AMTonline: AMT Press Room

Hundreds of Manufacturing Leaders to Gather for the Second Edition of The MFG Meeting (Manufacturing for Growth)

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Four leading associations will combine resources to host the second edition of The MFG Meeting (Manufacturing for Growth), a gathering of hundreds of manufacturing leaders, March 8-11, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. Collectively representing a cross-section of the industry, AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association (AMTDA), the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) and the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) will combine their annual meetings to pursue the common goal of building sustained U.S. economic growth by strengthening the country's manufacturing sector.

January 9, 2012 - USMTO News Release for November 2011 Manufacturing Technology Orders

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 EST

November U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $430.17 million according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was down 6.9% from October but up 26.6% when compared with the total of $339.68 million reported for November 2010. With a year-to-date total of $4,956.51 million, 2011 is up 73.9% compared with 2010.

Year 2011 Manufacturing Technology Demand Strong – 2012 Forecast Calls for Continued but Slower Growth

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The resurgence of manufacturing following the crash of 2008 is unprecedented. The most current U.S. manufacturing technology orders put the year-to-date total at $4,529.11 million, which is up 80.5% compared with 2010 and is the second highest dollar amount in the last 15 years. As of October, manufacturing technology orders had already surpassed the total value accumulated in 2007.

December 12, 2011 - USMTO News Release for October Manufacturing Technology Orders

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 EST

October U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $463.32 million according to AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was down 22.4% from September but up 20.3% when compared with the total of $385.21 million reported for October 2010.  With a year-to-date total of $4,529.11 million, 2011 is up 80.5% compared with 2010.

November 14, 2011 - USMTO News Release for September Manufacturing Technology Orders

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 06:00:00 EST

September U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $606.56 million according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was up 22.9% from August and up 51.9% when compared with the total of $399.32 million reported for September 2010. With a year-to-date total of $4,074.00 million, 2011 is up 91.9% compared with 2010.

The MTConnect Institute Awards Institute Partner to MacKintok Information Architects and Designers

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:00:00 EST

The MTConnect Institute is very pleased to announce MacKintok Information Architects and Designers as an MTConnect® Institute Partner for their creation of the new, state-of-the- art MTConnect web site. This new web site features a complete redesign and includes news and information about MTConnect, a list of Institute members, a special section for developers and more.

MTConnect® Institute Announces “Getting Started with MTConnect – Connectivity Guide”

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

Developed as a guide for shop owners and plant managers exploring the MTConnect implementation process, the MTConnect Institute is pleased to announce the release of the "Getting Started with MTConnect - Connectivity Guide".

October 10, 2011 - USMTO News Release for August Manufacturing Technology Orders

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:00:00 EST

August U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $460.61 million according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was down 9.4% from July but up 88.5% when compared with the total of $244.35 million reported for August 2010. With a year-to-date total of $3,439.21 million, 2011 is up 101.0% compared with 2010.

AMT Announces Acquisition of Time Compression and Process Cleaning Media Properties

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:45:00 EST

AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology today announced their intention to acquire all assets of the media properties Time Compression and Process Cleaning from Gardner Publications.

September 12, 2011 - USMTO News Release for July Manufacturing Technology Orders

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:00:00 EST

July U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $506.97 million according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association, and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was up 7.3% from June and up 92.7% when compared with the total of $263.14 million reported for July 2010. With a year-to-date total of $2,975.10 million, 2011 is up 102.9% compared with 2010.

AMT, AMTDA Explore Product, Service Integration

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA-The American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association have announced the formation of a committee to explore ways to integrate their products and services to better serve the members of both associations.

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show Sponsor Important Machine Shop Benchmarking Survey

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show have sponsored Modern Machine Shop’s inaugural Top Shops benchmarking survey, which includes 10 firms being named 2011 Top Shops award winners. The results are appearing in the August 2011 issue of Modern Machine Shop.

August 8, 2011 - USMTO News Release for June Manufacturing Technology Orders

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 06:00:00 EST

June U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $459.39 million according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was up 15.3% from May and up 91.7% when compared with the total of $239.68 million reported for June 2010. With a year-to-date total of $2,453.78 million, 2011 is up 103.9% compared with 2010.

July 11, 2011 - USMTO News Release for May Manufacturing Technology Orders

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 06:00:00 EST

May U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $388.27 million according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTO program, was down 2.6% from April but up 121.3% when compared with the total of $175.46 million reported for May 2010. With a year-to-date total of $1,984.87 million, 2011 is up 108.0% compared with 2010.

USMTC Report Changes Its Name to USMTO

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST

To more accurately reflect its content, the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Consumption (USMTC) report is being renamed as the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report. The report will continue to be compiled from the same data, though this change was made to clarify what the report tracks — manufacturing technology orders.

Business Marketing Association Honors IMTS with Tower Award

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show received the Business Marketing Association Gold Tower Award for its IMTS 2010 trade show marketing program. The Tower Award, bestowed by the BMA Chicago Chapter, recognizes excellence in strategy, creativity and results for business-to-business marketing programs.

Manufacturing Technology Suppliers Applaud Advanced Manufacturing Initiative

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

Douglas K. Woods, President of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, greeted news of the Administration’s launch of its Advanced Manufacturing Partnership with optimism that the U.S. government is finally realizing the important role manufacturing technology plays in national security and sustained economic growth.

June 13, 2011 - USMTC News Release for April Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 06:00:00 EST

April U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $396.92 million according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was down 21.0% from March but up 74.9% when compared with the total of $226.99 million reported for April 2010. With a year-to-date total of $1,595.98 million, 2011 is up 105.3% compared with 2010.

Manufacturing Technology Suppliers Commend President’s Skills Initiative

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

McLean, Va. . . . AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology President Douglas K. Woods reacted positively to the news that President Obama is endorsing a manufacturing skills credentialing system to boost manufacturing jobs growth as part of his Skills for America’s Future initiative launched last year. Skills for America’s Future is an effort to improve industry partnerships with community colleges to ensure that America’s community college students are gaining the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in the workforce.

May 9, 2011 - USMTC News Release for March Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 09 May 2011 06:00:00 EST

March U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $511.15 million according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.  This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was up 57.6% from February and up 99.0% when compared with the total of $256.88 million reported for March 2010.  With a year-to-date total of  $1,203.57 million, 2011 is up 118.6% compared with 2010.

MTConnect Institute Announces First-Ever [MC]2 MTConnect: Connecting Manufacturing Conference

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

The MTConnect communications standard has made important in-roads throughout the manufacturing industry as a way to improve connectivity and interoperability on the shop floor. To bring together both the business and technical sides of MTConnect in one place, the MTConnect Institute is planning the first-ever [MC]² MTConnect: Connecting Manufacturing Conference, taking place November 8-10, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati.

AMT/USA Pavilion Emerging Technology Center (ETC) Brings Leading Innovations to FEIMAFE 2011

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

Featuring the game-changing technology that will drive manufacturing’s future, AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology will be sponsoring the Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at FEIMAFE 2011. The ETC will be part of the AMT/USA Pavilion, an area devoted to U.S.-based exhibitors.

April 11, 2011 - USMTC News Release for February Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 06:00:00 EST

February U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $329.43 million, according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was down 10.9% from January but up 99.3% when compared with the total of $165.31 million reported for February 2010. With a year-to-date total of $699.16 million, 2011 is up 138.1% compared with 2010.

View the Latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology at the FEIMAFE 2011 AMT/USA Pavilion

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology announces the return of its USA Pavilion at FEIMAFE 2011. This pavilion will feature the best of American innovation, and the latest technology developments in demand from a number of industrial sectors. FEIMAFE 2011 takes place May 23-28 at Anhembi Park Exhibition Hall in São Paulo, Brazil.

Year End 2010 Industrial Lasers Up 37 Percent from 2009

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

Shipments of industrial laser equipment and systems in 2010 are reported at $356.2 million, according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Unit sales jumped 44.9 percent for a total of 1,210 units. CO₂ lasers accounted for 88.5 percent of the value of shipments, which is virtually unchanged since 2009. Unit sales of CO₂ lasers made up 70.2 percent of shipments. The report compiled from 19 manufacturers and distributors also shows the number of lasers configured as full systems accounted for the same share of shipments as in 2008 after a spike in 2009. The value of orders configured as full systems was $309.2 million.

IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show Named No. 2 Trade Show Among All U.S. Shows

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST

McLean, Va. . . . IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which spanned 1,137,375 net square feet at Chicago’s McCormick Place in September 2010, has been named the No. 2 trade show in the United States. Total registration for the six-day event was 82,411 with 1,728 companies exhibiting in 1,180 booths.

Fourth Quarter 2010 Workholding Shipments Up 6.8 Percent from Third Quarter 2010

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

At $62.8 million for fourth quarter 2010, shipments of workholding equipment were up 32.8 percent from fourth quarter 2009 according to the Advanced Workholding Technology (AWT) Group of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Workholding equipment shipments within the U.S. by the 37 companies participating in the AWT statistical report totaled $52.7 million while exports amounted to $10.1 million.

March 14, 2011 - USMTC News Release for January Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 06:00:00 EST

January U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $371.41 million, according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was down 16.3% from December but up 188.3% when compared with the total of $128.82 million reported for January 2010.

Rebuilding Japan: How Can We Contribute As an Industry?

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

AMT is looking for ideas from industry colleagues on how to assist in rebuilding efforts in Japan. Please consider submitting ideas and donating to the Red Cross.

AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology Elects New Board of Directors and Officers

Sat, 05 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST

McLean, Va. … AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology elected its 2011-2012 officers and directors on Saturday, March 5, at its 2011 Annual Meeting in Chandler, Ariz.

February 14, 2011 - USMTC News Release for December Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 06:00:00 EST

December U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $446.76 million, according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was up 40.9% from November and up 104.8% when compared with the total of $218.16 million reported for December 2009. With a year-to-date total of $3,236.00 million, 2010 is up 85.3% compared with 2009.

AMT Applauds Creating Post for Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EST

McLean, Va.  . . . AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology applauds President Obama’s creation of a new post overseeing manufacturing policy. Ron Bloom was named Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy within the White House’s National Economic Council. Bloom has been the administration’s auto czar since 2009 and has overseen the auto industry restructuring.

January 10, 2011 - USMTC News Release for November Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 06:00:00 EST

November U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $318.18 million, according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association, and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.  This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was down 17.7% from October but up 81.1% when compared with the total of $175.68 million reported for November 2009.  With a year-to-date total of $2,792.58 million, 2010 is up 82.7% compared with 2009.

December 13, 2010 - USMTC News Release for October Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 06:00:00 EST

October U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $387.13 million, according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association.  This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was down 2.5% from September but up 154.9% when compared with the total of $151.86 million reported for October 2009.  With a year-to-date total of $2,477.06 million, 2010 is up 83.2% compared with 2009.

November 8, 2010 - USMTC News Release for September Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST

September U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $399.76 million, according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was up 66.1% from August and up 156.8% when compared with the total of $155.69 million reported for September 2009. With a year-to-date total of $2,090.27 million, 2010 is up 74.1% compared with 2009.

Third Quarter 2010 Workholding Shipments Up 7.1 Percent from Second Quarter 2010

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 00:00:00 EST

At $58.3 million for third quarter 2010, shipments of workholding equipment were up 47.1 percent from third quarter 2009 according to the Advanced Workholding Technology (AWT) Group of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Workholding equipment shipments within the United States by the 38 companies participating in the AWT statistical report totaled $48.6 million while exports amounted to $9.7 million.

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology Calls for Action to Revitalize U.S. Manufacturing and Promote Real Economic Growth

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 EST

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology is calling for a comprehensive national strategy to revitalize manufacturing in the U.S. through cooperation and innovation. The Manufacturing Mandate, being brought forward by AMT, asks political leaders to establish a strategy of collaboration between government industry and academia. This federal strategy would incentivize innovation and research and development in new products and manufacturing technologies; assure the availability of capital; increase global competitiveness; minimize structural cost burdens; enhance collaboration between government, academia and industry; and build a better educated and trained “smartforce.”

October 11, 2010 - USMTC News Release for August Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 06:00:00 EST

August U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $246.42 million, according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association.  This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was down 5.7% from July but up 88.0% when compared with the total of $131.06 million reported for August 2009.  With a year-to-date total of $1,697.27 million, 2010 is up 62.4% compared with 2009.

AMT Applauds Enactment of Small Business Jobs Bill

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology applauds enactment of the Small Business Jobs Bill. The legislation will create momentum for small manufacturers.

IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2010 Sets the Stage for a Strong Comeback in Manufacturing

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

IMTS 2010 Results Exceed Show Management and Exhibitor Expectations

Chicago, Ill. … Strong results at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2010 signal a strong comeback in manufacturing.  Total registration for the six-day event, which ran from Sept. 13-18 at McCormick Place in Chicago, was 82,411.  IMTS covered 1,137,375 square feet of exhibit space with 1,728 companies exhibiting in 1,180 booths.

The 2010 – 2011 Economic Handbook of the Manufacturing Technology Industry Now Available

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

The 2010 - 2011 Economic Handbook of the Manufacturing Technology Industry is now available from AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This annual guide, compiled from numerous domestic and foreign sources, provides comprehensive domestic and international data on the manufacturing technology industry.  The handbook is now available to download from AMT’s web site in both PDF and Excel formats.

OPC Foundation and MTConnect® Institute Announce a Memorandum of Understanding

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

Today, September 16, 2010, at the International Manufacturing Technology Show, the OPC Foundation and the MTConnect® Institute are announcing a joint Memorandum of Understanding. OPC and MTConnect will cooperate in developing standards called MTConnectOpcUa.  MTConnectOpcUa is a set of companion specifications to ensure interoperability and consistency between MTConnect specifications and OPC specifications, as well as the manufacturing technology equipment, devices, software or other products that implement those standards.

AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and Deutsche Messe AG Enter into Strategic Partnership

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 EST

McLean, Va. … AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and Deutsche Messe AG are forming a strategic partnership that will bring a world-class industrial automation event to North America for the first time. Industrial Automation North America will be co-located with IMTS — The International Manufacturing Technology Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill., in 2012.

September 13, 2010 - USMTC News Release for July Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 06:00:00 EST

July U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $266.08 million, according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.  This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was up 10.1% from June and up 72.6% from the total of $154.13 million reported for July 2009.  With a year-to-date total of $1,473.79 million, 2010 is up 58.9% compared with 2009.

The Manufacturing Mandate - A National Manufacturing Strategy to Help Rebuild and Strengthen the U.S. Manufacturing Sector

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST

August 9, 2010 - USMTC News Release for June Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 06:00:00 EST

June U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $241.47 million, according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology and AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association. This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was up 35.8% from May and up 71.1% from the total of $141.12 million reported for June 2009. With a year-to-date total of $1,207.60 million, 2010 is up 56.1% compared with 2009.

Second Quarter 2010 Workholding Shipments up 7.7 Percent from First Quarter 2010

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 06:00:00 EST

At $53.8 million for second quarter 2010, shipments of workholding equipment were up 46.3 percent from second quarter 2009 according to the Advanced Workholding Technology (AWT) Group of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Workholding equipment shipments within the U.S. by the 37 companies participating in the AWT statistical report totaled $45.7 million while exports amounted to $8.1 million.

July 12, 2010 - USMTC News Release for May Manufacturing Technology Consumption

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:00:00 EST

May U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $178.34 million, according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.  This total, as reported by companies participating in the USMTC program, was down 22.9% from April but up 58.6% from the total of $112.42 million reported for May 2009. With a year-to-date total of $966.63 million, 2010 is up 52.9% compared with 2009.

AMT and NAM Announce Historic Partnership to Promote the Importance of Manufacturing in the U.S. Economy

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:45:00 EST

CEO and former Governor Engler Delivering  Keynote Address at the IMTS Emerging Technology Center

AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology announced today that it is joining forces with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to promote the importance of manufacturing and innovation in the U.S. economy. This historic partnership will bring the organizations together in support of the premier manufacturing technology show in the Americas – IMTS 2010 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, sponsored by AMT and held at Chicago’s McCormick Place, September 13-18, 2010. 

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to be Showcased at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 EST

Lockheed Martin has agreed to exhibit a full-scale model of its F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter during IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2010, being held at Chicago’s McCormick Place September 13-18.

IMTS Media Alert - Illinois Legislature Voted to Override an Amendatory Veto

Thu, 27 May 2010 17:00:00 EST

The Illinois Legislature voted to override an amendatory veto submitted by Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn and pass into law legislation that will implement reforms at McCormick Place. This is positive news for IMTS exhibitors, the show and our industry.

NIMS Student Summit at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2010 to be Bigger and Better Than Ever Student Registration Opens April 1

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

The NIMS Student Summit at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2010 will combine an interactive orientation and Career Development Center (CDC) with a dynamic self-guided tour of the technology and manufacturing exhibition.  IMTS is being held September 13-18, 2010, at Chicago’s McCormick Place

AMT Announcement Regarding B11 Activity

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology has made the decision to no longer continue its role as the Standards Development Organization (SDO) for the B11 series of standards. The association is in the process of refocusing its efforts in order to enhance its support to members in areas of more pressing concern and greatest impact on our membership.