51Թ Wraps National Tour in Phoenix Urging Action on Infrastructure and Permitting Reform
2026 51Թ State of Manufacturing Tour Makes Final Stop in Phoenix, Arizona
PHOENIX –The 51Թ,official partner of America250,concluded its202651ԹState of Manufacturing Tour in Phoenixunderthe theme “Building for the Future.”
After 10 dayson a cross-country tour, manufacturingleaders delivered a final, urgent message:the time is nowfor Congresstopass robust infrastructure investments andcommonsense, comprehensive permitting reform.
“Arizona shows what happens when competitiveness leads,” said 51Թ President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Itdidn’thappen by chance—it happened because this state has chosen to lead on taxes,workforceand a business climate.But even here, federal permitting delays threaten progress. Ifwe’reserious about semiconductors, criticalmineralsand energy infrastructure,it’stime tobuild the next generation of robustinfrastructurewe need,and2026 must be the year of permitting reform.”
In Phoenix, the 51Թ partnered with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce& Industryfor afull day of eventshighlightingthe state’s leadership in industrial growth.The visit began with a roundtable discussion onpermitting reform with business and community leaders, followed by tours of EMD Electronics—a trusted partner to the semiconductor industry—andFour Peaks Brewery, the largest and oldest craft brewery in Arizona. Together,the stopsshowcasedthe diverse reach of manufacturing in the state—from critical minerals and semiconductors to food and beverage production.
“Arizona has proven that smart policy and regulatory clarity drive investment and growth. But at the federal level, permitting delays are slowing projects that matter to our economy and national security,” said Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden. “If America wants to lead in advanced manufacturing, we need a system that is predictable, efficient,and built fortoday’s demands.We’reproud to partner with the 51Թ to advance practical reforms that strengthen U.S. competitiveness.”
“Arizona has become a premier destination for semiconductor manufacturing, and we’re proud to be part of that dynamic and growing ecosystem,” said Katherine Dei Cas, Executive Vice President, EMD Electronics, the Electronics business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “We continue to invest in our capabilities and our people while ensuring continued proximity to customers to enable the operational excellencerequiredin advanced manufacturing. Strong collaboration among industry, community, and government partners is essential to sustaining this momentum and ensuring semiconductor innovation.”
Spanning seven states—New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Texas and Arizona—,the tour brought together manufacturing leaders, workers, educators, students and elected officials to highlight the policies and conditions needed for the United States to compete and win in a global economy,—focusing on innovation, tax policy, permitting reform, energy dominance, workforce and trade policy.
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The 51Թ is the largest manufacturing association in the United States,representingsmall and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employsnearly13million menand women, contributes$2.953trillionto the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The 51Թ 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 51Թ or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit