Winter 2022
“What’s dangerous is not to evolve.”- Jeff Bezos
“Change in all things is sweet.” - Aristotle
 
AMFA members and friends,
 
Change is a constant companion always, but especially over the last two years. AMFA, and the home office of MMA, are evolving as well with new leadership and staff. We have also been working hard behind the scenes to find better ways to support each of our members. The efforts and work should be obvious in the coming months. If you haven’t been to a meeting in a while, please plan to attend the April 6th meeting location TBD and share input or ideas on ways we can provide more benefit.
 
AMFA is pleased to announce the ... Read more
A staple for nearly four decades -
Hibbing Fabricators

Hibbing Fabricators (HibFab) is a fabricator of precision metal components and assemblies for the global marketplace in the medical, electronic, and aerospace industries. HibFab partners with their customers to provide them with quality products built to highest standards and tightest tolerances.

Founded in 1985 in Hibbing, Minnesota, HibFab has been  ... Read more
AMFA Beverage Tasting
Thursday, March 10 • 5 pm

Bring your friends! (age 21+)

Bring your colleagues! 10 tickets for $300!

Marketing for Manufacturers
Wednesday, March 16 • 11 am
Online

Session 16 with presenter Ecreative

Upcoming webinar series dates:
April 20 - Internal and external engagement strategy
May 18 - Marketing with Video
AMFA General Meeting
Wednesday, April 6
Location and time TBA

Please attend and share your input or ideas on ways we can provide more benefit to members.
New Member Orientation
Tuesday, May 24 • 11 am
Online

Meet the staff, learn what your membership entails, and ask questions.
Miss a meeting? View the webinar and meeting recordings

All the recorded virtual meetings and webinars are available at:
Latest AMFA news
Lolmasteymaugh named Exec Director
Rachel Lolmasteymaugh has replaced Sandy Kashmark as the Executive Director of AMFA. Read more.
AMFA names 2022 officers
Four people were elected go serve a two-year term when voting ended on December 31, 2021. Read more.
Welcome New Members
501 Chestnut Street, Virginia, MN. 55792
(218) 471-1314
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
80 S. 8th St., Minneapolis, MN. 55402
(513) 827-3890
Legal services; law firm
Plan to attend Beverage Tasting on March 10!
The Beverage Tasting Fundraiser will feature live music, an enchanting venue, unending tasting options, and lively conversation amongst supporters of the manufacturing community. Hats off to Consulate General of Canada, premier sponsor again in '22.  

This event is a fundraiser for the AMFA Educational Trust that provides grants to area K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions for manufacturing related training, programs, and competitions in the region. Register.
AMFA Snapshot
The 2021 annual report is available here.
White list MMA staff
Please white list or add our emails to your contact list:

Olson joins MMA & AMFA
Bailey Olson has joined the MMA staff as the Membership & Workforce Development Specialist. Bailey resides in Duluth. Read more.
MMA names 2022 officers
Ed Bolas was recently named 2022 President of Midwest Manufacturers’ Association (MMA).  Bolas is the Controller at... Read more.
2022 Membership Directory - Coming in June

Each year MMA produces a printed directory that includes a listing of all CMMA, AMFA, and TSMA members.

Info - We will be sending emails soon encouraging you to log into your AMFA account, review your company info and make necessary updates.

Ads - Purchase an ad in the 2022 directoryAd placement will be on a first-come first-serve basis.
Sponsorship packages

As the central office serving AMFA, CMMA, and TSMA our job is to help your business succeed. We are proud to offer the 2022 sponsorship packages and are ready to help you reach your prospects, customers and fellow members. Learn more!
Web marketing minute
Digital marketing and email campaigns can be highly effective for lead generation. I am discovering that traditional marketing methods can still be very effective as they can be highly personal. When used in conjunction with a digital marketing strategy, you can increase brand awareness, build trust, and bring your business to the forefront. Contact Becky, Communications Director, with questions.
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.
Workforce development
Upcoming grant application deadline: October 1, 2022
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.

Donate
Donations are welcome and encouraged! Donations are eligible as a 501(c)3 charitable contribution. You may send your contribution to PO Box 150, Elbow Lake, MN 56531 with AMFA ET in the memo line or email Rachel@MidwestManufacturers.com.
AMFA information and member directories
Lower your operating costs
Responding to your needs, we have carefully selected 4 partners — 
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.
Thank you to our valued sponsors!
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.