2017 Economic Impact Awards Business Advocate of the Year: Missouri Association of Manufacturers

Take a look around. Chances are, most of what can be seen was born in a factory.

“We take it for granted,” says Missouri Association of Manufacturers CEO Kim Inman. “I would challenge anyone with the fact of how important manufacturing is to our economy and to our way of life.”

Founded in 1993 by longtime manufacturer Jack Gentry, MAM’s mission is to represent the economic, political, educational and social interests of Missouri manufacturers and their employees, according to its website.

“Sometimes it’s just a small boost. It’s just a hump manufacturers can’t get over,” Inman says. “The people in manufacturing are human and they’re hard-working. I’m very passionate about what we do.”

Given the organization is in the southwest corner of the Show-Me State, it’s not always been easy, Inman says. But MAM grew slowly, maturing into a regional association in 2003 and finally statewide by 2010.

Focused on promoting, preserving and advancing the world of manufacturing, MAM will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year.

“We have companies that have four employees and companies that have 20,000 employees,” Inman says, noting the association helps manufacturers of all types.

Among its members include well-known names, such as Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) and smaller shops such as Rosales Masonry or the Barry County Farmer’s Co-Op.

“We’ve grown a lot in the last few years,” Inman says, crediting the association’s benefits such as HealthSource, a health plan for members that rivals those at larger companies. “We have three years of guaranteed prices. They’re not going to see the types of increases that other people are seeing.”

The association has plans for continued growth. Inman says part of its strategy is to develop a center with resources many manufacturers don’t know are available. She says a lack of resources can cause manufacturers to struggle in areas such as workforce development, financing options, growth, cost containment and supply options.

Inman also is working hard to promote women in manufacturing.

“I try to help educate women that manufacturing is a great place for women to work,” Inman says, noting the association promotes the belief that the greatest ideas and innovations come from the variables of diversity.

“In the U.S., only 13 percent of manufacturing jobs are held by women. Boeing is working to change that, too.”

Inman says a first step could be holding a women in manufacturing summit in Kansas City, for instance, to expose more to the industry, though nothing is set in stone.

“We’d love to say it would happen in 2018,” Inman says optimistically.

But for now, MAM is looking forward to its 2017 summit in St. Louis.

“We recognize those members and those leaders for being innovative,” Inman says of the annual meeting. “We showcase them and have an appreciation for them.”

That showcase includes a look into how manufacturing has changed. Like many industries, technology has played a big part and Inman says it’s not always the dirty work people believe it to be.

“Manufacturing has changed,” she says. “It’s very robust. It’s very high tech.”