Celebrating Manufacturing

Tuesday October 6, 2026 – 7:30 – 11:30 AM

GLAR Education Room

15344 Pearl Drive, Baxter

Join us for our signature event, celebrating manufacturing companies in the Lakes area counties of Aitkin, Crow Wing, Cass, Morrison, Todd and Wadena.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Winning the Talent War in Rural and Small Communities

How do you compete for skilled workers in today’s increasingly difficult labor market? In many rural and small communities, manufacturers are facing challenges with attracting younger workers, retaining dependable employees, overcoming outdated perceptions of manufacturing careers, and competing against larger companies for talent. This session provides great strategies to build a workplace where people want to stay, grow, and recommend others to join. Many recruiting and retention tricks will be shared, but participants will also learn how leadership, workplace culture, career pathways, and community reputation directly impact recruiting and retention. Hear how to be a Preferred Employer in a changing landscape!

Mike Henke, MHI Consulting

Mike Henke is a national speaker whose passion for building strong teams led to the creation of Mike Henke Inc, and he works with organizations throughout the country in the areas of Leadership Training, Recruiting & Retention, and Positive Workplace Environment.

FEATURED SPEAKER

Della Ludwig , DEED

"Turning Workforce Programs into Talent Pipelines"

Della Ludwig is a Workforce Strategy Consultant with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), bringing more than 20 years of experience in human resources, recruiting, benefits, and workforce development, with a strong focus on manufacturing.

She works across a 22-county region and statewide to reduce barriers to employment, strengthen career pathways, and build partnerships that connect employers with workforce solutions. Della serves on the board of the Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association, chairs its Program, Education, and Tour of Manufacturing committees, and contributes to Minnesota's Governor's Workforce Development Board through the Drive for 5 initiative.

A recognized workforce leader and strategic collaborator, Della partners with businesses, schools, and community organizations to strengthen talent pipelines. Her presentation will highlight Youth Apprenticeship, Youth Skills Training, the Dual-Training Pipeline, and DEED workforce grants that help connect students and job seekers to high-demand careers.

If you own or manage a business, you probably want to plan for the future, maximize revenue, or fix problems that impede productivity. However, with so many other pressing concerns, who has the time or knows where to start?

Mike understands the unique challenges that businesses face, from managing day-to-day operations to sales and beyond. Mike has been helping businesses for many years with advice and expertise based on professional experience.

Doors open at 7:30 am with a breakfast buffet, and the program begins at 8:15 am

Click here to register!

Click below for sponsorship information
LAMA Manufacturing Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorships are welcome to help provide this annual celebration of manufacturing in the Brainerd Lakes area. Proceeds go to the LAMA Scholarship Fund, helping our graduating seniors continue their post-secondary education in manufacturing and engineering careers. Contact katie@midwestmanufacturers.com to learn more about sponsorship.