Calendar of Events:
February 23: CMMA General Meeting
Eagle’s Nest Golf Course, Clearwater MN7:15 – 9:00 AM Meeting
9:00 – 10:00 AM Tour: T.O. Plastics (Clearwater Location)Guest Speaker:
“A Lower Workers Compensation Cost Option”
Presenter: Terry Didion, Meadowbrook Insurance
Minnesota-based manufacturers are invited to explore the potential benefits of a workers compensation insurance option available to association members: the Trifac Fund.Since 1997, the Trifac Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Fund has provided value to manufacturers in Minnesota. The fund has expanded to provide coverage to just over 115 companies, representing $8 million in premium and more than 10,000 employees.
The Trifac fund is administered by Meadowbrook Insurance Group, a Minneapolis-based TPA (third party administrator). Meadowbrook’s Terry Didion will share information about the self-insurance fund, including:
• Benefits of being self-insured
• $5 Million in Dividends!
• How the Trifac Fund is managed
• Performance history of the Fund
• Participation requirements
• Current Membership ListTour: T.O. Plastics
Since 1948, T.O. Plastics has been designing and manufacturing quality thermoformed products and packaging for the medical, industrial, consumer, food, electronics and horticulture industries.
Their Clearwater location is the corporate headquarters and is equipped to serve several different industries including the horticultural supply industry.• ISO 9001:2008 Certified
• In-line Thin Gauge Thermoformers (Brown Machine Company)
• In-line Thin Gauge Thermoformers (Lyle Machine Company)
• Twin Sheet Thermoformers (Brown Machine Company)
• 3 Station Rotarys (AAA / Brown)
• 4 Station Rotarys (T.O. Plastics)
• CNC 5-Axis Machining System (Thermwood Corporation)Sponsor: Insight Insurance
Price: $15/Members, $20/Nonmembers
Registration Deadline: February 17
February 23: 2nd Annual Nanotechnology & Industry Workshop
St. Cloud, MN – St. Cloud State University9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Workshop Description:
Nanotechnology – the science of “very small stuff” - is an enabling technology that is predicted to dramatically impact our future economy, yet many people know relatively little about what is becoming a VERY big deal!
This workshop will introduce attendees to the importance of nanoscale science and how properties can be impacted – and manipulated – at that level so atoms and molecules can be arranged the way researchers or engineers dictate, directly affecting the properties of materials to make them harder or lighter or more durable.Workshop Objectives:
* Demonstrate the benefits of nanotech and advanced materials.
* Highlight industries in the region that are utilizing nanotech and advanced
materials.
* Introduce the concept of nanotech and advanced materials to those industries that may not be aware of the potential impacts of these areas.
*Provide networking opportunities to industry and academia to share ideas and provide potential collaboration opportunities in nanotech and advanced materials as well as other science and engineering areas in an effort to promote economic development.
* Provide our students the opportunity to participate in a scientific/engineering meeting in a convenient location, which will include students presenting their research during the afternoon networking, poster and project session.
* Introduce the region to the capabilities that St. Cloud State University has to offer.
February 28 – March 1: Duluth & St. Louis Days at the Capitol
Crowne Plaza St. Paul RiverfrontAs it has for the past several years, AMFA will again represent the region’s manufacturing industry at the annual Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol. AMFA Government Relations Committee chair Rusty Hoglund, Superior Steel, will oversee necessary planning and preparation. AMFA will set up an exhibit booth at the February 29 - March 1 event, with a number of AMFA members planning to staff the booth and be the “voice of manufacturing” to an audience of Minnesota Senators and Representatives.
Last year, AMFA’s message to legislators focused on three specific topics: storm water regulations, income tax reciprocity between Minnesota / Wisconsin, and the needs of manufacturers. (The industry was successful with regard to the income tax reciprocity issue in 2011.) What are your “hot button” legislative issues this year? AMFA members are encouraged to provide feedback on this question by contacting Sandy Kashmark at the AMFA office. Your input will enable the AMFA Government Relations Committee to serve as your voice at this event.
For more information contact the AMFA office at 877-330-2632
March 5: AMFA Spring Social
Midi Restaurant5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The manufacturing community is invited to a FREE networking opportunity!
AMFA and the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis invite you and a guest to join them at Midi Restaurant in Fitger’s Hotel Complex.
Come and network with invited guests from:
• Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association
• Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association
• Minn-Dak Manufacturers Association
• Tri-State Manufacturers’ AssociationRegistration Requested by: Wednesday, February 29 - Limited to the first 100 registrations!
March 6: TSMA General Meeting
Holiday Inn, Alexandria MNSchedule of Events:
4:00 - 5:00 PM Tour: Aagard (3711 Iowa Street)
5:00 - 5:45 PM Social Time
5:45 - 7:15 PM Dinner and Round Table DiscussionsTour: Aagard
Founded in 1997 by Brenton Smith, Aagard has been experiencing exponential growth and nation-wide success in the packaging equipment industry. The Aagard Group LLC designs, engineers and manufactures automated packaging machinery. Aagard proudly maintains a culture that fosters creative thought and collaboration.Through their continuous effort to redefine the standard, Aagard is delivering packaging systems that give their customers a competitive advantage. Their robust, integrated systems have made them leaders in the packaging industry. Custom built in the USA, Aagard’s equipment will meet and adapt to your evolving packaging challenges.
Round Table Discussions:
The TSMA board of directors will explore a new method of gathering information from the membership about what members “want” from Tri-State Manufacturers’ Association. TSMA’s meeting will provide an opportunity for members to give input on several different topics.Please join the roundtable discussions to interact with your fellow members and influence the role of TSMA regarding:
• Government relations activities and information sharing
• Membership benefits/the value of membership
• Programs and special events
• Workforce development/youth involvementPlease mark your calendar and give some thought to TSMA’s role in the above areas. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please call or email the office to share your thoughts.
Meeting Sponsor: Bremer Bank
RSVP by Friday, March 2
March 6: Legislative Reception at the MN Children’s Museum
10 West 7th Street, St. Paul5:00 – 7:00 PM
Join Minnesota policy makers, manufacturers and business leaders for a special reception in conjunction with the “How People Make Things” exhibit at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience the exhibit first hand and network with statewide industry leaders.How People Make Things will be in St. Paul from February 18 – June 3, 2012. AMFA, CMMA, TSMA and others provided funding for elementary schools in their respective regions to go on field trips to the museum this spring. We encourage you to spread the word about this exhibit to friends, relatives, co-workers, etc. who have elementary age children/grandchildren.
The Exhibit and the Reception are Sponsored by:
•Alexandria Technical & Community College and Packaging Machine Manufacturing Consortium
•American Mold Builders Association, Twin Cities Chapter
•Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association (AMFA)
•Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA)
•Minnesota Center for Excellence for Manufacturing and Engineering (MNCEME)
•Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
•Minnesota Manufacturers Coalition
•Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association (MPMA)
•Tri-State Manufacturers Association (TSMA)
•360 Center of ExcellenceRSVP to LeeAnn: leeannr@runestone.net or 800-654-5773
For more information go to: www.mcm.org
March 14: AMFA General Meeting
Mt. Iron, MNNoon
Tour: Silicon Energy
Silicon Energy delivers the ideal photovoltaic (PV) module for those wanting a long-lasting, aesthetically unique and locally produced solution. Made in the US (Washington and Minnesota), Silicon Energy modules enable you to optimize your system return by installing modules tested and unmatched in their life span. With Silicon Energy modules, you can be confident in helping reduce your carbon footprint through using solar energy, as well as supporting a committed, local business.Guest Speaker: “Social Media/Web Storage”
Information coming soon!RSVP by Friday, March 9
March 14: MN Business Day at the Capitol
Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront7:30 AM – 1:30 PM or 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Minnesota Business Day at the Capitol provides all sizes and types of Minnesota companies the opportunity to see the legislature in action and to influence public policy decisions. Over 800 business leaders gather for a day of education and lobbying at the Capitol.
Tri-State Manufacturers’ Association is sponsoring the event with an offering of five (5) free registrations on a first come, first serve basis (limit one per member company – a $60 value). Only TSMA members qualify for the free tickets. If you are interested in attending Minnesota Business Day at the Capitol, scheduled at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul Riverfront on March 14, 2012, call or email Sandy Kashmark at the TSMA office.
Two sessions are offered on March 14: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM or 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM. Both sessions will begin with opening remarks addressing the current legislative session followed by the chance to attend briefings by Minnesota Chamber staff on the business community’s top priorities. Personal meetings with two or three legislators can be pre-arranged for interested parties. Both sessions join together for a lunch program.
For more information go to: www.mnchamber.com
April 17-18: SME Trade Show
Duluth Entertainment & Convention CenterAgain this year, AMFA will represent the membership with an exhibit at the SME Trade Show scheduled on April 17-18, 2012, at the Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center. Hosted by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration – Minnesota Section, this event features technical sessions, half-day workshops, a trade show, and a vendor’s reception. The theme, “Minnesota Mining: People, Process & Products” will highlight the opportunities and challenges facing Minnesota’s mining personnel. Give the AMFA office a call if you are interested in learning about volunteer opportunities at these upcoming events.
For more information contact the AMFA office at 877-330-2632
April 21: Tour of Manufacturing Fergus Falls/Wahpeton
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The manufacturing tour is modeled after the Tour of Homes concept. Visit a manufacturer in your area … or three or four. You determine which facility to visit first, and you decide how many stops you’ll make. Refreshments will be served at most locations.
Fergus Falls Tours:
Green Plains Otter Tail LLC
ShoreMaster
StoneL
Vector WindowsWahpeton Tours:
Bobcat
Com Del Innovation / Heartland
WCCO Belting
Wil-Rich ManufacturingSponsors:
Dream It Do It
Fergus Falls Chamber of Commerce
Fergus Falls Economic Improvement Commission
Lakes Country Service Cooperative
MState
North Dakota State College of Science
Tri-State Mfg. Association
Wahpeton Economic Development
West Central Initiative
