In 1993 corporate mail management professionals informally got together to discuss the idea of starting a professional organization in the Kansas City area. The main purpose for this organization was to provide educational and networking opportunities for people with management careers in the mail industry. The purpose was not to compete with the local Greater Kansas City Area Postal Customer Council activities, but rather to supplement and expand the opportunities for mail professionals. There were 3 consistent people involved in the initial discussion phase (two of the original three people involved in the planning phase are still involved in the Kansas City MSMA Chapter).

Ideas were discussed in detail, during the planning phase, about whether to start a local organization or connect with a larger group called "Mail Systems Management Association" (MSMA). After a teleconference call with representatives of the National MSMA Executive Board, held early in 1994, it was decided to formally organize into a local Chapter of MSMA. A major element of this decision was the "Certified Mail and Distribution Systems Manager" (CMDSM) Certification that was already established by MSMA, and had national recognition in the mailing industry.

A volunteer executive board was soon established. The first Kansas City MSMA Chapter public organizational meeting was held in April, 1994 with 42 people in attendance. The Kansas City MSMA Chapter owes much of its success to consistently surveying its members to make sure the programs and educational events are what the membership wants and needs. Consequently, the Kansas City MSMA Chapter meetings consist of:

• mail center and industry-related site tours
• educational seminars
• networking social meetings
• CMDSM study group sessions to help mail professionals qualify and take the CMDSM exam to obtain certification credentials.

The Kansas City MSMA Chapter has been, and continues to be, a very successful organization for mail professionals in Kansas City and surrounding areas. Some of the Kansas City MSMA Chapter's accomplishments include:

• Representation on the National MSMA Board of Directors since 1997
• MSMA Chapter of the Year - 1998 and 2003
• 25 mail professionals who have achieved CMDSM Certification
• Highest percentage of CMDSM certified professionals of any MSMA Chapter
• Established two branch chapters of the Kansas City MSMA Chapter
   

These branch chapters have organized committees and hold their own local meetings, with National MSMA reporting requirements managed by the Kansas City MSMA Chapter. This has provided opportunities, previously not available, for mail professionals in smaller communities. These branch chapters are located in Mid-Missouri (Columbia, MO and Jefferson City, MO area) and Des Moines, IA.
 

• Two Kansas City MSMA members have been awarded the national "Distinguished Service Award". This national MSMA award is presented annually to one MSMA member in good standing, who has made significant contributions toward the advancement and benefit of either their local chapter or the national association.
• The Kansas City MSMA Chapter and the Greater Kansas City PCC have worked together to provide creative educational opportunities for mail professionals in the greater Kansas City area.