History of EAF

The formation of an employers association was the long-term retirement dream of Marvin B. Ault, a former Proctor and Gamble Labor Relations Manager. When Marv Ault retired from Proctor and Gamble, he and his wife Ruth moved to Central Florida and he began work on his dream project. After many long months of research, planning and networking, the Employers Association of Mid-Florida was formed in August of 1980.

There were the normal growth pains in those early days, but many businesses quickly recognized the need for an organization that could help to provide a healthy employee relations climate within the business community. The organization expanded rapidly after the first year and began to spread it's wings beyond the Mid-Florida geographic area. The organization was providing services and training programs in all four corners of the state, so it was time to expand the name of the organization. In 1982 the association was renamed to the Employers Association of Florida.

The memberships and portfolio of services has continued to grow since 1980, and today EAF is one of the most successful employers associations in the country. The credit for this tremendous success must be given to a handful of people, who are:

• Marvin Ault, who was the founder of EAF and served as Vice President and inspirational leader until his unfortunate death in 1995.

• John Hinkle, who joined the association in 1981 as a Vice President, and served as President from 1985 until his retirement at the end of 1995.  John passed away in December 2004.

• Rita K. Manny SPHR, who joined the association in 1981, and has been a major contributor to the current success of EAF. Rita has given EAF 150% effort for over two decades , and was recognized for her contributions by being appointed President of EAF in January 1996.

• Christine C. Crews SPHR, who also joined EAF in 1981, and is currently Director Human Resource Services, has been an invaluable asset to the organization over the years, and has dedicated her career to making EAF a success.

• Carol J. Pedro, who is currently EAF Office Manager, joined EAF in 1988.

There are many other individuals from all parts of the business community who have played an important role in the history and growth of EAF. However, there are two individuals that deserve special recognition for their involvement and contributions to EAF since the formative years. One of these individuals is Thomas C. Garwood Jr., Esq. Mr. Garwood, from the law firm of Ford & Harrison LLP, who has served as the associations General Counsel and major supporter from the very beginning. His belief in EAF and its mission has never faltered. The other individual is Lou Whitney, who is currently President of ProSports USA, and serves as Chairman Emeritus of the EAF Board. Mr. Whitney was EAF's first Chairman of the Board, and was instrumental in getting EAF launched in 1980. He has continued to play an active roll in EAF's growth over the years and has pledged his support for the future. 

As EAF celebrates our 25^th anniversary, we reflect back on the many years we have been privileged to be able to serve our members.     It is with great pleasure that we recognize those members that have been with us from the first five years of business. 

We are where we are today because the leadership in the following organizations have shared and funded our vision from the beginning:

Today EAF is one of the top employers associations in the United States in terms of contributions to the business community and financial health of the organization. Thanks to our member companies for playing such an important role in this success, and to the Board of Directors for their constant guidance and support.

Why don't you became a member of EAF, and become a partner in assuring the future employee relations health of our business community in Florida.

Click here for a partial list of EAF member companies
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