IRI's board of directors now become a board of advisers

The National Association of Manufacturers announced today its second merger in three years as part of its drive to be a complete resource for the industry.

Want more news?

CEO Update membership gives full access to the latest intelligence on association management, career advancement, compensation trends and networking events, as well as hundreds of listings for senior-level association jobs.

CLICK HERE FOR MEMBERSHIP DETAILS.

"The modern association must constantly innovate and evolve to best serve its industry, and with the addition of the Innovation Research Interchange, NAM members will have access to the widest array of expertise and services in the history of the association," Timmons said.

"With this transformational development, the NAM and our industry will benefit from world-class R&D thought leadership and the proven strategies that the IRI has perfected. The IRI will continue to support organizations in their mission to drive innovation, and it will enjoy access to the largest network of manufacturing companies and leaders," he said.

IRI members voted to join NAM through a merger of assets and liabilities. IRI's board of directors now become a board of advisers that will continue to shape programming and content. IRI revenue was $3 million in 2019, according to the latest information publicly available. NAM reported revenue of $66 million in 2020.

IRI President Ed Bernstein will continue to lead the group's day-to-day operations as vice president and executive director, reporting to NAM Chief Operating Officer Todd Boppell. IRI staff will become NAM employees. 

NAM purchased another membership organization, the Manufacturing Leadership Council, from a research and consulting firm in 2018. IRI board Chair Steven Moskowitz, director of digital transformation at advanced-materials company Entegris, also is a member of the MLC.

"I've seen firsthand how the MLC has been strengthened since becoming part of the NAM," Moskowitz said in a statement.