IMA Recreation Association

Established September 22, 1922

Over 100 Years of Service to the Community!

Industrial Mutual Association

Mission Statement

The Mission of the IMA Recreation Association is to provide recreational programs and opportunities for children and families throughout the Greater Mid-Michigan area. IMA programs support sports, recreation, and education while fostering good citizenship and team efforts.

Industrial Mutual Association (IMA) is a name deeply intertwined with some of the most iconic figures and landmarks in the history of the Flint area. Although the scope and scale of its services have evolved significantly since its establishment in 1922, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary, the IMA remains dedicated to its original mission of providing recreational and educational activities to the community.

Today, the IMA’s primary focus has shifted predominantly toward golf, exemplified by its ownership and operation of the IMA Brookwood Golf Club in Burton and its management of the First Tee Eastern Michigan golf instructional program for youth.

Golf became a key component of the IMA’s activities in 1963 when the organization acquired Brookwood Golf Club. Before this acquisition, the association had already made significant contributions to the community, such as constructing the IMA Auditorium in downtown Flint and an adjacent athletic field. In 1969, the IMA built what is now known as the Dort Financial Center on Center Road, initially serving as the home for the Flint Generals hockey team and currently hosting the Flint Firebirds, an Ontario Hockey League team.

Over the years, the IMA also provided youth hockey, baseball, and softball programs and established Safetyville U.S.A., which educated children about traffic and automobile safety.

The IMA’s origins are rooted in Flint’s automotive history, with industry giants such as J. Dallas Dort, Charles Stewart Mott, and Walter P. Chrysler playing key roles in its formation. Through their dedication, the IMA offered valuable recreational and educational opportunities, including the evening Auto Trade School, which evolved into the Flint Institute of Technology, later becoming General Motors Institute and now known as Kettering University.

Now, operating under a refreshed name and renewed mission, the IMA Recreation Association continues to build upon its rich heritage as a diversified employee benefit association. As a self-supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the IMA maintains its commitment to the community through the operation of IMA Brookwood Golf Club and First Tee Eastern Michigan. Proud of its legacy, the IMA remains dedicated to offering dynamic recreational programs and special events that enrich the community.

Board of Directors