Missouri Association of Manufacturers Expands Mission Statewide, Announces New Initiatives; MAM Presents Manufacturing Awards to Sen. Bond, Congressman Blunt

The Missouri Association of Manufacturers, formerly Southwest Area Manufacturers Association, announced today it is expanding its territory to include the entire state of Missouri. MAM announced its policy positions for the upcoming legislative session, and presented awards to US Sen. Kit Bond (R) and Congressman Roy Blunt (R) for support of manufacturing in the state of Missouri. End Quote

Springfield, MO (1888PressRelease) September 22, 2010 - The Fall Member Meeting of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers held today highlighted the significance of the manufacturing sector to the Missouri and US economies and proposed new strategies to remain competitive and create jobs.

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder presented a declaration to the Missouri Association of Manufacturers emphasizing Manufacturing as a major driver of the state's economy, contributing over $32 billion towards the gross state product and employing more than 280,000 workers in over 7,100 manufacturing firms. Additionally, US Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond said that, "Manufacturing is more than just creating products. Manufacturing creates jobs at a time when jobs are badly needed."

The Missouri Association of Manufacturers is the only organization in Missouri that is dedicated solely to meeting the needs of manufacturers in the state. Its efforts are member-driven, and are focused on advancing pro-manufacturing legislation and lowering business costs to enable Missouri manufacturers to be a significant part of Missouri's economic recovery and long-term growth strategy. In addressing MAM, Congressman Roy Blunt said, "You're making the right moves for your members. The health care association that you've created is a great example of working together, speaking with one voice, and seeking solutions for Missouri manufacturers, large and small."

MAM led the state's private industry through the unanimous passage of House Bill 1827 which was developed for the purpose of allowing small employers (3-25) the option to join together with larger employer groups in association health plans under a common plan design and premium structure. MAM's health care consortiums provide a practical option to employers searching for stability in the face of pending health reform legislation.

On federal issues impacting manufacturing, MAM works closely with the National Association of Manufacturers, the nation's largest industrial trade association. MAM Executive Director Rita Needham is a member of NAM's Board of Directors. At the meeting today, NAM President John Engler addressed the audience of manufacturers and spoke of the need for a comprehensive strategy to support manufacturing so manufacturers in Missouri and the United States can compete globally. The recently released Manufacturing Strategy for Jobs and a Competitive America was highlighted and distributed to attendees.

The report includes a manufacturing policy checklist that identifies strategies that, taken as a whole, will allow manufacturers in the United States to compete effectively in the global marketplace. The strategy highlights the need for 1) Tax policies to bring America more closely into alignment with major manufacturing competitors; 2) Government investments in infrastructure and innovation; and 3) Trade initiatives to reduce barriers and open markets to U.S. exports. The strategy also calls for comprehensive action on critical priorities such as energy, education, health care and regulation.

Emily Stover DeRocco, President of The Manufacturing Institute, an affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, underscored manufacturing as vital to the United States economy, contributing 11 percent of GDP and employing nearly 12 million Americans. According to Ms DeRocco, innovation drives manufacturing strength, and the most critical element for innovation success is the need for a highly skilled and educated workforce. MAM will be working with Missouri manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute and Missouri's community colleges to develop a competency-based, customized education and training system for the manufacturing workforce today and tomorrow.

MAM's goal is to become the strongest voice in Missouri for pro-manufacturing legislation, and throughout its history, the organization has fostered strong relationships with Missouri legislators. In recognition of their steadfast support of pro-manufacturing legislation throughout their legislative careers, MAM presented Awards for Legislative Excellence to US Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond and Congressman Roy Blunt. Each provided statements to the MAM membership. For the first time, MAM released Public Policy Positions on eight state issue categories and indicated it will take a more active role in advocating for and monitoring legislative activity related to these positions.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the roll-out of the Manufacturing Matters campaign aimed at identifying ways to foster innovation among manufacturers in Missouri at the grassroots level. Manufacturers across the state will be invited to submit ideas, provide comments and ranking to other people's ideas, and to unite their voice and concerns about manufacturing in Missouri. Ideas and comments will be accepted through December on the MAM website at www.missourimanufacturers.org. The result of those submissions will be a report that spells out in detail what is needed to support manufacturing in Missouri. Every legislator in Missouri and everyone who can make an impact will receive a copy of the report. MAM will craft an action plan seeking to implement the best ideas. MAM will use its resources and the resources of its members to protect, advocate and advance the interests of Missouri manufacturers.

Additionally, former United States Attorney General John Ashcroft said, "It is my prayer that as your association grows, Missouri will witness a revival of productivity providing opportunity and dignity for our citizens."

MAM's Fall Member Meeting was supported by 29 sponsors who provided high value exhibits showcasing products and services for the manufacturing industry. Among the top supporters were BKD CPAs & Advisors, BKD Corporate Finance LLC and Missouri Enterprise.

The Missouri Association of Manufacturers is dedicated to serving and strengthening Missouri's manufacturers. Its motto is promoting, preserving and advancing manufacturing in Missouri. Founded in 1993 as the Springfield Area Manufacturers Association, the organization has experienced steady growth through its singular focus on meeting the needs of manufacturers. In 2002, as the Southwest Area Manufacturers Association, its reach was extended into the southwest region of the state, and in 2010, the organization opened its membership to manufacturers throughout Missouri and changed its name to the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. For more information about MAM, visit www.missourimanufacturers.org. For information or interviews, contact Executive Director Rita Needham at (417) 863-7262 or rneedham ( @ ) samamo dot org.

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