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WHAT IS CONNEX™ TENNESSEE / CONNEX™ MARKETPLACE?     CONNEX™ is a cloud-based platform that connects manufacturers into a searchable database. It allows manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers to quickly post and respond to needs, visualize supply chain risk, search for qualified manufacturers, and discover new business opportunities. CONNEX™ Tennessee puts you deep into Tennessee’s supply chain network and seamlessly integrates with the highly respected CONNEX™ Marketplace, sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

HOW WILL CONNEX™ STRENGTHEN MY SUPPLY CHAIN?    CONNEX™ Tennessee enables you to visualize your supply chain in different ways and gives you the capability to filter based on what is most useful to you. You can find potential new customers, alternative suppliers, highlight single supplier and financial risks within your supply chain, see companies on government watchlists, and more. For national supply chain connectivity, manufacturers can upgrade to CONNEX™ Marketplace.

DOES CONNEX™ ALLOW ME TO POST BUSINESS NEEDS OR FIND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES?     Yes! With CONNEX™ Tennessee, you can view and post RFPs, RFQs, RFIs, surplus material or equipment lists, and any other type of business need you may have. You can also issue notifications to different network groups within the platform (small businesses, educational institutions, custom lists, etc.) or sign up to receive notifications of important posts from other users.

WHY SHOULD I JOIN?     If you’re a manufacturer in Tennessee, it’s hard to think of any reason not to access your complementary CONNEX™ Tennessee account. Here’s why you should join:

• Detailed Supplier Directory. Detailed listings, combined with the extensive search capability of CONNEX™, helps you find qualified domestic suppliers with the specific products, services, and manufacturing capabilities you need. You can also use it to find new customers whose needs fit your capabilities.
• Network, Interact & Connect. Powerful interactive networking tools let you see and be seen. 
  • Connect with buyers, primes, OEMs, and other qualified manufacturers
  • Participate in OEM purchasing events, matchmaking sessions, and industry forums
  • Post and respond to RFPs, RFQs and RFIs 
• Advertising & Promotion. CONNEX™ was built to strengthen U.S. manufacturing. Even if you never use it for anything else, you should make sure your listing can work for you to promote your business. You control your listing and provide searchable details about your company’s products and capabilities so potential customers can find you.

 

WHAT DOES IT COST TO ACCESS CONNEX™ TENNESSEE?     Access to CONNEX™ Tennessee is COMPLEMENTARY to Tennessee manufacturers. The platform is being provided through the University of Tennessee's Center for Industrial Services Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) and a partnership with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

TMEP works to achieve manufacturing excellence across the state of Tennessee. Funded through the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, TMEP delivers technical assistance in the form of training and consulting to medium- and small-sized manufacturers. 

The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the unified voice of business and premier advocacy organization in the state. The Tennessee Chamber serves as the State Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, the state affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, and the American Chemistry Council. The Tennessee Chamber creates prosperity for all Tennesseans through an economy of increased productivity and global competitiveness. Find out more at www.tnchamber.org or contact Jim Skelton Director, Member Services & Programs at jim.skelton@tnchamber.org or 615.538.0498.

WHAT TYPE OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE WITH MY ACCOUNT?     Your local Solutions Consultant can provide support to ensure you get the most out of the platform. Support can include:

• Helping you build and maintain your profile, including uploading Capabilities Statements
• Assisting with Exchange Center postings
• Onboarding your internal users and setting permission levels
• Facilitating searches based on your needs
• Any other help you might require

To receive this assistance, simply grant user access to your preferred Solutions Consultant through your Profile User Access Settings. This permission can be granted and revoked at any time, as needed. 

HOW SECURE IS MY DATA?     Data security is always a top priority! CONNEX™ is built on a newer, more secure I.T. infrastructure with security enhancements and future cybersecurity challenges in mind. Your data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. No one outside of your organization will be able to see your confidential information without your express permission. As such, we are committed to continuously upgrading the platform with a focus on cybersecurity.

HOW DO I REQUEST A CONNEX™ TENNESSEE ACCOUNT?     

• Visit CONNEX™ Tennessee
• Click the “Request an Account” button to fill out your name, email address, create a strong password, and accept the terms and conditions 
• Validate your email address
• Log in and complete the wizard to connect to or create your company profile

Once we confirm that you are a qualified manufacturer, you can begin using the system. Qualification is based on your company having a Manufacturing related North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. If you aren't sure what your NAICS code is, we can look it up for you.  

WHO DO I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS REGARDING CONNEX™ TENNESSEE?     If you have questions or need more information, email Kevin Cooper at kevin.cooper@tennessee.edu.

HOW DO I ACCESS THE NATIONAL CONNEX™ MARKETPLACE?     First, request access to CONNEX™ Tennessee. Then, under “My Subscriptions”, upgrade your account to CONNEX™ Marketplace. You will be prompted to enter a promo code or select and pay for your national subscription. The national subscription is available for $500/year.