Fall 2020 TDMAW Surgeons of Steel

SURGEONS of STEEL In this issue TDMAW First Annual Car Show TDMAW Summer Shootout 2020 New Wisconsin Apprenticeship Bureau Director Seeks to Make Apprenticeship More Accessible to Career Seekers and Employers

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Fall 2020 - Volume 14; Issue 3

President's Letter

2020

has been a challenging year for the TDMAW as well as everyone else, to say the least.

Despite the challenges we did have some very successful events through the summer. Our sporting clays event and car show drew a lot of people who had a great time. We got pretty good participation in our Workforce Advancement Training (WAT) Grant education classes. The TDMAW was able to establish the TDMAW Forward Foundation with the help of Pete Kambouris, Mike Mallwitz, Mary Wehrheim and John Schmitz. This group has established the non-profit charter, logo, mission and is close to ready for the initial funding from the association.

The TDMAW has been supporting many of the initiative put forward by the WMC on issues that have affected all businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of our government agencies as well as political leaders. Keep that information in mind and please vote November 3rd.

It has been a privilege to serve as the TDMAW President for these past two years. I encourage all members to become involved in the committees and Board of Directors. I pray for a happy and safe holiday season to you and your families and may 2021 be a much better year!

Kirk Kussman President, TDMAW 2020 kkussman@aztalan.com (920) 342-9455

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Surgeons of Steel

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Editorial Calendar: Interested in submitting an article for the Surgeons of Steel?

Email your 500-700 word, Microsoft Word document to TDMAW at ToolMaker@TDMAW.org.

Deadlines to submit articles are: Winter Issue: January 1 Spring Issue: April 1 Summer Issue: July 1 Fall Issue: October 1

2 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440

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Table of Contents

2020 Board of Directors

President’s Letter..................................................................... 2 New Wisconsin Apprenticeship Bureau Director Seeks to Make Apprenticeship More Accessible to Career Seekers and Employers................................................ 6 Federated Insurance - HR Question of the Month: Pay Salaried Non-exempt Employee for Actual Hours Worked?......................................................... 7

President – Kirk Kussman Aztalan Engineering Inc. 920.648.3411 | kkussman@aztalan.com Vice President – John Thomann W-Steel & Grinding, Inc. 262.252.3630 | john@wsteel.net Treasurer – Brian Nuetzel Matzel Manufacturing, Inc., 414.466.3800 | Briann@mzmatzel.com Secretary – Chris Ernster eTek Tool & Manufacturing 262.377.4150 | chris@etektool.com Chairman of the Board – Pete Kambouris Wisconsin Engraving Company 262.786.4521 | pckambouris@wi-engraving.com

Lunch & Learn: Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Program (CMMC)..................................................................... 8 Federated Insurance: Find Fire Before it Finds You..................................................... 9 TDMAW Summer Shootout 2020............................................ 10 How Your Business Can Find Its Target Market ................................................................... 12

ARE YOU

THROWING AWAY

PROFITS?

Get paid for your recyclables.

Contact Nick Schrubbe for a FREE consultation! schrubben@sadoff.com 414.698.0765

TDMAW First Annual Car Show.............................................. 14 E.L. Simeth Scholarship Opportunity...................................... 16

BELL WELL SALES CO

2020 Calendar of Events Tuesday, December 8

www.Sadoff.com

S TOC K I N G D I S T R I B U TOR

Annual Member Meeting

Watch for Details

Tuesday, November 10 Webinar: Avoid Manufacturing’s

Biggest Marketing

Mistakes in 2021

Watch for Details

•Socket Screw Products- Featuring Unbrako and Holo Krome •Large inventory of non-standard items •Raymond Die Springs •Precision Ground Flat Stock and Drill Rod •Vlier Engineering Fixture Components •Miscellaneous Fasteners •Unified Screw Caps, Hollow Lock Screws, Eye Bolts, E-Z Lok Inserts, Hex Head Cap Screws, Nuts, Threaded Rod, Machine Screws and Washers

TDMAW Headquarters W175 N11163 Stonewood Drive, Suite 208, Germantown, WI 53022 262.532.2440 | toolmaker@tdmaw.org | www.tdmaw.org

262-781-3670 | Fax 262-781-6077 | sales@bellwellsales.com N54 W 13864 Woodale Drive, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

www.bellwellsales.com

toolmaker@TDMAW.org | 3

BANKING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS BUSINESS BANKING PRIVATE WEALTH SPECIALTY FINANCE firstbusiness.com

At von Briesen, we’ve transformed the traditional law firm into a modern platform for legal innovation. We are recognized as trusted advisors to the tool, die and machining community. Our experience and depth helps this community achieve the success they need in today’s global marketplace. We are not only a legal advisor – we are trusted business advisors.

Member FDIC

To learn more about our law firm, visit vonbriesen.com or contact: Marc Loden at mloden@vonbriesen.com or 608.661.3962.

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4 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440

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In the Know TDMAW Headquarters New Phone System TDMAW Headquarters has recently changed to a new cloud based phone system and our extensions have changed.

Please note our new extensions and update your records:

• Laura Gustafson, TDMAW Executive Director, EXT 215

• Clair Stollfus, TDMAW Association Manager, EXT 216

• Bruce Bautch, Finance Manager, EXT 211

• Becky Fisher, Owner of TEAM Inc., EXT 213

TDMAW wants to share the exciting things that are happening at our member companies! If you have a video promoting your organization or exciting news you would like us to feature on our social media, please email headquarters: ToolMaker@tdmaw.org.

TOOL STEEL | HIGH SPEED | ALLOYS | STAINLESS POWDER METALS | GRINDING | BORING

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Congratulations to the winner of the RTIC cooler, donated by TDMAW Partner Federated Insurance! The lucky winner of our Car Show drawing was Nick Zach of TDMAW member company Assurance Tool & Machining.

Nick Zach of Assurance Tool & Machining

TDMAW is looking for programming ideas! TDMAW is offering more educational opportunities through webinars. If there is a specific topic or speaker you would like to suggest, please email your suggestion to TDMAW Headquarters: ToolMaker@TDMAW.org The Bureau of Correctional Enterprises (BCE) is searching for nominations of individuals to serve on the Prison Industries Board (PIB). Traditionally, there have been board members who were connected to the construction sector but the BCE is interested in finding individuals from the manufacturing sector, as there are now registered apprenticeship programs within the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in mechanical drafting (which is really CAD using SolidWorks software).

Any members interested in participating could also have a voice in the expansion of registered apprenticeship and certified pre-apprenticeship within the Department of Corrections. Check out this link: https://doc.wi.gov/Pages/ AboutDOC/AdultInstitutions/BureauofCorrectionalEnterprises.aspx Or contact Wesley Ray, Director, for more information: Wesley.Ray@Wisconsin.gov

North American Sales, Support, & Training Center for Logopress3 Software www.DieDesignSoftware.com (262) 938-9316

John Rinderle Vice President jrinderle@citizenbank.com

The Edward L. Simeth Scholarship, funded by TDMAW partner E L Simeth Co., is accepting applications, with an application deadline of Jan. 1st. This scholarship awards up to $500 per semester to students currently enrolled in a Machine Tool Operations Program or Tool & Die Program at any accredited Wisconsin technical college. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements: • Applicant must be resident of Wisconsin • Must be currently attending an accredited Wisconsin Technical college • Must be enrolled in a Machine Tool Operations Program or Tool & Die Program • Must complete the online application, found at: https://tdmaw.org/scholarship toolmaker@TDMAW.org | 5

New Wisconsin Apprenticeship Bureau Director Seeks to Make Apprenticeship More Accessible to Career Seekers and Employers Article submitted by Apprenticeship Bureau Director Joshua Johnson

R

egistered Apprenticeship represents a longstanding tradition in Wisconsin—and the state’s manufacturers are an integral part of that tradition. As of September 1, 2020, there were more than 2,000 active, registered apprentices in the state’s industrial sector, working for approximately 450 different industrial employers.

Apprenticeship opportunities are available in more than 60 industrial occupations and specializations in the Wisconsin. The top 10 industrial occupations in Wisconsin are listed below in order of apprentice participation.

Industrial Electrician – 307 Maintenance Mechanic – 297 Tool and Die Maker – 269 Maintenance Technician - 265 Machinist – 203 Electrical and Instrumentation Technician - 184 Millwright – 131 Mechatronics Technician – 71 Pipe Trades Fabricator – 51 Industrial Manufacturing Technician – 43

Employers looking to become part of the

Wisconsin apprenticeship system and begin training an apprentice should contact their local Apprenticeship Training Representative (ATR) and take steps toward building their shop’s own training program. Studies have shown that apprentices trained inhouse are more likely to continue working for the employer that trained them even after the program is complete. Furthermore,

6 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440

taking a driver’s seat in their own workforce training, makes an employer less dependent on outside recruitment and allows them to customize their program to fit their shop’s needs. Employers can also recruit qualified workers from the Certified Pre-apprenticeship programs in their area.

Jobseekers looking to begin a career in

apprenticeship can apply for apprenticeship openings directly through local and state registered apprenticeship sponsors. A list of apprenticeship “featured sponsors” can be found on the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standard’s website at www.wisconsinapprenticeship.org. Current apprenticeship sponsors who wish to be added to the website can contact your local Apprenticeship Training Representative, found at: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/ contacts.htm.

Bureau Update The Bureau has endured a very challenging, but also very rewarding, time over the past 12 months. At the end of 2019, former Bureau Section Chief Joshua Johnson was named Bureau Director, replacing outgoing director Karen Morgan, who served in the position for over 20 years. Joshua Johnson began his career in apprenticeship more than 15 years ago as an apprentice himself with the Construction Craft Laborers committee and earned his Journeyworker Card in 2007, which stands as a testament to the doors that can be opened through apprenticeship training.

Joshua plans to change the landscape of Wisconsin Apprenticeship through innovation.

In addition, creating visible access points and a value-added proposition to our employers, we will be able to make apprenticeship more accessible to career seekers and more employers.

When COVID-19 hit, Bureau staff had to adjust to working and operating remotely, which was a marked shift from the hands-on style of field staff and administrators. However, it was during this time that the Bureau applied for and was awarded a three-year, $9 million federal US Department of Labor grant to facilitate the expansion of apprenticeship in Wisconsin. The grant is the fourth, and largest, the Bureau has received from DOL over the past five years, and will be used to align apprenticeship instructional curriculum with local technical college certificates and degrees, grow new apprenticeship occupations and sectors, like healthcare and IT, and forge new inroads into registered apprenticeship through certified pre-apprenticeship programs, the state’s Youth Apprenticeship system, and workforce training programs. These grant funds will allow Wisconsin Apprenticeship flexibility to continue its innovation and expansion to gain strong returns for Wisconsin’s economy and its residents.” To accomplish grant objectives, the Bureau has hired several new staff, including three apprenticeship navigators who began last spring and are tasked with assisting potential apprenticeship applicants as they navigate the Wisconsin apprenticeship system.

For more information on Wisconsin Apprenticeship please visit our website, https:// dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/. www.TDMAW.org

Pay Salaried Non-exempt Employee for Actual Hours Worked?

QUESTION: If a salaried nonexempt employee works more than 40 hours in a workweek, the employer must pay overtime. If a salaried non-exempt employee works fewer than 40 hours in a workweek, may an employer pay them based on their actual hours worked (e.g., 38 hours)? It does not seem fair to the hourly employees if they are docked for working fewer than 40 hours in a workweek and yet a salaried nonexempt employee would not be.

RESPONSE: As background, nonexempt employees need only be paid for the time that they actually work.

Apart from statutory paid sick leave requirements under some states’ laws and now federal law (the latter pertaining to COVID-19 absences) or any contract providing otherwise, no federal or state employment law requires that they be paid when they do not work. Regardless of the form of compensation paid to nonexempt employees (i.e., hourly, salary, piece-rate, etc.), employers must ensure that such personnel earn compensation that equates to at least minimum wage for each hour that they work, plus overtime at the rate of one and one-half times the regular rate of pay for hours worked in excess of 40 in a workweek. When a non-exempt employee is paid on an hourly basis, it is easier to ensure that minimum wage and overtime requirements are met, and the calculations are often simpler to compute (assuming no additional remuneration).

Indeed the employer simply multiplies the number of hours worked by the hourly rate of pay for straight time hours, and uses the applicable 1.5 multiplier for any overtime hours worked. For this reason, many employers choose to pay non-exempt employees by the hour.

administratively burdensome, it is less often the case that employers pay nonexempt employees on a salary basis.

That said, so long as minimum wage and overtime requirements are satisfied, this is a lawful means of paying such employees.

That said, it is not unlawful to pay nonexempt employees on a salary basis and some employers do so. If a non-exempt employee is paid on a salary basis, the employer must still ensure that minimum wage and overtime requirements are satisfied. This means that the employer must take care to ensure, each week, that when the salary paid to any non-exempt is divided by the number of hours that were worked (of which such employee should be keeping accurate records), the result is not a sub-minimum hourly rate of pay. If it is, the employer must true-up the compensation to meet the minimum wage standard. Employers must also ensure that salaried, non-exempt employees are properly paid if overtime hours are worked.

This is ordinarily done by first determining the employee’s regular rate of pay and then computing an appropriate overtime amount based on how many hours over 40 were worked that week (if the employer uses the fluctuating workweek method of compensation, please note that the recent federal guidance addresses the implication of bonuses, see Fact Sheet #82: Fluctuating Workweek Method of Computing Overtime.

Because these calculations are often more

Getting specifically to your question and assuming there is no contractual prohibition and the fluctuating workweek method is not in use, there is no law that prohibits an employer from prorating a non-exempt employee’s salary commensurate with time missed from work. (That said, if the employer does so, it begs the question of why the employer is utilizing a salary basis of pay in the first place -- it may be easier to simply pay by the hour.) The employer should ensure that its policies and practices support salary proration for non-exempt employees and that no contract is violated if this done. You indicate that the employer presently pays certain non-exempt employees a weekly salary regardless of the number of hours worked, such that if fewer than 40 hours are worked in the workweek the same salary is still paid to them (whereas hourly workers are paid only when they work). There is no law that prohibits this, per se, although again the employer must still take care to ensure that minimum wage and overtime requirements are met.

toolmaker@TDMAW.org | 7

You are invited

LUNCH & LEARN: CYBERSECURITY MATURITY MODEL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (CMMC)

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22

MARRIOTT – MILWAUKEE WEST HOTEL | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM HOSTED BY THERMTECH AND REVERENTIA

Learn about the new Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program (CMMC) that mandates that Department of Defense contractors and subcontractors have their cybersecurity posture certified by an independent third-party in order to be able to work on new DoD contracts.

THE CMMC FRAMEWORK INCLUDES SUBJECTS LIKE: » Cybersecurity Controls » Processes & Practices » Corporate Cybersecurity Culture » Cybersecurity Training » Third-Party Service Providers and Cloud services » Flow-Down Requirements for your Subcontractors and Supply Chain The last point is critical for your business and ours. If you want to be part of the manufacturing supply chain for any DOD program, you need to be aware and will likely need a CMMC certification.

For this event we are limiting one employee per company response. Should we have an overwhelming response we will consider doing another Lunch & Learn on this topic.

PLEASE DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS OR RSVP TO:

AGENDA: A. Introduction by ThermTech (15 minutes) B. CMMC What is it? By Reverentia Cybersolutions (45 minutes) a. Brief History of what led to CMMC b. What is different with CMMC c. Overview of the Model d. C MMC, DFARS, ITAR – What do you need to comply with? e. Impact to your business f. What to do next C. Lunch (30 minutes) D. A Prime Contractor’s Perspective on Cyber Security and Supply Chain Risk

Jason E. Kupkovits, Vice President - Sales & Strategic Direction ThermTech - Heat Treating Specialists Office: 800-752-6917 | Mobile: 262-993-1878 Email: jkupkovits@thermtech.net

E. P resentation by Wisconsin Ordnance Works, LTD (15 minutes)

DATE + TIME DETAILS:

G. Closing – (Quick!)

Thursday, October 22 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Buffet Fajita Bar Lunch Provided 8 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440

F. Q&A Panel with all three companies answering questions. (45 minutes)

www.TDMAW.org

Federated Insurance

Find Fire Before it Finds You A pile of oily rags; an old power strip; a cigarette discarded in the wrong spot — fire risks can be anywhere. That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for the hazards that can injure your employees and make your business go up in smoke. During 2020 Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, review and revamp your business’s fire-safety measures to help increase the chances that you’ll find fire before fire finds you.

An ongoing concern While a spotlight shines on fire prevention around this time every year, your efforts to curb devastating blazes before they start should last all year long. There is no onesize-fits-all fire-prevention strategy. It’s important to understand the basics, then use that knowledge to create a plan that fits your business’s unique needs.

While every business presents unique fire hazards, some dangers are nearly universal.

The following considerations are a great place to start when creating or strengthening your fire-prevention plan: • Are your electrical systems current?

Faulty wiring, improper use of power strips and extension cords, and system overloads are leading causes of business fires. Regularly evaluate your electrical system and policies that govern its use.

• Is your equipment in good repair?

Continuing to use outdated equipment or trying to save some money by skipping maintenance could prove costly.

Update or maintain your equipment according to recommendations from manufacturers or service professionals.

• Fires need fuel. Starve fire of the materials it needs to get started and spread through your business. Make sure your work areas are tidy, your walkways are clear, and your storage spaces are orderly. Get rid of unnecessary clutter and combustibles throughout your building to help minimize the fire load.

• Comfort could come at a cost. Space heaters can be just what you need to warm up a chilly spot, but these handy little devices are a significant cause of business fires. Remind employees to turn them off before they leave for the evening — or consider banning them from the business altogether.

essential, so involve them in every step of the process. Most importantly, let them know that they are the business’s most important line of defense against devastating fires. Hold training sessions throughout the year, focusing on seasonal risks, best practices, and reinforcement of emergency procedures.

While completely removing all fire risks is impossible, creating a prevention plan that focuses on key hazards and employs a persistent, team-based strategy can help you find fire before fire finds you. Federated Insurance clients can access a variety of fire prevention risk management resources, including employee training posters, sample industry-specific fire hazard checklists, and more by logging in to mySHIELDSM.

A team effort Effective fire prevention takes the whole team. Cooperation from employees is

toolmaker@TDMAW.org | 9

TDMAW Summer Shootout 2020

Article submitted by Blue Level Sponsor, Sally Piefer, Lindner & Marsack, S.C.

T

hank you to all who participated, sponsored, and donated door prizes for the 2020 Summer Shootout Sporting Clays Event, on August 10th, at Waukesha Gun Club. This is a TDMAW favorite event and the rain and thunder did not dampen our spirits!

Here is what a few attendees had to say about the event: “The TDMAW event was well organized, especially in the unknown environments of a pandemic. The event turn out was great, the food was very good, and the event was much more fun than the typical golf outing... highly recommend attending if you have not done so in the past.” Casey Gabrielson, Keller, Inc.

Due to dangerous storms in the area, participants were called in off the course early, but Waukesha Gun Club allowed teams to finish their rounds by shooting flurry. Once all had emptied their guns, we enjoyed a delicious Saz’s barbeque buffet, followed by door prizes. Again, we thank all those who donated door prizes!

Our 50/50 raffle collected $490 with $250 going to the winner, from Therm Tech! Proceeds go toward workforce development initiatives and your donations are very much appreciated!

Congratulations to the MGS Mfg Group team who, once again, took home the TDMAW Traveling Trophy and to the Willer Tool team who won the Flurry Competition.

The flurry team were awarded beautiful gear bags, courtesy of Al Weiss and Integrity Wire EDM – Thank you, Al!

“Even as a beginner, I had a great time. The staff at Waukesha Gun Club was helpful and the other guests didn’t mind teaching a newbie. This was also our first event with the TDMAW and we found it to be a great group of people. Thanks for including us!” Margie Heyworth, keystone Click Federated Insurance was our dinner sponsor for the event and Doral Corporation and Royal Products provided each guest with two drink tickets – thank you!

“This was a perfect event to include a fun spot and the ability to mingle with like minded people. It is good to have rentals for new people to the sport.” Mike Foster, Roemheld-USA

10 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440 www.TDMAW.org

Door prizes included: Integrity Wire EDM......... top flurry team prize Waukesha Gun Club...... Round of shooting and drink tickets Federated Insurance ..... Cooler Willer Tool...................... Machined cribbage board Willer Tool...................... Travel mug

TEMPERATURE SCREENING KIOSK Screen employees and visitors using sophisticated sensor technology and customizable health compliance questions. ✓ Safe

✓ Cost Savings

Keller............................. Box of shells

✓ Real-Time Data

Keller............................. Assorted snacks

✓ Accurate

✓ Contactless Hand Sanitizer

Keystone Click............... T wo bottles of wine

First Business Bank....... Shells First Business Bank....... Cooler Bag ThermTech.................... 5 bottles of assorted premium alcohol ThermTech.................... Certificate for heat treating services

Watch a demo video and learn more at: www.frankmayer.com/temperature-kiosk

Kinetic Co...................... 2 camp chairs Kinetic Co...................... $50 Cabela’s gift card Doral Corp..................... Yeti Cooler Cincinnati Tool Steel...... Cap and polo shirt

frankmayer.com | (262) 377-4700 | tempkiosks@frankmayer.com | Grafton, WI

TDMAW......................... Wisconsin Badgers Soft Cooler TDMAW......................... Brewers cap TDMAW......................... Packer Cap TDMAW......................... Superman Cap TDMAW......................... Waterproof wireless speaker TDMAW......................... Brewers sweatshirt TDMAW......................... 1# beef jerky TDMAW......................... TDMAW Proud Member T-Shirt TDMAW......................... Cabela’s $25 gift card TDMAW......................... Target $25 gift card TDMAW......................... Fish fillet knife set TDMAW......................... 2 New Glarus Sampler 12 packs TDMAW......................... Kinnickinnic Whiskey TDMAW......................... Smokey Joe Grill TDMAW......................... Camp chair TDMAW......................... Yeti can coolers x 2 TDMAW......................... Ear protection TDMAW......................... Box of golf balls x 2

toolmaker@TDMAW.org | 11

How Your Business Can Find Its Target Market

Article Submitted by TDMAW Blue Level Sponsor, Keystone Click, Keegan Gallup

B

eing able to define a target market is a vital part of a marketing campaign.

A target market guides your marketing strategy. It tells you where you’re going to advertise and when. It gives you insight into who’s buying your product or service.

It’s your niche.

You want to uncover this niche so you can create specialized content that resonates and, in turn, your product or service will be top of mind with your target market.

What is a target market?

It’s a defined group of people, businesses or organizations your company is trying to reach with its marketing. These are the people who are most likely willing to buy your product or service.

In today’s diversified world, there’s no way to make everyone your target market. But that’s okay! Don’t be afraid to select an ex-

tremely specialized group as your target market. Your product or service can still be bought by people outside of that specialized group. Your target market contains the people who are most likely to become leads and sales.

they can interact with customers. By doing this, they can learn about the product firsthand and learn who your current customers are.

Look at who your current customers are

However, selecting that specialized group isn’t easy, so here are some tips on defining One simple way to start defining your target market is to look at who is currently a target market for your business. buying your product or service.

Understand what your product or service does

According to BIA/Kelsey, 61 percent of small-to-medium businesses report that more than half of their revenue comes from repeat customers. Because repeat customers are such a large revenue stream, it’s crucial to understand who they are and market your offering toward them.

Successful companies know their products and how they can directly benefit the people they’re selling to. If you have people who don’t understand your product, how are you going to expect them to be able to market or sell it to someone?

You can pool some basic information on One way for your marketers and salespeo- your customers to get an idea of the kind ple to fully understand your product is to of person who falls into your target market. have them go out in the field. When your These can be things like age, gender and marketers and salespeople are in the field, geographic location.

12 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440 www.TDMAW.org

Another way to understand your current consumers is by using website metrics.

There are many tools that help marketers understand which consumers are visiting their website.

Look at your competitors

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Looking at your competitors can give you extremely valuable insight into how other brands are positioning themselves in the market.

One way to find this information is by looking at your competitors’ social media presence. You can see what kind of voice they use in their posts, what kind of pictures they post and how often and when they post. From there, you can draw conclusions on who your competitor is targeting.

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You shouldn’t copy what your competitors do, but you can use this information to gather ideas on who you should be targeting and how they should be spoken to.

Keep an eye out for your competitors in the news, using a tool such as Google Alerts allows you to track mentions to them. You can find out where they’re putting paid content and figure out what the target audience of those outlets are.

Build a customer profile The final step you should do when locating your business’ target market is build a customer profile.

A customer profile is a detailed description of who you are marketing to. Essentially, a customer profile gives your target market a name and a face.

Every business needs to have a customer profile because it allows for seamless branding throughout your company. When salespeople contact potential customers, they have a good idea who they’ll be talking to.

In marketing, a customer profile helps with both social media and content creation.

Check out our blog post on how to create a customer profile: https://www.keystoneclick.com/blog/digital-marketing/who-areyou-targeting-how-create-customer-profile If your business needs help defining a target market, contact us and we’d be more than happy to help you through the process!

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TDMAW First Annual Car Show

T

DMAW has been looking for ways to get together, safely, and network. We had our Annual Summer Shootout in August, and were trying to think of some other things we could do before the weather cools down too much, when TDMAW Chairman of the Board and Membership & Programs Committee Chair Pete Kambouris suggested a car show. With little time to pull it together and no idea how many people to expect, we decided to go for it.

I believe all who attended would agree that it was a great event! The weather was perfect, we had so many beautiful, interesting, and unusual cars & motorcycles, and we saw lots of new and *old* faces.

Our drink and appetizer sponsors made it possible for us to provide free beer and appetizers to all. THANK YOU to our wonderful event sponsors!

Drink Sponsors: Federated Insurance Benz Cincinnati Tool Steel Co. Techni-Turn Tri City National Bank Wire Specialists Inc. Wisconsin Engraving Co. Appetizer Sponsors: Federated Insurance Concept Machine Doral Corp Ellison Infinity EDM Wire Specialists Inc Federated Insurance donated a beautiful RTIC Cooler. The lucky winner was: Nick Zack from Assurance Tool!

Congratulations Nick and thank you to our longtime partner, Federated Insurance!

Thank you to all who came, brought your beautiful vehicles, sponsored, and helped make this event a success. You are appreciated!

14 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440 www.TDMAW.org

toolmaker@TDMAW.org | 15

Welcome to the team, John!

John Schmitz

Vice President | Commercial Lending

When it comes to your tooling, it’s the DETAILS that matter.

Your hometown bank.

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16 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440 www.TDMAW.org

The TDMAW.org website has many resources, on it’s homepage, for TDMAW members.

You will find: • A CARES Act Summary • DWD Work Share Fact Sheet • OSHA COVID-19 Informatin • Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit • And much more!

Please check the page for helpful links and know that TDMAW is here for you as we navitage these uncarted waters together.

T

hank you to Steve DuVall from Permanent Progress LLC for leading us through our September 15th webinar on the topic of Strategic Planning. Strategic Planning is one of the most critical business activities as it is foundational to shaping the direction of your organization. While some companies are great at developing and executing their strategic plan, others do not make time for this important planning process. Either way, it impacts growth, financial stability, culture and how your organization functions, overall.

During the webinar we discussed simple approaches to strategic planning, key elements of a plan and a process for develop the plan.

PLANNERS | ARCHITECTS | BUILDERS

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With Offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee & Wausau

WWW.KELLERBUILDS.COM | 1.800.236.2534

toolmaker@TDMAW.org | 17

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW! FUNDED BY TDMAW PARTNER E. L. SIMETH CO., THIS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS UP TO $500 PER SEMESTER TO STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A MACHINE TOOL OPERATIONS OR TOOL & DIE PROGRAM Must be a Wisconsin resident.

Must be currently attending an accredited Wisconsin technical college.

Must complete the online application, found at: https://tdmaw.org/scholarship

TDMAW EDWARD L SIMETH AWARD APPLICATION DEADLINE JANUARY 15 Contact TDMAW Headquarters with questions: ToolMaker@TDMAW.org 18 | TDMAW HQ (262) 532-2440 www.TDMAW.org

2020

For more information visit tdmaw.org

Partners

Insurance — Property & Casualty and Workers Compensation Federated Insurance www.federatedinsurance.com

Heat Treating

Supplies/Full Line

ThermTech of Waukesha, Inc. Jason Kupkovits | (262) 993-1878, jkupkovits@thermtech.net www.thermtech.net

E.L Simeth - Milwaukee Steve Simeth | (414)771-9270 www.elsimeth.com

Sponsors Red Level Sponsors

von Briesen & Roper, S. C. Marcus Loden | (608) 661-3962 ECTSwww.vonbriesen.com | BUILDERS

Keller Casey Gabrielson (262) 250-9710 cgabrielson@kellerbuilds.com IG

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With Offices in the Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee & Wausau

WWW.KELLERBUILDS.COM | 1.800.236.2534

White Level Sponsors Hitachi Metal Tom Bell | (262) 366-8209 thomas.bell@hitmet.com

Blue Level Sponsors Alro Specialty Metals Inside Sales | (800) 365-4140 www.alro.com

KeystoneClick Lori Highby | ( 414) 810-6650 lori.highby@keystoneclick.com

Bell-Well Sales Co. Tom Schoenecker (262) 781-3670 www.bellwellsales.com

Lindner & Marsack, S.C. Sally Piefer (414) 273-3910 www.lindner-marsack.com

Cincinnati Tool Steel Co. Ronald Cincinnati (800) 435-0717 www.cintool.com

Sadoff Iron & Metal Nick Schrubbe (414) 698-0765 www.sadoff.com

Citizens Bank John Rinderle jrinderle@citizenbank.com www.citizenbank.com

Tri City National Bank John Schmitz | (262) 676-0306

First Business Bank Kyle Haug | (262) 605-7213

Vallen Distribution Company www.vallen.com

toolmaker@TDMAW.org | 19

W175 N11163 Stonewood Drive, Suite 208 Germantown, WI 53022

TDMAW ANNUAL MEETING Save the Date December 8, 2020 Watch for Details