November 20, 2024 - The Board of Directors of Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM) today elected Steven Burger to serve as Chairman of the Board for a two-year term.
Mr. Burger is the Executive Chairman of Burger Specialty Foods, a fourth-generation family-owned enterprise based in California, Missouri. The company is a leading producer of cured and smoked meat and poultry products, with nationwide distribution to grocery stores, restaurants, and through e-commerce. Steven earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Business Logistics from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1984 and has completed executive training programs at the University of Chicago. He resides in California, Missouri, with his wife of 35 years, Laura. Together, they are proud parents of two adult sons.
"We are honored that Steven Burger is using his leadership skills to help all Missouri businesses by serving in this role," said Ray McCarty, president and CEO of AIM. "His vast business experience in the field of manufacturing in a family-owned business with locations in multiple states will be very helpful as we continue our work to improve Missouri's business climate."
Burger follows Dr. Kimberly Bauman, MLC, who served as Chairwoman of the Board for the last two years. Chairwoman Bauman was the first female to serve as chairperson of the 105 year old organization.
Dr. Bauman is Director of Environmental Affairs for Mississippi Lime Company d/b/a MLC in Ste. Genevieve, MO. MLC is a world-class, trusted partner for high-calcium lime, dolomitic lime, lime-based chemical specialties, and technical solutions. With over a century in business, the company has built a reputation on the purity of its products, commitment to research and development, and tradition of customer service.
With a focus on environmental policy and air quality management issues at the federal and state levels, Kimberly has over 30 years of multi-state experience in environmental consulting and heavy industry, including lime manufacturing, glass manufacturing, and ceramic ware manufacturing. Kimberly also serves as the chairwoman for various environmental committees, including the Environmental Committee of AIM, and is the past chairwoman of Regulatory Environmental Group for Missouri (REGFORM).
"We are very happy Kimberly Bauman accepted the nomination as the first Chairwoman of the AIM Board two years ago," said McCarty. "She utilized her environmental experience in helping guide AIM's environmental policy, first as Chair of the Environmental Committee, and then as Chairwoman of the Board, and we are extremely grateful for her service. We look forward to her continued involvement on the Environmental Committee and as Chairwoman Emeritus on the AIM Board of Directors."
Burger Specialty Foods has been a dedicated member of AIM for 22 years. Steven has actively contributed to the organization in various roles over the years and says he is honored to serve as Chairman for the next two years.