Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association

What Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association does

The Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1902 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by Captain C.D. Mitchell as the first local manufacturers association in the United States. It serves manufacturers and manufacturing-adjacent service providers in the Chattanooga region, operating from its headquarters at 811 Broad St, Suite #200. CRMA enables cooperation, competitiveness, and profitable growth for regional manufacturers through peer networking, industry updates, workforce development programming, and structured channels for member feedback to regional partners.

CRMA's core offering is a tiered membership structure: Manufacturer Membership priced from $1,200 to $3,500 annually based on company size (employee count), and Associate Membership for suppliers, consultants, and service providers. Beyond dues, the association monetizes a calendar of recurring events and content through tiered sponsorships, including a monthly Newsletter Partnership ($4,000/year), Lunch & Learn ($3,000), Quarterly Networking ($3,500), the signature Annual Meeting ($6,750), Golf Tournament ($1,000-$6,500), and the newly launched Inaugural Symposium (Silver $3,500 to Presenting $8,500). For 2026, CRMA also introduced bundled add-on packages (Visibility, Programming, Premier Partner) to deepen per-member revenue. Membership is delivered through a self-serve online portal, professional staff engagement, and a full events program hosted at venues such as Erlanger Park, McLemore Golf Club, and Westin Downtown Chattanooga.

The association does not develop proprietary technology beyond standard website and digital communication tools. Its strategic emphasis is on workforce development (SkillsUSA partnership, University of Tennessee collaboration on apprenticeship programs), supply chain and EHS convening (via the inaugural Symposium), and economic development integration with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce. Leadership is provided by Executive Director Kerry Beth Carico, with a Board of Directors representing major regional manufacturers including BASF, AdTech Ceramics, McKee Foods, Chattanooga Bakery, Southern Champion Tray, Komatsu, and Nokian Tyres.

Name

Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association

Legal name

Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association

Website

https://cma1902.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1902

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association (CRMA) is a nonprofit trade association founded in 1902, serving manufacturers and suppliers in the Chattanooga region through tiered memberships, networking events, and workforce development programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Chattanooga

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from manufacturing and associate members based on company size (employee count). Membership tiers range from $1,200 for small manufacturers (1-99 employees) to $3,500 for large manufacturers (1000+ employees).
2. Event Sponsorships: Sponsorship revenue from various events including Symposium (Presenting Sponsor $8,500, Gold Sponsor $5,000, Silver Sponsor $3,500), Annual Meeting ($6,750), Golf Tournament ($6,500), Quarterly Networking Events ($3,500), Lunch & Learn ($3,000), Newsletter Partnership ($4,000 annually), and Hole Sponsorships ($1,000).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CRMA is a nonprofit membership trade association serving the Chattanooga manufacturing community. It sells annual memberships (Manufacturer and Associate tiers) and tiered event sponsorships (Newsletter, Lunch & Learn, Quarterly Networking, Symposium, Annual Meeting, Golf Tournament), and supports workforce development through SkillsUSA partnerships. The association enables cooperation, competitiveness, and profitable growth for regional manufacturers.

Product overview

CRMA is a membership organization offering two primary membership types (Manufacturer and Associate) and comprehensive sponsorship opportunities across multiple event types including newsletters, lunch & learns, networking events, an annual symposium, annual meetings, and golf tournaments. The organization also supports workforce development through SkillsUSA partnerships. The portfolio includes tiered sponsorship packages (Newsletter Sponsorship at $4,000 annually, Lunch & Learn at $3,000, Quarterly Networking at $3,500, Symposium tiers from $3,000-$8,500, Annual Meeting at $6,750, and Golf Tournament from $1,000-$6,500) plus optional membership add-on packages for bundled visibility and programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Manufacturer Membership Annual membership tier for manufacturing companies (1-99 employees at $1,200/year; 100-999 employees at $2,000/year; 500-1000 employees at $3,000/year; 1000+ employees at $3,500/year). Provides access to manufacturer-only confidential peer conversations, timely regional industry updates, structured input channels when regional partners need manufacturer insight, opportunities to guide CRMA focus areas in workforce, supply chain, infrastructure, and EHS, and member-exclusive sponsorship opportunities.
• Associate Membership Annual membership tier for suppliers, service providers, consultants, and partners who support manufacturers in the Chattanooga region. Provides direct connections to manufacturers through events and roundtables, expertise-sharing opportunities through panels and Lunch & Learns, member sponsorship opportunities, and ongoing insight into regional manufacturer needs.
• CRMA Newsletter Sponsorship Annual newsletter partnership priced at $4,000 per year, providing logo placement in all 12 monthly CRMA newsletters, quarterly enhanced sponsor highlights, recognition on the CRMA website, and priority consideration for event sponsorships. Designed for partners seeking consistent visibility within the regional manufacturing community throughout the year.
• Lunch & Learn Sponsorship Lunch & Learn sponsorship priced at $3,000 per session. Sponsors may host or co-host CRMA Lunch & Learn sessions, collaborate with CRMA on topic development, receive recognition on marketing materials, and deliver 3-5 minutes of welcome remarks to attendees. Targets sponsors seeking content-driven visibility on industry-relevant educational programming.
• Quarterly Networking Event Sponsorship Quarterly networking event sponsorship priced at $3,500 per event, offered on an exclusive basis. Includes logo placement on event signage and promotional materials, 3-5 minutes of remarks, optional hosting at the sponsor's location, and access to attendee business cards. Designed for relationship-focused visibility within the CRMA community.
• CRMA Symposium Sponsorship Multi-tiered sponsorship for the CRMA Symposium, CRMA's premier thought-leadership event. Tiers include Presenting Sponsor ($8,500, limited to two) with 'Presented by' recognition, prominent logo placement, opening/closing session speaking opportunities, dedicated sponsor spotlight, presenting exhibitor table, and 8 registrations; Gold Sponsor ($5,000, limited to ten) with signage logo, verbal recognition, premium exhibitor table, and 4 registrations; Silver Sponsor ($3,500, limited to twelve) with company name on signage and 2 registrations; and Closing Reception Sponsor at $3,000.
• CRMA Annual Meeting Sponsorship Annual Meeting presenting sponsorship priced at $6,750 (limited to eight). Includes two exclusive tables of 10, verbal recognition, logo placement on signage and marketing materials, logo in sponsor reel, and exclusive spotlight in August and September newsletters.
• CRMA Golf Tournament Sponsorship Multi-tiered sponsorship for the annual CRMA Golf Classic. Includes Presenting Sponsor at $6,500 with recognition on all signage, 3-5 minutes of remarks at Opening Lunch, logo in email marketing, dedicated email to membership, complimentary foursome, and sponsor highlight in the November newsletter; Post-Game Reception Sponsor at $4,000; Eagle Sponsor; and Hole Sponsor at $1,000 (18 spots available) with signage at the sponsored hole.
• Optional Membership Add-On Packages Bundled add-on packages for members including the Visibility Add-On (Quarterly Newsletter Partnership at $2,500), Programming Add-On (Lunch & Learn or Networking Event sponsorship), and Premier Partner Add-On combining multiple benefits.
• CRMA Inaugural Symposium Full-day symposium event programming featuring keynote sessions, breakout tracks on workforce development, environmental health and safety (EHS), and supply chain operations, with industry panel discussions. The inaugural event on May 6, 2026 at Erlanger Park drew approximately 175 manufacturers, industry leaders, and community partners.

Quantifiable outcome

• The inaugural CRMA Symposium on May 6 brought together approximately 175 manufacturers, industry leaders and community partners for networking and collaboration.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• SkillsUSAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026CRMA supports SkillsUSA workforce development programs that create a pipeline connecting motivated students with employers in manufacturing. CRMA representatives attend and judge at SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conferences, supporting the development of future manufacturing talent and skilled trades professionals.
• University of TennesseecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026UT Haslam College of Business and UT Center for Industrial Services collaborate with CRMA on workforce development initiatives, apprenticeship programs, and supply chain education. Keynote speaker Randy Boyd (UT System President) featured at CRMA Annual Meeting.
• Chattanooga Area Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026CRMA works closely with the Chamber on strategic engagement and regional economic development. CRMA Executive Director Kerry Beth Carico also serves as Senior Director of Investor Engagement at the Chamber, strengthening collaboration between the organizations.
• EPB (Electric Power Board)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026EPB participated in the EHS Track at the inaugural CRMA Symposium, discussing energy reduction strategies, sustainability initiatives, and utility management practices for manufacturers.
• Tennessee Department of Environment and ConservationsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026TDEC Commissioner David Salyers provided updates on evolving regulations, environmental policy, and compliance considerations affecting manufacturers at the CRMA Symposium.
• 121 HealthsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026Healthcare solutions provider led by Jesse Rosenthal, contributing to Workforce Track discussions on employee benefits and healthcare models for manufacturers.
• FreightWaves SONARsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026Supply chain intelligence platform contributing perspectives on supply chain technology and operational readiness at CRMA Symposium.
• KencosupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026Logistics and supply chain services provider contributing to Supply Chain Track discussions on distribution and navigating supply chain challenges.
• OpellasupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 May 2026Healthcare company contributing perspectives on distribution and logistics in supply chain discussions at the symposium.
• Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.supportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 November 2025Law firm sponsor of the 2025 CRMA Golf Classic event, providing support for association programming and community engagement.
• Marion Environmental IncsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 November 2025Environmental services company sponsoring the 2025 CRMA Golf Classic.
• GestampsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 November 2025Manufacturing company sponsoring the 2025 CRMA Golf Classic.
• LimbachsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 November 2025Mechanical contractor services company sponsoring the 2025 CRMA Golf Classic.
• DuracellsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 November 2025Manufacturing company sponsoring the 2025 CRMA Golf Classic.
• Adman ElectricsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 November 2025Electrical services company sponsoring the 2025 CRMA Golf Classic. VP Jason Hargis serves on CRMA Board of Directors.
• KomatsusupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 July 2025Komatsu sponsored the inaugural CRMA Member Mixer at The Tremont Spot and participates in workforce development discussions at CRMA events.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): The largest U.S. manufacturing trade association, representing thousands of manufacturers nationally. Comparable to CRMA as a membership-based advocacy and networking body for manufacturers, but operating at a national scale with policy influence, research, and events that CRMA mirrors at the regional level.
• The Manufacturing Institute: The workforce development and education affiliate of NAM, focused on closing the skills gap in manufacturing. Comparable to CRMA's workforce development work, particularly its SkillsUSA partnership and apprenticeship advocacy, but operating at a national scale.

Direct peers

• Manufacturers Alliance (formerly The MPI Group): A peer-network association serving senior manufacturing executives through roundtables, benchmarking, and peer discussions. Comparable to CRMA's manufacturer-only peer conversations and confidential feedback channels, though focused more on C-suite executives nationally.
• Tennessee Manufacturers Association: State-level manufacturers association serving Tennessee-based manufacturers with advocacy, networking, and workforce programming. Closely comparable to CRMA in mission, member structure, and event-based revenue model, but operating one level broader (statewide vs. regional).

Regional players

• Greater Nashville Manufacturing Council: A manufacturing-focused council under the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce that convenes regional manufacturers for workforce and policy work. Closely comparable to CRMA in mission, structure, and Chamber-affiliated model, though serving the Nashville metro rather than Chattanooga.
• Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber: A regional chamber of commerce serving greater Cincinnati with manufacturing, workforce, and economic development programming. Comparable to CRMA's relationship with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and its broader industry-convening role in a Midwestern manufacturing corridor.
• Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNet): A Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that convenes regional manufacturers for collaboration, workforce development, and policy advocacy. Directly comparable to CRMA in structure and mission as a regional manufacturing membership organization, but serving a different geography.

Others

• SkillsUSA: A national nonprofit serving middle school, high school, and college students preparing for skilled trade and technical careers. Comparable as an ecosystem partner to CRMA's workforce development strategy — CRMA actively supports SkillsUSA programming as part of its member value proposition.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cma1902
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCma1902
• Facebookfacebook.com/cma1902
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/chattanooga-regional-manufacturers-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association