The Southwest Meat Association was founded in 1957 by a group of Texas meat packers who came together to form an organization that would unite packers/processors with the goal of promoting goodwill, friendship, education, legislation, and better labor relations within the meat industry. The association was formally incorporated as the Texas Independent Meat Packers Association, and has evolved through several names into the association it is today. SMA provides information and assistance to packer and processor members across the country, with a scope far exceeding that with which SMA was founded. While our industry operates in an unprecedented regulatory environment, it is increasingly important to establish links with companies of similar interests, and working together, influence positive public policy and promote business growth for the mutual benefit of all members. SMA is an organization created to make a difference for its members by initiating opportunities, resolving problems and thus helping allow our member companies to earn a reasonable return on their investment. It is understood that member companies’ primary focus is to produce products that meet or exceed customer expectations in regards to product safety, nutrition and value. SMA offers: Networking Opportunities Educational Programs Regulatory Assistance Membership Discounts Information Services Responsiveness Annual Convention International HACCP Alliance Member Discounts