About
Midwest Manufacturers’ Association is a nonprofit organization created to serve as the “central office” for associations and trade groups focused on manufacturing. MMA’s primary service region is the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota; eastern North Dakota; eastern South Dakota; and north western Wisconsin.
MMA serves as a catalyst for the creation of new manufacturing-focused trade organizations and the collaboration of existing organizations throughout the Midwest. By joining forces under one central office, the manufacturing industry in the Midwest region has, for the first time, a way to express its collective voice … to government, to suppliers of common goods and services, and to each other.
Each Affiliate of MMA:
- is governed by an independent Board of Directors comprised of members from that organization only
- manages its own financial resources
- elects representation on the Board of Directors for Midwest Manufacturers’ Association and Collaborative Ventures, Inc. (for-profit subsidiary company)
- remits annual membership dues to MMA, to provide support for the cost of maintaining a staffed office
- operates as a 501(c)6 organization and raises funding for the MMA Foundation, a 501(c) 3.
- is granted nonprofit status without the burden of the IRS application process and expense
- has access to various benefit programs designed to assist manufacturers (such as the workers comp fund and health plan)
- benefits from MMA’s promotion of the manufacturing industry.
Association pillars
Workforce development
We are committed to strengthening the manufacturing workforce in our regions through initiatives to
1) change the image of manufacturing and
2) attract new people to the field beginning in K-12 schools thru skilled training.
Advocacy
We strive to monitor and inform members of legislative activities, offer a collective voice of advocacy of manufacturers in our region, provide legislative representation at key events, and coordinate legislator visits to your business.
Member education and networking
Learn through manufacturing facility tours, keynote speakers on emerging manufacturing topics at regular meetings, networking and fundraising functions, regular featured member, regular newsletters and weekly communications.
Strategic partnerships
Enhancing your success and meeting our initiatives are created through strategic partnerships with key organization, supporters, and endorsed programs.
Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy
The (MMA) and its affiliated regional associations, including (AMFA), (CMMA), (TSMA), (Minn-Dak), and (LAMA), are committed to fostering a professional, respectful, inclusive, and equitable environment for all individuals involved in our programs, services, events, partnerships, membership activities, and employment practices.
MMA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, socioeconomic background, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.
This policy applies to all aspects of MMA and affiliate operations, including but not limited to:
- Membership participation
- Employment and hiring practices
- Board and committee participation
- Educational and workforce development programs
- Scholarships and sponsorship opportunities
- Events, meetings, and conferences
- Partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations
- Volunteer engagement
- Vendor and contractor relationships
MMA and its affiliates are dedicated to creating environments where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Harassment, discrimination, retaliation, intimidation, or exclusionary behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.
As workforce and industry organizations serving diverse communities across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, MMA and its affiliates actively support initiatives that strengthen equitable access to career pathways, training opportunities, leadership development, and advancement within manufacturing and related industries.
All employees, board members, volunteers, members, contractors, and participants are expected to uphold this policy and contribute to a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and mutual respect.
Any individual who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in connection with MMA or affiliate activities is encouraged to report the concern to association leadership. Reports will be reviewed promptly and handled as confidentially as reasonably possible. Retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith is strictly prohibited.
MMA reserves the right to take appropriate corrective action in response to violations of this policy, including removal from programs, events, committees, membership activities, volunteer roles, or employment, when warranted.
This policy reflects MMA’s commitment to strengthening manufacturing through inclusive engagement, workforce opportunity, and professional collaboration across all communities we serve.