In 1997, a few local business leaders gathered to discuss an idea to start a business organization designed to promote the growth of business in Meridian Township and strengthen the relationships between the community, the Township and local business. The Meridian Economic Development Corporation agreed to grant them the seed money to begin. The Meridian Area Business Association was founded and the major focus at that time was to grow membership and organize the MABA Expo. The Expo was an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their services and/or products to the community.
Over the years, our membership has grown and we still meet the second Friday of each month to network, build relationships and “Do Business with a Member”. Our meetings are friendly, energetic and informative. Our members can gather to learn more about member businesses, gather a few tips, hear the latest news from Township representatives and learn about how they can get involved in MABA events and activities. Our diverse membership strengthens our association providing our members access to a broader reach of referrals, resources and community connections.
MABA provides other networking opportunities for our members at the annual MABA Expo, our annual golf outing, seminars and member sponsored socials. We are very proud to have established the MABA Scholarship Fund which awards scholarships to high school seniors in both the Haslett and Okemos school districts.
Although we have never been a politically oriented organization, we have established an open line of communication with our local government allowing us the opportunity to stay abreast of community and business concerns within our Township. Our monthly meetings and our website provides the means for our interested members to gain access to pertinent information as it concerns them. While MABA as an organization does not endorse any candidate or take an official position on any issue, as individual members we are the business voice for the community.