General

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers announced new 2022 leadership for its Council of Manufacturing Associations at the CMA 2022 Winter Leadership Conference. Philip Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturers Association, will serve as chair, and Melissa Hockstad, president and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute, will serve as vice chair. Made up of 220 industry-specific manufacturing associations representing 130,000 companies worldwide, the CMA creates powerful partnerships across the industry and ensures manufacturers have the strongest possible voice.

“Steelmakers and manufacturers are a force for good in the world. We support innovation, efficiency and sustainability. We help our employees build their lives, our customers build their businesses and the communities where we operate build their futures,” said Bell. “During this very dynamic time in our country, I am honored to articulate the important role manufacturing plays in America’s economic success and national security.

“Americans are counting on manufacturers to lead our economic recovery, deliver promising career opportunities and solve our global health crises, and the collaboration made possible through the CMA empowers our entire industry to rise to the challenge,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Philip and Melissa are trusted and tested leaders who will continue to cultivate the collaborative, cooperative spirit that has made the CMA such a consequential organization for our industry and country. I look forward to working with them to advance policies and plans that uphold the values that have made America exceptional and keep manufacturing strong: free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity.”

The CMA’s mission is focused on bolstering the industry’s nationwide grassroots mobilization efforts and improving the competitiveness of manufacturers in the United States. CMA members work with the NAM to unite the manufacturing association community, and ultimately the broader business community, around strategies for increased manufacturing job creation, investment and innovation in America.

Bell is a 25-year industry veteran. Prior to leading the SMA, Bell served as director of external communications and public affairs for Gerdau Long Steel North America based in Tampa, Florida. Bell previously served as CMA vice chair.

Newly appointed 2022 CMA board members include the following:

• Alison Bodor, president and CEO, American Frozen Food Institute

• Nicole Harris, president and CEO, National Glass Association

• David Loftus, president and CEO, Electronic Components Industry Association

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.5 million men and women, contributes $2.52 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers released its Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey for the fourth quarter of 2021, showing manufacturers remain mostly optimistic in their economic outlook (86.8%, down from 87.5% in Q3) but are significantly concerned with issues like inflation, hiring and potential tax increases targeting manufacturers.

“Manufacturers are working overtime to fill more than 1 million open jobs, including through our nationwide Creators Wanted workforce campaign,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “On top of that, we’re grappling with a supply chain crisis. Despite the challenges confronting us, manufacturers remain bullish on the future. But if Congress passes legislation with taxes that hit manufacturers harder than other industries, our entire recovery will be thrown off course. If new taxes land on our shoulders, it will undo all the progress we’ve made since the 2017 tax reform law.”

“Manufacturers have kept our promise to hire more workers, raise wages and benefits and invest in our communities. Our question to Congress—the message of this survey—is, do we want to weaken our recovery by undermining manufacturers’ competitiveness? Raising taxes on manufacturers will not help us build back better. It will tear down what we’ve achieved.”

Key survey highlights:

• Top issues:
  • Increased raw material costs (87.1%), the number-one issue for the fourth straight quarter
  • Supply chain challenges (84.5%)
  • Attracting and retaining a quality workforce (82.7%)

• 87.8% of respondents said an increased tax burden on income from manufacturing activities would make it more difficult to expand their workforce, invest in new equipment or expand their facilities
• 85.2% said they have open positions they cannot fill.
• 73.6% of respondents said supply chain bottlenecks negatively impacted their company’s outlook for production, hiring and overall business activity.

Read the full Q4 2021 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey results here.

Background on manufacturing growth following the enactment of 2017 tax reform:

• In 2018, manufacturers added 263,000 new jobs. That was the best year for job creation in manufacturing in 21 years.
• In 2018, manufacturing wages increased 3% and continued going up—by 2.8% in 2019 and 3% in 2020. Those were the fastest rates of annual growth since 2003.
• Manufacturing capital spending grew 4.5% and 5.7% in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
• Overall, manufacturing production grew 2.7% in 2018, with December 2018 being the best month for manufacturing output since May 2008.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.5 million men and women, contributes $2.52 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers announced the retirement of President and CEO Joe McGuire. Joe is a former National Association of Manufacturers board member and former chair of the Council of Manufacturing Associations. Following the announcement, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement:

“For more than two decades, Joe ably steered AHAM, setting a high standard for other manufacturing association executives. I have been fortunate to call him a colleague and close friend, from whom I have learned so much about leading by example. As a leader of the NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations, a past CMA chair and former NAM board member, Joe demonstrated a collaborative spirit and a dedication to the success of the entire industry. As he grew AHAM’s sphere of influence, he established himself and his association as influential players not only on the national stage but also on the world stage. He is a passionate defender of democracy and the values that make our country exceptional and keep manufacturing strong: free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity.

“Through his service as the voice of home appliance manufacturers, Joe has touched the lives of all Americans—though most will never know it. His advocacy has helped ensure that manufacturers could continue to deliver the machines that make modern life possible and on which our families depend—all while driving innovation to make those appliances even more efficient and enhance their capabilities.

“We will miss Joe’s leadership in the association community, and we look forward to celebrating with him and his wife Mary over the coming months. He has certainly earned his retirement, even if the rest of us wish we could continue serving alongside him for years to come.”

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.4 million men and women, contributes $2.52 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 58% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. – Following the announcement of Emerson Chairman and CEO and former National Association of Manufacturers Board Chair David Farr’s retirement, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement:

“David Farr is the quintessential example of how one person can make a profound and positive difference in the world. I had a front row seat in watching Dave at work, fighting to make not just his own company but every manufacturer in America more competitive and more successful as he served as Chair of the National Association of Manufacturers.

“His passion for manufacturing is no surprise to anyone who knows him. He will quickly tell you that his career was inspired as a kid by visits to the shop floor with his father. After many decades in the business, he gets almost giddy when he talks about the changes in our industry and how much we have contributed to our exceptional country and to the progress of the world.

“During his time as Chair, he played an instrumental and historic role at the White House and in the halls of Congress in securing once-in-a-generation tax reform and highly impactful regulatory certainty, both of which provided a tremendous boost to the industry and new opportunities for America’s manufacturing workers. Because of his relentless drive and dedication, manufacturers invested more in America, hired more American workers and raised wages and benefits.

“A respected executive and champion for his community, Dave has set a high standard for leadership. Many of his NAM Board colleagues benefited from his example. I personally gained much knowledge and perspective while having the opportunity to serve alongside this amazing icon of American manufacturing.

“Knowing his boundless energy, he will undoubtedly continue to be an influential industry voice and a much sought-after expert for years to come. I’m grateful for his years of wise counsel and friendship—not to mention his boisterous sense of humor, including our much-underappreciated banter at our NAM board meetings. Rick and I, along with the entire NAM team, wish Dave and Lelia much happiness as they begin to write their next inspiring chapter.”

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.32 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 63% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Duryea, PA – On Monday, the National Association of Manufacturers and SCHOTT North America will host Vice President Mike Pence at SCHOTT North America in Duryea, Pennsylvania, to highlight the positive impact the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement will have on manufacturers and employees in Pennsylvania.

WHAT:
Remarks by Vice President Mike Pence at SCHOTT North America;
introduction by SCHOTT Duryea Site Manager Rob Gomeau, SCHOTT North America President Jim Gareau and National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons.

WHERE:
SCHOTT North America Inc. – Site Duryea
400 York Ave.
Duryea, Pennsylvania
18642

WHEN:
Monday, Oct. 21, 2019
*All times local, EDT
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Media call time and preset for video cameras and tripods.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Access closed to press.

MEDIA:
Coordinate Information: Latitude, 41.3471332; Longitude -75.7496961
Camera Throw: 70 feet
Cable Run: 125 feet

RSVP:
Full Name:
Network Affiliation:
Position (Camera, Still Photographer, Reporter):
Cell Phone Number:
Email:
Event (Visit to SCHOTT North America Inc. – Site Duryea):
*Note if you are arriving with a satellite truck.

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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12.8 million men and women, contributes $2.38 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

733 10th St. NW, Suite 700 • Washington, DC 20001 • (202) 637-3000

Washington, D.C. – A delegation of manufacturing leaders met with Vice President Mike Pence today to highlight the importance of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement to manufacturing in the United States.

The delegation included former NAM Board Chair and Emerson Chairman and CEO David Farr, Winton Machine Company Co-Owner and CEO Lisa Winton, Kent Corporation Chairman and CEO Gage Kent, General Motors Company Chairman and CEO Mary Barra, Sukup Manufacturing Co. President Charles Sukup and HM Manufacturing President Nicole Wolter.

“The Trump administration continues to show its steadfast commitment to America’s manufacturing workers,” said Farr. “Manufacturers in Missouri and across the nation are keeping our promise to grow, invest and hire. This historic agreement will help us sustain this momentum. Congress must act now and ratify this agreement.”

“Manufacturing in Georgia is stronger thanks to policies like tax reform and regulatory certainty,” said Winton. “To keep making significant contributions to local economies, we need certainty on trade, which means we need Congress to pass the USMCA. It’s essential to the livelihoods of Georgia manufacturing workers.”

Canada and Mexico are manufacturers’ top trading partners, purchasing one-fifth of the total value of U.S. manufacturing input—more than the next 11 countries combined. These exports support 2 million American manufacturing jobs and 40,000 small and medium-sized businesses. Comprehensive new state data from the NAM shows the USMCA’s positive impacts in each state and throughout the U.S. On Wednesday, the NAM is bringing manufacturing leaders from across the country together in Washington to urge Congress to pass the USMCA.

“The USMCA would undoubtedly strengthen and expand the U.S. food and agriculture industry—and all the sectors that support it, including manufacturers,” said Kent. “Agriculture is at the center of the Iowa economy, supporting countless jobs and industries. Each day that passes without the USMCA in place is a day that costs Iowa’s manufacturers and businesses.”

“General Motors has long supported efforts to modernize the agreement and believes passage of USMCA is vital to the success of the US automotive industry,” said Barra. “The certainty that comes from having USMCA in place will allow us to continue to invest in manufacturing in the United States with confidence.”

“American businesses need certainty in our trade policy to create jobs and grow,” said Sukup. “Without concrete, modern trade laws with our closest trading allies—Canada and Mexico—manufacturers in America won’t reach our full potential. On behalf of Iowa’s more than 25,000 employees whose jobs rely on North American trade, I urge Congress to swiftly pass the USMCA.”

“Tariff-free, modern trade is important for Illinois manufacturers, especially us small businesses,” said Wolter. “Selling what we make here to countries around the world helps us to remain competitive in today’s global economy. It also helps us to reinvest in our businesses, hire more employees and give back to the community.”

National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons warned today of the grave consequences of the administration’s plan to levy tariffs on Mexico, and ultimately manufacturing workers, to stem migration from Central America.

We share @RealDonaldTrump’s frustration with our broken immigration system. But intertwining difficult trade, tariff and immigration issues creates a Molotov cocktail of policy. Manufacturing workers should not be forced to suffer because of DC’s failure to act on immigration.

— Jay Timmons (@JayTimmonsNAM) May 31, 2019

These proposed tariffs would have devastating consequences on US manufacturers and consumers. We’ve taken our concerns to the highest levels of the administration and strongly urge them to consider the impact of this action carefully.

— Jay Timmons (@JayTimmonsNAM) May 31, 2019

Saying that intertwining trade, tariffs and immigration creates a Molotov cocktail of policy, Timmons urged Congress and the administration to work together to find a comprehensive legislative solution on immigration, which manufacturers have offered in A Way Forward.

We’re working hard to secure passage of USMCA…the last thing we want is to put that deal in jeopardy. We’ll keep working on both sides of the aisle for USMCA and our immigration plan but we cannot afford to harm millions with tariffs at the same time. https://t.co/Hclg5nhfm6

— Jay Timmons (@JayTimmonsNAM) May 31, 2019

Click here to read Timmons’ full response.

NAM Senior Vice President of Communications and Brand Strategy Erin Streeter discusses the NAM’s digital strategy and the shift to become a news source for the industry.

Why is the NAM diving into becoming more of a news source for the industry?

First, it’s a direct response to the needs of our members. We’re committed to ensuring that our members and allies have the tools they need to be nimble and effective advocates for our industry. We also want to be a platform for our members to tell their stories of success and achievement.

Second, in this disruptive environment, becoming America’s manufacturing news source isn’t really a choice. We saw this tidal wave of change hitting advocacy and communications coming, and we’ve been building a messaging, rapid response (“War Room”) and newsroom operation that has drawn the attention of some the most powerful leaders in our country and is watched by key business reporters and decisionmakers. We can’t let up now. If we don’t write our story and if we don’t present the facts, we are ceding control of our industry’s future to others.

Building “brand newsrooms” and operating like a media organization aren’t things trade associations have been known to do. Can you explain the rationale for a trade association like the NAM moving in these directions?

That’s right—but it is critical if we want to continue to position the NAM as a leader not only in the manufacturing industry, but also in Washington and across the country.

With today’s noisy, fragmented media environment, manufacturers need a resource they can trust and resource that can get their stories out to the public and key decision-makers. And lawmakers and the public need an authority on all things manufacturing.

What is new about NAM.org?

Everything. The whole concept is new. Take a look around. You’ll see various streams of relevant, timely news on a range of topics. You’ll see interviews with leading experts and CEO perspectives. This site is the next step in our mission to be a constant presence in people’s lives, using new technology, data and analytics to provide customized user experiences that interest, educate and drive action for the manufacturing sector.

With this new site, we are supercharging our ability to provide a best in class user experience across our social, email and mobile products.

In what ways can manufacturers leverage this site and NAM news platforms, such as the Input morning email newsletter?

They can tell their stories. This is their platform. Manufacturers across this country are transforming their communities, innovating great new products and giving people new opportunities for high paying jobs. We want to show the world the great things our industry is doing and how we’re keeping our promises to invest in our people and our communities.

There’s no organization that knows the industry better than the NAM, the one-stop shop for manufacturers. So we’re well-positioned to be a credible and compelling platform—and outlet—for stories about our members. Just like anyone might think of CNBC, Fox Business or Bloomberg as a place to drive business news, I hope we’ll be looked at as a place where our members—and all manufacturers—want to break news because of the quality of our reporting and our proven capacity to reach audiences that matter.

Will the general public or casual reader find a home at nam.org?

Absolutely. Anyone who cares about manufacturing in America—and everyone should care!—can learn something from this site. Again, it’s America’s manufacturing news source. It might be breaking news about a new manufacturing facility coming to their community. Or it might be a helpful Q&A to understand what’s really going on in Congress.

Our Creators Wanted video series is a great example of the compelling content that is designed with the general public in mind. The series tells the stories of real modern manufacturing workers. In their own words, they describe the reason they love the industry. These are targeted to younger people (and their parents) who are making decisions about their future careers. So by inspiring that next generation, this content is supporting the mission of the NAM and our education and workforce partners, The Manufacturing Institute—and it’s changing lives.

There’s truly something for everyone…and we’d love to get feedback on how we can make it even better!

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the passing of Former President George H. W. Bush.

President George H.W. Bush lived the values of an exceptional America as the epitome of the ‘Greatest Generation.’ He inspired us through his final days, with the trademark kindness and humility that defined his storied career in public service.

Shot down over the Pacific in World War II, he ascended the ranks to become Commander-in-Chief, holding numerous titles in between—but none that he wore so proudly as those of father and husband.

As the leader of our nation, he set an example for the whole world, especially in his defense of America’s values. As he said in a 1990 address to the National Association of Manufacturers, ‘The ideas championed by America—freedom, democracy, competition and investment—are flourishing because they work. Because they are the best.’ He expanded those values around the world during his presidency by bringing the Cold War to an end, as exemplified by the fall of the Berlin Wall, about which he did not boast but instead sought ways to bring the world together.

Here at home, President Bush believed in expanding opportunity, arguing in his NAM address that a job was a source of ‘dignity and decency’ for American families. And no one knew dignity and decency better than the 41st President of the United States and his beloved wife, Barbara.

President Bush believed in bringing Americans together and used his platform and his voice to encourage the better angels in us all through his ‘Thousand Points of Light’ initiative. He understood that compassion and respect for all humankind strengthen our nation.

Today, as the Bush family—and the whole country—mourn this great loss, our thoughts and our prayers are with them once again. God bless the legacy of President George H.W. Bush.

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 The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

Washington, DC – National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the passing of United States Senator John McCain:

Country first: More than a slogan, it was the defining characteristic of a man who lived his life in service of a nation he loved—in the Navy and Congress, in a dark cell in Hanoi and in a final courageous battle that reminded us each of our common humanity. We now say farewell to Senator McCain but do so confident in the knowledge that his memory as a fighter for our country and the values that keep and sustain our exceptionalism—free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity—will continue to live on in our history for many years to come.

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The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.