History

1901: The Manufacturer’s and Merchant’s Association of Indiana is organized. Its mission was stated simply as one to provide "an organization to fight every proposed law or new tax that might in any way jeopardize a favorable business climate for Indiana."

1915: The organization name is changed to the Indiana Manufacturers Association. The IMA is the third oldest group belonging to the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations; only Connecticut (1815) and Illinois (1893) are older.

1948-1952: The association is incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation and membership doubles. The IMA soon became instrumental in shaping important legislation passed by the General Assembly. Especially noteworthy was its influence on worker’s and unemployment compensation.

1968-1974: From 1968-1974, IMA’s insurance operation became a major function of the association.

The IMA Legislative Reception, now the most popular event of the year for the association, was first held in 1970.

1970s: During the mid-1970s, the IMA became recognized as one of the leading voices representing the interests of business at the General Assembly. It became especially active in taxation, environmental legislation, product liability legislation and labor related issues, and remains the sole organization in the state representing only the interests of manufacturers.

1985: IMA’s insurance operation incorporates as IMASERV.

1991: IMA's current president, Patrick J. Kiely, joins the association in August.

1992: IMA's comprehensive online legislative tracking system, the Indiana Business Network (IBN), is created.

IMA upgrades its headquarters from Monument Circle to the American United Life Building.

1995-96: IMA achieves unprecedented success during General Assembly, earning victories in the areas of taxation, environment, employment, and welfare reform.

In a survey conducted by a Ball State University professor, IMA came out on top when Indiana legislators ranked lobbying groups according to the five attributes that were most important to them.

1997: In October, IMA launches its home page on the World Wide Web, located at www.imaweb.com.

2001: Celebrated 100th year anniversary.

2001: Instituted the David H. Rariden Member Service Award and the Joseph Harrison Legislative Service Award.

2002: IMA is instrumental in writing legislation that restructures Indiana's tax system.