The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is just that, an association of 14,000 involved and committed member companies. It is the nation’s largest industrial trade association, whose mission includes enhancing the competitiveness of manufacturers and improving American living standards by shaping a legislative and regulatory environment conductive to U.S. economic growth. Because of the NAM’s reach and collective buying power, the association delivers extra value to its members by delivering services that help its members slash costs, work more efficiently and connect with one another.

One service that brings members — and a world of interested buyers — together is The NAM Buyer-Seller Network(BSN). Established in 2002, the BSN helps buyers find the products they need and helps sellers find the markets they need. The BSN is a Web-based operation with 23,000 registered industrial buyers around the world. Its Web site, www.nambuyerseller.com, averages nearly 58,000 hits and 6,500 unique visitors a month.

The BSN works like this: Companies around the world that are in search of products and services

access the Web site. They search the site for the products they need, and sometimes even the products they don’t need — they sometimes find products they didn’t even know existed.

The site is available in 16 languages and features more than 60,000 products and services. Once buyers find the product they want, they click on it and view contact information for the companies that provide that product or service. Buyers may also search the site for a specific company, click on that company’s name and get information on all of its products and services.

Suppliers are categorized by industry. This helps narrow a buyer’s search so it will be as quick and efficient as possible. Within each industry category are subcategories that further narrow the search.

When buyers identify the products they need, they may e-mail or fax the supplier, or access the supplier’s Web site and download information, brochures and contact information. The entry also includes a contact name, phone number and Internet link.

The BSN is a win-win situation. NAM members — and only NAM members — advertise their products and services on the site. The basic listing is free.

Featured prominently on the BSN Web site is a plug for the NAM Site Selection Network (SSN). Like the BSN, the SSN is a network designed to connect businesses. The SSN is a national information clearinghouse for information about available sites and buildings for manufacturers that are looking to expand or

relocate.

The SSN is a service provided to NAM members, as well as more than 350 trade-specific associations across the country. In total, these trade associations have 150,000 members.

Another connection the NAM has made to benefit its members is one with Excel, a supply-chain management company that will operate the new NAM ProfitLink Supply-Chain Network.

On the BSN, once a buyer has located a seller and placed an order for a product, it’s up to the seller to close the deal. The seller either delivers the goods on time or loses the deal.

This is where the Supply-Chain Network comes in. Exel designs supply-chain systems and integrates freight forwarding, warehousing and distribution, information management and e-commerce in order to provide the manufacturer with a seamless way to get products to end users.

Just like all other businesses, manufacturing companies aren’t self-sufficient. They sell and purchase supplies, make use of services and exchange information on best practices.

In a challenging economic climate, the NAM helps its members connect — with each other and with services and programs that are directed at improving the bottom line.

Ann Morris is a freelance business writer based in Kansas City, Kan.