Founded in 1990, TSMA is a
membership organization serving manufacturers in west central Minnesota
and eastern North and South Dakota. The association was formed through
a grass-roots effort of area manufacturers wanting to accomplish more as
a cohesive group than they could as individual, small companies.
TSMA’s manufacturing members are
small companies, ranging in size from the one-man shop to a handful that
have 300 to 400 employees.
TSMA’s manufacturing members are
primarily involved in metal manufacturing, with plastics, textiles,
woods and foods also represented. The majority are contract
manufacturers, along with some OEM members.
TSMA also encourages membership
from associate members – those who provide services of interest to the
manufacturing community.
TSMA hosts general meetings on
the first Tuesday of the month, with the location rotating between
Alexandria, Fergus Falls, and other locations. The meetings typically
consist of a plant tour, guest speaker and dinner.
More than 100 members of
Tri-State Manufacturers’ Association benefit from the Trifac Fund, a
workers’ compensation self-insurance program launched in 1997.
The association supports
workforce development efforts, including an annual scholarship program
and the Dream !t Do !t campaign in west central Minnesota.
The QCI Network provides a forum
for those focused on “quality and continuous improvement” in a business
setting.
ICeBerG serves as a forum for
those involved in the journey to initiate greener business practices.
Midwest Manufacturers’
Association is a “shared office” providing administrative services for
TSMA as well as Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association (AMFA)
and Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA). The association
is governed by a volunteer board of directors.
