Georgia Manufacturing Alliance Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

General Membership

What is the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance (GMA)?

  • GMA is a for-profit membership association dedicated to supporting and growing manufacturing in Georgia.
  • We offer a wide variety of monthly factory tours, networking events, and educational sessions where industry leaders can observe world-class manufacturing in action and expand their professional network.
  • "Community" is the best one-word description of GMA.

Who is a good fit for membership in GMA?

  • Manufacturing professionals committed to personal and professional growth.
  • Industry leaders willing to share best practices and learn from others.
  • Supplier companies currently serving more than five manufacturers in Georgia.

Who is NOT a fit for membership in GMA?

  • Individuals who believe they have all the answers.
  • Suppliers primarily focused on closing sales with a transactional mindset.

Does GMA lobby or engage in politics?

  • GMA is non-political and does not lobby or endorse any political agenda or candidates.

How many members do you have?

  • Membership numbers vary, but GMA currently has approximately 200 company memberships, representing around 110,000 employees in Georgia.

How does membership work?

  • Memberships are company-wide, with dues based on the number of full-time employees in Georgia.
  • All employees of a member company can attend GMA events at member rates, provided they register.
  • Plant tours are limited to two attendees per company to ensure all members can participate.

Do you offer individual memberships?

  • No, all memberships are company-based.

Do you have to be a manufacturer to join?

  • No, service companies (non-manufacturers) may join GMA but must submit a list of five current manufacturing clients for a reference check. Please send the list to support@georgiamanufacturing.com.

How many people from my company can attend each event?

  • The Georgia Manufacturing Summit and most educational and training events have no attendance restrictions. Plant tours are typically limited to a maximum of two attendees per company.

Can I attend an event as a guest to try out GMA before joining?

  • Yes, as long as your attendance does not conflict with reserved seats for networking sessions. Non-members must register, and first-time manufacturers may contact our office for a complimentary code.

How can I receive a company listing in the Georgia Manufacturing Directory?

  • Join GMA, and your company will be automatically included in the online directory.

Can I be a speaker at the Georgia Manufacturing Summit?

  • Annual sponsors are prioritized for speaking opportunities at the Summit. Other current members may be considered as space allows. Please submit your request to support@georgiamanufacturing.com.

Are there volunteer opportunities? How do I get more involved?

  • Yes, opportunities are available on the following committees: Membership, Veterans, Events, Summit, and Awards.
    Please submit your name and committee interest to support@georgiamanufacturing.com.

What is the GMA Cancellation Policy?

  • Event tickets are non-refundable. However, you may transfer your registration to another person within your company by notifying us at least two days prior to the event in writing at support@georgiamanufacturingalliance.com. Please provide the first and last name, phone number, and email of the person receiving the transferred ticket so we can send them a confirmation and prepare a name tag.

Chapters

How do the chapters work?

  • GMA’s regional chapters foster smaller, localized groups within the statewide organization. They streamline communications and help companies identify service providers in their area while building cohesive local teams.

How do I select my chapter?

  • Select the chapter closest to your primary business location.

We are a statewide or national company. Which chapter should we select?

  • Choose the chapter closest to your primary office in Georgia.

Can I attend events in other chapters?

  • Yes, GMA membership is statewide with no restrictions. Members frequently attend tours and training events outside their region.

Networking Events

Do I have to be a member to attend a networking event?

  • No, but you must confirm that your attendance does not conflict with an existing member who has a reserved seat for the event.

Someone is already listed in my category in all networking groups. What do I do now?

  • Submit your name, company, and preferred category to support@georgiamanufacturing.com to be placed on a standby waiting list. You will be notified when a new session opens.

How do I become a reserved provider at a networking session?