Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Following President-elect Joe Biden’s nomination of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm to be Secretary of Energy, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“As a former governor of Michigan, Jennifer Granholm understands that a strong and thriving manufacturing industry means well-paying jobs for American workers. She also knows that manufacturers in America not only are innovative producers of domestic energy but also depend on a reliable energy supply to grow and create jobs.

“We look forward to working with her in pursuit of manufacturers’ ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy development, balancing the needs of American consumers and manufacturers, the opportunities for American workers and the responsibilities of protecting our environment. And we congratulate Gov. Granholm on her nomination.”

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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 $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the loss of his father, Warner Timmons, to COVID-19:

“Our hearts were shattered last night when the patriarch of our family, Warner Timmons, died alone in a hospital. Our family is now among the hundreds of thousands of grieving families who have had a loved one suddenly and senselessly stolen by COVID-19. My mother, his wife of 66 years, was allowed to visit my father’s hospital bedside to say a final farewell the day before only because she had already recovered from the same virus. My husband, my children and I had to say our last ‘I love you’ over a computer screen.

“This hurts. It hurts in ways I never imagined. As my entire family has been, Dad had been extraordinarily careful in following CDC guidelines, even as others in public places were not.  Just a couple of weeks ago, my father was perfectly healthy. With his energy and strength, you could have mistaken him for someone decades younger. He had no preexisting conditions, no serious health issues, no ‘co-morbidities.’ He bragged about not even having had a cold since 2004. That’s how powerful and virulent this virus is. It can take any of us.

“Over the years, the father–son bond between my Dad and me had gotten so much stronger.  We always had a special relationship, perhaps because I am my parents’ only child. But when Rick and I had children of our own, the relationship became even more special as I watched him interact with his grandchildren—a goofy, fun, pure love that impacted them profoundly.

“I am proud and blessed to be Warner Timmons’ son. I share his name, as does my own son. I inherited his sarcastic chuckle and his devious laugh, as well as his love of practical jokes—and there has never been someone as good at them as him. His timing was perfect right until the end. He always looked out for those less fortunate and was always rooting for the underdog—traits that he impressed on me to carry with me throughout my career. He passed on his love of animals, especially rescued dogs and cats, of which there were many in our family. Dad taught me how to tie a tie perfectly as I entered the working world—a full Windsor knot with a dimple in the center, even though I was applying to work at a fast-food restaurant. He taught me to be respectful to every other human being I encountered and to always have confidence in myself. Even though he was raised in difficult economic conditions during the Great Depression, he coached me on the importance of table manners, of extending courtesy toward others and of maintaining a firm handshake. He taught me to work hard and to take pride in that work. His own work ethic was strengthened during his time in the U.S. Air Force, where he was an airman first class—and was also first chair trumpet in the Air Force Band on his last tour of duty in the former French Morocco in the 1950s. He enjoyed passing along his love of music to his grandkids. I, however, did not inherit that talent. Nor did I enjoy fishing as much as he did, but we did a lot of it when I was a kid, and his grandchildren have many fond memories of learning to fish with their beloved Granddaddy.

“This was all so preventable. For the past 10 months, I’ve tried to do everything I can personally and professionally to help save lives and livelihoods from COVID-19—to encourage Americans to do the right thing, to protect the most vulnerable, to support those on the front lines of this fight and to safeguard manufacturers in the United States. To watch others flout the guidelines even as doctors and nurses do herculean work has been frustrating. My father’s death leaves a profound sense of sadness laced with anger. The fact is that my Dad—like thousands and thousands of other Americans—would no doubt be alive if someone else had just been a little more cautious and even done something as simple and effortless as wearing a face covering. And that careless individual may have taken the virus more seriously if our national leaders had modeled appropriate behavior and done more to encourage Americans to follow those simple guidelines that would have kept our country safe. And I say all of this only in the hope that it will awaken others to the need to be more careful and more considerate of our fellow human beings.

“So this is my plea as I prepare to bury my father and comfort my mother for a life without her soulmate: wear a face covering, practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings of all types, wash your hands and always be cautious. Protect your loved ones and your neighbors. These winter months, while manufacturers produce and distribute vaccines, are the most critical yet.

“Maybe the most important thing I learned from my Dad is to never back down from a fight. So, Dad, I promise you one more time that I won’t stop now. I’ll keep fighting, in every way I can, to help others and to get our country that you loved so much to the other side of this nightmare that was so preventable. And I will hope and pray that doing so will protect other families from enduring the searing pain that we feel right now.”

-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 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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-elect Joe Biden’s nomination of former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be Secretary of Transportation, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Manufacturers congratulate former Mayor Pete Buttigieg on his nomination to lead the Transportation Department. He hails from a manufacturing state, so he knows the critical role our industry plays in our economic recovery. And for our country to recover—to ‘build back better’ as President-elect Biden says—we absolutely need to see infrastructure investment of historic proportion.

“From roads and bridges to waterways, electric grids and 5G technology, the future of modern manufacturing depends on the strength of our infrastructure. America should be leading the world in modern infrastructure, not falling behind, so we look forward to working with Secretary-designate Buttigieg to achieve the goals manufacturers have laid out in our ‘Building to Win’ plan.”

-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 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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 Food and Drug Administration’s emergency authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“America’s biopharmaceutical manufacturers have a long history of first-in-the-world research that has yielded amazing results, leading to the eradication of the worst epidemics our country has faced. Today’s remarkable announcement will hopefully go down as yet another lifechanging development, and we are looking forward to future successful clinical trials and FDA approvals, hopefully in the near future.

“While science has a strong hand in eliminating vexing diseases, it is the people behind the vaccine who are to be heralded today—the innovative scientists, the lab workers, the doctors, the nurses and the thousands of volunteers who stepped up to the plate to trial this groundbreaking vaccine.

“But the fight is far from over. Americans need to roll up their sleeves, take the shots in the arm and recognize that it’s our innovation and our actions aimed at the greater good that will put a stop to this pandemic. That’s the obligation we have thanks to the gifts of freedom and free enterprise that have been bestowed on us.”

-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 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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-elect Joe Biden’s announcement nominating Katherine Tai as the United States Trade Representative, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement:

“Manufacturers congratulate Katherine Tai on her historic nomination to serve as United States Trade Representative. With years of experience at the highest levels of U.S. trade policy, Katherine is widely respected. We worked extensively with her to ensure the USMCA’s passage, she is quick to listen to manufacturers’ concerns, and she has frequently briefed our members on ongoing trade issues. She has the expertise to confront China’s unfair trade practices. Her past work as USTR’s chief counsel for China trade enforcement and her experience bringing U.S. disputes against China to the World Trade Organization position her well to lead efforts to improve U.S.–China trade relations.

“Opening new markets and forging comprehensive new trade agreements with America’s trading partners are critical to manufacturing’s future and our nation’s recovery. To create more jobs in the United States, we need more opportunities to sell our products overseas. The NAM is committed to working constructively with Katherine, and we look forward to supporting her efforts to advance robust, open and rules-based global trade as we emerge from the pandemic.”

-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 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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-elect Joe Biden’s announcement nominating Denis McDonough for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement:

“Throughout his career, Denis McDonough has proven to be a leader of extraordinary capability. He brings a focused, collaborative approach to any mission, and he has proven a strong commitment to our nation’s veterans. We congratulate him on this announcement.

“Through The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative, manufacturers are working every day to help our veterans and members of the military community find new careers in modern manufacturing. We have been working with the VA to support the veteran community in translating their skills into new opportunities in our industry. We look forward to working with Secretary-designate McDonough and the VA in the Biden administration to build on this work—supporting our heroes and strengthening manufacturing in America.”

-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 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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.

About 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 creatorswanted.org 

About Heroes MAKE America

Heroes MAKE America, an initiative launched by the MI to build connections between the military community and manufacturing industry, is a Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridge approved training program that equips participants with the skills and certifications needed to find and excel in manufacturing careers. Service members, their families, veterans and reservists are eligible for the program which currently operates at military installations in Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, Kentucky and Kansas. The Heroes team recently launched Heroes Connect, a 100 percent virtual offering that allows prospective talent from the military community to connect with hiring managers from manufacturing companies. The new offering was created to supplement a cornerstone of the Heroes program which was to provide weekly tours of manufacturing facilities looking to hire Heroes graduates. For more information on Heroes initiative, please visit themanufacturinginstitute.org/veterans/heroes-make-america

Washington, D.C. – Following President-elect Joe Biden’s announcement nominating Tom Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement:

“As the pandemic has made abundantly clear, manufacturers play an essential role in producing and protecting our nation’s food supply and keeping our families fed. We look forward to working with Sec. Vilsack when he returns to the Department of Agriculture to ensure that manufacturers can continue fulfilling this mission and that in times of critical stress, the manufacturing workers in our food supply chain are always recognized as the essential workers that they are.

“After eight years leading the department, Sec. Vilsack undoubtedly has the experience to steer the USDA through these challenging times. We congratulate him on his nomination to serve the nation once again. Through the years, I’ve had the chance to work with Sec. Vilsack, including when he served as governor of Iowa and I was doing work for the National Governors Association. As I saw firsthand, he was ahead of his time in advancing equal opportunity and inclusion, and he has a firm belief in igniting opportunity for all Americans. His collaborative, bipartisan, results-oriented approach will be a strong addition to the Biden administration.”

-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 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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. – National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy Rachel Jones released the following statement on the EPA’s reforms to how it conducts cost-benefit analysis:

“Our goal at the National Association of Manufacturers is to make our environment and our communities better. The agency’s strengthening of the cost-benefit analysis process will provide clarity and transparency for the American people and allow our members to create high-paying jobs and make investments that will protect our air and water. This initiative will have an immediate positive impact on our country and allow the EPA to get regulations done right the first time.”

-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 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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-elect Joe Biden’s announcement that he will nominate Gen. Lloyd Austin as Secretary of Defense, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:

“Throughout history, manufacturers have been the arsenal of democracy, a role that we have reprised in a new way during the pandemic, working with the Department of Defense on the procurement and distribution of vaccines and vital supplies to battle COVID-19. We are committed to ensuring that work continues when Gen. Austin takes the lead at the Pentagon.

“Gen. Austin will bring more than four decades of valuable, battle-tested experience to this role, and manufacturers congratulate him on the nomination to join a Cabinet that already represents many historic firsts.

“In addition to our COVID-19 response, manufacturers look forward to working with the next secretary to support military members after their service is fulfilled. Through The Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative, we are proud to provide training and transition support to connect them with careers in modern manufacturing.”

-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 12.2 million men and women, contributes $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons and Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee released the following statements on the announcement of Eric Burkland’s retirement as president of The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association after leading the association for 31 years and Vice President and Managing Director Ryan Augsburger’s promotion to lead the association as president beginning in 2021.

“Over the past three decades, Eric Burkland has been an indispensable partner in advancing manufacturing in the United States and the values that make America exceptional: free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity,” said Timmons. “He is one of the strongest association leaders—and advocates—that manufacturers in Ohio and America will ever know. His retirement leaves giant shoes to fill, but there is no doubt Ryan Augsburger will follow in Eric’s footsteps and take the OMA to new heights.

“Eric’s leadership and ingenuity at the helm at OMA have been critical in achieving historic results for manufacturers. Since 1989, he has been instrumental in shaping consequential, once-in-a-generation policy changes that bolstered our industry and made Ohio—my home state—a better place in which to live and work. In the midst of the present crisis, he helped spearhead The Ohio Manufacturing Alliance to Fight COVID-19, uniting manufacturers and other essential businesses to manage the demand for personal protective equipment and save lives.

“At the national level, his influence and leadership are profound. His relentless drive for results, not to mention his loyalty to and appreciation for the men and women who make things in America, is inspirational. Those who served with him on the NAM of Directors and the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations valued Eric’s political savvy, generosity of spirit and ability to bring people together—forging important consensus and extending the strength of the manufacturing army. And there is no doubt that relationships he helped build among the NAM and state manufacturing associations through the years empowered us all to be more effective in navigating the pandemic.

“It has been one of the great privileges of my time at the NAM to have served alongside Eric—and to have started a lifelong friendship with Christy and him. I came to quickly admire Eric’s judgment, and I still turn to my fellow Buckeye for trusted guidance and wise counsel. But nothing draws more admiration than his ability to be a skilled and thoughtful leader while showing a steadfast commitment to family. He leaves a legacy of not only incredible achievement but also an enduring impact on his peers, his colleagues, his mentees and the association and industry he so capably served.

“As a longtime member of the OMA’s staff leadership, Ryan Augsburger is well-equipped to carry his legacy forward. He has been integral to OMA’s success, and he’ll bring to his new role the deep industry knowledge, principled advocacy and keen intellect that have already earned him a formidable reputation among policymakers in Columbus and across the state. I look forward to working with Ryan—and continuing to work with Eric in his next chapter—to strengthen our industry and lift up more Americans in the months and years ahead.”

Lee added, “Eric Burkland set a best-in-class example of association leadership in addressing the skills gap in modern manufacturing. He has been a key partner in accelerating efforts to recruit and educate the next generation and connect more people, including veterans and women, with modern manufacturing careers. He’s been on the cutting edge of working to expand apprenticeships and developing programs to improve the perception of the industry, including through initiatives such as ‘Making Ohio’ and with his support of our ‘Creators Wanted’ campaign to build the future workforce. And he’s continued to be a strong ally in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion so that we make progress in closing the opportunity gap in Ohio and in America. In this work, and in the future challenges ahead, we are fortunate that Eric will continue to serve manufacturing and lead OMA’s workforce development efforts.”

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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 $2.35 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and has the largest economic multiplier of any major sector and accounts for 62% 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