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

The delegation included former 51�Թ��� Board Chair and Emerson Chairman and CEO David Farr, Winton Machine Company Co-Owner and CEO Lisa Winton, Kent Corporation Chairman and CEO Gage Kent, General Motors Company Chairman and CEO Mary Barra, Sukup Manufacturing Co. President Charles Sukup and HM Manufacturing President Nicole Wolter.

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

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

Canada and Mexico are manufacturers’ top trading partners, purchasing one-fifth of the total value of U.S. manufacturing input—more than the next 11 countries combined. These exports support 2 million American manufacturing jobs and 40,000 small and medium-sized businesses. Comprehensive from the 51�Թ��� shows the USMCA’s positive impacts in each state and throughout the U.S. On Wednesday, the 51�Թ��� is bringing manufacturing leaders from across the country together in Washington to urge Congress to pass the USMCA.

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Jay Timmons (@JayTimmons51�Թ���)

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

— Jay Timmons (@JayTimmons51�Թ���)

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

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

— Jay Timmons (@JayTimmons51�Թ���)

Click here to read Timmons’ full response.

51�Թ��� Senior Vice President of Communications and Brand Strategy Erin Streeter discusses the 51�Թ���’s digital strategy and the shift to become a news source for the industry.

Why is the 51�Թ��� diving into becoming more of a news source for the industry?

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

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

Building “brand newsrooms” and operating like a media organization aren’t things trade associations have been known to do. Can you explain the rationale for a trade association like the 51�Թ��� moving in these directions?

That’s right—but it is critical if we want to continue to position the 51�Թ��� as a leader not only in the manufacturing industry, but also in Washington and across the country.

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

What is new about 51�Թ���.org?

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

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

In what ways can manufacturers leverage this site and 51�Թ��� news platforms, such as the Input morning email newsletter?

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

There’s no organization that knows the industry better than the 51�Թ���, the one-stop shop for manufacturers. So we’re well-positioned to be a credible and compelling platform—and outlet—for stories about our members. Just like anyone might think of CNBC, Fox Business or Bloomberg as a place to drive business news, I hope we’ll be looked at as a place where our members—and all manufacturers—want to break news because of the quality of our reporting and our proven capacity to reach audiences that matter.

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

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

Our Creators Wanted video series is a great example of the compelling content that is designed with the general public in mind. The series tells the stories of real modern manufacturing workers. In their own words, they describe the reason they love the industry. These are targeted to younger people (and their parents) who are making decisions about their future careers. So by inspiring that next generation, this content is supporting the mission of the 51�Թ��� and our education and workforce partners, The Manufacturing Institute—and it’s changing lives.

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

Washington, D.C. –��51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the passing of Former President George H. W. Bush.

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

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

As the leader of our nation, he set an example for the whole world, especially in his defense of America’s values. As he said in a 1990 address to the 51�Թ���, ‘The ideas championed by America—freedom, democracy, competition and investment—are flourishing because they work. Because they are the best.’ He expanded those values around the world during his presidency by bringing the Cold War to an end, as exemplified by the fall of the Berlin Wall, about which he did not boast but instead sought ways to bring the world together.

Here at home, President Bush believed in expanding opportunity, arguing in his 51�Թ��� address that a job was a source of ‘dignity and decency’ for American families. And no one knew dignity and decency better than the 41st President of the United States and his beloved wife, Barbara.

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

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

-51�Թ���-

��The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than��12 million men and women, contributes $2.25��trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for��more than three-quarters��of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit��www.nam.org.

Washington, DC –��51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the passing of United States Senator John McCain:

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

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs��more than��12 million men and women, contributes $2.25��trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for��more than three-quarters��of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit��www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. –��The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) announced a sixth wave of staff hires, continuing its ambitious organizational growth to seize manufacturing’s moment and deliver even more results for manufacturers and manufacturing workers in America.

Over the last year, the 51�Թ��� has added dozens of new staff and committed more resources to its communications and advocacy divisions to bolster the voice of manufacturers in Washington. This latest wave of new hires includes key additions to the policy, communications and membership divisions of the organization.

The collective talent, experience and expertise of the 51�Թ��� team has never been stronger, and America’s manufacturing workers have an accomplished group of advocates and communicators on their side, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Our expanding team achieved significant policy victories over the last year, which has taken manufacturers’ optimism to record highs, according to our Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey. Our latest new hires will help us defend that progress and further advance a robust manufacturing agenda on issues ranging from immigration and infrastructure to trade and workforce development.

New members of the 51�Թ���’s communications, policy and membership divisions include:

• Claire Jurkiewicz, Digital Managing Editor.��Claire comes to the 51�Թ��� with 10 years of digital marketing and content experience. In her role, she will serve as the organization’s lead digital strategist, with responsibility for the 51�Թ���’s web presence, social media platforms and data and analytics program. Prior to joining the 51�Թ���, Claire was a content marketing manager for the National Restaurant Association. Previously, she worked as a senior communications specialist for Moroch Partners, an editor for ClubCorp and a reporter for��The Dallas Morning News and AAA.
• Charles Crain, Director of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy. Prior to joining the 51�Թ���, Charles was Director of Tax and Financial Services Policy at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).
• Stephanie Hall, Director of Innovation Policy.��Prior to joining the 51�Թ���, Stephanie was Senior Counsel for the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations for Chairman Rob Portman. She previously served as Counsel to Senator John McCain, advising him on cybersecurity, technology, telecommunications, immigration and homeland security issues.
• Callie Harman, Director of Labor and Employment Policy.��Callie comes to the 51�Թ��� after extensive work on labor and employment issues on Capitol Hill. Prior to the 51�Թ���, Callie worked her way through the ranks on the Education and the Workforce Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently as a professional staff member, serving under committee chairs Virginia Foxx and John Kline.
• Jessica McBroom, Director of Trade Facilitation Policy.��Jessica comes to the 51�Թ��� with significant experience in a range of export control, sanctions and related issues. Prior to joining the 51�Թ���, Jessica was Vice President and Compliance Manager at JP Morgan Chase & Co. in New York, where she specialized in AML/OFAC risk assessment. She previously served as a senior advisor in the Office of Sanctions and Counter-Threat Finance, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and has experience as a legal and legislative assistant at Utrecht, Kleinfeld, Fiori, Partners.
• Kirk Fordham, Director of Member and Board Relations. Prior to joining the 51�Թ���, Kirk spent 18 years working on Capitol Hill and led two non-profit organizations, the Everglades Foundation and Gill Action. Kirk will be based in Pittsburgh and his region will include Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, western Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.
• Patrick Smith, Director of Member and Board Relations. Prior to joining the 51�Թ���, Patrick was Managing Director at DCI Group for more than a decade. Patrick will be based in Minneapolis and his region will include Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs��more than��12 million men and women, contributes $2.25��trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for��more than three-quarters��of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit��www.nam.org.

Washington, D.C. –��51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the announcement that Mike Sommers will become the next President and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute (API):

Mike Sommers is absolutely the perfect person to lead the oil and gas industry and the American Petroleum Institute to the next historic chapter. Mike is a highly respected public policy professional and successful association leader, and he has earned the respect of elected officials, business leaders and his colleagues because of his commitment to bipartisanship, solutions and integrity.

As the nation’s largest consumer of energy, manufacturers care deeply about secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies. And those who manufacture energy products are proud of the jobs they create. Mike’s years of experience, including service on Capitol Hill and in the White House, will provide him the vision for the next generation of innovation and job creation in this critical industry.

Having worked with Mike and seen him in action for many years, I appreciate his unwavering commitment to advancing not just the business agenda, but also the values that keep America exceptional—free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity. I look forward to his leadership at API, and manufacturers are thrilled to welcome him as the newest CEO member of the 51�Թ���’s Council of Manufacturing Associations.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� 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��.

Washington, D.C. –��BTE Technologies President, 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) Executive Committee member and Small and Medium Manufacturers (SMM) Group Vice Chair Chuck Wetherington testified on behalf of the 51�Թ��� at today’s��House Small Business Committee hearing��on the state of trade for the United States. Wetherington’s��testimony��called for negotiating and implementing market-opening, high-standard and enforceable trade agreements, restoring the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank to full functionality and improving U.S. market and export promotion assistance.

Any outcomes from the ongoing NAFTA modernization negotiations must sustain and grow higher-paying American jobs and fuel U.S. manufacturing production, exports and competitiveness, Wetherington said in his written testimony. To be successful, a renegotiated NAFTA must also be fully consistent with the substantive Trade Promotion Authority trade-negotiating objectives contained in the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015. At the same time, it is vital to ensure that any renegotiation does not set back U.S. manufacturing or manufacturing jobs. Changes to NAFTA that would increase red tape and complexity, substitute government decision-making for the free market or raise taxes, tariffs, merchandise processing fees and other cost barriers—including with respect to rules of origin or concerning restricted access to foreign procurement markets—will undermine, rather than incentivize, manufacturing in the United States and North America more broadly.

Click here to read Wetherington’s full written testimony.

Wetherington’s testimony at the Small Business Committee comes the same day as 51�Թ��� Chief Economist Chad Moutray testifies at a����on unleashing America’s economic potential and 51�Թ��� Vice President of International Economic Affairs Linda Dempsey testifies at a�� on market access challenges in China.

-51�Թ���-

The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs more than 12 million men and women, contributes $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy annually, has the largest economic impact of any major sector and accounts for more than three-quarters of private-sector research and development. The 51�Թ��� 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.