As of this past June 26^th, NAFTZ reached a historic milestone - 1,003 members.

That is an exciting high point for our association, and one that deserves to be recognized. But more importantly, it is a milestone that says something meaningful about the strength, relevance, and engagement of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone community.

NAFTZ did not reach this point because the environment around us has become simpler. Quite the opposite. The past few years have brought significant uncertainty and unprecedented change across nearly all aspects of international trade, and certainly on U.S. FTZ operations. For many companies and communities, the questions have become more complex, the stakes have become higher, and the need for credible information and practical support has become even more important.

In that environment, the FTZ community continues to show up.

Members are investing their time in education, peer learning, advocacy, committees, working groups, and events. They are sharing experience, asking hard questions, helping identify operational challenges, and contributing to a stronger understanding of how the FTZ program can continue to serve U.S. companies, workers, communities, and the broader economy.

That is why this milestone matters. Reaching 1,000 members is not simply an association growth marker. It is a signal that NAFTZ continues to serve as a central gathering place for the FTZ community at a moment when connection, credibility, and a shared voice are especially important.

It also reinforces our responsibility. As NAFTZ grows, we must continue to provide strong advocacy, relevant education, practical information, and meaningful opportunities for members to connect with one another. Growth is exciting, but it also challenges us to keep improving, to listen carefully, and to make sure the association continues to meet the needs of a broad and evolving membership.

This milestone belongs to the members because the members made it possible. It reflects the trust, participation, leadership, and engagement of the companies, grantees, operators, users, 3PLs, service providers, consultants, advisors, and professionals who make up this community.

We will be looking for appropriate ways to recognize and celebrate this milestone in the months ahead, including at our Annual Conference in San Diego this October. I look forward to celebrating with many of you there.

For now, I simply want to say thank you.

Thank you for being part of NAFTZ. Thank you for contributing to this community. And thank you for helping make NAFTZ 1,000 strong.

This is not the finish line. It is the foundation for what comes next.