Think about some of the success stories you’ve heard from business leaders you know, and even those of some famous trailblazers, like Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett. Odds are these individuals had mentors, peers, partners, and advisors who helped them navigate challenges and identify opportunities. Because, when it comes down to it, very few people achieve long-term success entirely on their own. That’s why being part of an industry-specific community is indispensable.
If you’re hoping to gain new perspectives on business challenges and build valuable professional relationships, taking part in your local NTMA chapter could be the right move. Local chapters provide opportunities to network with nearby manufacturers and participate in shop tours and in-person events. Many chapters also build relationships with local associate members such as suppliers, as well as educational institutions, economic development organizations, and customers, creating fruitful opportunities that benefit the entire chapter.
And if there isn’t a local chapter in your region, be the catalyst that gets one going. Continue reading to find out how!
Could Your Area Support an NTMA Chapter?
If your area doesn’t currently have an NTMA chapter, ask yourself the following:
- Are there enough manufacturing companies nearby?
- Are companies interested in networking and collaboration?
- Do local businesses want and need help with workforce development?
- Would manufacturers in your region benefit from training and other shared resources?
If the answer is yes, the opportunity might be there to build something meaningful in your local manufacturing community.
What Does It Take to Start a Chapter?
Learn the Basic Requirements
Generally speaking, a chapter should have at least eight companies within roughly a 30- to 50-mile radius, as farther distances can become more challenging.
Build Your Founding Team
Before launching a chapter, you’ll need a small group of committed companies willing to help get things off the ground. Together, this group should work to establish a mission, goals and objectives, initial leadership structure, and a vision for the future of the chapter.
Having multiple engaged companies involved from the beginning creates momentum in the early stages.
Plan Your Initial Meetings
Once it’s time to begin bringing people together, early meetings should focus on establishing:
- Initial chapter leadership
- Meeting cadence
- Types of events that members find most valuable
- How communications should be handled
As the chapter grows, leaders may find it valuable to create annual plans, event calendars, governance structures, and operational guidelines that align with NTMA’s national framework.
Don’t Go It Alone! NTMA Is Here to Help
Starting a chapter may seem like a major undertaking, but remember that you don’t have to figure out everything on your own. NTMA can help guide interested manufacturers through the process and provide resources to help based on best practices gleaned from existing chapters.
Strong Networks Build Strong Companies
In our experience, the most successful manufacturers are the ones that learn from others and share ideas. So if your area is lacking a local manufacturing network, don’t be afraid to take the reins and get one started.
If you’re interested in exploring the possibility of starting an NTMA chapter in your area, reach out to the NTMA team. We’re here to help point you in the right direction and support you as you get started.
