Your success on NORAMARK depends on three things: your Trust Score, your Tier, and your Network. Each one affects what you can do, what you can see, and how others see you. These three elements are tightly linked. They reinforce one another to create a reputation system that reflects real-world working relationships, not artificial gamification. This guide explains how they interact and how you can use them together to expand your visibility, grow your business, and coordinate faster. Tier Determines Your Starting Position Your Tier sets your baseline Trust Score and unlocks different levels of access across the platform. Tier 1 manufacturers have full system privileges and start with a Trust Score of 60 Tier 2 manufacturers have most privileges and start with a Trust Score of 40 Tier 3 manufacturers are limited in visibility and interaction, starting at 20 Super Patriots are the highest trust category, starting at 100 and able to onboard others directly Your Tier also determines how visible you are in search, what conversations and features you can access, and who you can message or match with. Trust Score Reflects Ongoing Credibility Your Trust Score is not fixed. It increases based on what you do: Referring and being referred for real work Approving high-quality referrals Engaging constructively in forums Receiving and responding to mentorship or invites from high-trust members Your Trust Score does not drop below your Tier baseline, but it can rise far above it. A high Trust Score makes you more discoverable, more eligible for recommendations, and more appealing to buyers and collaborators. You also receive trust boosts when invited by someone with a strong reputation. This jump-starts your Trust Score and signals that someone is willing to vouch for you. Your Network Extends Your Reach Your network is the group of manufacturers connected to you by real relationships. These may come from: Invitations Referrals Shared Organizations Mutual follows The larger and stronger your network, the more second-degree connections you can see. These are manufacturers trusted by your connections. You can’t see who introduced them or why, but you know they are nearby in the trust graph. When your network grows, so does your ability to source parts, build relationships, and respond to complex customer requests. You don’t need to rely on public directories or cold calls. You can turn to your network and find someone who can help. Working Together Here’s how the system works in practice: You start at a Tier, either by invitation or by submitting referrals That Tier gives you a starting Trust Score and feature access You grow your Trust Score by contributing, referring, and engaging As your Trust Score and Tier improve, your visibility increases As your Network expands, you gain access to more manufacturers With more visibility and more connections, you become a more powerful node in the NORAMARK ecosystem You get faster at building supply chains. You become easier to find. You become more trusted, and more valuable. Why It Matters NORAMARK is not just a tool for showcasing your company. It is a system for coordination, designed to replace the fragmented, offline, relationship-based sourcing model that most U.S. manufacturers still rely on. By combining your Trust Score, Tier, and Network, NORAMARK gives you a faster, smarter way to find people you can actually work with. If someone asks you to build something and you can only do part of it, you can use NORAMARK to locate a trusted supplier for the rest. If you need a die caster, a heat treater, or a specialty materials provider, you don’t need to start from scratch. You can search your network. You can act with confidence. This is what makes NORAMARK more than a marketplace. It is a high-trust coordination layer for American manufacturing, built to help you move faster and scale without sacrificing quality or confidentiality.

Most people think finding new suppliers is about trade shows or directories. But inside NORAMARK, we’re building something better. We’re creating the infrastructure for a high-trust, responsive supply chain, built on relationships, referrals, and shared work history. Your NORAMARK network reflects the real connections you have with other manufacturers. These relationships help you move faster when opportunity strikes. If someone asks you to build something and you can handle only part of it, you can use NORAMARK to find and contact trusted suppliers for the rest; quickly, quietly, and confidently. That is what makes this a coordination platform, not just a listing service. This guide explains how networks are built, what you can see, and how your network powers many of the most valuable features inside NORAMARK. What Is a Network? Your network is made up of manufacturers that you are directly or indirectly connected to through real-world activity. These connections are created by: Sending or accepting invitations Referring each other for completed work Belonging to the same Organization Following each other’s profiles These signals form a private trust graph. You don’t need to maintain it manually. It grows as you use the system, and it gets smarter the more you engage. What You Can See You can always see: Which manufacturers are in your network Which second-degree manufacturers are available for discovery You cannot see: Why someone is in your network Who else they are connected to Who invited or referred them This structure protects your supply chain privacy. You gain trust and visibility without revealing your vendor list or customer relationships. The platform shows you only what you need to expand your reach while keeping sensitive business information confidential. How Networks Grow Your network grows automatically through four key mechanisms: 1. Invitations When you invite a manufacturer and they accept, they are added to your network. Once you have invited three or more manufacturers, you begin to see second-degree connections—manufacturers that are trusted by your trusted contacts. 2. Referrals Referrals represent completed business. When you refer another manufacturer, or they refer you, that’s a signal of verified work. These connections are especially strong and increase both your Trust Score and your network density. 3. Organizations If you and another manufacturer are both members of the same Organization, such as a trade group, school, or certification body, that connection is added to your network. This creates medium-strength trust and broadens discovery within shared communities. 4. Follows When you follow another manufacturer, or they follow you, you gain visibility into their updates. This connection is lighter weight but still helps build network density. If it turns into a referral or mutual invitation, the trust signal becomes stronger. Second-Degree Visibility Once your network includes a healthy number of direct connections, NORAMARK starts to reveal second-degree manufacturers, those trusted by the people you already trust. You can view their profiles, send messages (depending on your Trust Score), and receive auto-pairing suggestions through LinkForge. You will never see the full connection path or reason why they are included. You only see that they are close to your trusted network and likely to be reliable. This is how NORAMARK creates responsive coordination without exposing sensitive relationships. You can extend your capabilities without compromising the privacy of your business operations. Why This Matters In China, suppliers use platforms like 1688 or COSMOPlat to find each other instantly. A plastics shop can locate a mold maker with idle time that week. A CNC shop can find a local anodizer with a compatible ERP. That kind of intra-supplier coordination is one of China’s biggest competitive advantages. In the U.S., that coordination layer doesn’t exist. Finding a heat treater or a fabricator often means asking around, posting in a forum, or Googling. You don’t know who’s still operating. You don’t know if they’re any good. You waste time on dead ends. NORAMARK changes that. We help U.S. manufacturers find and trust each other based on real, verifiable signals. You don’t need a government program to coordinate. You just need a better way to connect. How Networks Power NORAMARK Your network unlocks much of what NORAMARK offers: Messaging: Contact manufacturers in your network if your Trust Score permits LinkForge: Get pairing suggestions based on trust and compatibility RFQs and Orders: Show up more often in searches when you are part of the buyer’s network Forum Access: Gain access to more discussions and content depending on your network and tier The stronger your network, the more value you unlock. What’s Coming Next We are expanding network capabilities to include: Visual maps that help you understand your network reach Alerts when new manufacturers enter your extended network Smart suggestions to help you build out your missing capabilities These features will make it easier to coordinate work, close capability gaps, and respond faster when a customer brings you a new opportunity. Next, how [Trust, Tiers, and Networks] work together →

General Overview Tier 1 users enjoy full visibility and control. They can explore and grow their network, view affiliated users, manage relationships, and use NORAMARK to analyze and expand their supply chain—both manually and through auto-pairing recommendations. Tier 2 users are discoverable and connected but with more limited visibility. They can research and follow Manufacturers, access forums and calendars, and receive pairing suggestions for mentees, but supply chain expansion is manual and constrained without full network access. Tier 3 users play a quieter role. They are not visible in search but can be found through affiliations with Organizations. They can follow profiles, join community forums, and receive messages, but do not initiate direct connections or supply chain research beyond basic forum use. Detailed Comparison Level Baseline Trust Score System-wide Search Messaging Network Supply Chain Researching Manufacturers Forums Calendar LinkForge Tier 1 60 Ranked highest Can message anyone. Can opt to receive messages from anyone or network only. Can view and message all Manufacturers and Users in their network. Full visibility and auto-pairing recommendations. Build and manage supplier lists. Full visibility into Manufacturer profiles and affiliated Users. Access to Tier 1 and Tier 2 private groups. Private calendar sharing. Can post to public calendar. Can request pairings for interns or mentees. Auto-pairing enabled. Tier 2 40 Appears in search Can send messages via Manufacturer profiles (if allowed). Can see number of Manufacturers in their network. Manual supply chain research only. No access to auto-pairing. View and follow Manufacturer profiles. Join networks based on trust score. Access to Tier 2 private group. Can view public calendar. Can be invited to private calendars. Can receive mentor requests. Auto-pairing for mentees only. Tier 3 20 Hidden from search Cannot send direct messages. Can receive messages. No visibility into network details. Limited to forum-based discovery and public posts. View and follow Manufacturer profiles. Access to general forums only. View public calendar. Invites to private calendars via Organizations only. Not eligible. Membership Options Choose the tier that fits your goals and unlock tailored capabilities across the NORAMARK platform. Tier 1 – Elite Access $5,000/year For leaders building advanced supplier networks and high-trust relationships. Maximum Visibility: Ranked highest in search. Always discoverable. Messaging Freedom: Message anyone directly. Set your own privacy preferences. Full Network Access: See and contact all affiliated Manufacturers and Users. Supply Chain Optimization: Save supplier lists, access auto-pairing and smart matchmaking. Deep Research Tools: See which Users are affiliated with each Manufacturer. Tiered Discussions: Join Tier 1 and Tier 2 private forums. Advanced Calendar Tools: Manage a private calendar. Share it or post publicly. Premium LinkForge: Get and manage intern/mentee pairings with auto-matching. Tier 2 – Professional Access $100/year Designed for professionals growing their footprint and reputation. Enhanced Search Presence: Appears in system-wide searches. Profile-Based Messaging: Send messages via Manufacturer profiles when allowed. Basic Network Awareness: Track number of connections. Manual Supply Research: Investigate manufacturers and follow profiles. Private Forums: Engage in Tier 2 discussion groups. Calendar Viewing: View public calendars. Accept invites to private ones. Mentorship Opportunities: Receive mentor invites. Eligible for mentee auto-pairing. Tier 3 – Community Access Free Forever For new members and early-stage businesses testing the waters. Indirect Discovery: Not searchable but visible via affiliations. Passive Messaging: Receive messages but cannot initiate. Manufacturer Following: Track activity and posts from selected manufacturers. Community Forums: Contribute to public forum discussions. Calendar Access: View public events. Receive private invites through Organizations. Organizations Free for public schools. Others evaluated case-by-case. Contact Noramark to apply. Organizations serve as foundational hubs for Tier 3 users. They provide discovery pathways and calendar access. Contact us to explore whether your group qualifies. Next, how [Networks] operate →

The NORAMARK Trust Score helps manufacturers evaluate credibility, transparency, and activity across the network. It reflects your company’s level of verification and contribution to the NORAMARK community. Your Trust Score, combined with your Tier and Network, determines how visible you are and what you can access in the system. What Is the Trust Score? The Trust Score is a dynamic number that begins with your Tier’s baseline and evolves based on your actions. It can increase without limit through trusted activity and will never drop below your Tier’s baseline. Tier Levels & Baseline Scores Each Tier sets a starting point for your Trust Score: Tier Baseline Trust Score Description Tier 3 20 Entry-level. No referrals required. Tier 2 40 One verified referral required. Tier 1 60 Three verified referrals required. Super Patriot 100 Elite reputation. Invite-only. How to Increase Your Trust Score Build trust by contributing to the community in meaningful ways: 1. Be Invited by Trusted Manufacturers Receive a score boost based on the inviter’s Trust Score. Trust Score Boost via Invitations Calculation:delta = min(5, (inviter_score - invitee_score) * 0.05) Max boost: +5 points No double boosting: Controlled by trust_boost_applied flag Common boost range: +2 to +4 points 2. Upload Referrals Submit referrals for other manufacturers. If approved, you gain trust: Approver’s Tier Trust Boost Tier 3 +2 Tier 2 +3 Tier 1 or Super Patriot +4 3. Approve Referrals Verifying legitimate connections earns you +1 point per approved referral. 4. Reject Low-Quality Referrals Protecting the network earns you +1 point for each rejection. The submitter loses -2 points. Also see “Invitations” Also see “Referrals” Trust Score Decay To encourage active participation, scores decay by 1 point per month during inactivity. However, your score will never fall below your Tier’s baseline. Why It Matters Your Trust Score directly affects: Visibility across the network Eligibility for badges and achievements Perceived credibility with peers and trade organizations More on this in “Trust, Tiers, and Networks”. FAQ Can my Trust Score exceed 100? Yes. There is no upper limit. The more trust you build, the higher your score. What happens if my referrals are rejected? You lose 2 points per rejected referral. Only submit high-quality, legitimate connections. How do I become a Super Patriot? Super Patriot status is invite-only and capped at 10 manufacturers at a time. Next, [Tier Access and Features →]

Every Manufacturer on NORAMARK belongs to one of four tiers. Your tier determines your starting Trust Score, your visibility, and how you interact with others in the system. Invitations are how you expand your network. Unlike LinkedIn or other social platforms, this should be limited to partners you know very well, because inviting low-trust participants can reduce the overall integrity of your network. Referrals are how you build trust and qualify for higher tiers. This should be used frequently, as a feedback mechanism to reflect real work done with other manufacturers. What Happens When You Invite Someone? When you invite another manufacturer to join NORAMARK: They join your network. If they’re already in the system, the invitation links your profiles. They may qualify for a higher tier. Invitations bypass some of the usual referral requirements. You get visibility into their connections. After inviting three or more manufacturers, you can see the broader trust network around your invitees — without revealing individual connections. This process is privacy-safe. You won’t see who invited whom or which manufacturers are directly connected. Instead, you’ll see that someone is part of your network, meaning they are trusted by you or your trusted connections. This is one of the most powerful ways to explore and expand your supply chain. If you work with a U.S. Manufacturer you trust, send them an invitation. If they’re already a NORAMARK member, they’ll be added to your network. If not, they’ll receive an invitation to join. In both cases, you benefit: your network expands and your Trust Score can get a boost. However, if you are not confident that this is someone you want in your network, do not invite them. If they have a low or declining Trust Score, this can ultimately harm your network until they are removed. Invitation Behavior by Tier Super Patriots Entry Requirement: Invite-only group limited to 10 exemplary U.S. Manufacturers. They set the standard for transparency, quality, and mission alignment. Invitation Power: New invitees: Join as Tier 1 without uploading any referrals. Existing members: Added to their network. Tier 1 Entry Requirement: Upload 3 approved referrals Invitation Power: New invitees: Join as Tier 2 (no referrals required), or Join as Tier 1 if they upload 1 approved referral Existing members: Added to their network. Tier 2 Entry Requirement: Upload 1 approved referral Invitation Power: New invitees: Join as Tier 3. Invites do not count as referrals. Existing members: Added to their network. Tier 3 Entry Requirement: None Invitation Power: New invitees: Join as Tier 3. Invites do not count as referrals. Existing members: Added to their network. What Happens When You Refer Someone? Referrals are a way to vouch that you’ve done business with another U.S. Manufacturer. They serve two purposes: Gain Access to Higher Tiers If you don’t have an invite code, referrals are how you qualify for Tier 1 or Tier 2. For example: 1 approved referral = eligible for Tier 2 3 approved referrals = eligible for Tier 1 Increase Your Trust Score Any manufacturer, regardless of tier, can continue uploading referrals to grow their Trust Score beyond the baseline. A Tier 3 manufacturer can build their score up to 60, 80, or higher through consistent, approved referrals. You should use referrals frequently to reflect the work you’ve done, expand your trusted network, provide feedback on others, and signal to the system who you trust based on real-world experience. Referral Benefits Trust Score growth: Approved referrals increase your score based on the approver’s tier. System integrity: Reviewing and approving referrals helps maintain quality — and earns you Trust Score as well. How to Submit Referrals Go to the Trust tab in your User Console. Open the Referrals section and upload manufacturers you’ve worked with and would recommend. Next: [Trust Scores →]

NORAMARK is a high-trust coordination network for U.S. manufacturing. It is built to reflect how manufacturers actually operate: through verified relationships, trusted partners, and a reputation earned over time. This is not a generic marketplace or an invasive ERP / all-or-nothing system. It is a system that grows with you, learns from you, and adapts itself to your needs for supplier discovery, network expansion, and reputation building to support serious American manufacturers. Everything in NORAMARK is grounded in real-world business logic. Unlike generic tools like LinkedIn, you don’t just join and network. You bring your real world reputation, you earn access, increase visibility by building trust, and engage with others based on the strength of your relationships. Privacy is protected. Credibility is measured. Access is earned, not bought. This series of documents explain how the system works. It covers the core principles behind NORAMARK and key concepts like Trust, Invitations, Referrals, Networks, and more. It covers how to get the most value out of the system. It is designed for users who are serious about U.S. manufacturing and want to work with others who are just as serious. So how exactly does one join? For People Anyone can create a personal account on NORAMARK. Once registered, individuals can: Participate in forums View the events calendar Follow manufacturers Document employment history Use messaging and networking tools People do not have a trust score Instead, they have a reputation rating For Manufacturing Businesses Registering a business requires greater verification. NORAMARK is committed to ensuring that registered manufacturers: Are physically based in the U.S., and Operate with integrity (e.g. no offshoring of production) Businesses have a trust score. They can be onboarded in one of two ways: 1. Invitations Existing NORAMARK Manufacturers can invite companies they know and work with. The inviter’s Tier determines the Tier the invitee may qualify for — without requiring referrals. Invitations also link the two businesses into the same network, unlocking visibility and trust signals. (See the “Networks” documentation for more on this.) 2. Referrals If a business does not have an invitation, it can join via referrals. To submit a referral for onboarding: Provide evidence of business activity with another U.S. Manufacturer. This can include: An invoice A purchase order A completed RFQ A short description of work, plus customer contact info How approval works: If the customer is already on NORAMARK, we ask them to confirm the referral directly. If not, we reach out to the referred party to verify the relationship. Referrals are also how manufacturers increase their Trust Score over time. (See the “Trust Score” documentation for more on this.) Next: [Invitations →]

As global trade dynamics shift and new U.S. tariffs reshape the cost structure of imports, businesses are taking a fresh look at where and how they manufacture. While China and other Asian countries have traditionally been viewed as low-cost options, today’s landscape marked by rising tariffs, geopolitical tension, and supply chain disruption reveals that American manufacturing often provides a superior overall value when total cost, risk, and agility are considered. Labor Costs: More Than Just Hourly Wages While labor costs in Asia remain lower on paper, the savings are increasingly offset by factors like productivity, training, automation and shipping time. According to 2021 data from Statista, China’s average manufacturing labor cost was $5.51 per hour, still significantly less than the U.S. but American workers consistently deliver higher output per hour due to advanced skills, automation, and more robust infrastructure. With growing demand for precision and speed in production, quality-adjusted labor costs in the U.S. are more competitive than ever. Tariffs and Trade Tensions: The New Cost Frontier In 2025, the United States implemented a new round of tariffs targeting critical sectors like semiconductors, EV components, and industrial machinery. These measures are designed to bolster domestic industry and reduce dependence on geopolitical rivals and have made importing many goods from China and other low-cost regions substantially more expensive. Even previously minor cost differences are now compounded by duties ranging from 10% to 30% or more, changing the calculus for manufacturers. These tariffs not only increase the landed cost of goods but also create uncertainty, making long-term planning and pricing unpredictable. Quality, Compliance, and Reliability Manufacturing in the U.S. reduces quality control headaches. American facilities must adhere to stringent environmental, safety, and labor standards, leading to more reliable and compliant products. Deloitte’s research found that U.S. factories produced 30% fewer defects compared to their Chinese counterparts, a meaningful advantage in industries like medical, defense, aerospace, and electronics. Quality assurance in domestic manufacturing also minimizes the risk of product recalls, regulatory penalties, and lost customer trust costs that often go unaccounted for in overseas sourcing models. Shipping, Lead Times, and Supply Chain Agility In a world of volatile freight prices and congested ports, distance matters. Shipping a container from East Asia to the U.S. West Coast still takes 3-6 weeks and can cost $6,000-$10,000 or more per container, depending on capacity and fuel prices. With 2025's tightening tariffs and inspections at U.S. ports, delays are more frequent and expensive. In contrast, domestic or nearshore production (e.g., U.S., Mexico, or Canada) cuts weeks from delivery timelines, lowers freight costs, and ensures a higher degree of control over logistics. This agility is crucial for businesses that need to respond quickly to market shifts, inventory changes, or customer feedback. Inventory and Cash Flow Optimization Offshore manufacturing often requires large, infrequent orders to justify long transit times and customs complexity. This ties up working capital in inventory and increases the risk of overstock, obsolescence, or damage during shipping. Nearshoring enables smaller, more frequent orders that match real-time demand. This reduces warehouse costs, improves responsiveness, and frees up cash for growth, hiring, or R&D. In a high-interest-rate environment, optimizing working capital is no longer optional, it's a requirement. Hidden Costs and Strategic Risk Beyond tariffs and freight, overseas sourcing introduces risks often ignored in spreadsheet analyses: IP Theft: Asia remains a hotspot for unauthorized replication of designs, products, and processes. U.S. firms lose hundreds of billions annually to intellectual property theft. Political Risk: Escalating tensions between the U.S. and China including sanctions, export bans, and cyber threats can cripple supply chains overnight. Complexity: Time zone differences, language barriers, and cultural gaps make problem-solving slower and coordination harder especially in crisis situations. Case Studies: Companies Moving Closer to Home Leading U.S. firms are acting decisively. Intel’s $20 billion investment in Arizona is just one example of reshoring for security and speed. Mattel has rerouted production to Mexico, improving lead times and responsiveness. Countless small and mid-sized manufacturers are quietly following suit, positioning themselves closer to customers and critical infrastructure. The Strategic Advantage of Reshoring in 2025 Nearshoring and reshoring are no longer just patriotic choices they’re smart business moves. A Boston Consulting Group study found that companies reshoring to the U.S. saw: **20% lower total supply chain costs 30% higher delivery reliability Significant improvement in brand trust and customer loyalty Conclusion: The Tariff-Era Cost Equation** The 2025 tariff landscape has redrawn the cost map for global production. While Asia may still offer lower headline labor costs, the full picture tells a different story. Tariffs, logistics, compliance, and strategic risk tip the scales in favor of domestic and nearshore production. American manufacturing now offers a unique blend of quality, agility, and economic resilience especially for companies focused on long-term value and customer trust. Businesses that recognize and act on this shift will not only save money they’ll build smarter, stronger supply chains that are built to last.

At NORAMARK, we’re building something simple: a tool that reflects how you already do business and makes it easier, faster, and more effective. No one has time to learn a new system. You need software that gets out of the way and helps you focus on what really matters: building trusted relationships, growing your network, and getting work done. You’re Already Doing the Hard Part. We’ll Make It Scale. You’ve built relationships over years, even decades. You know who’s reliable, who delivers on time, and who’s worth working with again. NORAMARK is built to put that knowledge at your fingertips and put it to work for you. Instead of starting from scratch every time you need a new supplier or a referral, our platform helps you tap into your real-world network, fast. Real Traction, Real Users—Because It Feels Familiar In our first month, nearly 30 manufacturers and 200 users signed up. Not because we pitched them a “network.” They joined because what we built felt familiar. Invite codes? We're all familiar with that idea. Referrals? We vouch for our partners and peers every day. Trust scores? That’s just putting a number to what you already know. This isn’t about software. It’s about solving real business problems in ways that feel intuitive. Designed Around You: The NORAMARK User Console We’re rolling out a new version of NORAMARK soon, and it’s all about making your experience smoother. Once you're logged in, you won't even see our public site unless you go looking for it. What you will see is: Dashboard: Your Day, Prioritized A clear list of the most important actions you can take—replies, messages, payment issues, pending invites. Smart recommendations based on what you’ve done so far: Want to boost your trust score? Grow your network? We’ll show you how. No digging, no hunting; just what needs your attention, right when you log in. Trust Score: Reputation, in Plain English We track how people interact with you through referrals, invites, and approvals and turn that into a score you can use to build and see credibility. Everything’s transparent. You’ll see what’s helped your score, and how to improve it further. Think of it as your digital handshake, earned over time, and visible to the people who matter. Network: See Who You Know—and Who You Should If you’re not yet connected to others, we’ll prompt you to join or create a manufacturer or organization. Higher-tier manufacturers get more visibility into their extended networks and more tools to reach out directly. Invite codes and referrals are front and center, so you can grow your network with a few clicks. Community: Everything in One Place Messaging, forums, blog articles, and event calendars, combined into one space so you don’t have to jump between apps. You decide who can message you and how you want to be contacted. Manufacturer & Organization Tabs: Total Clarity Manage your own manufacturer or organization, see your badges, update your profile, and track your subscriptions. Want to upgrade your tier? You’ll know exactly what you get with each level without guesswork. Profile: You, at a Glance Employment history, affiliations, trust score, and more—displayed in a format that looks familiar and is easy to edit. Set your communication preferences, privacy settings, and notification options. Works Wherever You Are On mobile, the interface adjusts to give you the most important tools at your fingertips. Messaging, referrals, and key actions are optimized for fast, on-the-go use. Tiers That Actually Mean Something We designed high-value tiers that reflect what you need at different stages of your business' growth: Tier 3 gives you access and visibility. Tier 2 gives you discoverability, insights, and context. Tier 1 gives you control—messaging, full network access, and deeper analytics. Everything is designed to deliver clear, immediate value. If you upgrade, it’s because the tools are making your job easier. You Come First At every step, we ask: will this help our customers solve a real problem? Will it make them feel more in control, more informed, and more capable? If the answer is no, we don’t build it. Our goal isn’t to build flashy software. It’s to make something that feels invisible; something that works the way you already work, just faster, more scalable, and ultimately with better results. So whether you're just starting out, a very well-connected veteran, or somewhere in between, NORAMARK is built to help you win. We’re honored to build alongside you.

Manufacturing and industry are the backbone of a country's economy, driving economic growth, ensuring national security, and creating opportunities for innovation and employment. This article explores the multifaceted importance of the manufacturing sector, detailing its economic impact, contributions to national security, and the wide range of opportunities it generates. Economic Impact The manufacturing sector is a crucial pillar of every economy, contributing significantly to GDP, job creation, and economic stability. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), manufacturing accounted for approximately 11% of the U.S. GDP in 2022, with the sector employing over 12 million people. Key Economic Contributions: GDP Contribution: The manufacturing sector’s output exceeds $2.5 trillion annually in the U.S. Job Creation: Manufacturing jobs support an additional 3.4 jobs in other sectors, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Innovation and R&D: The sector drives technological innovation, with American companies investing over $600 billion in R&D in 2022, per the National Science Foundation (NSF). National Security Manufacturing is vital for national security, ensuring the country can produce essential goods and maintain critical infrastructure. The ability to manufacture domestically reduces dependence on foreign sources for key materials and technologies, enhancing national resilience. Key Security Contributions: Defense Manufacturing: The U.S. Department of Defense relies heavily on domestic manufacturers for defense equipment, from aircraft and vehicles to advanced electronics and weapons systems. Critical Infrastructure: Manufacturing supports the production of components essential for national infrastructure, such as energy, transportation, and communication systems. Supply Chain Security: Policies like the Defense Production Act (DPA) empower the government to prioritize and allocate resources to domestic manufacturers in times of national emergency. Economic Policies and Tariffs Government policies and tariffs play a crucial role in shaping the manufacturing landscape. By creating a favorable business environment, these measures encourage domestic production and protect against unfair competition. Key Policies and Tariffs: Section 232 Tariffs: Imposed on steel and aluminum imports to protect national security by ensuring the viability of domestic industries. Incentives for Domestic Production: Tax incentives, grants, and subsidies for manufacturing investments, such as those provided under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), encourage companies to produce domestically. Opportunities in Manufacturing The manufacturing sector offers numerous opportunities for economic development, job creation, and technological innovation. These opportunities are critical for maintaining a competitive edge in the global market. Key Opportunities: Advanced Manufacturing: Technologies like automation, robotics, and AI are transforming manufacturing processes, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs. Sustainable Manufacturing: Implementing eco-friendly practices and reducing carbon footprints can attract environmentally conscious consumers and comply with stringent regulations. E-commerce and Private Label Manufacturing: The rise of e-commerce creates new markets for manufacturers, particularly in the private label sector, where businesses can quickly bring customized products to market. Specific Threats and Challenges Despite its strengths, the manufacturing sector faces several challenges and threats that must be addressed to maintain its critical role in the economy and national security. Key Threats: Global Competition: Manufacturers face intense competition from countries with lower labor costs and less stringent regulations. Supply Chain Disruptions: Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, underscoring the need for resilient domestic production. Intellectual Property Theft: Protecting IP from foreign competitors, particularly in countries with lax enforcement, is crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage. Government Actions: Tariffs and Trade Policies: The U.S. government imposes tariffs on imports that threaten domestic industries and negotiates trade agreements that protect American manufacturers. Investment in R&D: Federal funding for research and development supports innovation and helps maintain technological leadership. Workforce Development: Programs that invest in education and training for manufacturing skills ensure a steady pipeline of qualified workers. Conclusion Manufacturing and industry are essential to the American economy, national security, and the creation of new opportunities. Through strategic policies, technological innovation, and sustainable practices, the United States can strengthen its manufacturing sector, ensuring continued growth and resilience. For businesses looking to leverage the strengths of American manufacturing, American sourcing offers unparalleled quality and reliability. Invest in the future of manufacturing, become a part of the community.

I think this gets at the heart of the soft infrastructures necessary to (re)develop manufacturing capability and capacity. There's still more to the complete picture, but building out a capability to reliably connect manufacturers is definitely one of the bigger steps!

Let's go! The sooner this network builds the better. I have a lot of work to do and I'm doing it manually now.

NORAMARK Practical Use-Cases These are a few practical scenarios that illustrate the ways that manufacturers can use our system and why they may want Tier 1 over Tier 2, etc. It also covers some more complex use-cases such as service providers, creating a trade org to manage a network, and more. Scenario 1: New Service Provider Joining the Network as a Manufacturer Goal: A business offering specialized manufacturing services wants to join NORAMARK and expand their client base. Steps: User Registration: Sign up as a user on NORAMARK.com with your professional email. Create Manufacturer Profile: Complete your Manufacturer Profile, detailing services, products, and US manufacturing credentials. Choose “Service Provider” as your category. Select Membership Tier: Review the detailed pricing and features document provided on the website. Verification: Submit required referrals (e.g., invoice confirmation, certifications) to qualify for Tier 1 or Tier 2. Remember, if you want invite codes, you’ll need to be Tier 1. Activate Subscription: Choose the appropriate subscription tier and activate. Network Expansion: Obtain an invite code (if Tier 1) to share with existing trusted partners or clients to quickly expand your trusted network. Optional: If Tier 2, you can create your own Organization and invite Manufacturers to join that, instead (since you won’t have invite codes as a Tier 2). The manufacturers that join your organization can elect to be Tier 1, 2, or 3. This creates a lower trust network than if you join as Tier 1 and use Tier 2 invite codes But it does enable you to create a group that you can communicate with. Scenario 2: Existing Manufacturer Inviting Partners Goal: A Tier 1 manufacturer aims to quickly onboard trusted vendors or partners onto NORAMARK to streamline communication and collaboration. Steps: Generate Invite Code: From your NORAMARK Manufacturer dashboard, get your unique invite code. Invite Partners: Share invite code directly with trusted vendors via email or your preferred communication channel. Partner Sign-up: Invited partners use the code upon registration, automatically associating them within your network and streamlining their verification. Immediate Network Visibility: Invited manufacturers quickly appear in your network, facilitating immediate secure communication and collaboration. Remember: Your reputation is on the line as well, so only invite highly-principled US Manufacturers. The Manufacturers that you invite, if they join as Tier 1, will also have invitation codes to share with their partners which will further increase the size of your own network. The rising tide raises all boats. Scenario 3: Subscription & Onboarding for Multiple Businesses Goal: An industry expert wants subscriptions for their multiple businesses and to introduce their existing professional network to NORAMARK. Steps: Initial User Registration: Register a primary user account. Add Manufacturer Entities: Create your first Manufacturer profile. We don’t yet support separate multiple Manufacturer profiles for one user in our application although the back-end does support it. If this is important for you to have multiple manufacturers set up for one user, reach out to us via email and we’ll do it for you (feature will be added in a few weeks) Select Appropriate Tiers: Choose tiers according to the verification level and desired features for each business entity. Verification: Provide required verification documents or references for each entity. Whitepaper and Pricing: Access and share the latest NORAMARK whitepaper and the comprehensive features & pricing guide available on the website. Invite Professional Network: Generate invite code and distribute within your professional network, quickly establishing your connected ecosystem. Scenario 4: Enhancing Visibility and Trust Goal: A Tier 3 Manufacturer seeks to boost their visibility and trust within the NORAMARK community. Steps: Engage Proactively: Participate in public forums and attend NORAMARK events. Complete Successful Transactions: Secure and fulfill contracts with Tier 1 or Tier 2 manufacturers. Get feedback, submit these as referrals through the User Console. Positive Feedback: Encourage satisfied business partners to leave positive reviews and ratings, boosting your Trust Score. Monitor Progress: Regularly check your improved Trust Score and pursue opportunities to move up tiers.

How NORAMARK Works NORAMARK connects trusted US manufacturers through a transparent, relationship-driven platform designed to enhance trust, simplify collaboration, and strengthen US manufacturing. Entities and Relationships: Super Patriots Invite-only elite group of up to 10 exemplary US manufacturers. Establish trust guidelines and standards. Advise Noramark, Inc. on critical trust-related decisions (e.g., admission criteria). Manufacturers Tier 1 Manufacturers: Verified through three referrals or invited directly by a Super Patriot. Maximum visibility, messaging, and networking privileges. Tier 2 Manufacturers: Require one referral or an invitation from a Tier 1. Moderate visibility and network-building privileges. Upgrade to Tier 1 possible with additional verification. Tier 3 Manufacturers: No initial referrals required. Limited visibility (not searchable). Communication primarily through Trade Organization affiliation. Can improve Trust Score through positive interactions. Trade Organizations Professional groups manufacturers join. Provide exclusive calendars and private forums. Facilitate connections and information sharing. Trade Schools Free for public institutions. Manufacturers use for talent sourcing and internships. Eligible manufacturers offer factory tours to students. Users Individuals managing or affiliated with Manufacturers or Trade Organizations. Roles include Owners, Administrators, Employees, Members, or Students. Some users engage purely for calendar events or forum participation. Key Concepts Trust Score Score from 0-100 reflecting adherence to US manufacturing standards. Influenced by verified referrals, successful transactions, and community feedback. Higher scores increase opportunities and trustworthiness. Networks Automatically formed via referrals, invitations, or Trade Organization memberships. Facilitate efficient discovery of trusted partners. Maintain supply chain confidentiality. Badges Visual symbols of engagement and achievement. Awarded for milestones, event attendance, and community involvement. Prominently displayed on manufacturer profiles. Detailed Comparison of Manufacturer Tiers Level System-wide Search Messaging Network Visibility Manufacturer Research Forums Calendar LinkForge Tier 1 Highest ranking Message anyone; control message privacy See entire network; direct messaging Invite code for Tier 2 View affiliated Users' names Private Tier 1 & Tier 2 forums Private & public calendar posting Request & auto-pair interns/mentees Tier 2 Visible in search Message via Manufacturer profile if allowed See network size only. No invite codes View and follow Manufacturers Private Tier 2 forums Public calendar; private invites Receive mentor invites; mentee auto-pair Tier 3 Not visible Receive messages only No network visibility. No invite codes Follow Manufacturer profiles General forums Public calendar; Org-invite only Not eligible A Visual Overview Only for the daring.... [image: 1744161644592-mermaid-diagram-2025-04-08-204909-resized.png]

@Robert_Beecher The best place to start is to invite us manufacturers and supporters to noramark so they can be connected in the community. We need to get everyone connected and expand the connective tissue that has been eroded for so many years. We will all have to work together.

This is super cool. Really enjoyed reading it!

[image: 1743200326174-parts-feeders-with-robots-800x400.jpg] When it comes to part presentation on a robot and/or pick & place mechanism you may want to consider using a feeder bowl to successfully present your parts. Hand loading has many restrictions for a typical station that requires the operator to be at a safe distance away from any moving parts. It’s important not only to just look at safety restrictions but also guarantee the pick & place has enough parts buffer to meet each cycle. Providing a fully automatic feeding solution is the best way to successfully solve this problem. Integration Existing single station and multi-station lines can easily be integrated with a parts feeder system. Our builders and engineers design these systems to work with the existing tooling and fit within the already existing real estate footprint. Making the system robot friendly is a critical area that our team is very familiar with. Some of these requirements may include providing enough clearance for the customers gripper to successfully pick one part a time. Or providing a dead nest track section for a robotic EOAT pickup point. Positioning FCI Vibratory Bowl Feed Systems can be modified to feed in a left hand(counterclockwise) or right hand(clockwise) configuration depending on where the track outlet needs to be positioned. Other modifications like rotating the hoppers to one common side or adding “L” shape plate cutouts can make things easier to fit an existing cell. This keeps things ergonomic and allows for a seamless installation. Controls Need to monitor each feeder through an HMI? How about getting signals back for a low hopper or low track? Our controls engineers can provide the right contact signals to allow for seamless communication into the feeder controller. Some of these signals may include dry contacts, low voltage input switching for controller on/off, and remote input for external speed adjustment/frequency adjustment. Other I/O options are available upon request for controlling each feeding station.

[image: 1742955135129-1-5awaw4qkz8ini1wrso2k-a.webp] I’ve been reflecting lately on the critical role of trust within manufacturing networks. While not entirely new, trust-based networks have historically proven essential — private material trade societies such as the American Iron and Steel Institute and exclusive automotive trade organizations like the Automotive Industry Action Group have long used trust as their operational backbone. These organizations intuitively understood that high trust directly translates into superior performance, efficient collaboration, and ultimately, competitive advantage. Yet, despite the proven value of trust, what’s notably absent — especially on a larger scale — is a structured approach to systematically cultivating and sustaining trust. This significant gap is precisely why we’re building NORAMARK. Enhancing ERP Capabilities, Not Replacing Them Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are sophisticated, powerful, and undeniably essential for internal operational excellence. Modern ERP systems increasingly incorporate external supply-chain data, vendor management, and collaborative tools. However, their fundamental design remains primarily inward-looking, optimizing internal processes within individual enterprises. Supply chains, on the other hand, extend far beyond a single organization’s boundaries — they are expansive, interconnected ecosystems reliant on external relationships and strategic alignment across multiple stakeholders. Addressing the Trust Gap The true competitive edge of a supply chain emerges from meaningful relationships, mutual trust, and alignment with broader strategic objectives — particularly national industrial goals. Historically, cultivating these essential relationships relied heavily on slow-building personal experiences — trade show encounters, networking events, or extensive online searches. The result has often been slow progress, limited by the speed at which meaningful personal connections could be formed. The Power of Social Graphs in Manufacturing At NORAMARK, our solution leverages the structured precision of social graphs combined with the controlled environment of a private trade ecosystem. A social graph mathematically models relationships as nodes (companies or individuals) connected by edges (representing interactions). This method enables quantifiable, analyzable, and transparent insights into trust dynamics across the entire network. By explicitly encoding relationship data, NORAMARK complements ERP systems by adding a measurable external dimension to supply-chain trust management. Structured, Objective Trust Management NORAMARK employs a clearly defined, objective tiering system: Tier 1: Members consistently demonstrate exceptional commitment to quality, reliability, and alignment with national manufacturing objectives. This tier reflects quantifiable, transparent metrics verified through consistent performance. Tier 2: Members who are trustworthy and competent, though holding slightly lower trust ratings due to shorter operational histories or smaller operational scales. Membership advancement criteria are explicit and data-driven. Non-Trustworthy: Members identified by objective performance metrics as consistently failing to uphold established standards or mission objectives. Isolation from key communications and marketplace interactions occurs automatically based on clearly defined criteria, minimizing administrative overhead. Governance Scalable, Transparent, and Sustainable NORAMARK’s trust framework is anchored by an initial group of ten distinguished manufacturers — our “Super Patriot Founding Partners.” These industry leaders embody exceptional integrity and demonstrate deep commitment to reshoring and reinforcing the strength of U.S. manufacturing. Their leadership sets clear, measurable benchmarks, ensuring the network remains aligned with explicit national goals. While intentionally small and stable, governance roles are clearly defined and successors are selected transparently, ensuring long-term sustainability and minimal complexity. NORAMARK as Complementary National Resource Planning (NRP) Ultimately, NORAMARK creates a dynamic, continuously evolving network explicitly aligned with clear, measurable U.S. Industrial Policy goals. Unlike ERP’s inward focus, NORAMARK provides an explicit external layer that enhances and complements ERP capabilities, enabling secure, high-trust external collaboration and relationship-building at scale. In many ways, it can be seen as a complementary National Resource Planning (NRP) system or an operating system supporting a revitalized industrial policy. Trust in manufacturing transcends reputation alone — it’s the engine powering innovation, scalability, and resilience. By systematically measuring, managing, and leveraging trust externally, NORAMARK isn’t merely beneficial for individual businesses; it’s essential for revitalizing and sustaining American industrial strength.