.jpg "Cleveland Associated Industries represents 32 members and over 8,000 jobs.")
The first meeting to organize Cleveland Associated Industries (CAI) was held Sept. 8, 1965. Its official Charter of Incorporation was signed on Nov. 17, 1965.
The membership elected S.B. “Skeet” Rymer Jr., president of Magic Chef (now Whirlpool), as the founding president. Skeet’s inspiration and guidance led Cleveland Associated Industries to become a valuable asset to the Cleveland/Bradley County community. His vision for the organization is carried on through our leadership today.
The general objective of CAI was to establish an organization through which industry might effectively utilize its resources and talents in a program of positive action for the betterment of the community. The business executives also wished to communicate effectively the role of industry, its contributions to the community, and its concern for the people and the society in which they lived.
Cleveland Associated Industries was founded on the principle of using industries’ resources to improve life in Cleveland/Bradley County.