SDRBA Historical Timeline

Aircraft Industrial Recreation Council 1941 – 1958

• Organization Established in 1941 by the aircraft manufacturers in San Diego to promote recreation for their employees
• Sponsored and partially funded by the city of San Diego to also promote tourism and attract workers

National Industrial Recreation Association (NIRA) 1958 – 1981

• Part of a loosely organized national association created to promote recreational opportunities for their employees.
• San Diego is the largest and most successful region at attracting workers

National Employee Recreation Association (NESRA) 1981 – 1992

• NIRA changes name to NESRA and experiences tremendous growth
• San Diego is the 2nd largest (behind Minneapolis) chapter of NESRA
• Organization changes focus from “promoting recreation opportunities in an effort to attract workers” to “expanding the opportunities for existing employees’ welfare and productivity”

Ceded from NESRA and became San Diego Industrial Recreation Council (SDIRC) 1992

• Ceded from NESRA in 1992 and became an independent organization
• Organization grew to more than 400 members as employee services became entrenched as a core value for organizations

Incorporated and became recognized as a Corporation by State of California - 1994

• Bylaws and articles of incorporation signed by all current board members and approved by Matt Fong (state of CA representative)

Changed name to San Diego Recreation & Benefits Association - 2006

• Recognizing the need for our name to better reflect the markets that we serve, the Association made the decision to become known as the San Diego Recreation & Benefits Association

Presidents of the San Diego Recreation & Benefits Association