Welcome to May!

While Fall and the NAFTZ Annual Conference feel far away — and we haven’t even made it to the Spring Seminar in Savannah yet — it’s time to start thinking about our Annual Meeting of the Members and the election of NAFTZ’s volunteer leadership.

This month, we’ll form the 2025 Nominating Committee and begin accepting applications to be considered for board service.  Those selected by the Nominating Committee will appear on the slate for the annual election in September. If you’re interested in serving on the NAFTZ Board — or know a colleague who would be a great fit — we encourage you to get involved. Formal nomination notices will be sent later this month.

Associations like NAFTZ thrive because of members like you. We value representation from across the FTZ community — Grantees, Operators, Users, and Service Providers — and understand the demands you all face in today’s challenging trade environment. Still, volunteering is a rewarding way to strengthen our community and support the future of the FTZ program.

Key Dates for the 2025-26 Board Elections:

• Nominating Committee Appointed: by June 19
• Initial Slate to Board: by July 18
• Final Slate to Membership: by August 18
• Election and Annual Meeting: September 13

Board Structure Highlights:

• 15 Board Members (plus Immediate Past Chair)
• Minimum 3 Grantees required
• 2-year terms for Directors; 1-year terms for Officers
• 4 Officers and either 5 or 6 Directors elected each year

If you're attending the Spring Seminar, feel free to connect with any current Board member — they’d love to share their experiences. Otherwise, reach out to me or any Board member directly with questions.

Watch for more details soon — and please consider how you can contribute to NAFTZ’s leadership!