AMFA President’s Letter – Fall 2024
 
 
Greetings to AMFA members, associates, and friends!
I’m enjoying the return of another stunning fall in Minnesota!
 
Once again Minnesota will celebrate Manufacturing Month in October and I encourage you to take the time to celebrate it in some way. Register to host a public tour here and find resources to help you prepare for and manage a tour here.
 
AMFA is excited to announce the second annual regional Student Tour of Manufacturing will be held in October in the Duluth/Superior and Iron Range regions! At last count 14 schools and over 40 businesses are signed up to participate. Last year over 300 high school students from a dozen high schools toured over 10 manufacturing companies in Northeastern Minnesota! APEX, in partnership with the Lake Superior Perkins Consortium, DEED, and AMFA, is arranging the tours.
 
Hey… also happening in October is a luncheon meeting that will include a tour of Cirrus Aircraft! On October 9 at 11:00 am we will hear from Brad Vieths, Director of Technical Training, followed by the tour. Registration is limited to 25 people so please register right away!
 
Please help me welcome the new Executive Director Lynda Bailey. Lynda recently moved to Northeastern Minnesota from California and brings substantial experience directing a non-profit organization with her. Her first day was September 3. Massive shoutout to Sandy Kashmark for stepping in as Interim Exec Director while we filled the position left by Rachel Lolmasteymaugh. Thank you so much for all you did to keep AMFA running!

Huge shoutout and thanks to all who participated in the 26th annual AMFA Golf Social on June 3 in Cloquet. Your participation was very important as this is the biggest fundraiser for AMFA ET. We raised $2,800 to benefit youth manufacturing programs in the region! Get the detail here.
 
AMFA members - we need your help! AMFA needs new members, and we are embarking on a membership campaign with a goal of 10 new members by year end! Please help us identify potential new members who can bring fresh energy, perspectives, passion, and skills to our association. Everyone that responds will go in a drawing for a $100 Visa gift card to spend as you please! Fill out this survey with the prospective member names.
 
We are very excited to welcome a new member to AMFA: Gavnat of Eden Prairie. See more details in the New Member section of the newsletter.
 
AMFA and ET are seeking nominees for the joint Board of Directors! Nominations are being accepted for terms on this joint board. Two terms are up for election to begin serving in 2025. Contact Lynda to nominate yourself or someone else by October 4.
 
We are looking for speakers, manufacturer tours, and sponsors for upcoming meetings. Please contact Carolyn with your ideas and information.
 
I would also like to encourage your registration and participation in all our upcoming events. We are here to help you succeed, but we need your help and your participation for us to continue to succeed!
 
Wishing you all the best! See you at the meeting on October 9!
 
Best Regards,
Wade Karnes,
AMFA President