Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler’s announcement to retain the existing 2015 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ozone, National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Energy & Resources Policy Rachel Jones released the following statement:

“Protecting the environment and improving public health for all Americans must come first. Manufacturers’ commitment to clean air is why we support EPA’s proposal to retain the Obama ozone standards.

“Amid a global pandemic, manufacturers are serving on the front lines helping our nation respond to and recover from COVID-19. So at a time when we are facing record-breaking unemployment, a lower ozone standard could slow our economic rebound and threaten manufacturing competitiveness. We shouldn’t have to choose between environmental protection and a strong economy. Americans deserve both – especially during these unprecedented times.”

-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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the entry into force of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement.

“This is a milestone day for manufacturers, years in the making. The landmark trade agreement we fought hard to secure now enters into force at a critical time. It will help restore certainty, ensure supply chain continuity and provide opportunities for economic growth—all of which will help our industry lead the nation’s recovery and renewal.

“The United States, Mexico and Canada must continue working together to ensure that the USMCA is implemented in a way that will bolster that recovery and renewal and maintain broad support for open, rules-based North American trade—this year, next year and well into the future. The stakes have never been higher.”

Prior to the USMCA’s entry into force, the NAM’s effort to secure congressional approval of the agreement activated manufacturing workers and supporters across the country, reaching members of Congress with thousands of pro-USMCA letters, calls and meetings. In doing so, manufacturers drove the narrative, making the USMCA not about partisan politics but about good policy for growing 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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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

Today, the National Association of Manufacturers announced the launch of NAM Cyber Cover, an exclusive cybersecurity and risk mitigation program for its member companies and organizations. This critically important and timely offering was developed in partnership with AHT Insurance and Coalition, which specializes in underwriting cyber and technology insurance.

“Modern manufacturers are deploying advanced technologies that are transforming what we make and how we make it. This rapid digitization and the workplace disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic have created new and unprecedented risks for our members,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Our partnership with AHT and Coalition will help protect our industry from cyberattacks and ensure we can continue to lead our economic recovery and renewal.”

According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, nearly two-thirds of manufacturers currently have no cyber insurance, and many manufacturers have no plans to invest in improved cybersecurity measures or data protection efforts. Recognizing the significant threat cyber vulnerabilities pose to its diverse membership, the NAM led the creation of Cyber Cover.

“The inimitable exposures manufacturers face, coupled with an unrelenting target on the industry, necessitates a pivot in how cyber programs are structured,” said AHT President and CEO David Schaefer. “We look forward to helping NAM members make that pivot to manage risks up front and protect themselves against cyberattacks.”

NAM Cyber Cover offers full support for responding to and recovering from potential risks and cyberattacks, differentiating it from traditional, standalone insurance.

“Manufacturers are more reliant on technology than ever before and more in need of a solution to survive catastrophic security failures and data breaches,” said Coalition Founder and CEO Joshua Motta. “We’re proud to partner with the NAM and AHT to revolutionize the way manufacturers mitigate cyber risk, providing security tools to prevent incidents and incident response support to mitigate losses, together with the safety of insurance.”

To learn more about NAM Cyber Cover, visit www.namcybercover.org

-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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

–About AHT Insurance–

AHT Insurance is a brokerage and consulting firm offering property and casualty, employee benefits, retirement, personal and international services for a wide range of industries—notably receiving national recognition for its practices in areas including technology, manufacturing, government contracting and nonprofits. https://www.ahtins.com

–About Coalition–

Coalition combines comprehensive insurance and free cybersecurity tools to help businesses manage and mitigate cyber risk. Backed by A+/A rated insurers Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and Argo Group, Coalition provides companies with up to $10 million of cyber and technology insurance coverage in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. https://www.coalitioninc.com

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released this statement after the American Iron and Steel Institute, a member of the NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations, named Kevin Dempsey as interim CEO. This follows the planned retirement of CEO Thomas Gibson, announced in March.

“Kevin Dempsey’s expertise, experience and stellar reputation demonstrate that AISI will be in good hands as he builds on Tom Gibson’s legacy. He’s a proven, trusted and respected leader who will ensure a seamless transition for America’s steelmakers. I look forward to working with Kevin through the NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations as the entire manufacturing industry navigates the historic challenges of COVID-19 and helps lead our economic recovery and American renewal. More than ever, the nation is counting on the united efforts of manufacturers—and the entire business community—to move our nation forward.

“Throughout his 12 years at AISI, Tom has been a forceful advocate for America’s manufacturing workers and the steel industry in North America. It has been my privilege to call him a friend, a colleague and a chair of the CMA. I congratulate Tom on an impressive career and wish both Tom and Sheila well as he embarks on a happy and active retirement.”

-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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Association of Manufacturers launched “Wear a Face Covering,” an ad campaign designed to keep our economy growing and protect American families. It illustrates that face coverings are essential to safeguarding jobs and reopening businesses. The campaign will run in key manufacturing states, such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and others. Upon release of the ad, NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons made this statement:

“There is no way to sugarcoat this—we need to get America back to work now and get our economy roaring again. The virus is spreading in a significant way, and if it continues, that will lead to economic devastation the likes of which we have never seen before. If everyone wears a mask outside the home, maintains social distancing with anyone other than the family unit and practices appropriate hygiene procedures, we will get the tens of millions of unemployed Americans back to work. If large groups of people refuse to wear masks, they are condemning their fellow citizens to long-term unemployment and our economy to disaster.

“There are no excuses left. While we have learned more and more about this deadly virus, the guidance from our nation’s health care experts has evolved. Today, we know that the best and most certain way to stop the spread is for everyone to wear a facial covering. It isn’t fun. It isn’t pleasant. But through shared responsibility, we can get this pandemic under control and save small businesses and jobs. That’s why the NAM is taking this message across the country. Our economy depends on it, jobs depend on it and—most importantly—lives depend on it.

“The Golden Rule tells us that we should do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Covering our faces in public is a simple but powerful expression of the Golden Rule, and so much more than a mere gesture.”

-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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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 Manufacturers 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 President Trump’s immigration executive order suspending new nonimmigrant visas.

“Leaders should be working to strengthen manufacturing in the United States, but these actions will make our industry unquestionably weaker. The reality is the visa programs targeted by this executive order boost manufacturing in America and support job creation. We will lose talented individuals to other countries, giving them an added advantage in competing against us. This action will not help manufacturers lead our economic recovery and renewal.

“It is painfully clear that Congress should act to advance the comprehensive immigration reform we desperately need.”

Read the NAM’s plan for comprehensive immigration reform, “A Way Forward.”

-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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons issued the following statement on today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program:

“Today, manufacturers celebrate with the nation’s 700,000 Dreamers. America is the only home they know. At least 27,000 DACA recipients are frontline health care workers, many others are filling other critical roles in our nation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and all are a critical part of our society. They did not deserve to endure the cruel uncertainty and fear created by the administration’s action to end the program.

“Manufacturers have stepped up again and again to protect Dreamers and defend against actions to end the DACA program, and we will continue to call on Congress to provide long-term certainty for Dreamers and to reform the failed system that has led to horrific humanitarian situations at the border. We encourage our elected officials to use the NAM’s comprehensive immigration plan, “A Way Forward,” to help guide decisions that must be made.”

-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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Washington, D.C. – Following the momentous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons made this statement:

“This ruling, one of the most consequential since Obergefell, not only sends a powerful message of inclusion and equality to millions of Americans but also affirms that LGBT Americans cannot be fired just for being their authentic selves at work.

“Too many LGBT Americans go to work every day hiding who they are or whom they love because they believe that simply living authentically would mean losing their jobs and livelihoods. The Supreme Court has begun to lift that heavy emotional burden and made history by affirming that LGBT workers are entitled to federal protections, too.

“For our part, manufacturers are committed to building diverse and inclusive workplaces, a mission that has taken on renewed importance in recent weeks. We will continue to be advocates for equal opportunity and champions for justice—because ultimately, we know that diversity and inclusion makes our workplaces stronger, just as it makes our country stronger.”

-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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Washington, D.C. – In the wake of the May 25 murder of George Floyd under the knee of a white police officer in Minneapolis, the National Association of Manufacturers’ Executive Committee unanimously voted to pass the Pledge for Action, an 11-point commitment plan for manufacturers to advance justice, equality and opportunity for black people and all people of color.

“My heart is heavy with recent events,” said Michael W. Lamach, chairman and CEO of Trane Technologies and chair of the NAM Board of Directors. “While the killing of George Floyd sparked this outcry, this is a crisis that has gone unaddressed for far too long. We introduced this Pledge for Action to demonstrate our companies’, our association’s and our industry’s commitment to being part of the solution and to stand against injustice and create a better future for the black community and all communities of color.”

Around the country and throughout the world, George Floyd’s death has spurred protest and action, highlighting the inescapable inequities that are too often downplayed and brushed aside by those with the power to make a difference.

Merck Chairman and CEO Ken Frazier addressed the June 11 Executive Committee meeting. He noted that, “Opportunity and equality have the power to change the course of not only an individual’s life, but of history. Through education, I was given the chance to overcome the opportunity gap that exists in this country, and I believe that this pledge, if taken to heart by the NAM members, can do the same for thousands of Americans and in particular African Americans.”

The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the NAM, will continue to support manufacturers’ efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace and to deliver on these new commitments. The MI, via its Diversity and Inclusion Pillar, will be deploying tools, resources and knowledge to help manufacturers put actions to their words and build more inclusive workplaces.

“This is a difficult time for our country, and manufacturers all have a role to be part of the solution—in our homes, in our companies and in our local communities,” said Chuck Wetherington, BTE Technologies president, NAM Executive Committee member and Small and Medium Manufacturers Group chair. “Our businesses are the hearts and souls of the communities where we live, and we have a responsibility to act. With this pledge, we are making a commitment to do what is right and urgently needed.”

As leaders who represent manufacturers in the United States, the NAM recognizes the integral role our industry has historically played in lifting up people and communities, and the opportunity and obligation we have now to stand with and support all people who face injustice.

“Manufacturers will do our part. All of us must recognize the systemic inequality and racism that black people in America face—and the role we must play in ending it. This industry is committed to delivering the change our nation needs,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

Highlights from the Pledge for Action include the following:

• We will strengthen our workplaces as spaces where black people and all people of color will be heard, respected and celebrated.
• We will work to improve and increase representation of black people and all people of color at all levels of our companies and organizations—entry level, midlevel and senior level.
• We will expand education, training and scholarship opportunities in the manufacturing industry for black people and all people of color.
• We will remove barriers and open doors to modern manufacturing careers for those inside prisons and for those reentering society.
• We will encourage increased minority participation in democracy through voting, advocacy and other opportunities for influence.
• We will diversify the supply chain by providing equal opportunity for black-owned and minority-owned enterprises to do business with us.

To read the full Pledge for Action, visit nam.org/pledgeforaction.

-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 11.7 million men and women, contributes $2.37 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org

Des Moines, IA / Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, June 9, Iowa Association of Business and Industry President Mike Ralston and National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons called for thoughtful liability protections to ensure the manufacturing industry can continue to drive the renewal of America’s economy. The organizations support policymakers’ efforts in Des Moines and Washington, D.C., to protect manufacturers from baseless bad-faith COVID-19 lawsuits.

In April, the NAM released its “American Renewal Action Plan,” which provides a comprehensive list of policy recommendations to guide the country through the stages of response, recovery and renewal. This plan includes a comprehensive set of pandemic liability policy recommendations.

“Everyone wants to get the economy open in a way that protects Americans’ health and well-being, which is why manufacturers have been leading the way to protect their workplaces and safeguard employees. Throughout this crisis, manufacturers have been working to do the right thing, providing vital supplies and essential products. Letting manufacturers now become the target of inappropriate lawsuits will stall our economic recovery,” said Timmons. “Iowa leaders can prevent this. Smart liability protections will ensure manufacturers can continue leading—and get more Iowans back to work.”

“Iowa manufacturers and their employees have been hard at work throughout this pandemic, doing all they can to keep themselves and Iowans healthy and to keep the economy moving.  To now have them be the victims of improper legal action is simply wrong. ABI calls on Iowa legislators to act on this issue important to manufacturers and all Iowa businesses,” said Ralston.

More information can be found at https://nam.org/liability.

-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 nearly 11.7 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 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 Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.

-ABI-

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the voice of Iowa business since 1903. Its mission is to provide a strong, unified voice to business and industry on issues affecting Iowa employers. ABI is comprised of 1,500 member companies of all types and sizes in all 99 counties employing more than 330,000 Iowans.