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The NAM’s Makers Series is an exclusive interview series featuring creators, innovators and trailblazers in the industry sharing their insights and advice. We ask founders, executives and leaders of innovative firms what it takes to be a leader for manufacturers and makers in America.

Meet Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA. In this edition of NAM’s Makers Series, she explains why women are essential to manufacturing’s workforce.

Manufacturers and industry leaders gathered in Washington, D.C., last night with high-profile government officials to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the National Association of Manufacturers and the launch of it and The Manufacturing Institute’s “Creators Wanted” campaign. Hosted by the NAM, the event featured Senior Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump, who received the organization’s inaugural Alexander Hamilton Award, which recognizes leaders who inspire Americans to promote, perpetuate and preserve manufacturing in America.

“Ivanka Trump embodies the collaborative spirit and relentless drive needed to solve manufacturers’ most pressing challenge—the workforce crisis,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Like no one in government has ever done, she has provided singular leadership and shown an unwavering commitment to modern manufacturing in America.”

Other leaders in attendance included Senior Advisor to the President Jared Kushner, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and more than a dozen members of Congress from across the political spectrum.

The “Creators Wanted” campaign is an unprecedented, nationwide effort to reshape America’s perception of manufacturing and take on the manufacturing industry’s skills gap. Manufacturing executives are rallying around the initiative—more than $14 million in initial sponsorships will help the campaign engage communities across the country and inspire more Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing.

#CreatorsWanted is an opportunity to leverage the manufacturing industry’s unmatched strength to confront the workforce crisis w/ immediate, long-term solutions. Thanks to our sponsors, @ShopfloorNAM & @TheMfgInstitute can secure the industry's future. https://t.co/YkRj2djc9j

— Jay Timmons (@JayTimmonsNAM) February 12, 2020

The “Creators Wanted” campaign will feature an on-the-ground, interactive mobile tour in more than 20 states and a culminating “Making America” festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. By 2025, “Creators Wanted” aims to reduce the skills gap in the United States by 600,000, expand the number of students enrolling in technical and vocational schools or reskilling programs by 25% and increase the positive perception of the industry among parents to 50% from 27% today.

“Since its inception 125 years ago, the National Association of Manufacturers has stood up for the men and women who make things in America,” said Timmons. “Today, manufacturers are keeping our promise to make a difference for our communities and our country. We have set ambitious goals that we intend to exceed. We will keep manufacturing front and center in 2020 and deliver the results our members expect and deserve.”

Get involved in the “Creators Wanted” campaign here.

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the NAM, today unveiled their “Creators Wanted” campaign, an unprecedented, nationwide effort to reshape America’s perception of manufacturing and confront the industry’s growing skills gap.

By 2025, the impact of “Creators Wanted” aims to reduce the skills gap in the United States by 600,000, expand the number of students enrolling in technical and vocational schools or reskilling programs by 25% and increase the positive perception of the industry among parents to 50% from 27% today.

As part of the campaign, the NAM announced more than $14 million in initial sponsorships from manufacturing companies for the “Creators Wanted Fund,” which will support programs and activities in 2020 and beyond to engage and interact with kids and parents in communities nationwide and support important workforce programs to inspire and drive more Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing.

“It’s inspiring to see the industry come together, from small family-run businesses to iconic global brands, to address these critical challenges, reshape America’s perception of manufacturing and close the skills gap. ‘Creators Wanted’ is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to leverage the manufacturing industry’s unmatched strength to confront the workforce crisis with immediate and long-term solutions,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Thanks to the generous contributions from our sponsors, we have the ability to build the talent pipeline and secure the future of manufacturing in the United States.”

The “Creators Wanted” campaign will feature an on-the-ground, interactive mobile tour designed to inspire Americans in more than 20 states to pursue high-tech, high-paying jobs in modern manufacturing. In addition, the campaign will include a year-long nationwide digital campaign to recruit new talent to the industry and host a culminating Making America Festival in Cincinnati, Ohio, in September, featuring interactive exhibits, thought leadership forums and entertainment to showcase the future of modern manufacturing in America.

The NAM also recognized sponsors of the “Creators Wanted” campaign, stressing their support in narrowing the skills gap facing manufacturing in America.

“Creators Wanted” Campaign Sponsors:

Legacy Sponsors

• Ariel Corporation
• The Dow Chemical Company Foundation
• Emerson
• Honda
• Ingersoll Rand, plc (future Trane Technologies)
• Stand Together
• Timken Foundation of Canton

Innovator Sponsors

• Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.
• Novelis Inc.
• Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
• Toyota

Leader Sponsors

• Ball Corporation
• BASF Corporation
• Cornerstone Building Brands
• J&J
• Merck & Co., Inc.
• Microsoft
• Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation
• PPG

Champion Sponsors

• The Boeing Company
• Caterpillar Inc.
• Ceridian
• CRH Americas, Inc
• Ecolab Inc.
• Exxon Mobil Corporation
• Goodyear Foundation
• Honeywell International
• JDA
• Leggett & Platt, Incorporated
• Lockheed Martin Corporation
• Nestle
• Nucor Corporation
• Pella Corporation
• Rockwell Automation, Inc.
• Salesforce
• Snap-On, Inc.
• Vermeer Corporation
• Volvo Group
• Walmart, Inc.
• Zoro Corporation

Ally Sponsors

• BKD, LLP
• GE Appliances
• Polaris

Advocate Sponsors

• Adient US LLC
• Ashley Furniture Industries
• Click Bond, Inc.
• Covestro LLC
• FORCAM, Inc.
• Fresenius Medical Care N.A.
• Greene, Tweed & Co.
• Smithfield Foods

Supporters

• BTE Technologies, LLC
• Centennial Bolt, Inc.
• Greenerd Press & Machine Company, Inc.
• Irex Corporation
• Jamison Door Company
• Ketchie, Inc.
• Marlin Steel Wire Products LLC
• Phoenix Closures, Inc.
• Protolabs
• Staub Manufacturing Solutions
• Winton Machine Company

The NAM also announced that Ingersoll Rand Chairman and CEO Michael Lamach, Emerson Chairman and CEO David Farr and retired Fluor Corporation Chairman and CEO David Seaton will co-chair the campaign.

-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 12.8 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. – Vice President Mike Pence will deliver remarks at the National Association of Manufacturers’ Winter Board of Directors meeting on Friday, February 14, 2020. The meeting will mark the 125^th Anniversary of the NAM’s founding as well as the launch of the historic Creators Wanted Campaign.

WHAT: Remarks by Vice President Mike Pence at the NAM’s Winter Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C.; introduction by NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

WHERE: The Conrad Hotel

950 New York Ave NW

Washington, DC 20001

WHEN: Friday, February 14, 2020

11:15 a.m. EST

Media Check-In: 9:45 a.m. EST at the Terrace Boardroom on the 3^rd Floor.

**Members of the media interested in attending Vice President Mike Pence’s remarks should RSVP to [email protected] with full name, name of outlet and contact information by COB, February, 13, 2020.

***The Vice President’s remarks will be streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/NAMpage/.

-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 12.8 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. – Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump will be the inaugural recipient of the National Association of Manufacturers’ Alexander Hamilton Award on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The event will mark the 125th anniversary of the NAM’s founding as well as the launch of the association’s historic “Creators Wanted” campaign.

WHAT: Remarks by Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump at the NAM’s event to kick off the “Creators Wanted” campaign and Alexander Hamilton award presented by NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons

WHERE: The Conrad Hotel

950 New York Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20001

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 12

6:00 p.m. EST – 9:00 p.m. EST

Media Equipment Pre-Set: 5:00 p.m. EST
Media Check-In: 6:00 p.m. EST
Award Ceremony: 7:15 p.m.-7:45 p.m. EST

**Members of the media interested in attending the award ceremony should RSVP to [email protected] with full name, name of outlet and contact information by COB on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

-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 12.8 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. – The National Association of Manufacturers announced today that Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump will be the inaugural recipient of the association’s Alexander Hamilton Award.

The new award, presented to mark the 125th anniversary of the NAM and the launch of its historic “Creators Wanted” workforce campaign, recognizes leaders who, like Hamilton, inspire Americans to promote, perpetuate and preserve manufacturing in America.

“Ivanka Trump embodies the collaborative spirit and relentless drive needed to solve manufacturers’ most pressing challenge—the workforce crisis. Like no one in government has ever done, she has provided singular leadership and shown an unwavering commitment to modern manufacturing in America. The Alexander Hamilton Award honors leaders who have made exceptional contributions to growing manufacturing in the United States and to empowering more Americans with high-tech, high-paying modern manufacturing jobs,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “For her work bringing together leaders of industry, government and academia to put in-demand careers within reach for all Americans, Ivanka stands out as the perfect choice for this award.”

Trump is a champion of promoting the many pathways to well-paying, high-skilled manufacturing jobs. Last year, she attended an event at Alabama Robotics Technology Park in Huntsville to support the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) program. The Manufacturing Institute—the workforce and education partner of the NAM—took over stewardship of the FAME program, originally developed and refined by Toyota, announcing the transition during the Huntsville event. FAME is the preeminent earn-and-learn manufacturing apprenticeship, employer-driven program that focuses on the culture of manufacturing along with the necessary technical skills. Trump also chairs the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, which provides advice and recommendations on ways to encourage the private sector and educational institutions to combat the skills gap crisis. Last July, Timmons joined President Trump and Ivanka Trump to sign the Pledge to America’s Workers, with manufacturers committing to provide training opportunities to 1,186,000 manufacturing workers over the next five years.

“As advances in technology and automation change the national economy, so too must the country’s education and job training systems change to prepare Americans for the emerging industries of the future, including advanced manufacturing,” said Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump. “America is home to the best workforce in the world, but the skills of today do not mirror those of tomorrow. I am committed to ensuring our workforce is equipped with the skills they need to seize the vast opportunities that lie ahead.”

The award will be presented in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 12, 2020, during an NAM event to kick off the “Creators Wanted” campaign—an unprecedented, nationwide effort to reshape America’s perception of manufacturing and confront the industry’s growing skills gap. Developed by the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, “Creators Wanted” will feature an on-the-ground, interactive mobile tour in more than 20 states designed to inspire Americans to pursue high-tech, well-paying jobs in modern manufacturing.

“The stakes are high for the manufacturing industry to fill 4.6 million jobs by 2028, according to a study by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte,” said Timmons. “To do that, the NAM will continue to work with leaders in both parties to solve the workforce crisis and to strengthen manufacturing for the future.” 

-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 12.8 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.

-The NAM’s Alexander Hamilton Award-

Alexander Hamilton, the nation’s first secretary of the treasury, issued a Report on Manufacturers to the U.S. Congress in 1791. Concerned with the nation’s debt, dearth of foreign trade and overwhelming dependence on agriculture, he argued for the need to foster manufacturing to promote growth, security and overall well-being. Some considered his vision too radical at the time. His report represented, according to the words of one historian, “the grand design by which the United States became the greatest industrial power in the world.”

Washington, D.C. – National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement reacting to the 2020 State of the Union address:

“With the historic USMCA, unprecedented China deal, game-changing tax reform and ever-growing regulatory certainty, manufacturers have been given powerful tools to keep investing in our people and our communities. We are ready to join the President in building on this progress and achieve the brighter, more optimistic future he envisioned tonight. It is up to manufacturers to continue keeping our promises—to invest in America, hire American workers and raise wages and benefits, while also providing environmental stewardship alongside economic growth.

“The manufacturing agenda is a post-partisan agenda, and one we have spelled out clearly for candidates and elected leaders in ‘Competing to Win.’ When we agree, as we often did with the President tonight, we will work together, regardless of party. For instance, President Trump is right to issue a bold call to action on infrastructure, and as the USMCA proved, partisan division does not have to be a barrier to progress. On the other hand, we must not curtail our pharmaceutical manufacturers’ ability to conduct vital research and development to cure diseases and fight future epidemics similar to the coronavirus. And on immigration, the solution must be comprehensive, as outlined in the NAM’s ‘A Way Forward.’

“All of us must come together to solve the most pressing challenge facing manufacturers: our workforce crisis. Through the NAM’s historic ‘Creators Wanted’ campaign, we are embarking on a sustained, nationwide effort to reach millions of Americans, to narrow the skills gap and inspire a new generation to pursue the high-tech, high-paying jobs of modern manufacturing.

“For manufacturers, it’s not about politics or personality or process—it’s about good policy, policy that puts us on a trajectory to exceed even our loftiest ambitions. That’s what we expect from our presidents and politicians, and we will hold them accountable, just as we promise to hold ourselves to account as well.”

-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 12.8 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 delivered the eighth-annual NAM State of Manufacturing Address today at equipment manufacturer Vermeer Corporation in Pella, Iowa. Speaking to Vermeer Corporation employees, business and community leaders and local manufacturers, Timmons highlighted the NAM’s ambitious plan to address the industry’s growing workforce crisis with the groundbreaking, multimillion-dollar “Creators Wanted” campaign.

In his remarks, Timmons said:

“For 125 years, your NAM has led the business community and fought for all who make things in America. And all of you in this room, and the 13 million men and women in our industry, some of whom are watching today, are part of the storied history of building an exceptional nation. And Vermeer, this very company, embodies the story of manufacturers’ progress.”

. . . .

“In this pivotal year, the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, our workforce and education partner, are setting out on an unprecedented campaign to inspire a new generation—and tell the real story of our industry. . . . Our historic effort, called “Creators Wanted,” is a capital campaign that will support the programs of the Manufacturing Institute—including the STEP Women’s Initiative, youth engagement and Heroes MAKE America, which trains our returning servicemembers for high-paying manufacturing jobs.”

. . . .

“Just yesterday, in his remarks at the World Economic Forum, President Trump touted manufacturing’s growth and success during his presidency. As I’ve said before, from tax reform to regulatory certainty to leveling the playing field, promises made to manufacturers have been promises kept—and the employment and output numbers show it.”

. . . .

“Here’s what I will say about this election . . . It’s not the label next to a candidate’s name—whether an “R,” a “D” or an “I”—that determines whether he or she will be a good president or even a good member of Congress. The test is whether he or she will work to uphold the values that make America exceptional. These are the same four values, the same four pillars, that make our industry’s success possible.”

Timmons also noted the generous contributions made by Vermeer and Pella Corporation to the NAM’s Creators Wanted campaign.

“And I am proud to announce today that Vermeer Corporation, along with your foundation and Mary and Dr. Dale Andringa, have contributed $100,000 to this cause. And another local manufacturer, Pella Corporation, is also leading by example with a $100,000 contribution of their own,” said Timmons.

Vermeer Corporation President and CEO Jason Andringa thanked Timmons for his visit and the NAM’s commitment to ensuring the long-term success of manufacturing in the United States.

“Thank you to Jay Timmons and the National Association of Manufacturers for visiting Vermeer Corporation and recognizing the incredible work of our team members and manufacturers across the country,” said Andringa. “These men and women truly demonstrate the impact our industry makes every day and represent the success of American manufacturing.”

To read the full address, click here.

-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 12.8 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.

The NAM’s Makers Series is an exclusive interview series featuring creators, innovators and trailblazers in the industry sharing their insights and advice. Each month, we ask founders, executives and leaders of innovative firms what it takes to be a leader for manufacturers and makers in America.

Meet Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association and 2020 Chair of the Council of Manufacturing Associations. In this edition of NAM’s Makers Series, she explains how to change the next generation’s perception of manufacturing.

By 2025, the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute aim to increase the positive perception of modern manufacturing among students and parents by 50%. Learn more about getting involved in Creators Wanted.

This week, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons joined Advisor to the President Ivanka Trump in Indianapolis for the fourth meeting of the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board. The Board—which is chaired by Ivanka Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and includes Timmons as a member—was established to provide advice and recommendations on ways to encourage the private sector and educational institutions to combat the skills gap crisis. Areas of focus include demand-driven education, training and retraining, including through apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities.

“Ivanka Trump’s support on this critical issue is vital, and we are fortunate to have her as a champion for the nearly 13 million men and women who make things in America,” said Timmons. “Manufacturers expect to need to fill 4.6 million jobs over the next decade, so the stakes could not be higher for our industry. That’s why we are proud to help drive the work of the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board alongside Ivanka Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and it is why the NAM and The Manufacturing Institute are leading the Creators Wanted campaign to inspire a new generation to pursue promising modern manufacturing careers.”

Creators Wanted is a national effort, launched by NAM and The Manufacturing Institute, as part of a broader strategy to build the workforce of tomorrow. The campaign aims to cut the skills gap by 600,000 workers by 2025; increase by 25 percent the number of students enrolling in technical and vocational schools; increase by 25 percent the number of students enrolling in apprenticeships and reskilling programs; and raise to 50 percent—from 27 percent—the number of parents who would encourage their children to pursue a career in modern manufacturing.

A key part of Creators Wanted is a mobile manufacturing tour that will travel to at least 20 states, setting up at events such as state fairs, festivals, conventions, schools and gaming competitions. The experience will showcase the multiple pathways into manufacturing careers and provide resources for individuals to take the next steps to become manufacturers, grow in their careers and learn more about the industry.

Ivanka Trump has been active on raising awareness of the many pathways to well-paying and high-skilled manufacturing jobs. In July, Timmons and Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee joined President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump to sign the Pledge to America’s Workers, with manufacturers committing to provide training opportunities to 1,186,000 manufacturing workers over the next five years to address the industry’s skills gap crisis. Ivanka Trump also recently attended an event at Alabama Robotics Technology Park in Huntsville, Alabama, to support the NAM’s FAME program—an earn-and-learn apprenticeship that trains students of all ages and backgrounds, from recent high school graduates to experienced manufacturing employees looking to advance their careers. Originally developed and refined by Toyota, stewardship of the FAME program has recently transitioned to The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers.

“Ivanka Trump knows how critical manufacturers are to the future of this country, and clearly she is deeply invested in the work that they do every day,” said Timmons.