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 our members. The effort and work should be obvious in the coming months. If you haven’t been to a meeting in a while, please attend the April 6^th meeting (location TBD) and share input or ideas on ways we can provide additional benefit.
 
AMFA is pleased to announce the hiring of Rachel Lolmasteymaugh as the new Executive Director and Bailey Olson as the new Membership & Workforce Development Specialist. Read more about Rachel and Bailey, who resides in Duluth! I am excited with the passion and energy they both bring to their new positions and can’t wait to see all the new ideas.

Make plans to attend AMFA’s upcoming March 10 Beverage Tasting fundraiser. It’s a really fun event - hope to see you there! It has a great atmosphere with live music, pizza and beer and wine to taste! Consider bringing your staff! This year we are offering 10 tickets for $300 ($50 savings). This event is one of only two annual events AMFA holds to raise money to support youth manufacturing programs in the area, which in turn helps all our recruitment efforts. AMFA is continuing to ramp up its participation with the schools in our area to help promote manufacturing. You can help by reaching out to your local school and letting them know they have your support. Get to know your local educators and find out how you can help them inspire our future work.

MMA’s marketing series will continue March 16 with more in the series on April 20 and May 18. Check out all the upcoming events.

Check out the feature articles on Hibbing Fabricators and please consider purchasing an ad in the printed 2022 MMA Membership Directory featuring information on all members of AMFA, CMMA and TSMA, due to come out in early June.

Interested in ramping up your employee benefits package? Learn more about the product MMA added to their MBiz lineup: the Employer Dental and Vision plan.

Together, we can change and evolve, and continue to tackle challenges presented to manufacturers in the AMFA region. We look forward to your continued partnership. If there are additional ways we can help your business during this time, please let me know.

Remember to get out there and have that “Small Talk” and help inspire everyone to take a look at manufacturing careers.

AMFA, as always, we’re in it together. 
 
- Wade Karnes
AMFA President