SAMA director joins national board

Rita Needham, executive director of Springfield-based manufacturing advocate Southwest Area Manufacturers Association, has been elected to the board of the National Association of Manufacturers, which represents nearly 12 million workers.

"I am honored to serve America's manufacturers in Missouri and across the nation in these challenging economic times," Needham said in a news release.  "I look forward to working with the NAM to craft and advance federal policies and legislation that will enable manufacturers to be a significant part of America's economic recovery and long-term growth."

Needham joins NAM's nearly 200 board members, including Alex M. Azar II of Eli Lilly and Co., Greg Babe of Bayer Corp., Brent Baglien of ConAgra Foods and Tim Bailey of S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.

SAMA represents approximately 170 companies and 11,000 workers, Needham said.

It is the only manufacturer's advocacy group in Missouri and was founded in 1993, according to its Web site.

Washington, D.C.-based NAM represents 11,000 manufacturing companies and about 12 million workers in 50 states, according to its Web site.

SAMA's fall member meeting is planned for Sept. 21 at Ramada Oasis Convention Center. Scheduled speakers include Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, NAM president/CEO and former Michigan governor John Engler, and the Manufacturing Institute President Emily DeRocco. The cost is $30 for SAMA members and $35 for non-members and sponsors, according to the site.
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