NAFTZ Growth & Strategic Investments in Our Future

Over the past several years, NAFTZ has experienced significant growth — increasing from 670 members at the end of 2021 to 921 members today. This remarkable trajectory is a direct result of the dedication of our volunteer leaders, active committee members, task forces, working groups, and the tireless work of our staff team. Together, we’ve streamlined operations, enhanced member services, and created a more agile, mission-driven organization.

These improvements not only strengthen our foundation — they empower us to take bold steps toward the future. With our house in order, we’ve been able to refocus staff time and energy on executing our five-year advocacy plan, including bringing Melissa Irmen onto our team as Director of Advocacy. Now, at a critical juncture for the U.S. FTZ program, we are making two strategic investments that will significantly elevate our ability to serve our members and advance our mission.

1. Engaging a Trade-Savvy Public Relations Firm

Following the Board’s Strategic Planning Session after the Spring Seminar in Savannah, NAFTZ has engaged a highly respected PR firm with deep experience in trade and economic development. This partnership, launched August 18, will help us refine and deliver our message more powerfully — both inside the Beltway and beyond.

This initiative has two primary goals:

• First, to tell the U.S. FTZ story to lawmakers, administration officials, and key agencies in a way that emphasizes job creation, competitiveness, and economic impact both locally and at the national level.
• Second, to support a forthcoming redesign of the NAFTZ website — allowing us to separate association business and member content from public-facing information, ultimately making the site a clearer and more compelling resource for anyone looking to learn more about the U.S. FTZ program.

2. Supporting Our Staff with Operational Support

As part of the approved 2025 budget, the Board also authorized a new position — Operations and Program Coordinator — to provide critical administrative support to our staff team and growing membership. Currently, all staff operate at the Director level and above, managing both strategy and execution. With membership growing and strategic initiatives expanding, this added support will ensure we maintain momentum while continuing to raise the bar in how we serve you.

This new role reflects NAFTZ’s commitment to building long-term capacity — to meet today’s needs and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.

These investments are about more than structure — they are about impact. They represent our belief in the value of the U.S. FTZ program, our responsibility to support the professionals who make it thrive, and our determination to shape its future.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual Conference next month in Kansas City. We’ll share more about these initiatives and deliver timely updates on the evolving U.S. FTZ landscape. Until then, thank you for your continued engagement and support of NAFTZ.