Late last month, NAFTZ reached a significant milestone: for the first time in our history, we surpassed 1,000 members. While that number is certainly worth celebrating, what makes this achievement truly meaningful is that it belongs to you, our members.

Organizations do not grow stronger because of numbers alone. They grow stronger because people choose to engage. They choose to attend, volunteer, speak, sponsor, serve, mentor, ask questions, share expertise, and support one another through complex challenges. That is what NAFTZ members do every day, and that is why this milestone is so special.

As Board Chair, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand how member engagement shapes the strength of this association. NAFTZ is far more than a source of information. It is a community where knowledge is shared, relationships are built, and members work together to advance the FTZ program through their experience, leadership, and commitment.

I joined NAFTZ in 2010, when membership stood at just under 600. Since then, trade has become increasingly complex, and the ways we advocate, connect, and collaborate have continued to evolve. Throughout that time, I have been continually impressed by the willingness of members to support one another—whether through committee work, conference participation, advocacy efforts, benchmarking, or the countless informal conversations that help solve real-world operational challenges. In times like these, a strong association matters. A connected community matters. A shared voice matters.

Reaching 1,000 members is a powerful reminder that NAFTZ’s strength comes from the people and organizations that invest their time, talent, and expertise in this community. Some members have been part of NAFTZ for decades; others have joined more recently and are just beginning to find their place within the association. Both are equally important. Longtime members bring perspective, continuity, and institutional knowledge. New members bring fresh ideas, new energy, and a broader view of where the FTZ community is headed.

That combination is one of NAFTZ’s greatest strengths. Our future will continue to be shaped by members who step forward to lead, engage, ask questions, share their expertise, and help strengthen the program for those who follow.

The value of NAFTZ lies not only in what the association provides, but also in what members contribute to one another. That spirit of shared purpose is especially important as the FTZ community navigates ongoing change and prepares for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Reaching 1,000 members gives us a moment to pause and recognize the people behind the number. It also gives us every reason to look ahead with confidence. I look forward to celebrating this milestone with many of you in San Diego this October and to continuing our work together to build an even stronger, more connected, and more impactful NAFTZ community for years to come.

Most importantly, thank you. This milestone belongs to you, and it would not have been possible without your engagement, dedication, and commitment to advancing the FTZ community. Together, we are shaping the future of NAFTZ, and the next 1,000 members start with the foundation you have helped create.