Which of the following is NOT considered an "associate of a producer" under Missouri law?

Under Missouri law, the definition of an "associate of a producer" includes individuals or entities that have a close connection or affiliation with the producer, such as employees, spouses, or individuals involved in the business structure like franchisors. A shareholder of a public company, while they may have a financial interest in the company, does not have the same direct connection or involvement with the producer's operations or decisions as the other options listed. They are generally part of a larger corporate structure and do not participate in the business's day-to-day activities, which distinguishes them from those who are considered associates in a more active role within the organization. This lack of direct involvement means that shareholders in a public company do not fit the legal criteria set for associates of a producer in Missouri.