Welcome to 2021! Phew, we made it. 2020 was a crazy roller-coaster ride. I like to use the analogy of throwing a rock into a pond for last year. It makes a big splash and upsets everything but eventually the ripples start to get smaller and smooth out. 2020 was much like that and I think we are finally starting to see some of the ripples calm down and hopefully they will continue to smooth out. Though the political landscape is churning, there are great things happening in all of our lives; in the work we do to create and manufacture vital products; in our communities; and in our region of Minnesota and Wisconsin. 
 
I would like to highly encourage you to attend our next virtual meeting on Wednesday, January 13 at 12:00pm. The Cyber Security presentation by Matthew McCullough of Lake Superior College is very timely for all of us. McCullough will teach us about phishing, making your passwords hacker proof, and safe browsing tips for work and home. We will also have a virtual tour of Northland Machine Inc. Our virtual meeting is a great opportunity to associate with like-minded professionals, learn something new, and stay connected with each other. It will be worth your time, especially since you don’t have to drive. 
 
The Marketing for Manufacturers series is continuing on January 20 with a presentation on marketing strategy, planning and execution. Check out all the upcoming events, as well as the recordings of virtual events here.
 
I also wanted to let you know the AMFA board IS planning a beverage tasting event in June and a golf social in August. Ultimately those plans may need to change, but we felt it was important to continue to plan for success.
 
Welcome to our new member; Bronte Gardner of Northwestern Mutual.
 
Check out the AMFA member feature article on Innovational Water Solutions, learn more about the newly launched AMFA website, and please consider a 2021 sponsorship package, starting as low as $106/month. 
 
Together, we can look toward the positive, 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. 
 
AMFA, as always, we’re in it together. 
 
- Wade Karnes
AMFA President