Manufacturing association expands to Joplin area

The Southwest Area Manufacturers Association, based in Springfield, is working to grow its membership and recently assigned a representative to connect with local firms.

“There are more than 2,000 manufacturers in southwest Missouri, and we are trying to let them know what we can do for manufacturing,” said Rita Needham, the group’s executive director.

SAMA formed in 1993 as the Springfield Area Manufacturers Association. The group broadened its focus and changed its name in 2002.

Jim Needham, Rita’s husband, began working on behalf of the organization on March 1 and is calling on potential members in the Joplin area.

“The more members we have, the bigger the voice,” Jim Needham said.

SAMA has more than 150 member companies. Rita Needham said SAMA represents large and small manufacturers, but places an emphasis on smaller businesses. She said 45 percent of members employ fewer than 25 workers.

Two Joplin-based companies, Component Packaging and Candy House Gourmet Chocolates, recently joined the organization.

Rita Needham said SAMA’s promotion efforts aim to let people know the diversity of products made in southwest Missouri and the economic impact of manufacturing.

“The multiplier effect for manufacturing is greater than any other segment of the economy,” she said. “For every $1 of goods produced, there is an additional $1.30 produced in the economy as a result. We try to get that message out to our legislators and policymakers.”

SAMA is not a lobbying organization, Rita Needham said. SAMA is a member of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Missouri and National Association of Manufacturers and relies on those organizations for lobbying, she said.

SAMA provides its members networking opportunities and quarterly and annual membership meetings and promotes member-to-member business.

“It is refreshing for them to see that they are not the only one facing an issue,” she said.

Other benefits SAMA offers include listings on its Web site, www.samamo.org, discounts and access to human resources and safety information.

SAMA also formed the state’s first health care consortium.

Its efforts encouraged lawmakers to pass legislation allowing similar groups. SAMA now operates two consortiums with 49 companies participating.

“Our group is being watched on both the state and national level to see if it can be a model,” Rita Needham said.

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