In 2025, the Manufacturer & Business Association — now officially branded as The MBA — marks its 120th year of helping employers succeed with a renewed sense of energy, identity and purpose.
The milestone year has been one of celebration and transformation.
In June, guests gathered at the Association’s headquarters in Erie for a special “Party on the Patio” Open House, welcoming members and community leaders alike to enjoy an evening of food, music, networking and reflection on the Association’s proud history and bright future. The event served as the official unveiling of The MBA’s new name, vibrant logo and streamlined website — all designed to better reflect the Association’s modern, solution-driven approach to business advocacy and employer services.
In July, thousands of passers-by got the first glimpse of our new MBA sign erected along West 38th Street, with the help of Howard Industries. The new sign can be seen even by drivers along the Interstate — making The MBA even more visible within our community.
Throughout 2025, The MBA Business Magazine has spotlighted remarkable business leaders in its ICONS of Industry series — paying tribute to the entrepreneurs, manufacturers and changemakers who’ve made lasting contributions to the region’s economy and community.
And, on October 8, our signature celebration will take place at the Bayfront Convention Center: The MBA’s 120th Annual Event — a landmark gathering of industry leaders, policymakers and employers from across the tri-state region, featuring a dynamic keynote speaker and a salute to the legacy and future of business leadership.
In her keynote address, Dana Perino will share a powerful presentation on what it means to lead with resilience from her experience as a former White House press secretary, a co-anchor of America’s Newsroom, co-host of The Five, and bestselling author of multiple books, including her latest, I Wish Someone Had Told Me… The Best Advice for Building a Great Career and a Meaningful Life.
We’re also excited to finally welcome Maxine Reyes to sing our National Anthem. Reyes is a combat veteran who served in two branches of the U.S. military, built a business from the ground up, and still finds time to perform the National Anthem for professional sports teams and nonprofit galas across the country.
In this year’s Annual Report, we’ll also highlight the many programs and services that make The MBA so unique, including our annual MFG Day celebration held earlier in the day on October 8 at the Bayfront Convention Center.
Know that we are proud of our history, but we are even more excited about what lies ahead for our membership.
With a strong foundation, visionary leadership and member-driven mission, The MBA is poised to continue its legacy of service, innovation and impact for decades to come!
Sincerely,
Matt Clark
MBA Board Chairman
