JLS Automation announces that Craig Souser, the company's president and CEO, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). This appointment places him among a select group of manufacturing leaders with influence over the direction of the nation’s largest industrial trade association, which represents more than 11,000 member companies. 

Souser has served on the NAM Board of Directors since 2018, during which time he has become one of the association’s trusted voices on trade and tariff policy. Throughout his tenure on the NAM board, Souser has engaged at the highest levels of policymaking. He hosted then-Vice President Mike Pence at JLS Automation in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal, and more recently participated in a business delegation that met with US Trade Ambassador Jameson Greer to convey concerns from a broad cross-section of industry leaders on tariff policy. NAM staff have consistently called on Souser to represent the manufacturing community on these critical issues, knowing he will deliver an honest, grounded perspective that reflects the real-world impact of trade policy on manufacturers of all sizes. 

“It’s clearly an honor to be asked to be a member of the executive committee representing the small businesses that represent the majority of the 11,000 member companies,” said Souser. “It affords me the opportunity to be a member of an important group that truly can help shape policy and as a minimum always have the ear of those that matter in Washington. For someone writing the last few chapters of my business story this — like the PMMI Tour — is a recognition of accomplishment that is humbling.” 

“Craig embodies the kind of leadership that strengthens both our industry and our association,” said Jay Timmons, president and CEO of NAM. “As president and CEO of JLS Automation — a family‑founded company with over 70 years of manufacturing innovation — Craig brings a deep understanding of what it takes to build, grow and sustain a successful manufacturing enterprise.

"A highly engaged member of the NAM Board, Craig has used his voice consistently to advocate for policies that support manufacturers of all sizes, particularly on trade, tariffs and tax policy. Craig’s commitment to innovation and community leadership, combined with his willingness to engage directly with policymakers, makes him a valuable addition to the NAM Executive Committee.” 

Souser’s appointment reflects both his long-standing commitment to the manufacturing sector and the respect he has earned as an outspoken advocate for small and mid-sized manufacturers on the national stage. His elevation to the executive committee ensures that the voice of family-owned, independent manufacturers will continue to be heard at the highest levels of NAM’s leadership.

Source: JLS Automation