NAM Board elects Berges chairman

The National Association of Manufacturers Board of Directors elected James G. Berges, president of St. Louis-based Emerson, as its chairman for a one-year term beginning January 1, 2006, at its semi-annual meeting this week. The board also elected Charles E. Bunch, chairman and CEO of PPG Industries, Inc.

By Staff November 1, 2005

The National Association of Manufacturers Board of Directors elected James G. Berges, president of St. Louis-based Emerson, as its chairman for a one-year term beginning January 1, 2006, at its semi-annual meeting this week. The board also elected Charles E. Bunch, chairman and CEO of PPG Industries, Inc., as vice chairman.

NAM president John Engler said Berges and Bunch will bring a record of success in the global marketplace with working knowledge of strengthening manufacturing in America to lead the nation’s largest industry trade association. “Now more than ever, we need to lead manufacturers and public policymakers in a direction that strengthens manufacturing and strengthens the U.S. economy,” said Engler. “Jim and Chuck are leaders of tremendous energy and talent whose experience will serve the NAM — and the nation — well.”

Berges, 58, began his career at Emerson Electric in 1976 and was named president in 1999. He recently served as NAM vice chairman. Bunch, 56, became chairman and CEO of Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries in July, having been president, chief operating officer and board member since 2002.