NASF Members at the at the 2011 Management Conference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did NASF change its membership structure?

Why did NASF raise dues?

How does the new NASF membership structure and dues compare with other trade associations in our industry?

How does NASF determine the sales revenue for corporate members?

Who is eligible for the small corporate rate of $550.00?

Did NASF remove the individual membership category?

What if I was an individual member of NASF and my company is not a corporate member?

If my company joins NASF, can I still participate in my local branch or affiliate?

How can my company become a member of NASF if I am an individual member?

Why should employees engage in NASF?

How many employees can my company have in NASF?

How does my company fit within the new membership structure?

How do I determine my membership dues if my job shop plates precious metals?

For distributors, what if my business mix includes sales of products manufactured by my company and sales of another supplier’s products?

For suppliers, how do I determine my dues category if my sales to the surface finishing industry are a percentage of my total sales?

Can I participate in NASF activities if I am no longer a member of NASF?

Why did NASF change its membership structure?

NASF membership changes have been made to expand opportunities for involvement for companies and professionals, bring equity to the dues structure and strengthen and improve our value proposition to both companies who invest in our industry and professional members who seek and provide knowledge, technical and regulatory expertise, and volunteer time to NASF.

Why did NASF raise dues?

After benchmarking our current dues for job shops, we found that NASF has one of the lowest corporate dues levels among all U.S. small manufacturing trade associations. In response, the NASF board approved updating the membership model in order for the association to effectively advance the industry’s interests and serve members’ needs.

How does the new NASF membership structure and dues compare with other trade associations in our industry?

The staff benchmarked the new NASF membership structure and dues with other major small manufacturing trade associations. The tiered dues structure based on sales revenue provides greater equity for members.

How does NASF determine the sales revenue for corporate members?

Sales reporting and dues will be based on sales volume that takes into account product mix and position in the supply chain.

Who is eligible for the small corporate rate of $550.00?

Companies (job shops, suppliers, distributors, consultants and associates) with less than one million in sales revenue and/or less than six employees may apply for this rate if they have not been corporate members for the past five years.

Did NASF remove the individual membership category?

No. NASF recognizes the value that professionals bring to the industry. Individuals employed by OEMs, captive operations, government, education, students and retired members may apply for professional membership.

What if I was an individual member of NASF and my company is not a corporate member?

We appreciate your membership in NASF. The corporate membership structure was changed to meet the needs of all size companies and to include all staff as members in NASF at no additional charge. Our NASF Member Relations team is available to work with you to promote the value of NASF membership to your company. Please contact us for additional information, passante@nasf.org or visit www.nasf.org.

If my company joins NASF, can I still participate in my local branch or affiliate?

NASF encourages you to engage with your local organization. Members may participate in their branch or their local affiliate. Many NASF members participate in both. Beginning in 2012, NASF will refer to all local organizations as NASF chapters to minimize confusion among new or prospective members.

How can my company become a member of NASF if I am an individual member?

NASF welcomes all members. An invitation will be extended to all individual members whose companies are not currently members to join NASF. Our NASF member relations team is ready to work with you and your company to join NASF. Visit www.nasf.org for membership information or contact passante@nasf.org.

Why should employees engage in NASF?

NASF gives all members the opportunity to identify, learn and network with members in similar size companies, job functions and areas of expertise to advance their profession and their company.

How many employees can my company have in NASF?

Unlimited. When a company joins NASF, employees receive access to NASF member benefits. Companies can simply add employees to the membership form or contact NASF at passante@nasf.org.

How does my company fit within the new membership structure?

NASF membership includes job shops, suppliers, distributors, consultants, and associates (i.e., captive finishing operations/OEMs) that support and benefit from the finishing industry. When you complete the membership application, you will select a membership category and dues level that accurately reflects the type and size of your company (small, medium and large).

How do I determine my membership dues if my job shop plates precious metals?

Job shops that offer precious metal coating services should multiply their precious metal sales by 10% and their non-precious metal sales by 100% when calculating their dues.

For distributors, what if my business mix includes sales of products manufactured by my company and sales of another supplier’s products?

NASF supplier members who are distributors may apply a factor of 25% factor to their sales. For example, distributors whose sales mix includes products the supplier manufactures and products it distributes for another company would apply a 25% factor to sales of products it distributes for another supplier.

For suppliers, how do I determine my dues category if my sales to the surface finishing industry are a percentage of my total sales?

A sales factor should be applied to your sales to the surface finishing industry. For example, an equipment supplier whose total sales are $30 million, but whose sales to the surface finishing industry are only 30% of the company’s total business, would fall into the dues category corresponding to $6 million to $23 million sales level. ($30 million x 30% = $9 million)

Can I participate in NASF activities if I am no longer a member of NASF?

NASF would prefer to keep you as a member but recognizes that non-members may want to access events, education programs and online information. NASF offers a non-member rate for some of its products, events and services.