Area manufacturers gather to celebrate the holidays

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
[email protected]

The Manufacturing Executives Association held their annual Christmas Celebration on Friday (Dec. 10), at the Phoenix Expo and Event Center.

Approximately 300 members were present for the event. Guests enjoyed a social hour where they could visit and preview the gift selection which were to be given away later in the night. During dinner, live music was provided by Don Bailey Quartet.

Michael Barr, with Harry G. Barr Co. and outgoing president of MEA, acknowledged outgoing board members and introduced Greg Boschert, incoming MEA President. Barr was awarded a plaque for his service and dedication to the MEA.

After Boschert acknowledged other prominent figures in the audience, the race began for the women to claim the best prize of the gifts. Two tables were called at a time and each had three minutes to find their gift. Each lady left with a gift. Don Bailey Quartet performed after the gift giveaway.

Boschert told The City Wire he is eager to build upon the organizational strengths established by Barr and previous leaders. Part of that effort could include using the MEA’s “leverage” to make it a more effective lobbying organization.

The MEA was founded in 1974 by area manufacturing leaders “to provide its members an opportunity for the exchange of ideas and information, to improve their local community and foster a favorable business climate for its member companies as well as prospective manufacturing companies considering the Fort Smith region as a plant location,” according to the MEA website.

Part of the MEA history is that of a silent-but-effective organization. The most high-profile effort of the MEA was to support creation of the Employers Health Coalition that gave area manufacturers a collective bargaining platform with area health-care providers. The EHC has been relatively effective in controlling health-care costs, but it’s power to bargain with a large number of employers is not always viewed favorably by area physicians and hospital networks.