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THE MBA CELEBRATES

120 YEARS

For generations, the MBA has helped businesses succeed and been a leading pro-business advocate in Pennsylvania. This year, we’re celebrating our 120th anniversary by reminiscing on favorite stories, reflecting on our history, and gathering with our community.

120 Years at The MBA

Learn more about meaningful events in our history.

1905
Members of 61 Erie County manufacturers form the Manufacturers’ Association of Erie on November 13, 1905.
1905

From 1905 to 1964, the Association is headquartered in the Ariel Building at 404 West 8th Street.

1906

The Association holds first Annual Meeting on January 25, 1906, at the Reed House in downtown Erie.

1914
The Manufacturers’ Association incorporates in 1914. In 1921, the Association lobbies the Department of Education to provide vocational education for returning soldiers.
1921

In 1921, the Association lobbies the Department of Education to provide vocational education for returning soldiers.

1930

A valuable member service is provided when the Association audits member companies’ freight bills, recovering substantial sums of money that had been overbilled by the freight companies.

1936

In an effort to increase automobile safety and decrease the number of accidents on Erie Roadways, the Association offered an Automobile Driver Safety course in 1936 that was attended by more than 1,800 people.

1941

In 1941, the Association, with assistance from the Industrial Salvage Section and the Bureau of Conservation, develops the Industrial Scrap Campaign, which is recommended and adopted nationally. Two thousand copies of the plan are distributed throughout the country.

1942
Through the successful lobbying efforts of the Association, in 1942 the state government amends the law to allow women to work second and third shifts.
1964

The Association is headquartered at 801 French Street from 1964-1970.

1965
Group health insurance programs are offered to member companies for their employees in 1965. This will prove to be one of the most utilized services in the Association’s history.
1970
From 1970-1979, the Association is located at 5 West 10th Street.
1970

During this time (1970s), the Association develops the Regional Occupational Skills Center at the Erie County Technical School.

1979
The Association develops Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week in 1979. The first program is held at Clarion University with 150 high school students in attendance.
1986

The Association is renamed the Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania in 1986.

1988

The Association is located at 33 East 8th Street from 1980 to 1988 when it moves to 3537 West 12th Street.

1987

Training programs are expanded to meet the demand for management seminars, professional development and computer courses.

1987

In 1987, the first Monthly Business Report, the Association’s magazine, is rolled out. It is later renamed to Business Magazine.

1990

Ralph Pontillo is named president of the Association in 1990. He will help drive membership to more than 6,500 industrial, commercial and association members.

1990

Deanna Klein, president of Fairview Manufacturing, is named as the first woman Chairman of the Board of Governors. She was also the first woman to serve as a member of the board.

1996

The Association moves to its headquarters on West 38th Street in Erie in 1996.

1996

The Manufacturers’ Association Conference Center is opened on January 3, 1996.

2003

The Manufacturers’ Association Insurance Agency is started in 2003.

2004
The HR Advantage service is offered to members in 2004.
2005

In 2005, the Association celebrates its 100th anniversary. Among those in attendance are Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, actor and “Easy Rider” star Peter Fonda, political humorist Mark Russell and General Colin Powell.

2007
First Roar on the Shore occurred in July 2007.
2012

The Annual HR Conference presented by the MBA began October 2012.

2013

The 1st Annual MFG Day celebration was in October 2013.

2023

MBA’s Leadership Summit begins in April of 2023.

2025
The MBA begins to feature local area leaders in February 2025 with the Executive Speaker Series.
1905

Members of 61 Erie County manufacturers form the Manufacturers’ Association of Erie on November 13, 1905.

1905

From 1905 to 1964, the Association is headquartered in the Ariel Building at 404 West 8th Street.

1906

The Association holds first Annual Meeting on January 25, 1906, at the Reed House in downtown Erie.

1914

The Manufacturers’ Association incorporates in 1914.
In 1921, the Association lobbies the Department of Education to provide vocational education for returning soldiers.

1921

In 1921, the Association lobbies the Department of Education to provide vocational education for returning soldiers.

1930

A valuable member service is provided when the Association audits member companies’ freight bills, recovering substantial sums of money that had been overbilled by the freight companies.

1936

In an effort to increase automobile safety and decrease the number of accidents on Erie Roadways, the Association offered an Automobile Driver Safety course in 1936 that was attended by more than 1,800 people.

1941

In 1941, the Association, with assistance from the Industrial Salvage Section and the Bureau of Conservation, develops the Industrial Scrap Campaign, which is recommended and adopted nationally. Two thousand copies of the plan are distributed throughout the country.

1942

Through the successful lobbying efforts of the Association, in 1942 the state government amends the law to allow women to work second and third shifts.

1964

The Association is headquartered at 801 French Street from 1964-1970.

1965

Group health insurance programs are offered to member companies for their employees in 1965. This will prove to be one of the most utilized services in the Association’s history.

1970

From 1970-1979, the Association is located at 5 West 10th Street.

1970

During this time (1970s), the Association develops the Regional Occupational Skills Center at the Erie County Technical School.

1979

The Association develops Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week in 1979. The first program is held at Clarion University with 150 high school students in attendance.

1986

The Association is renamed the Manufacturers’ Association of Northwest Pennsylvania in 1986.

1988

The Association is located at 33 East 8th Street from 1980 to 1988 when it moves to 3537 West 12th Street.

1987

Training programs are expanded to meet the demand for management seminars, professional development and computer courses.

1987

In 1987, the first Monthly Business Report, the Association’s magazine, is rolled out. It is later renamed to Business Magazine.

1990

Ralph Pontillo is named president of the Association in 1990. He will help drive membership to more than 6,500 industrial, commercial and association members.

1990

Deanna Klein, president of Fairview Manufacturing, is named as the first woman Chairman of the Board of Governors. She was also the first woman to serve as a member of the board.

1996

The Association moves to its headquarters on West 38th Street in Erie in 1996.

1996

The Manufacturers’ Association Conference Center is opened on January 3, 1996.

2003

The Manufacturers’ Association Insurance Agency is started in 2003.

2004

The HR Advantage service is offered to members in 2004.

2005

In 2005, the Association celebrates its 100th anniversary. Among those in attendance are Pro Football Hall of Famer Lynn Swann, actor and “Easy Rider” star Peter Fonda, political humorist Mark Russell and General Colin Powell.

2007

First Roar on the Shore occurred in July 2007.

2012

The Annual HR Conference presented by the MBA began October 2012.

2013

The 1st Annual MFG Day celebration was in October 2013.

2023

MBA’s Leadership Summit begins in April of 2023.

2025

The MBA begins to feature local area leaders in February 2025 with the Executive Speaker Series.

Twelve Decades of Memories

Share your story!

How has the MBA impacted your organization?

One way we’re celebrating our 120th anniversary is collecting your stories–we want to hear all about what the MBA has done for you.

*Required

MBA Stories of Impact

Supporting Pennsylvania Businesses Since 1905

CELEBRATE WITH US!

Party On The Patio

We’re inviting our members to join us to celebrate this significant milestone! The MBA’s Party On The Patio will feature:

It will be a great opportunity to check out everything we can offer your business–while having a great time!

Details

Date & Time:

June 2025 | Time 2-5pm

Cost:

Free!

Location:

MBA Headquarters & Conference Center
2171 West 38th St.
Erie, PA 16508

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