message finds you well and prospering in your professional and personal pursuits. It’s always an opportunity to share a few CMMA thoughts and upcoming events with you. I hope to share my pride and excitement about our organization and the greatness we achieve together!  

First off, we’re doing well in all aspects of our organization and yet always seeking and learning ways to improve. Our membership is strong and growing. We are a diverse group with strong representation from our manufacturing community, in addition to a wide variety of interested stakeholders. We continue our goal... Read more.
Member feature
Impacting lives daily
Spectralytics
Spectralytics has been a pioneer in laser technology for the medical device space for over twenty years, paving the way for current industry standards. We provide contract laser processing and assembly services to medical device manufacturers. Our laser technology can make small, intricate parts to critical tolerances and work with a range of materials including metal, plastic, and composites. Spectralytics has two facilities in Dassel, Minnesota with a range of manufacturing environments including multiple cleanrooms and dedicated development space, which will be further enhanced by... Read more.
Events
Websites... Your 24/7 salesperson. How to make it more productive.
February 16 • 11:00 am
Online
New member orientation for AMFA, CMMA and TSMA members
February 22 • 2:00 pm
Online
Topic: How to survive an active threat/shooter situation
Speakers: Drew Moldenhauer & Rich Webb, Blue Ethos
February 24 • 7:15 am
In-person
Employer Health Plans
March 4 • 9:00 am
Online
Topic: TBA
March 16 • 11:00 am
Online

General meeting
Topic TBA
March 24 • 7:15 am
Past Event Recordings

Check out past events, meetings and webinars.

CMMA news & happenings
Lolmasteymaugh named executive director
CMMA would like to introduce you to the new Executive Director Rachel Lolmasteymaugh of Sartell, MN... Read more
Board of directors election results - officers named
Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association 2022 Board of Director election results were confirmed in December. Ten candidates were listed on the electronic ballot issued in December, with seven seats available. Read more.
Board bio - Kurt Scepaniak
Where do you work, what do you do?
Process Logic, Inc. in Waite Park, MN. As CEO I’m involved with directing the direction of the company and sales.
 
What was your first job? 
Horizon Roofing, Inc. doing commercial roofing at the age of 12.
MMA names officers for 2022
Ed Bolas was recently named 2022 President of Midwest Manufacturers’ Association (MMA). Bolas is the Controller at Dycast Specialties Corporation ... Read more
2022 sponsorship packages
$100 off on remaining 2022 packages! As the central office serving TSMA, CMMA, and AMFA our job is to help your business succeed. Take advantage of 2022 sponsorship packages NOW! Learn more!
Member of the year nominations by Feb 17
Each year, CMMA recognizes members that have distinguished themselves by making outstanding contributions to manufacturing in Central Minnesota. The Member-of-the-Year awards celebrate CMMA’s primary purpose of contributing to the growth and success of manufacturers. Help us identify ... Read more.
CMMA annual board retreat highlights
by Rachel Lolmasteymaugh, Exec Director

A new year with new leadership inevitably brings a variation in focus. All the great things you have come to expect from the CMMA is still be a priority. The membership meetings and tours will continue as they always have. The new year also brings new staff. Last year CMMA brought on a new Executive Director and an Executive assistant. This year a workforce development and membership specialist is scheduled to join the CMMA team. With the new staff comes an added attention in the area of workforce initiatives and membership services. 

There will also be a focused effort to grow our committees. If you are interested in becoming more involved, a CMMA committee is a great place to start: Program, Membership, Marketing, Workforce Development, Government Affairs and Golf/events. Contact any board member or the CMMA office to sign up. 
Manufacturers challenge!
We are 1 shy of our goal of 40 manufacturers!
The K12Navigator is a FREE tool that aggregates work-based learning resources to integrate into classrooms or workforce development programs. Educators can log on and search for a list of manufacturers in Central Minnesota that are willing to provide the following items:
  • Classroom speakers
  • Company tours
  • Job shadowing
  • Youth apprenticeship programs
  • Work-based training
  • Student mentors
  • Student technical project support
  • Material donations.
Youth Apprenticeship Toolkit launched to help manufacturers
If you're interested in starting a Youth Skills Training or Youth Apprenticeship program, you now have access to step-by-step instructions, costs, forms, and other resources here. Help spread the word.
Manufacturers optimistic in economic outlook
The National Association of Manufacturers released its Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey for the fourth quarter of 2021, showing manufacturers remain mostly optimistic in their economic outlook (86.8%, down from 87.5% in Q3) but are significantly concerned with issues like inflation, hiring, and potential tax increases on manufacturers. Download full report.
2022 printed directory coming in June
Each year MMA produces a printed directory that includes a listing of all CMMA, AMFA, and TSMA members. We will be sending emails soon to purchase ads and log into your account here. Once you have logged in please review the accuracy of your company listing and update inaccurate or incomplete information. Ad placement will be on a first-come first-serve basis. Contact Becky if you have questions.
2021 CMMA Annual report
Check out the CMMA 2021 activities and accomplishments in this annual publication.
Web marketing minute
Videos will continue to grow as a marketing strategy in 2022. Covid-19 variants are continuing to threaten in-person events like trade shows. For sales efficiency your videos should include people explaining your showcased product or production, with respect to not only features and functions but how it may benefit your prospect. This method of using B2B video marketing content is what reps do in person at trade shows. Remember: 95% of a message is retained when a viewer watches a video versus only 10% when reading text. Contact Becky, Communications Director, with questions.
White list MMA staff
Please white list or add our emails to your contact list:
Like and share CMMA
Welcome new members
12121 Nicolet Ave. S • Burnsville, MN 55337
O-ring, custom molded rubber, gaskets, mechanical and hydraulic seals 
125 3rd St South • Dassel, MN 55325
Medical device manufacturer
Todd Anthony, Esquire, an Advanced Technologies Practice
1899 Oracle Way Suite 623 • Reston, VA 20190
Attorney
Member Anniversaries - Thank You
10 Year
5 Year
Bekkala Engineering, LLC
CMMA Foundation
Donations are welcome and encouraged
Foundation donations in 2021 totaled $4,250. That's a grand total of $125,900 since 2008.

K12 schools can apply for CMMA grants and scholarships here

Funds support youth manufacturing programs. Donations are eligible as a 501(c )3 charitable contribution. Donate online at Community Giving, or send to 101 7th Ave. S. #100, St. Cloud, MN 56301 with CMMA Fund in the memo line.
Lower your operating costs through CMMA Membership
Responding to your needs, we have carefully selected five vendors — vetted by our board and endorsed by fellow members— to provide a cost savings to your operation, including...
Since its inception in 1997 more than 125 companies have benefited from reduced costs, an improved safety environment, and increased control over claims management. Learn more.