Employers Group/EverythingHR Celebrates 130 Years of Supporting Employers

Yes, it’s true – 130 years!

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we do so with profound gratitude for the generations of members, clients, and dedicated professionals who have shared our commitment to serving the business community. Your trust, partnership, and loyalty have made this enduring legacy possible, and we are honored to celebrate this achievement with you.

Founded in 1896 as the Merchants and Manufacturers Association, our organization was established at a time when the legal framework governing the workplace was still in its infancy. Over the last thirteen decades, we witnessed (and helped employers navigate) the transformation of the American workplace through industrialization, labor reform, economic change, globalization, and the digital age. As employment law evolved into one of the most dynamic areas of business, so too did our commitment to
providing trusted guidance and practical expertise.

For 130 years, we have stood beside employers as both a trusted advisor and a respected advocate. From influencing public policy and advancing sound workplace practices to representing employers' interests before legislative, regulatory, and judicial bodies, we have remained committed to strengthening the business community while helping organizations adapt, grow, and succeed.

Our history is, in many ways, the history of the modern American workplace!

One hundred thirty years is more than a milestone—it is a testament to enduring partnerships, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are deeply grateful to the hundreds of thousands of employers who have placed their confidence in us and to the remarkable employees, past and present, whose expertise, integrity, and dedication have brought our mission to life

Of course, 130 years is just the beginning!

As we begin our latest chapter. We look forward to working closely with all of you and, as always, supporting in every way possible. Over the next few weeks, please be on the lookout for additional announcements from Employers Group/EverythingHR, including:

As we move forward into out new era, please enjoy the following very brief summary of our history…

Getting Started – 19 th Century Roots

When Employers Group/EverythingHR first formed in 1896 in Los Angeles as the Merchants & Manufacturers Association (M&M), the name itself echoed the nature of business at that time. The city was teeming with industrial and manufacturing companies, many originating to build the city itself as well as the nearby harbor. Rail companies were booming and the area was gearing up as a major shipping port. Department stores, breweries and “mom-and-pop” markets were all flourishing businesses. Many of these companies were M&M’s first members, and some are still members to this day.

Early 20th Century – Focus on Industrial Relations

The focus over the first three decades was primarily on industrial relations. M&M kept its eye on union issues on behalf of its members, promoting an “open shop” philosophy as being the most beneficial for employers and employees alike. In 1921, the Industrial Relations Committee of San Francisco, a Bay Area group much akin to M&M in Los Angeles was highly successful in organizing the business community to maintain an open shop city. Several decades later, this group would change its name and, as the
Federated Group, merge with M&M in 1993 to become Employers Group.

1940s – Moving into Human Resources

In 1937, M&M was joined in the labor relations field by a new organization called Southern Californians, Inc., which sponsored a successful Los Angeles city initiative ordinance to keep picketing peaceful. In the 1940s, this group and M&M united to become the largest employment relations group in the nation. M&M grew its service base to provide members with a more comprehensive range of services in the human
resources field.

1950s – 1970s– Expansion in services and locations

The 1950s represented a time when M&M began to diversify and expand the scope of its services. Management education, research, and publication of practical literature replaced much of the anti-union activity of the past. M&M’s existing legislative advocacy became even more important in helping to slow down the intrusion of bureaucratic action upon the business community. In 1957, M&M established its Orange County Regional Office. Although the county was a rural community with little industry at the
time, we recognized its potential for growth.

Since the 1970s, Employers Group has provided members with a telephone consulting “Helpline” to provide expert guidance on HR issues. Today, our Consulting Helpline continues to be one of our most popular services, through which our senior-level HR consultants and subject matter experts provide on-the-spot answers to compliance and employee relation questions. During this period we introduced compensation, HR practices, and budget and trends surveys, and, to this day, we are committed to helping
employers understand the competitive landscape of compensation and total rewards.

1980 through 1993 – Serving Employers Throughout California

In the 1980s, M&M added three more regional offices, in San Diego, Inland Empire, and San Francisco. Then, in 1993, M&M merged with the Federated Employers in San Francisco and became Employers Group, thus drawing the distinction of becoming the nation’s largest and oldest nonprofit employer association dedicated to HR management.

Heading into a Third Century Supporting Employers

Having closed out the 19th century, expanded throughout the 20th century and now more than a quarter of the way through the 21 st century, Employers Group has been at the leading edge of the largest shift in the history of the HR profession. Over the past 30 years, the methods for managing HR have evolved into a full-time function to become a much more demanding and strategic role in organizations. Employers Group has evolved to meet 21st Century employers’ need to protect their “intellectual capital.”

From Sea to Shining Sea – 21st Century Expansion

Throughout the current century, Employers Group has guided and supported the business community through numerous unprecedented challenges. The lessons we have learned over the years through our trusted partnerships with (literally) over half a million employers has given us the a steadfast resiliency and a unique insight that is unmatched in our field.

While continuing to be the leading expert on California employment practices, the last 20 years have seen Employers Group grow nationally to now supporting employers in all 50 states.

The 21st century has also seen Employers Group expand its service offerings through the membership branding “EverythingHR” introduced in 2014. EverythingHR has taken on the bulk of member services and project work while Employers Group continues to focus on the legacy mission of employer advocacy through our esteemed Legal Committee consisting of top partners from leading employment law firms as well as our efforts through a wide range of business and advocacy groups.

Our goal today is to maintain all of the U.S. as fertile fields for new business, new ideas, and new employment. We want to help employers remain competitive in the reality of today’s global economy and perpetually shifting priorities. There’s no one quite like us when it comes to human resource management expertise.

Here’s to the next 130 years!