Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Following U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s release of the agency’s annual Special 301 report on global intellectual property protection, National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of International Economic Affairs Ken Monahan released the following statement:

“Innovation and intellectual property are the lifeblood for manufacturers in the United States, supporting manufacturing businesses and a skilled workforce here at home, creating economic opportunity for Americans of all backgrounds and empowering American leadership around the world. That manufacturing innovation is also a constant target for foreign governments and businesses that want to steal or undermine critical IP protections and rules to boost their own economies at our expense.

“USTR’s latest Special 301 report clearly illustrates many of the biggest IP barriers—and bad actors—that the NAM highlighted in our January 2022 submission to USTR as risks to as risks to our manufacturing businesses and workers. This report is an important step toward concrete action. We urge USTR and other agencies to stand up for innovative manufacturers by knocking down these barriers and by pushing back against those who would weaken critical IP protections around the world.”

-NAM-

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 $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually 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 today’s National Environmental Policy Act permitting announcement, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“During this time of alarming global turmoil, we must do everything in our power to protect our energy security and increase domestic manufacturing—not only to maintain economic growth and deliver relief to American families but also to ensure we can continue leading the world in supporting the people of Ukraine. Today’s NEPA permitting announcement misses the larger point that we need to be pursuing a clear strategy to harness every possible source of energy here in the United States. Even though the administration kept many of the reforms the NAM had fought for, this does not provide the predictability and streamlined permitting we need. And if the next step in this process is derailed by unrealistic agendas, then America will feel the pain of a weaker economy, diminished national security and slower implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

-NAM-

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 12.6 million men and women, contributes $2.71 trillion to the U.S. economy annually 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 President Joe Biden’s order to release 1 million barrels of oil per day from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and to secure American production of critical materials, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Manufacturers are encouraged to see President Biden’s continued focus on taming inflation and addressing the energy concerns stoked by Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine and supply chain disruptions around the world.

“Manufacturers strongly support President Biden’s actions to secure American production of critical minerals and materials. This has the potential to be a game-changer, not only for developing clean energy but also for other uses that will help to address the supply chain challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic and further compounded by the war in Ukraine. Yesterday, I also met with Commerce Secretary Raimondo, Australian Trade Minister Tehan and leading manufacturers to discuss strategies for supporting critical mineral supply chains. Manufacturers know there is not a quick solution, and we need more of this type of bold, collaborative, long-term leadership to strengthen our energy security.

“The release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve may provide relief at a time when manufacturers and American families are all coping with higher energy prices, but this is only a very temporary fix. It doesn’t deliver the long-term energy security that America deserves—the confidence that comes from producing more energy from all sources here in the United States.

“Manufacturers are pleased to hear the President call for increasing domestic oil and gas production and are counting on him to follow through on his support. However, the ‘use it or lose it’ provision may sound catchy and even be well-intentioned, but it fundamentally misunderstands the way that energy exploration, extraction and production works in reality. It would instead undermine our ability to produce American energy.

“We remain committed to working with the administration and leaders in both parties to help lead America through these ongoing crises—and deliver for the American people.”

-NAM-

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 $2.57 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 release of a proposed rule by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on climate disclosures, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Manufacturers support key disclosures related to publicly traded companies’ climate strategies, as this information can help shareholders make informed decisions. However, broad, sweeping disclosures could be counterproductive—requiring manufacturers to waste time and resources reporting irrelevant information that will not be decision-useful for shareholders. The SEC should focus on requiring disclosure of material information, and the NAM looks forward to working with the SEC to ensure that its proposed climate reporting rule enables smart, company-specific disclosures that are tailored and targeted.

“Manufacturers are proudly leading on climate solutions. After all, it is manufacturers that make the products and technologies needed to face this generational challenge—clean energy, carbon capture, batteries, microgrids, advanced vehicles and more. And through our policy proposal, “The Promise Ahead,” the NAM has offered lawmakers a guide for achieving climate solutions alongside economic growth. Especially at this time of global turbulence and supply chain disruptions, our actions must allow for an all-of-the-above approach to safeguarding America’s energy security.”

-NAM-

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 $2.57 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 Q1 2022 Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey, which shows manufacturers’ significant concerns around inflation, hiring and potential tax increases. The NAM conducted the survey Feb. 11–25, 2022.

Key Findings:

• 88.1% of respondents cited supply chain challenges as a primary business challenge in the first quarter, 85.7% cited increased raw material costs, and 79.0% cited the inability to attract and retain a quality workforce.
• 88.6% of respondents said their company would find it more difficult to expand their workforce, invest in new equipment or expand facilities if the tax burden on income from manufacturing activities increased.
• 89.4% had unfilled positions within their companies for which they were struggling to find qualified applicants.

“The humanitarian crisis and economic disruptions of Russia’s war on Ukraine, as well as the resulting sanctions that manufacturers fully support, will exacerbate these supply chain challenges and could impact energy costs even more as we move into the second quarter. We’re looking to policymakers to take bold action, while manufacturers do everything in our power to help the nation and world persevere through another crisis,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

“Federal leaders should give energy manufacturers the tools to ramp up production here at home and improve our energy security. At the same time, we need Congress to finish the China competition bill to increase domestic semiconductor production and bolster supply chains, among other manufacturing priorities. Any discussion of raising taxes on manufacturers will create uncertainty and make it difficult to invest, hire and expand, hurting the broader economy.

“Although job growth last year rose at the best pace since 1994, and wage growth is now at a 40-year high, the survey shows workforce shortages are still a major challenge. That’s why the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute continue leading our industry-wide Creators Wanted campaign—to inspire, educate and empower the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow.”

While manufacturers remain mostly optimistic in their economic outlook (88.8%, up from 86.8% in Q4), the survey was conducted prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

-NAM-

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 $2.57 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 Environmental Protection Agency’s release of its “Good Neighbor” Plan to expand regulation of interstate transport of air emissions that affect downwind states’ ability to attain and maintain National Ambient Air Quality Standards, National Association of Manufacturers Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse released the following statement:

“Manufacturers are committed to clean air and healthy communities. We have taken the initiative to operate in cleaner, more sustainable ways, and we are proud of our record. Our ‘Promise Ahead’ proposal offers numerous ideas on how we can continue to improve our environment and address climate change.

“While the intent of this proposal is right and one that we share, it could have significant effects on American families if not thoughtfully implemented. At a time when our supply chains are snarled, inflation is skyrocketing and Russia’s war on Ukraine continues, we must be careful with regulations that could further raise prices on all Americans, slow economic growth and threaten jobs.

“We will work with the EPA to ensure these new rules can achieve shared goals in a constructive way that will not have unintended consequences and ripple effects throughout our economy and communities. We look forward to sharing our innovation, technology and supply chain expertise to do so.”

-NAM-

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 $2.57 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 Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) calls for a new tax targeting America’s energy companies shortly after the new sanctions on Russian energy imports, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Our country is sacrificing to save the Ukrainian people, and this is a blatant political ploy to exploit a crisis to enact an extremist agenda. American policymakers should be singularly focused on saving the people of Ukraine and ending a dictator’s expansionist ambitions, instead of attacking American businesses that are doing all we can to support our government’s efforts to bring about peace.”

-NAM-

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 $2.57 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. – In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the National Association of Manufacturers Board of Directors unanimously voted to denounce Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to stand with the people of Ukraine in their fight to preserve freedom and independence. The resolution expressed support for the economic and financial sanctions implemented against Russia and called for the removal of the Russian Federation from the World Trade Organization and termination of permanent normalized trading relationship status with the United States.

“Manufacturers have a proud history of standing firm in support of democracy, and we stand with the Ukrainian people. The free world must come together to denounce the unprovoked Russian aggression, save lives and end the humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Ending the conflict is also critical to protecting livelihoods in America and around the world. Manufacturers are already feeling the serious economic disruption, which jeopardizes the jobs of America’s manufacturing workers.

“The NAM supports the efforts of the Biden administration and bipartisan congressional leaders to sanction Russia, and we support further economic sanctions.

“The NAM Board is speaking clearly today to support the bipartisan effort to hold Russia accountable and bring peace to Ukraine, while reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding democracy and democratic institutions not only here at home, but also abroad.”

Resolution: Whereas Ukraine is a sovereign democracy and constitutional republic that was invaded in an unprovoked act of aggression ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin;

Whereas the unrelenting attacks on humanity have caused needless loss of life, unacceptable human suffering, a devastating refugee crisis, widespread destruction and significant economic disruption;

Whereas manufacturers in America have a proud history of supporting and defending democracy, including serving as the “Arsenal of Democracy” and mobilizing to free the world from tyranny and fascism in two world wars;

Whereas the Ukrainian people are standing strong against a violent aggressor, and their future is directly dependent upon the united actions of the free world and those who revere democracy;

Whereas the failure to end this aggression could have profound global ramifications, including further attacks on other democracies and destabilizing effects in Europe and around the world, as Russia continues its ambitious expansionism;

Whereas the continued disruption of global commerce harms manufacturers in America and the industry’s stability, threatens our ability to deliver essential products for the American people and the world and thereby jeopardizes the jobs of American manufacturing workers; and

Whereas the National Association of Manufacturers advances the values of free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity, as enshrined by this board in our policy documents, and those values cannot flourish in the absence of democracy;

Be it resolved that the Board of Directors of the National Association of Manufacturers, at its March 8, 2022, meeting, joins world leaders in denouncing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; stands with the people of Ukraine in their fight to preserve freedom and independence; supports the economic and financial sanctions implemented against Russia; supports additional economic sanctions, including a ban on the importation of energy products, removal of the Russian Federation from the World Trade Organization and termination of permanent normalized trading relationship status; supports the efforts of U.S. leaders and the international community to reestablish peace; and reaffirms the commitment of this association and our industry to sustaining and safeguarding democracy and democratic institutions not only here at home, but also abroad.

-NAM-

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 $2.57 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 Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers, announced their “35×30” Women’s campaign, an ambitious, industry-wide effort to close the gender gap in manufacturing.

By 2030, the “35×30” campaign will work to close the skills and talent gap in manufacturing by adding half a million women to the industry, increasing women’s representation in manufacturing from 29% today to 35%. The campaign will also lead a nationwide movement designed to change perceptions by engaging face-to-face with emerging leaders and young women students, leveraging more than 1,000 women mentors and collaborating with manufacturers on strategies to attract and retain female talent and broaden the pipeline by supporting women throughout their education.

“For nine months in a row now, manufacturers have had more 800,000 open jobs, and we can’t make meaningful progress toward filling those jobs without closing the gender gap,” said MI President Carolyn Lee. “The 35×30 campaign is an unprecedented plan to strengthen our workforce and build the talent pipeline. We are thrilled to see the industry unite and recognize the power of women in the workforce. This initiative will help many women of all ages find their way into a successful, rewarding career in modern manufacturing, and I can think of no better day to make this announcement than on International Women’s Day.”

The biggest challenge facing manufacturers continues to be the growing workforce crisis. Studies show that manufacturers can close the skills gap by 50% by bringing 10% more women into the industry. Women account for about half of the U.S. labor force but represent less than one-third of the manufacturing workforce.

As part of the campaign, the MI announced an initial sponsorship of $250,000 from Arconic Foundation to support programs and activities in 2022 and beyond. The MI also recognized Stewards of the “35×30” campaign, stressing their support in narrowing the gender gap facing manufacturing in America.“35×30” Campaign Stewards include:

• Ryan Kish, President and Treasurer, Arconic Foundation
• Dee Dee Fultz, GM of Assembly, Harley-Davidson Motor Company
• Erika Peterman, Senior Vice President, Chemical Intermediates, North America, BASF
• Courtney Silver, President, Ketchie Inc
• Keira Lombardo, Chief Administrative Officer, Smithfield Foods

The “35×30” campaign will add to the MI’s ongoing work to bring women into the manufacturing workforce. Launched in 2012, the STEP Women’s Initiative is the nation’s marquee program to close the gender gap in manufacturing. STEP consists of the STEP Ahead Awards and professional leadership development program as well as regional STEP Forward events throughout the year. The initiative works to foster a 21st-century manufacturing workforce by elevating and inspiring women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research and leadership, as well as by motivating alumnae to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation. Click here to learn more about the “35 x 30” campaign.

-The MI-

The MI grows and supports the manufacturing industry’s skilled workers for the advancement of modern manufacturing. The MI’s diverse initiatives support all workers in America, including women, veterans and students, through skills training programs, community building and the advancement of their career in manufacturing. As the workforce development and education partner of the NAM, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with resources necessary to solve the industry’s toughest challenges. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Scottsdale, AZ –– The National Association of Manufacturers today honored NAM board member and Nephron Pharmaceuticals CEO and Owner Lou Kennedy with the Manufacturing Icon Award during the NAM’s spring board meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. The award recognizes leaders who inspire Americans to promote, perpetuate and preserve manufacturing in America.

“Lou Kennedy embodies the spirit of manufacturing, possessing a fearless commitment to solving some of our nation’s and the world’s most pressing challenges,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “With trademark enthusiasm, Lou inspires those around her and brings together people from all sorts of backgrounds around a common purpose. In channeling her drive and dedication toward the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute’s Creators Wanted campaign, she is changing lives not just in South Carolina but across America. Her support has been game changing, and her passion for building the manufacturing workforce has helped us see our own vision for Creators Wanted more clearly. We’re honored to present this award to Lou in recognition of her exceptional leadership.”

Kennedy serves as co-chair of Creators Wanted. Last year, Nephron Pharmaceuticals hosted the Creators Wanted Tour Live in West Columbia, South Carolina.

The NAM and the MI’s “Creators Wanted” campaign is a member-driven initiative to inspire, educate and empower more Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing and to shift perceptions about careers in the industry. The campaign supports MI initiatives for students, women, veterans and other underrepresented communities and features a first-of-its-kind mobile experience and tour. It seeks to cut the skills gap by 600,000 workers by 2025 and increase the number of students enrolling in technical schools, vocational schools and apprenticeships by 25%. The campaign also seeks to increase the percentage of parents who would encourage their children to pursue a career in modern manufacturing to 50% from 27%.

In 2019, Kennedy was named a STEP Ahead Award Honoree. The MI’s STEP Ahead Awards honor women in science, technology, engineering and production careers who have demonstrated excellence and leadership across all levels of the manufacturing industry. Kennedy continues to work with the MI to help increase women’s representation in manufacturing and support the next generation of female talent.

-NAM-

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 $2.57 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.