ShoptalkJanuary 2017

1 AMFA is 20 Years Old!

3 Upcoming Events

3 New Goal for AMFA-ET

4 IRRRB Named 2016 MVP

5 AMFA & AMFA-ET Election Results and Officers

6 MMA Names Officers

7 DIDI Teacher Guide Adopted Nationally

7 AMFA Committess Need You!

Content:

AMFA is affiliated with Midwest Manufacturers’ Association...Continued on Page 2

AMFA Celebrates 20 Years

AMFA is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2017! In honor of this noteworthy milestone, Shoptalk will reminisce about the history of AMFA by sharing stories and recognition of those who have been involved throughout the years. The reminiscing will begin where AMFA began – with Gene Betts. No history of AMFA would be complete without input from Gene. With support from his then-employer Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), Gene was instrumental in getting AMFA off the ground and on the road to self-sufficiency. In 1985 Betts went to work for NRRI, whose unique and challenging mission was to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment. It was a time when the natural resource based industries such as mining and timber were in a bad slump. With his background as a construction millwright he was hired as the primary Research Shop Foreman. Part of his job was to approach industries to see if there were ways NRRI could help them grow. He and Randy Studier, who worked for Minnesota Technology Inc., would go to companies and assess their capabilities and equipment. They would interview their employees. They evaluated all sectors of manufacturing which included machine shops, welding, the wood products industry, and customized sewing. It was a huge task but in talking to the various manufacturers the idea for Arrowhead Manufacturers and Fabricators Association was born. A membership association would get the manufacturers and fabricators in the region together, to work and talk together and combine resources and knowledge. It would be a member driven organization which hosted monthly featured speakers to provide learning opportunities.

January 2017 Page 2

AMFA Celebrates 20 Years- The beginning...continued from pg 1

NRRI’s goal was to make this an independent, self-sustaining association, so the decision was made to search out the best and brightest partners to support manufacturers in all areas they might need help. Arrowhead Metal Fabricators Association was founded in December 1997. (After a couple of years the name was changed to Arrowhead Manufacturers and Fabricators Association to more fully describe the membership.) Gene Betts was its first President. Initial funding from NRRI enabled Betts to work on the formation of the new association and to secure the 501(C)6 nonprofit status. “From our perspective we reached out to everyone who could benefit manufacturers,” said Betts. “We looked for partners to support manufacturers in all the areas they might need help; equipment, bidding, training, financial, machine tool suppliers, and more.”

By the end of 1998 AMFA had grown to 16 members.

Admittedly manufacturers were not initially ready to embrace AMFA. At the beginning there were seven manufacturers/fabricators as members. Most of the manufacturers were competing against each other for the jobs to capture work from the mining and timber industries. It was a concerted effort by a strong core of believers that got them together. They gathered ideas that worked with other manufacturing associations in the state like Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association and Tri-State Manufacturers’ Association, who brought in speakers to talk about how you can work together and that cooperation was a benefit not a deterrent. By collaborating on bidding on the large projects, the small manufacturer could benefit.

It was apparent from the start that the Technical Colleges in the region needed to be involved. There was a mentality at that time that the U.S. was becoming a service based economy and wouldn’t need a skilled manufacturing workforce. In reality, and this has been proven true today, the U.S. needs a skilled workforce of manufacturers and fabricators. According to Betts, “The relationship with the skilled trade facilities is a huge success.” The support of all the technical colleges and customized training programs has truly helped to make AMFA strong. Betts went on to say, “Mary Brandt has been a true champion in getting money for customized training programs to increase employee skill levels.”

Betts stressed that there was a whole group of people involved at the beginning who worked hard to make this a viable, independent organization. He acknowledged he had a goal in mind; what he wanted the organization to do. “I take pride in the fact that it is a great organization; a flexible organization,” said Betts. Others involved on that founding AMFA Board of Directors were Mark Shervey, Scott Bergum, Tom Farrell, and Gary Werhoven.

Article written by Stephanie Davis, Executive Assistant

A couple of memories stand out for Betts. He remembers feeling really good when AMFA membership reached 50 in 2002. Also, the first golf tournament hosted by AMFA Educational Trust was in 1999. “Nobody on the Board had any experience in hosting a golf tournament. It would have been a total disaster if Mary Brandt hadn’t stepped in,” said Betts.

Betts stepped back after four or five years to let AMFA flourish and grow. He was named Director Emeritus in 2003.

Betts’ vision for an AMFA with strong ties to education is best summed up by current AMFA President, Jeremy Lehman, Tritec Steel. When asked what he thought AMFA’s greatest achievement has been after 20 years, Lehman replied, “In my opinion one of the greatest achievements of AMFA and the Educational Trust is giving out grants to schools and tech programs. With school budgets the way they are, the money we are able to give out in many cases makes the difference between having a program and not having one. Probably the biggest issue facing manufacturers is not being able to find skilled workers and all the work AMFA has done to help improve the image of manufacturing and support the high school and college manufacturing programs really does help get kids interested and keeps the programs going. And it’s all made possible by the generosity of our members, both in time and money.”

Watch for more articles chronicling AMFA’s first 20 years throughout this anniversary year.

January 2017 Page 3

Upcoming Events

AMFA Holiday Social & Annual Meeting Wednesday, January 11, 2017 Proctor

$20/person includes pasta buffet and one beverage ticket

5:30 p.m. Social6:30 p.m. Dinner/Annual Meeting

Click here for flyer

AMFA General Meeting Wednesday, February 8, 2017 Range

12:00 p.m. Noon

Details to be released soon!

AMFA-ET Announces $20,000 goal!

In January 2016, AMFA Educational Trust announced a goal to raise $15,000 in 2016 by means of cash donations and fundraising events. Thanks to the exemplary support of numerous AMFA members and friends, the $15,000 goal was surpassed at the conclusion of the Golf Social in June!

With an 18 year history, the annual Golf Social continues to be not only an impressive networking opportunity, but also ET’s strongest fund raiser, with the 2016 event showing a profit of just over $8,300. Corporate sponsorships play a significant role in the success of the golf social, along with golfer participation fees, revenue from the silent auction, and a grant from the Fond du Lac Tribal Council.

In its fourth year, the Beer Tasting Social really hit its stride in 2016, drawing a crowd of 153 people and posting a profit of over $6,300! As the premier sponsor, Consulate General of Canada once again played a key role in the success of the 2016 Beer Tasting Social.

Grant applications from K-12 schools in the region have begun arriving at a faster pace and creating the need for additional revenue. The ET Board of Directors has thus embraced a goal to raise $20,000 this year! This ambitious goal will likely be supported by enhancements at both social events, along with a fundraising drive later in the year.

Funds raised by the AMFA Educational Trust are used for workforce development in the region, primarily via grants to K-12 schools to fund equipment purchases, tooling and supplies, robotics teams, and field trips to manufacturing facilities. ET awarded a total of $9,696 in support of 14 different grant applications in 2016. Since 2005, ET has provided funding support totally more than $146,500!

Thank you to every company and every individual who played a role in helping the AMFA Education Trust reach its 2016 goal of $15,000 to support workforce development in the region. Together, we are making difference!

A sincere “thank you” to all who contributed in 2016

AMFA-ET's Beer Tasting Fundraiser

Plans are in the works for the 5th Annual Beer (and Wine) Tasting Fundraiser. Watch for more details and sponsorship opportunities.

A cost effective way to reach a broad manufacturing audience.

Promote your product or service to AMFA, CMMA, and TSMA for one annual fee.

To learn more, contactSandy Kashmark at 800-654-5773

midwest@runestone.net

January 2017 Page 4

2002 Mary Brandt 2003 John Eagleton 2004 Heidi Timm-Bijold 2005 Jamie Dettmann 2006 Gene Betts 2007 Bob Mars Jr. 2008 Dan Larson 2009 Diane Rauschenfels 2010 Rusty Hoglund 2011 Diane Morin 2012 Sandy Kashmark 2013 Richard Lien 2014 Todd Hanson 2015 Gary Werkhoven 2016 IRRRB

The AMFA Educational Trust named Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) as its 2016 Most Valuable Partner. The MVP award is given annually to acknowledge an individual or organization’s efforts to support the mission of the AMFA Educational Trust.

Located in Eveleth, IRRRB is a State of Minnesota agency that focuses on the promotion of and investment in business, community and workforce development for the betterment of northeastern Minnesota. IRRRB has been a supporting member of AMFA for 16 years, as well as a significant sup-porter of AMFA Educational Trust golf socials held at Giants Ridge Golf Course.

Most notably, IRRRB has partnered with AMFA for the past several years to promote the region’s manufacturing capabili-ties at the annual FabTech Expo, North America’s largest met-al forming, fabrication, welding and finishing event. IRRRB’s support and expertise have been critical in enabling AMFA to promote the membership at events in Atlanta, Chicago, and Las Vegas.

In 2016, IRRRB invited partnership from AMFA, APEX, and the Northland Foundation to launch AMFA Connection, a web-site designed to capture and quickly disseminate RFQ’s that align with the capacity and capabilities of manufacturers in the region. Check out this new resource at www.AMFAconnect.com.

The mission of the AMFA Educational Trust is to disseminate information about employment opportunities in manufactur-ing, provide grants to regional educational institutions, and support lifelong learning in technical education.

A list of past MVP award winners can be found in the adjacent box.

Photo left to right: Sandy Bryant (Hibbing Fabricators), Matt Schoberg and Lori Spielman (IRRRB), Mary Brandt (Advanced MN), Jeremy Lehman (Tritec Steel), and Dan Larson (Hydrosolutions of Duluth).

AMFA Educational Trust Names IRRRB as 2016 Most Valuable Partner

Recipients of the AMFA Educational Trust MVP Award

January 2017 Page 5

AMFA and AMFA Educational Trust Board of Director election results were announced at the December 7th membership meeting in Duluth. Nine nominees were listed on the ballot that was issued electronically in December, with seven seats available.

Re-elected to the board were incumbents Mary Brandt (Advanced Minnesota), Bill Gundersen (Lake Superior College), Todd Hanson (Productivity, Inc.), Ian Vincent (APEX), and Ron Yardley (Interstate All Battery Center). Newly elected as first-term board members were Patrick Hughley (Enbridge) and Brad Vieths (Duluth Public Schools.). The seven individuals named above will each serve a two year term beginning January 1, 2017.

Additional members of the AMFA and AMFA Educational Trust board of directors are: Jeff Borling (Great River Energy), Jeremy Lehman (Tritec Steel), Mike Fitzpatrick (Two Harbors High School), Ray Mattison (Proto HUB), Jim Petruga (Northern Engineering), and Scott Youngdahl (W.P. & R.S. Mars Co.).

On behalf of the membership of Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association, thank you to all nominees and those named above for your willingness to share your time and expertise for the betterment of manufacturing in the region.

AMFA/AMFA-ET Election Results2017 Officers Named

Jeremy Lehman and Jim Petruga were elected to serve as 2017 presidents for AMFA and AMFA Educational Trust, respectively. AMFA and AMFA Educational Trust operate with the same board of directors. However, the IRS requires each organization to have independent officers.

Lehman is a Production Manager at Tritec Steel, a Virginia, MN, manufacturer specializing in steel fabrication. This is his third and final term as AMFA President – the Bylaws limit the presidency to three consecutive years. Ian Vincent, Director

Lehman Named AMFA President

Petruga named AMFA-ET President

of Business Development at APEX, was elected to a second term as Vice President. Jeff Borling with Great River Energy was named AMFA’s Secretary and Mary McCauley Brandt with Advanced Minnesota was named Treasurer.

Petruga is the Sales Manager at NECO Solutions, a company specializing in machining at Northern Engineering and steel fabrication at Fraser Shipyards. This is his first term as President of the Educational Trust. Todd Hanson, Productivity, Inc., was named to a third term as Vice President. The Secretary/Treasurer position was filled by Bill Gundersen, Lake Superior College.

Thank You!Thank you to the members who attended the December 14th AMFA meeting to share ideas on how AMFA can better serve its members. Many good ideas were shared by those in attendance, facilitated by Heath Boe, Rural Workforce Coordinator. Thank you Heath.

Ron Yardley deserves special recognition for his culinary skills in making the jambalaya and cornbread for lunch. Certainly a change of pace from the usual and it was a great way to warm up on a cold December day.

A Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Program

To find out if your company can benefit from the Trifac Self-Insurance Fund, contact the Association office.

800-654-5773 or midwest@runestone.net

January 2017 Page 6

Elroy Vesta was recently named 2017 President of Elbow Lake-based Midwest Manufacturers’ Association. Vesta owns EJ Enterprises, a Fergus Falls-based provider of printing and promotional products. Vesta is a founding member of Midwest Manufacturers’ Association and has served on the board since 2001. This is his second term as President.

Steve Utech was named Vice President of the association. Utech serves as a Sr. Vice President at Republic Bank, head quartered in Duluth, MN. He, too, is a founding member and has served on the board of directors for Midwest Manufacturers’ Association since 2001.

Steve Leen, Partner at BergenKDV, will serve as Secretary of the organization in 2017. The Treasurer position was filled by Ed Bolas, Controller at Dycast Specialties in Starbuck, MN.

Serving as Directors in 2017 are: Les Engel, Engel Metallurgical, Sauk Rapids; Dan Larson, Hydrosolutions of Duluth; Jeremy Lehman, Tritec Steel, Virginia; Nick Weis, Custom Caseworks, Sauk Rapids; and Evan Westra, West Tool & Design, Fergus Falls.

MMA Names Officers for 2017

New Member Corner

Acme Tools4332 Grand AvenueDuluth, MN 55807Mike Carlson, General Managermcarlson@acmetools.com218-628-5602www.acmetools.com

Supplier of industrial and construction tools.

Welcome to AMFA

AMFA to represent manufacturing at the MN Capitol

AMFA will continue a long standing tradition this winter with representation of the region’s manufacturing industry at the 20th annual Duluth and St. Louis County Day at the Capitol. AMFA Government Relations Committee members Dan Larson, Hydrosolutions of Duluth, and Jeff Borling, Great River Energy, will oversee necessary planning and preparation. AMFA will set up an exhibit booth at the March 29-30 event, with additional AMFA members volunteering to staff the booth and be the “voice o manufacturing” to an audience of Minnesota Senators and Representatives. The event will be held at the Intercontinental St. Paul River Hotel.

In talking to legislators that stop by our booth, volunteers will use the AMFA Legislative Priorities document confirmed by the membership a year ago to focus the conversation on issues that are a priority to manufacturers in the AMFA region. Legislation that could benefit manufacturers in the region includes:

• Streamline regulatory and permitting processes• Support efficient tax code reform to reduce the burden on

business• Invest in workforce development and talent recruitment• Maintain critical multi-modal transportation infrastructure

Manufacturers – what are your “hot button” legislative issues this year? If you would like to add another issue to the list above, please contact a committee member or the AMFA office to share your comments. Your input will enable AMFA to better serve as your voice in St. Paul in March.

Duluth & St. Louis County Day at the Capitol

January 2017 Page 7

AMFA is a volunteer driven association. The value the organization brings to the region correlates directly with the contributions of members who volunteer their time and expertise. Through its relationship with Midwest Manufacturers’ Association, AMFA purchases staff time to handle a variety of tasks on a week to week and month to month basis. MMA staff also assists with coordinating volunteer led projects so that volunteer involvement can be as easy and time-conscientious as possible.

If you say “yes” to a particular AMFA project or committee, you decide how involved your schedule allows you to be, knowing you can rely on AMFA staff for assistance, reminders, and encouragement.

Can we add your name to a committee roster? Please call or email the AMFA office to ask questions or express interest in the following volunteer opportunities:

Education Partnership Committee: Purpose: Enhance the relationship between K-12 education and manufacturers for the purpose of increasing understanding of modern manufacturing and related career opportunities. Current Chair: OPEN

Program Committee: Purpose: Determine a topic, guest speaker, and tour site for each AMFA general meeting. Current Chair: Mary Brandt, Advanced Minnesota.

Government Affairs Committee: Purpose: Serve as the voice for industry in the region by strengthening the connection between manufacturers and legislators. Current Chair: Jeff Borling, Great River Energy

Marketing/Membership Committee: Purpose: Promote AMFA and enhance the value of membership. Current Chair: Wendy Fern, InfraMetals

Training Committee: Purpose: Develop collaborative training opportunities for AMFA members and enhance member awareness of manufacturing-related training in the region. Current Chair: OPEN

ET Grant Review Committee: Purpose: Evaluate grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. Current Chair: Bill Gundersen, Lake Superior College

ET Fundraising Events: Purpose: Plan and execute events that raise funds to support the AMFA Educational Trust. Annual events include a Beer Tasting Social in the spring and a summer golf social. Beer Social Chair: Ian Vincent, APEX. Golf Chair: Todd Hanson, Productivity.

Dream It. Do It. Minnesota,led by 360 Manufacturing Center of Excellence, is pleased to share that The Manufacturing In-stitute has released an Educator Guide based on the Minne-sota Teacher Guide.

The new Educator Guide is now part of the national Dream It. Do It. program, providing lesson plans, fact sheets, and student activities to introduce students to modern manufac-turing. Dream It. Do It. works to enhance the perception of the industry and inspire next-generation workers to pursue manufacturing careers.

“We are pleased that a resource developed for Minnesota educators was able to be adapted for national use,” states Jaimee Meyer, Dream It. Do It. Minnesota Executive Director. “We hope this leads to more students learning about the great opportunities available in modern manufacturing.” The Guide is intended as a “go to” resource for teachers and school sup-port staff. It’s also a great resource for companies to share with partner schools. West Central Minnesota Dream It. Do It. Outreach Coordinator Kari Krusemark has been diligent in distributing the Teacher Guide to faculty at all K-12 schools in West Central Minnesota. That said, you may know of a teach-er whose students could benefit; contact the TSMA office to request a copy(s).

Local companies noted in both the state and national editions include: Douglas Machine, Douglas Scientific, Pequot Tool, and Graphic Packaging.

Minnesota’s Teacher Guide was developed as part of 360’s work as a National Science Foundation Advanced Technolog-ical Educational Center. In addition to Dream It. Do It. Minne-sota and The Manufacturing Institute, the national guide was made possible by the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation.

Dream It. Do It. Minnesota is supported by gold sponsors Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association and Tri-State Manufacturers’ Association.

DREAM IT. DO IT. Minnesota Teacher Guide Adopted Nationally!

AMFA Committees – YOU can contribute!

Like AMFA on Facebook :)

January 2017 Page 8

218.723.4040 • 800.433.4045 www.northlandfdn.org

Partnering with businesses and banks, providing capital to grow

our region’s economy.

Business FinanceProgram

Michael Colclough

Check Out This Feature on the AMFA Website!

Exciting things will be happening with the AMFA website in 2017. Watch for them!!

www.amfa-mn-wi.org

A tremendous amount of time and effort goes into making sure the information in the MMA Directory is as accurate as possible.

Watch your inbox as emails will be sent to each company’s main member contact asking if the information is correct or if changes are needed when compared to the information in the 2016 MMA Directory. Please contact stephd@runestone.net with any corrections.

The advertising rates are so affordable! Are you interested in advertising? Contact Steph for rates at 800-654-5773.

2017 Membership Directory Information Needs Your Review

Post Your Job Openings for FREE

Visit www.amfa-mn-wi.org to see current job openings.

Do you have a job opening you'd like posted? Email stephd@runestone.net and your posting(s) will be included on the website for 30 days. This is a free benefit for all AMFA members.

The “Legislator Connection”A program called “Legislator Connection” encourages manufacturing members to use AMFA staff time to coordinate a visit from a local senator or representative.

You get one-on-one time to express concerns, ask questions, and increase awareness of the high skill, high wage, high technology careers options the industry has to offer.

Call or email the office today to utilize the Legislator Connection! We make it easy for you!

January 2017 Page 9

Midwest Insurance MarketplaceA Health Exchange for AMFA members!

It’s Easy! Sign up, choose plans, and upload your employee census through the Midwest Insurance Marketplace. Complete the selection of your major medical plan. All online! You will then be instructed on how to enroll in medical and ancillary/voluntary benefits.

Try before you buy! CieloChoice provides the opportunity to preview the major medical plans offered in your area without the commitment of establishing an employer account. Simply choose “Start Now” to view samples of the plans available to you.

Offer your employees an affordable benefits program!

www.midwest-healthexchange.com

Questions? Scott Whelan at Meadowbrook

(800 482-2726 ext. 5751)

mnsales@meadowbrook.com

What’s new with the Iron Range Makerspace (IRM) ?

Iron Range Makerspace (IRM) has closed on a building! We purchased the old Hibbing VFW, just off Highway 169 near Caribou Coffee and are now deep into planning, remodeling, and supplying the space! The space is around 12,000 square feet and when remodeled will have a metal shop, wood shop, clean room, 3 conference rooms, kitchen, and a retail space. Our hope is to be open to the public near the end of April.

The Iron Range Entrepreneurial Center (IREC) is a program that is starting in January that is funded by a grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA). This program will allow up to 25 entrepreneurs receive a 50% reduction to their monthly dues at the makerspace plus free access to many business related trainings over the next year! If you know anyone who is interesting in applying please contact Andrew, download the application from the IRM website, or email us.

Thanks to those who voted for the IRM entry in the December Bernzomatic Find Your Fire grant competition online at: http://www.bernzomatic.com/Grants. We competed as “FLAME ON! AN IRON RANGE MAKERSPACE PROJECT” and described the Iron Range Makerspace LLC (IRM) as highly passionate about bringing out the fire inside community members both young and wise, an incubator space with a mission to inspire local talent to do more with their making abilities

Iron Range Makerspace (IRM) continues to hold meetings which are free, open to the public, family friendly, and include an optional homemade meal around $6 per person. Join us at the Tourist Center Senior Citizens at 1202 E Howard Street, Hibbing, MN.

Maker Meet Up, 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan 17, Feb 21Makers receive updates on Iron Range Makerspace (IRM), followed by Q & A, a “make” activity, and optional sharing about their own projects.

Makers TALK, 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan 3, Feb 72 speakers each present 10 minutes on a topic of expertise, each followed by discussion. - February 7, Debi Sundquist will talk about chalk painting furniture or anything. After discussion, Charlotte Hanegmon will talk about resumes that earn interviews.

Entrepreneurial Open House, 1pm-7:00 p.m. Jan 19 This will be an opportunity for those who wish to learn about IREC come to hear what the program is all about.

Article Submitted by: Andrew Hanegmon, Facilitator, Iron Range Makerspace218-966-1192ironrangemakerspace@gmail.com

January 2017 Page 10

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January 2017 Page 11

Grant Funding Available AMFA Educational Trust

Help spread the word: AMFA-ET has grant funds available to award to eligible 501(c)3 organizations in the region that meet the following criteria:

• Employment opportunities in manufacturing• Grants to educational institutions• Lifelong learning in manufacturing-related education

Grant application forms are available on the AMFA website or by contacting the AMFA office. Eligible proposals will be reviewed by the AMFA-ET Board of Directors on a biannual basis.

Adopt-A-School GuideImagine a partnership that is a win-win scenario. One that offers high potential to show a long term return on your investment, a future talent pool for your industry, and relationships that pave the way to give back to the community.

Get your copy of the “Adopt a School Guide: A Toolkit for Employers” today. Available in hard copy the 16-page guide provides a wealth of information about developing a relationship with your local school.

Manufacturers - take the first step today:get your hands on a copy of the all new

Adopt-A-School Guide

Member FDIC

Duluth HermantownPoplarSolon SpringsSuperior-MainSuperior-Midtown

National Bank of Commerce is a local community bank that invests in our region. When you bank with NBC, the money you deposit here, stays here. Because that’s what fuels a healthy economy.

nbcbanking.com/SwitchToday218.740.2448

We make more possible.

A deposit here isan investment here.

Thank You 2017Education Sponsors

January 2017 Page 12

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LEARNING MODULE TOPICSThe 26 topics covered have been identified and prioritized by industry and business professionals, including:

• Verbal Communications

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HELP EMPLOYEES SUCCEED IN THE WORKPLACE360mn.org/action/skill-development

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You need employees who understand what it means to be a productive, valuable employee with good workplace skills. 360’s series of online learning modules introduce important skills to help current and future employees succeed in their careers.

January 2017 Page 13

AMFA-ET OFFICERS

Jim Petruga, AMFA -ET Sec/TreasurerNorthern Engineering 715-394-4211jpetruga@noengwks.com

Todd Hanson, AMFA-ET V PresidentProductivity, Inc 218-343-5755thanson@productivity.com

Bill Gundersen, AMFA-ET PresidentLake Superior College 218-733-5915w.gundersen@lsc.edu

AMFA & AMFA-ET DIRECTORSMike FitzpatrickTwo Harbors School 218-834-8201mfitzpat@isd381.k12.mn.us

Patrick HughleyEnbridge Energy 218-491-1544patrick.hughley@enbridge.com

AMFA OFFICERS:

Jeremy Lehman, AMFA PresidentTritec Steel 218-404-6860jeremy@tritecmn.com

Ian Vincent, AMFA Vice PresidentAPEX 218-740-3667ian@apexgetsbusiness.com

Jeff Borling, AMFA SecretaryGreat River Energy 218-727-8525jborling@grenergy.com

Mary Brandt, AMFA TreasurerAdvanced Minnesota 218-262-6785mary.brandt@advancedmn.org

Board of Directors:

Advertising Rates: Dues Structure:

one six twelve month months months1/8 page $30 $125 $2001/4 page $50 $225 $3751/2 page $85 $400 $675Full page $150 $700 $1200

Contact Steph Davis at the AMFA office for more information:Phone: 877-330-2632 Email: stephd@runestone.net

AMFA Member Rates

Nonmember advertising accepted ... call the AMFA office for rate information.

No. of Employees Dues Sole Proprietor $100 2 to 5 $ 150 6 to 15 $ 200 16 to 30 $ 275 31 to 50 $ 325 51 to 99 $ 375 100 or more $ 450 Government $ 275 Education $275

AMFA dues may be deducted as an ordinary business expense for tax purposes, but are not deductible as a charitable donation.

Shoptalk is produced and edited by:

Midwest Mfg. AssociationPO Box 150, Elbow Lake, MN 56531877-330-2632 stephd@runestone.net

If you have comments, suggestions for future stories, or would like to inquire about advertising, please contact the Midwest Manufacturers’ Association office. AMFA is affiliated with

Midwest Manufacturers’ Association

AMFA & AMFA-ET DIRECTORSRaymond Mattison IIIProto.HUB Duluth 218-343-3414ray@protohub.us

Brad ViethsDuluth Public Schools 218-336-8700bradley.vieths@isd709.org

Ron YardleyInterstate All Battery 715-392-3710ron@iabctwinports.com

Scott Youngdahl 218-391-6516 Mars Supplysyoungdahl@marssupply.com

DIRECTOR EMERITUSGene BettsBetts & Associates 218-428-5088bettsandassociates@frontiernet.net

January 2017 Page 14

360° Center of ExcellenceBemidji, MNJeremy Leffelman 218-755-2208jleffelman@bemidjistate.edu

A.W. Kuettel & SonsDuluth, MNAdam Kuettel 218-722-3901akuettel@awkuettel.com

Accuflex CoatingsProctor, MNTony Coda 218-727-9180tony@tonycoda.com

Acme ToolsDuluth, MNMike Carlson 218-628-5602mcarlson@acmetools.com

Advanced MN: Five colleges. One trainng solution.Mary Brandt 218-262-6785marybrandt@hibbing.edu

Aitkin Iron WorksAitkin, MNJeff Chatelle 218-927-2400jwc@aiw.com

Alignex, Inc.Edina, MNBrian Rickenbach 952-224-5319brian.rickenbach@alignex.com

Altec HiLineDuluth, MNJake Pessenda 218-722-9200jake.pessenda@altechiline.com

American Precision AvionicsDuluth, MNLynn Andrews 218-722-1770landrews@apavionics.com

APEXDuluth, MNIan Vincent 218-740-3667ian@apexgetsbusiness.com

Arrowhead Product Develop.Duluth, MN Gary Werkhoven 218-525-5210gwerkhoven@arprodev.com

Aspen AerialsDuluth, MN Pat Clark 218-624-1111pclark@aspenaerials.com

Barnum High SchoolBarnum, MN Brian Kazmierczak 218-389-3273brian.kazmierczak@barnum.k12.mn.us

Bay West, LLCDuluth, MNGene Kuppenbender 218-740-0110genek@baywest.com

Bayfield Cty Economic Dev CorpWashburn, WIScottie Sandstrom 715-209-4589scottie@bayfieldcountyedc.com

Betts & AssociatesKnife River, MNGene Betts 218-428-5088bettsandassociates@frontiernet.net

Blackhawk IndustrialSt. Cloud, MNKen Voigt 320-253-1020ken.voigt@blackhawkid.com

Carlton ISD 93Carlton, MN Peter E. Haapala 218-384-4225phaapala@carlton.k12.mn.us

CAST CorporationHibbing, MN Tim Bungarden 218-263-8510tbungarden@castcorporation.com

Cherry SchoolIron, MN Tim Herring 218-258-8991therring@isd2142.k12.mn.us

Chicago Tube & IronProctor, MN Chuck Davidson 218-723-8111chuckdavidson@chicagotube.com

Chisholm High SchoolChisholm, MN Erik Kuusinen 218-254-5726 ekuusinen@chisholm.k12.mn.us

CliftonLarsonAllen LLPWaite Park, MNJamie Henkemeyer 218-828-0100jhenkemeyer@larsonallen.com

Cook County SchoolsGrand Marais,, MN Adam Nelson 218-387-2271 anelson@isd166.k12.mn.us

Cromwell-Wright SchoolCromwell, MN Paul Webster 218-644-3737 pwebster@isd95.org

Detroit Diesel RemanufacturingHibbing, MN David Rhode 218-262-6693 ext. 132drhode@dmrelectronics.com

Duluth Area ChamberDuluth, MNDavid Ross 218-740-3755dross@duluthchamber.com

Duluth Brass ManufacturingDuluth, MNAdam Holt 218-262-2564adamholt@duluthbrass.com

Duluth, City ofDuluth, MNHeidi Timm-Bijold 218-730-5324htimmbijold@duluthmn.gov

Duluth Denfeld High SchoolDuluth, MNTonya Sconiers 218-336-8975tonya.sconiers@isd709.org

Duluth East Hgh SchoolDuluth, MNLaurie Knapp 218-336-8845laurie.knapp@isd709.org

Duluth Seaway Port AuthorityDuluth, MNKate Ferguson 218-727-8525kferguson@duluthport.com

Ely Memorial High SchoolEly, MNMary McGrane 218-365-6166mmcgrane@ely.k12.mn.us

Enbridge Energy Duluth, MNPatrick Hughley 218-464-5654patrick.hughley@enbridge.com

Esko High SchoolEsko, MNJustin Scheider 218-879-4673jscheider@esko.k12.mn.us

Eveleth-Gilbert Schools ISD 2154Eveleth, MNSteve Clouse 218-744-4381sclouse@isd2154.k12.mn.us

Exodus Machines Inc.Superior, WIAdam Bennis 715-395-3703abennis@exodusmachinesinc.com

Frandsen Bank & TrustPine City, MN Eric Barth 320-629-1111ebarth@frandsenfinancial.com

Fraser Shipyards, Inc.Superior, WI Jim Petruga 715-394-4211jpetruga@noengwks.com

Galaxy Enterprises, LLCRothsay, MN Roque Rossetti 218-867-2244roque@galaxy-enterprises.com

Good Sheet, LLCDuluth, MNKyle Campbell 218-740-3500 kyle@epicureancs.com

Grand Rapids High SchoolGrand Rapids, MN Tim Larson 218-327-5760tlarson@isd318.org

Granite Equity PartnersSt. Cloud, MN Patrick Edeburn 320-251-1800pat@graniteequity.com

Great River EnergyMaple Grove, MN Jeff Borling 218-355-8088jborling@grenergy.com

Hermantown High SchoolHermantown, MNTyler Homstad 218-729-8874tylerhomstad@hermantown.k12.mn.us

Hibbing FabricatorsHibbing, MNSandy Bryant 218-262-5575sandy@hibfab.com

Hibbing High SchoolHibbing, MNThad Johannessohn 218-208-0841thadjohann@hotmail.com

Hydrosolutions of Duluth, Inc.Duluth, MNDan Larson 218-722-7001dan@hydrosolutionsofduluth.com

IDS FabricationSuperior, WITyler Swor 715-718-2258tswor@idswj.com

Infra-MetalsBarrington Hills, ILWendy Fern 815-587-2551wendyf@infra-metals.com

Interstate All Battery CenterSuperior, WIRon Yardley 715-392-3710ron@iabctwinports.com

Iron Range Res. & Rehab. BoardEveleth, MN Lori Spielman 218- 735-3041lori.spielman@state.mn.us

JNBA Financial AdvisorsDuluth, MNBrian Resch 218-249-0044brian.resch@jnba.com

Kittok Sales, Inc.Maple Plain, MNDan Kittok 763-479-2200kittoksale@aol.com

L & M RadiatorHibbing, MNTom Baumchen 218-263-8993tbaumchen@mesabi.com

Lake Superior CollegeDuluth, MNBill Gundersen 800-432-2884w.gundersen@lsc.edu

AMFA Membership:

January 2017 Page 15

Lakeview Christian AcademyDuluth, MNDr. Todd Benson 218-723-8844todd.benson.lca@gmail.com

Larkin HoffmanMinneapolis, MNMark Geier 952-896-3228mgeier@larkinhoffman.com

Mars SupplyDuluth, MNBob Mars 218-628-0303rmars3@marssupply.com

ME ElecmetalDuluth, MN Dave Sarvela 218-213-9584dsarvela@meglobal.com

Meadowbrook InsuranceBloomington, MN Scott Whelan 952-886-77511 scott.whelan@meadowbrook.com

Mielke Electric WorksDuluth, MNBob Poulter 218-727-7411rapoulter@mielkeelectric.com

Minnesota PowerDuluth, MNNancy Norr 218-723-3913nnorr@mnpower.com

Moline Machinery LLCDuluth, MNByron Helland 218-624-5734 bhelland@moline.com

MomentivDuluth, MNJustin Black 218-428-8924justin@gomomentiv.com

Mt. Iron/Buhl High SchoolMt. Iron, MNMatt Lechtenberg 218-735-8271 mlechtenberg@mib.k12.mn.us

Nashwauk-Keewatin High SchoolNashwauk, MNJoe Gabardi 218-885-1280jgabardi@isd319.org

National Bank of CommerceSuperior, WIBruce Thompson 715-394-8930bthompson@nbcbanking.com

North Woods High School Cook, MNJohn Metsa 218-666-5221jmetsa@isd2142.k12.mn.us

Northeast Higher Ed Virginia, MNBill Maki 218-471-0016wmaki@nhed.edu

Northeast Range SchoolBabbitt, MNKelly Engman 218-827-3101kengman@isd2142.k12.mn.us

Northern EngineeringSuperior, WIJim Petruga 715-394-4211jpetruga@noengwks.com

Northland FoundationDuluth, MNMichael Colclough 218-723-4040michael@northlandfdn.org

Northland MachineGrand Rapids, MNKent Demarais 218-328-6479kentd@northlandmachine.com

Northstar AerospaceDuluth, MN Gary Corradi 218-720-2920gcorradi@northstaraerospace.com

NRRIDuluth, MNSteve Johnson 218-720-4312sjohnson@nrri.umn.edu

Plastics InternationalEden Prairie, MNPaul Carter 952-934-2303paulc@plasticsintl.com

Power Step, Inc.Duluth, MN Jenna Wencl 218-525-3758sales@powerstepinc.com

Precision Points Machining Proctor, MNRobert Forrestal 218-628-2059precisionpoints@yahoo.com

Proctor Area SchoolsProctor, MNNancy Litman 218-628-4926 nlitman@proctor.k12.mn.us

Productivity, Inc.Two Harbors, MNTodd Hanson 218-834-5508thanson@productivity.com

Proto.HUB DuluthDuluth, MNRaymond Mattison III 218-343-3414ray@protohub.us

PrototekChaska, MNDave Meyer 952-361-5598david@prototek-engineering.com

Rapids Process EquipmentCohasset, MNBrent Roering 218-999-5100brent@rpeus.com

Republic BankDuluth, MNSteve Utech 218-733-6463sutech@bankrepublic.com

Schaeffer Lube & Fuel AdditivesDeerwood, MNPete Berg 218-534-3445pjbergent@yahoolcom

Security State BankHibbing, MNAaron Clusiau 218-263-8855aclusiau@ssbhibbing.com

Specialty Staff Inc.Bloomington MNBruce Lindgren 952-948-1101www.ssigroup.net

Spooner Machine Inc.Spooner, WIRandy McQuade 715-635-3220sales@spoonermachine.com

Sterling Payment TechnologiesCincinnati, OHBridgette Kime 888-564-9564bridgette.kime@sterlingbuyinggroup.com

Stone MachinerySt. Paul, MNTom Drazkowski 651-778-8887tdrazkowski@stonemachinery.com

Superior Hydraulics RepairSuperior, WIBrian Seckinger 715-392-4300brians@wwmwinc.com

Trison Electronic Design & Mfg.Hibbing, MN Jim Keranen 218-262-4402jkeranen@trison.com

TRITEC Steel FabricationVriginia, MN Jeremy Lehman 218-404-6860jeremy@tritecmn.com

Two Harbors High SchoolTwo Harbors, MN Jay Belcasto 218-834-8201jbelcastro@isd381.k12.mn.us

UMD Ctr for Economic Devel.Duluth, MNElaine Hansen 218-726-7298ehansen@umdced.comUMD Continuing EducationDuluth, MNAmy Galbraith 218-726-6819ce.d.umn.edu

Ursa MajorWyoming, MNDennis Stoffels 651-462-4721dennis@ursamajor.net

US BankDuluth, MNChris Hogan 218-723-2963christopher.hogan@usbank.com

Virginia High SchoolVirginia, MNShannon Malovrh 218-742-3930smalovrh@vmps.org

Wells Fargo Business BankingDuluth, MNMatthew Cochran 218-723-2778matthew.a.cochran@wellsfargo.com

William Kelley High SchoolSilver Bay, WIChris Belanger 218-226-4437cbelange@isd381.k12.mn.us

Wipfli, LLPDuluth, MNBill Pank 218-740-3919wpank@wipfli.com

Wisc. Indianhead Tech CollegeSuperior, WIBambi Pattermann 715-209-7845bambi.pattermann@witc.edu

Wrenshall High SchoolWrenshall, MNChris Gustafson 218-384-4274cgustafson@wrenshall.k12.mn.us

ZaKobe Metal StampingsGrand Rapids, MNTeresa Karnes 218-326-5870teresa@zakobe.com

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