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MMA History

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In 1902 a group of manufacturers met in Lansing to testify on legislation affecting the development of their companies. They produced different products and used different methods, but shared one common and vital interest — the survival and growth of Michigan manufacturing. That day, on the floor of the Legislature, the group decided to organize a voluntary organization to speak for Michigan industry; thus, the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) was born.

Since its founding, MMA’s mission has not wavered. The Association works to promote and maintain a favorable business climate that encourages manufacturing prosperity and growth, and the economic strength and jobs this growth brings to Michigan’s citizens.

In the early years of the Association, members joined together to fight burdensome property taxation. MMA was also instrumental in developing and establishing an unemployment insurance program to provide Michigan workers with pay should they lose their jobs through no fault of their own. The innovative law establishing the program, enacted in 1912, served as a model for other states.

Through the 1920s and ’30s, MMA played an active role in easing the turmoil of the Great Depression by working to formulate, and then strengthen, unemployment compensation legislation. In the post-World War II era, the Association developed group life insurance programs to respond to the needs of growing manufacturers and their employees. Health insurance programs were added in the 1950s to further protect companies and workers. Through the subsequent decades, MMA has continued to build its advocacy strength to fight for legislative and regulatory fairness and add member services to better serve Michigan’s manufacturing community.

In today’s climate, legislative actions, administrative rules and regulations, and court decisions have effectively made government a “partner” — not necessarily a silent one — in company operations. Every day, MMA’s team of government affairs professionals — with an impressive combined 50 years of experience — fight to ensure that the manufacturing industry’s views are understood and heard at the Capitol. By joining with other companies, MMA members share the strength of a united voice to influence decisions made in the public sector which impact manufacturers’ ability to operate profitably and competitively. The combined effort of thousands of Michigan employers can accomplish collectively what cannot be achieved singly.

Likewise, the Association is able to offer competitive insurance and other member services at competitive rates due to group buying power. The service arm of MMA provides some of the most efficiently managed and cost-effective insurance programs in the state. The MMA life insurance program through MetLife, for instance, has bucked market trends and has not raised rates since 1988.

With 100 years of experience serving manufacturers, MMA is ready to help you. Learn more about the benefits of MMA membership; contact MMA today, at 800-253-9039 or 517-372-5900.

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