The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) is the trade association of the metal and composite can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. The association received its charter in 1938, then representing only 39 manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services to the industry. CMI members account for over 81% of annual domestic production of 133 billion cans; together they employ 22,000 people with plants in 33 states, Puerto Rico and American Samoa. CMI's mission, simply stated, is to foster the prosperity of the industry and bring value to its members in a cost effective way. We do this by promoting the can and communicating its many benefits to our customers, consumers, the media, and trade analysts. CMI assumes many roles to meet the industry's needs. On both the national and state level, CMI actively participates in the exchange of ideas influencing legislative, regulatory and administrative policies of interest to can makers. CMI has also conducted and sponsored several innovative studies that led to promotional campaigns seeking larger market share for the can. CMI provides a statistical service by publishing monthly and annual shipment reports by product and marketing category and serves as the industry's technical forum.