The National Association of Manufacturers is asking both business and association leaders to sign a letter to be sent after the election, expressing a desire to work productively with the next U.S. president, whoever that may be.

In an email distributed Wednesday, NAM CEO Jay Timmons and the chair and chair-elect of the association's board of directors noted the divisive tone of this year's election season. They did not ask signatories to endorse a candidate, but rather show their willingness to work together with the next president for the good of the country.

"If we do nothing, and let distrust, cynicism and resentment continue to fester in this country, we will all suffer—our workers, our families, our communities, our companies—because it will be that much harder to tackle our economic and social challenges," they said. "This moment in our nation's history is calling us—leaders in our free enterprise system—to rise to the occasion and do our part."

The letter, to be sent out after Election Day, congratulates the winning candidate and expresses the signatories' commitment to reuniting the country "after this particularly difficult election."

"To be sure, we are aware that there will be times when we disagree on the specifics of important policies, and we will respectfully make our voices heard when we do," the letter states. "We do believe, however, that we can be constructive—both when we agree and when we do not—if we can all approach challenging situations in good faith, guided by an unwavering commitment to a greater purpose."

Recipients were given until Nov. 7 to add their names to the letter.

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