Leading Edge Membership
A $250-per-year auto-renewing subscription membership for U.S. manufacturers with under $5 million in annual revenue - industry intelligence, a Policy Help Desk and full operational programs, sized for the smallest shops in America.
Leading Edge Membership
The NAM, sized for America's smallest manufacturers.
Leading Edge Membership
A subscription membership offering from the National Association of Manufacturers.
- Industry insights, intelligence and newsletters
- Weekly programs note from NAM membership
- Virtual committee participation
- Policy Help Desk
- Full access to NAM Operational Programs
- NAM Proud Member logo for your site
Made for makers
You build America. We back you up.
You don’t have a government affairs office or a Washington consultant on retainer — and with Leading Edge Membership, you don’t need one. You get the same industry intelligence that reaches the largest manufacturers in the country, a direct line to the Policy Help Desk when a regulation or policy question hits your business, and the full suite of NAM Operational Programs to cut costs on cybersecurity, energy, shipping, retirement plans and more.
It’s the NAM’s advocacy and programs, scaled to the realities of a small shop — digital-first, self-service and $250 a year.
What's included
Focused membership. Clear upgrade path.
Leading Edge Membership is a limited membership focused on industry insights, intelligence and newsletters — with a built-in path to full NAM membership as your company grows.
Included with Leading Edge
- Industry insights and intelligence — Input, the Leading Edge newsletter and the Monday Economic Report
- Weekly note from NAM membership with upcoming programs
- Virtual participation in NAM policy committees
- Policy Help Desk for your policy and regulation questions
- Full access to NAM Operational Programs — Cyber Cover, NAM Energy, Incentives Locator, 401(k), CONNEX Marketplace and shipping discounts
- “NAM Proud Member” logo to display on your website
- Additional company contacts on your company profile
- Welcome email series to get your team up to speed
Upgrade to full membership for
- In-person meeting participation and NAM events
- Congressional fly-ins and Board of Directors meetings
- Hosting a State of Manufacturing Tour stop
- 1:1 meetings with NAM policy and government affairs experts
- Access to the NAM Legal Center
- A dedicated membership adviser for your company
Eligibility
Three quick checks
Under $5M annual revenue
You’ll certify that your business earns less than $5 million in annual revenue. Larger? Full NAM membership is your fit.
Membership is billed annually at $250 and auto-renews each year. Once paid, dues are non-refundable. Revenue eligibility is verified by the NAM. Companies that exceed $5 million in annual revenue will be invited to upgrade to full NAM membership at renewal.
Frequently asked questions
The fine print, in plain English
Who qualifies for Leading Edge Membership?
U.S. manufacturers — companies that make things in America — with under $5 million in annual revenue. During signup you’ll self-certify both, and the NAM verifies revenue eligibility. Current NAM members and subsidiaries of current member parent companies are not eligible.
How does billing work?
Membership is $250 per year and renews automatically each year so your benefits never lapse. Once paid, dues are non-refundable. To make changes to your membership, contact the NAM membership team before your renewal date.
What do I get — and what don't I get?
You get industry insights, intelligence and newsletters, a weekly programs note, virtual committee participation, the Policy Help Desk, full access to NAM Operational Programs and the NAM Proud Member logo. Leading Edge does not include in-person meeting participation, fly-ins, Board meetings, 1:1 policy meetings, the NAM Legal Center or a dedicated membership adviser — those come with full membership.
What is the Policy Help Desk?
Instead of a dedicated membership adviser, Leading Edge members get the Policy Help Desk — a direct channel to submit policy and regulatory questions and get answers from the NAM team.
Can my colleagues use the membership too?
Yes. You can add additional company contacts to your company profile so your whole team receives member intelligence and program invitations.
What happens when my company grows past $5 million?
Congratulations — that’s the goal. When your revenue exceeds $5 million, or when you want fly-ins, in-person events, Legal Center access or 1:1 time with NAM policy experts, you’ll upgrade to full NAM membership. The membership team will help you make the move.
What happens after I sign up?
You’ll receive a welcome email series that walks you through your benefits, how to join virtual committees, how to reach the Policy Help Desk and how to activate the Operational Programs.
Operational programs, fully included
Programs that pay for the membership
Leading Edge members get full access to NAM Operational Programs — the same members-only suite the largest manufacturers use. Cut cyber risk with NAM Cyber Cover, lower utility bills with NAM Energy, claim government incentives with the Incentives Locator, offer your team retirement security through the NAM 401(k), find buyers and suppliers on CONNEX Marketplace and save on every shipment with NAM Shipping discounts.
One smart program decision can return the $250 many times over.
Sign up
Get on the leading edge.
Tell us about your company and certify your eligibility. The NAM team will confirm your eligibility and complete your enrollment.
