The Michigan Advertising Industry Alliance

MAIA was founded in 1972 to serve as the advertising industry's link to state government in Lansing. The MAIA is made up of Michigan's advertising industry - it's advertisers, agencies, and media firms as well as creative and production services. Its officers and directors are people from these various businesses who volunteer their time and talent. Although legally a separate corporation, the MAIA is operated by The Adcraft Club staff.

The MAIA plays a critical role in protecting the advertising industry. MAIA member dues are used to retain the services of Karoub Associates, one of the state's most prestigious lobbying firms, as its legislative counsel. With the Karoub firm's guidance and counsel, the ad industry has been able to fend off numerous attempts at new regulations, restrictions, and taxes.

The organization has had many victories over the years, but none so significant as the 1995 legislation to exempt the state sales tax from art, photography, and graphic services. That victory served as a powerful example of the effectiveness of Karoub Associates, working together with MAIA's volunteer leadership and resulted in millions of dollars in savings to the ad industry. More recently, the organization has led lobbying efforts in support of the outdoor advertising and printing industries.

The organization also maintains a political action fund (MAIA PAC) that provides financial assistance to state legislators who have demonstrated their support for industry-related issues.

Email bguerrini@adcraft.org for more information or to join.