In 1980 there was a need for an association to be THE spokesperson for small and medium sized businesses.  MMMA was incorporated to fulfill that need.

 

After achieving our first goal of repealing the Merchants and Manufacturers Inventory Tax, MMMA continued its legislative efforts and was instrumental in the passage of more than 35 bills in addition to winning 3 lawsuits before the Missouri Supreme Court.   Collectively, our achievements have saved business more than $400 million.

 

MMMA was, is and will continue to be

THE SPOKESPERSON for small and medium

sized businesses in Missouri.

MMMA History

HiryHAccomplishments & Quotes Accomplishments

Christopher (Kit) Bond—United States Senator:  “MMMA is a vital link in spearheading the causes of small business.”

John Loudon—Missouri Senator:  “Sheelah Yawitz, on behalf of MMMA, was pivotal in crafting the 2005 W.C. bill, bringing all parties together and passing a historic workers’ compensation reform package to help Missouri employers.”

Jim Talent—United States Senator:  “Without question, MMMA is always present protecting the interests of their members.”

Bob Holden—Former Governor of Missouri:  “Congratulations on 20 years of excellent service.”

Franc Flotron—Former Missouri Senator:  “Missouri businesses and legislators are very fortunate to have MMMA as partners.”

David Klarich—Former Missouri Senator:  “For the last 20 years MMMA has earned the reputation of being an outspoken advocate on behalf of small and medium sized businesses.”

Tom McCarthy—Former Missouri Senator:  “They keep their members informed and protect their interests on matters affecting them in Jefferson City.”

Tom Villa—Missouri Representative:  “They are known for being knowledgeable, prepared and relentless.”

James Conway—President of ACI Plastics & Former St. Louis Mayor:  “In the early 1980’s merchants were faced with a rather oppressive licensing tax [in the City of St. Louis].  The merchants joined with MMMA and successfully overturned the legislation...MMMA was absolutely indispensable in making this happen.”

Logan Wilson—Counsel for Fike Corp.:  “Our participation with MMMA for the last 20 years has been extremely rewarding to us as a company from a financial standpoint, but additionally has been a very exciting and wonderful opportunity.  So thank you MMMA and thank you Sheelah Yawitz.”

2005-Led the passage of the most comprehensive workers’ compensation reform bill in the past 2 + decades!  Fewer

MMMA Accomplishments  Accomplishments

MMMA Quotes

claimants will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits and employers will feel financial relief!

2004-Instrumental in the passage of legislation restoring solvency to Missouri’s Unemployment Insurance Trust.

2002-Missouri Merchants and Manufacturers Association, et al., v. State of Missouri prevailed before the Missouri Supreme Court which returned $5.94 million to income tax payers, and helped bring accountability to how our elected officials appropriate future tax credits.

2001-MMMA led an effort resulting in collectors of state sales tax maintaining the ability to retain refunds of over-collected sales tax.

2000-MMMA was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit which clarified the calculation of Hancock refunds.

1999-Saved Missouri businesses $31 million by changing our franchise tax laws.

1999-Initiated and passed a Job Reference bill providing employers immunity for giving truthful references.

1998 to 1990—Led the passage of numerous workers’ compensation bills saving employers millions of dollars.

1996-Promoted and secured sales tax exemptions on replacement machinery and equipment and on replacement parts.

1992-Received approval to start the MMMA Self-Insured Workers’ Compensation Fund.

1987-Won a MO Supreme Court decision, ACI Plastics vs. the City of St. Louis, prohibiting two tax issues from being on the same ballot.

1985-Won a MO Supreme Court decision upholding MO’s Employment at Will standard.

1984-Lowered Unemployment Compensation rates and avoided $270 million in federal penalties.

1982-Repealed the Merchants & Manufacturers Inventory Tax.