The Strategic Advantage for Chicago's Manufacturing & Distribution Leaders
Connect with a private, peer-to-peer advisory group of senior executives dedicated to sharing knowledge, navigating market complexities, and driving industry innovation through years of collective experience.
20+
Years of Legacy
200+
Years of Collective Leadership
100%
Peer-Led Community
Not a Networking Group.
A Peer Advisory Board.
In today's competitive landscape, the quality of your professional network is not just an asset -- it is a primary driver of success.
Build Strategic Alliances
Forge meaningful connections with other decision-makers who understand your challenges and can offer actionable insights.
Interactive Business Development
Leverage a consultative, relationship-driven culture of reciprocity and strategic collaboration among trusted senior leaders.
Gain a Competitive Edge
Access expert-level programming on the latest industry trends, from AI and automation to supply chain optimization.
A Legacy of Leadership and
a Future of Innovation
The Chicago Distribution and Manufacturing (CDAM) group was established by a select group of business leaders who identified a critical gap in the professional landscape: a private forum for senior executives to engage in substantive, confidential, and results-oriented dialogue.
They envisioned a community beyond conventional networking -- a place where trusted advisors could connect, collaborate on complex challenges, and create tangible business opportunities. This vision has cemented our reputation as one of the most respected executive communities in the Chicago area.
Our Community
CDAM is comprised of a carefully curated group of presidents, CEOs, and senior executives from a diverse range of industries within the manufacturing and distribution ecosystem. Membership is by invitation and referral, ensuring our community remains a trusted circle of peers.
Our Mission
To connect and empower senior-level professionals in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, fostering a community of trusted peer advisors who leverage collective intelligence, knowledge sharing, and strategic relationships to drive innovative solutions and industry leadership.
The Tangible Return on a
Strategic Investment
Our members consistently report a significant return on their investment, realized through new business opportunities, invaluable strategic insights, and high-caliber professional relationships.
High-Caliber Peer Advisory
Engage in confidential, high-level discussions with a curated group of your peers. Our members are seasoned executives who provide diverse perspectives, act as a sounding board for your most complex challenges, and offer actionable advice rooted in real-world experience. This is your personal, informal board of directors.
Consultative Business Development
Move beyond cold calls and unqualified leads. The CDAM community operates on a foundation of trust and reciprocity, creating a consultative, strategic, and relationship-driven environment for interactive business development among trusted senior leaders. Through deep relationships and strategic collaboration, you will gain access to opportunities not available in the open market.
Exclusive Market Intelligence
Stay ahead of the curve with expert-led programming and member-driven discussions on the critical issues shaping your industry.
Strategic Relationship Building
Our proprietary meeting format is engineered to facilitate deep, meaningful connections. Through structured introductions, small-group breakout sessions, and a culture of open dialogue, you will build a network of allies -- trusted contacts you can call upon for advice, introductions, and strategic partnerships.
Enhanced Professional Visibility
As a member of CDAM, you are recognized as a leader in your field. Your affiliation with our organization enhances your professional standing and provides a platform to share your expertise through panel discussions, expert programming, and speaking opportunities.
The Architecture of a
High-Impact Meeting
Every element of our agenda is designed to maximize the value of your time, foster meaningful interaction, and deliver actionable takeaways.
Strategic Welcome & Member Milestones
The meeting commences with a welcome from our leadership team, setting the strategic context for the session. We recognize member achievements and celebrate knowledge shared within the group, reinforcing our culture of success and collaboration.
The "Thank-a-monial" Segment
A cornerstone of our meeting, this segment provides a platform for members to publicly acknowledge knowledge shared and valuable connections made through CDAM. This unique practice celebrates both strategic insights exchanged and business referrals, providing a real-time demonstration of the group's tangible value.
Expert Programming & Panel Discussions
The core of each meeting is dedicated to high-level educational content. All programming is approved by the programming chair to ensure maximum value:
- Guest Speakers: Industry experts and thought leaders on pressing market trends
- Panel Discussions: Moderated conversations leveraging collective intelligence
- Monthly IT Security: Dedicated discussions on cybersecurity and technology risk
Strategic Breakout Sessions
Members are strategically assigned to small groups for focused, confidential discussions. This format allows for deeper exploration of business challenges, brainstorming of solutions, and identification of specific opportunities for collaboration.
Closing & Actionable Next Steps
We conclude with a summary of key takeaways and a clear call to action, encouraging members to follow up on the connections and opportunities identified during the meeting. Please note: no external recording or AI note-takers are permitted during meetings.
A Community of Peers:
Our Membership Criteria
The quality and integrity of our membership are paramount. We ensure that every member is a senior-level professional who can both contribute to and benefit from the collective intelligence of the group.
Who Should Apply
Presidents, CEOs & C-Suite
Leaders with ultimate decision-making authority for their organizations.
SVPs and Directors
Executives with significant P&L responsibility and strategic influence.
Business Owners & Principals
Founders and owners of established businesses serving manufacturing and distribution.
Consultative Professionals
Senior partners or principals providing high-level strategic advisory services.
Core Requirements
Seniority and Influence
Must hold a senior leadership position with a proven track record of success.
Industry Focus
Must operate within or serve the manufacturing, distribution, logistics, or supply chain sectors.
Consultative Approach
Trusted advisors who prioritize long-term relationship building over transactional sales.
Commitment to Contribution
Willingness to actively participate, share expertise, and contribute to fellow members' success.
Collaboration Over Competition
We prioritize collaboration over competition. Even if your industry category is represented, we welcome multiple qualified members committed to collaboration and value creation.
Your Path to Membership
Admission to CDAM is a selective, multi-step process designed to ensure a strong mutual fit. Membership is a paid annual commitment, reflecting the exclusive value and strategic access our community provides.
Guest Attendance
Attend one or two meetings as a guest to experience the community firsthand and see the value in action.
→Formal Application
Following guest attendance, interested candidates submit a formal application through our website.
→Committee Review
The membership committee reviews your application and conducts a brief interview to discuss fit.
→Board Approval
Upon a positive recommendation, the CDAM board extends a formal invitation to join the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about CDAM membership, meetings, and how we operate.
What is the primary value proposition of CDAM compared to other professional organizations?
Is my industry category already represented in the group?
What is the expected time commitment for a CDAM member?
What is the format of a typical CDAM meeting?
Are meetings held in-person or virtually?
Can I bring a guest to a CDAM meeting?
Who leads the CDAM organization?
How does CDAM facilitate business development among members?
Executive Committee
Our organization is guided by an executive committee of distinguished leaders from across the manufacturing and distribution landscape.
David Liebman
David Gross
Stew Lambert
Tom Latourette
Rick Hayhurst
Ready to Join Chicago's Most
Respected Executive Community?
Take the first step toward expanding your influence, accelerating your business growth, and engaging with a community of your peers.
Connect With Us
Connect with us, send us your info, and our team will be in touch!