Revitalization for the Washburn County Area Manufacturers Association
The Washburn County Area Manufacturers Association (WCAMA) commenced operation a little more than a year ago through the efforts of area manufacturers such as (Stresau Labs, Shell Lake Woodcrafters, T & t Tool and BirchwoodBest) along with the WCEDC.
The intentions of the newly formed group were to make life easier and hopefully improve the "bottom line." This would be accomplished by sharing ideas such as best practices, providing speakers on common concerns, problems and topics of mutual interests and desires.
Topics previously discussed by the group at their meetings included health care, selling to the Federal Government, training opportunities, the availability of grants and low-interest loans for manufacturers, OSHA Compliance and the like. The group met once a month, usually at the Administrative Offices - conference room - of the Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Shell Lake.
In recent months attendance has fallen off due in part to time constraints and the fact that most manufacturers are just too busy. However, most have agreed that the group provided a worthwhile exercise on getting together to share ideas, information and common problems.
There may be additional opportunities with and between local manufacturers which could increase business, help solve problems, lessen transportation costs and allow for quantity discounts on common purchases made by area manufacturers.
Accordingly, another session of the WCAMA has been scheduled, this time after normal working hours in a more informal setting. Attendance is requested on Wednesday February 17, 5:30P.M. at Jersey's Sports Bar and Grill in Spooner. It will be a cash bar, order off the menu, with a short program including a "once around the table," to find out more about the present concerns and issues of area manufacturers. It is the understood that some in attendance may be regarded as the competition, but it is not the intention of the get together to extract trade secrets. Attendees can reveal as little or as much as they feel comfortable with.
If interested please RSVP with Mike Pesko Stresau Labs, Bob Meyer, WITC, or Washburn County Economic Development Corporation at the following email addresses or call the WCEDC Office (715) 635-8241. If you know of someone else within your organization or another manufacturer that might benefit from this group, please forward them this information.
Mike Pesko, mpesko@stresau.com
Bob Meyer, Bob.Meyer@witc.edu
WCEDC, washburncodvcp@centurytel.net