MRA Celebrates 125 Years of Employer Partnership

From Milwaukee Roots to Nationwide Reach: MRA Celebrates 125 Years of Employer Partnership

A Legacy of Partnership. 125 Years Strong.

Waukesha, WI — May 7, 2026 — MRA, the nation’s largest employer association, is celebrating its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of partnership with employers navigating an ever‑changing world of work.

Founded in Milwaukee in 1901 by 23 business leaders who believed in a united approach to solving workplace challenges, MRA was created during a period of rapid industrial growth and workforce change. One hundred twenty‑five years later, the organization continues that mission—helping employers adapt, grow, and lead through constant change.

“Business never stands still, and neither have the challenges employers face,” said Susan Fronk, President and CEO. “From early labor relations and workplace dynamics to today’s complex regulatory, talent, and technology landscape, MRA has evolved alongside our members while remaining grounded in the same principle that guided our founders: partnership.”

Headquartered in Wisconsin, MRA has expanded its footprint across the Midwest with division offices in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio, while serving our employers nationwide and around the world. Today, MRA supports more than 5,000 employers and more than 1.5 million employees with trusted guidance, research, training, and HR expertise.

Over its 125‑year history, MRA has guided employers through some of the most significant transformations in the workplace, including the development of labor standards, the evolution of workplace safety, the rise of contemporary human resources, the rapid acceleration of technology, and data‑driven decision‑making. Most recently, MRA has been a trusted resource for employers navigating unprecedented workforce disruption, from pandemic‑era change to today’s hybrid, multigenerational, and AI‑influenced workplaces.

As a nonprofit employer association, MRA’s focus has always been on service, delivering practical solutions and expert guidance that help organizations build engaged, high‑performing workforces. Through comprehensive HR services, learning and development, talent management, and total rewards expertise, MRA helps employers turn workplace complexity into opportunity.

The 125th anniversary will be commemorated throughout the year with storytelling, thought leadership, and initiatives that explore how work has changed—and what’s next. The organization’s anniversary theme, “A Legacy of Partnership 125 Years Strong,” reflects both MRA’s deep roots and its continued commitment to employers facing the future of work.

“As much as the workplace has changed, one thing remains constant,” Susan Fronk added. “Employers need a trusted partner who understands both the business and the people side of work to help them achieve their goals for their organizations. That’s who we’ve been for 125 years—and who we’ll continue to be.”

About MRA
MRA – The Management Association is the largest employer association in the nation, serving more than 5,000 organizations and supporting more than 1.5 million employees nationwide. For 125 years, MRA has partnered with business leaders to provide HR expertise, compliance resources, training, and data and insights that allow organizations to make effective decisions in a constantly changing business environment. For more information, visit www.mranet.org.