Missouri Association of Manufacturers director retiring

Missouri Association of Manufacturers Executive Director Rita Needham has set in motion plans to retire at the end of the year.

Needham has worked for the organization for 14 years, and as its only executive director. She was hired as director in November 2001.

"There were no employes when I first came. I came on board to implement a career awareness program with the public school system," Needham said, noting her position became needed as the organization changed and expanded.

While director, Needham managed the group's expansion from the Springfield Area Manufacturers Association to the Southwest Area Manufacturers Association in fall 2002, and again in September 2010 when the organization went statewide and took on its current moniker. The organization, which works on the behalf of manufactures to promote and advocate for the industry, now has roughly 180 members, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Needham said MAM is working with Eagle, Ind.-based job placement firm Trout Business Solutions to find the organization's next executive director. The job offering also is posted on MAM's website. Needham said a salary would be negotiated.

Needham said MAM plans to have a new executive director in place by mid-September, in time for its 10th annual manufacturing summit, when the organization will celebrate its 20th anniversary.