The association provides classes, educational conferences, and publications to aid their members' understanding of statutory duties.
More than 700 township officials gathered in Lansing to be addressed by Parisi in the main ballroom of the former Olds Hotel, where the group voted unanimously to form the association.
MTA moved to Lansing in 1957, when Parisi decided not to seek re-election as township clerk and serve as the executive director full-time.
In addition to advocacy, the MTA began offering scheduled training classes and legal information services.
Concurrent with La Rose's appointment, Robinson assumed a newly created full-time position as associate director.
In 1987, the MTA Board approved the purchase of a new office site on almost 10 wooded acres in Delta Charter Township.
Due to careful financial planning, the new site and building had a minimal impact on MTA membership contributions.
MTA won an Award of Excellence from the American Society of Association Executives for its financial planning for the new headquarters.
Merrill's focus has been to support the efforts of the MTA board to govern at a strategic, forward-thinking level.
In 2003, MTA celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house, special events at its Annual Educational Conference, a fireworks show over Mackinac Island during its Summer Legislative Conference, and burying a time capsule, along with dedication of a garden memorializing the contributions of former executive directors Joe Parisi and Bob Robinson.
State laws authorize Michigan townships to perform a wide variety of functions in two important categories: mandated and permissive.
Procedures for the township's financial administration, such as budgets, accounting, investments and deposits, are closely regulated by the state.
User fees, permits, fines and special assessments on real property are the most frequently used sources.