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Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the Trump administration’s announcement of tariffs on an additional $200 billion in Chinese imports:

Over the last year, manufacturers have delivered for our communities and our people, raising wages, building new plants and creating new jobs thanks to game-changing tax and regulatory reform. But more U.S. tariffs and Chinese retaliation risk undoing that progress and moving our economy in the wrong direction.

With every day that passes without progress on a rules-based, bilateral trade agreement with China, the potential grows for manufacturers and manufacturing workers to get hurt. No one wins in a trade war, and manufacturing workers are hopeful the administration’s approach will quickly yield results. Now is the time for talks—not just tariffs—and manufacturers have laid out a blueprint to reset the U.S.-China commercial relationship that will result in ending China’s unfair and anti-competitive behavior.

In January of this year, Timmons and the 51�Թ��� sent a  to the President urging the administration to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with China. Given plans for additional negotiations, Timmons said that they need to start bearing fruit, because “the costs of a sustained trade war have the potential to be devastating for America’s manufacturers and workers.” In August, the 51�Թ���  outlining manufacturers’ priorities to be included in any trade agreement between the two countries.

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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 after the President signed the bipartisan Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) legislation, which was unanimously approved by the House and Senate:

With his signature, President Trump has freed manufacturers and other businesses from a pointless $1 million a day tax. Now that the MTB is law, manufacturers can better compete against companies in China, Europe and elsewhere. This bipartisan effort delivered a win for America’s manufacturing workers, and it empowers manufacturers to continue delivering for our people and our communities.

The 51�Թ��� has been a leading advocate for the MTB since helping to create a new and objective process that produced this legislation last November. From meetings and media resources  of the MTB for manufacturers in communities across America to spearheading a  from 150 business organizations urging the House to boost manufacturing by passing the MTB, the 51�Թ��� has long worked to ensure a positive outcome of this process for our nation’s manufacturers. Click  for testimonials from manufacturers in America on the importance of the MTB.

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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��� President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC)  to withdraw 2004 no-action letters on proxy firms:

The SEC’s action today is a major victory for manufacturers and Main Street investors. For far too long, proxy advisory firms have exerted undue influence over manufacturing companies, trying to force business decisions without any regard to investors’ best interests. This is a threat not only to manufacturing growth, but also to the savings of millions of American workers. The SEC has taken an important step to fix this unfairness, and we encourage them to continue working to ensure the voices of Main Street investors are not drowned out by third parties who have little stake in a company’s success. Manufacturers support increased SEC oversight over proxy advisory firms to restore fairness to the system.

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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 today announced plans to continue the 51�Թ���’s ambitious organizational growth with the acquisition of the  (MLC). The MLC is a leader in providing best practices, data and insights to manufacturing companies of all sizes on Manufacturing 4.0, the next wave of technological breakthroughs driving innovation in the industry. In keeping with the 51�Թ���’s 2020 Vision, the long-term growth plan developed under Timmons’ leadership, this acquisition will expand the association’s reach, operational expertise and diverse array of services available to 51�Թ��� members.

We are continuing to implement a vision we laid out more than three years ago when we made a commitment to provide programming that exceeds our members’ expectations and demonstrates what the modern business association should be, said Timmons. This acquisition is a milestone for the 51�Թ��� and enhances the value proposition for our members at a time when trade associations are being asked to deliver an ever-growing array of services in addition to exceptional government relations leadership. The MLC will give the 51�Թ��� access to unparalleled expertise and knowledge, while expanding our reach in the industry and diversifying our revenue streams—all in service to our mission of building a more successful and competitive manufacturing industry in the United States.

The MLC provides its membership access to real-world insights from other manufacturing professionals on topics such as artificial intelligence, predictive maintenance, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, additive manufacturing, current workforce digital readiness and cybersecurity. MLC co-founder David R. Brousell will continue to lead the MLC’s day-to-day operations as vice president and executive director, reporting to 51�Թ��� Chief Operating Officer Todd Boppell, who successfully negotiated and executed the deal on behalf of the 51�Թ���.

The 51�Թ��� is a natural home for the MLC. It’s a win–win for our current members, and we look forward to sharing our resources and programming with a growing number of manufacturing leaders, said Brousell. Thanks in part to the 51�Թ���’s leadership, manufacturing in America is seeing incredibly strong growth, and the MLC is committed to providing the cutting-edge insights on the advanced technology, organization and leadership requirements of Manufacturing 4.0, a pivotal trend that is redefining industry competitiveness in the global market.

As part of the acquisition, the MLC’s staff will join the 51�Թ��� team. More information on the MLC can be found .

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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.

The Manufacturing Institute, the social impact arm of the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���), and Walmart are joining forces to educate our youth on 21st-century, modern manufacturing opportunities and inspire and recruit them to become the next generation of manufacturers. As a Gold-Level sponsor of Manufacturing Day, Walmart is providing substantial support for the nation’s largest one-day celebration of manufacturing, which focuses on showing young people, parents and educators the opportunities a career in manufacturing offers.

Manufacturers need the next generation to join the team. We thank our many generous sponsors, like Walmart, who are working together to show young people the future they can create in modern manufacturing, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons, who also serves as board chairman of the Manufacturing Institute. “Our industry is facing a workforce crisis—with far more jobs open than we have people to fill them. It’s a challenge all manufacturers are tackling—but it also presents promising opportunities for those looking for a meaningful, rewarding career.

By investing in products that support American jobs, we’re bringing new products to our stores and new jobs to our communities, said Cindi Marsiglio, Merchandising Services and U.S. Manufacturing, Walmart. As a proud sponsor of Manufacturing Day, we’re celebrating those companies who are helping to facilitate broad engagement in accelerating the expansion of U.S. manufacturing.

Our Manufacturing Day initiative provides so many great opportunities to show young people the endless possibilities of modern manufacturing and, thanks to Walmart’s leadership, I’m confident we’ll be able to inspire even more to picture themselves in an exciting new manufacturing career. That has never been more important, said Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee. Manufacturing faces an industry workforce crisis with nearly half a million jobs going unfilled today and millions more projected to go unfilled in the years to come. That’s why the Manufacturing Institute, in concert with good sponsors like Walmart, works so hard every day to promote modern manufacturing and jumpstart new approaches to growing manufacturing talent—especially through important programs like this one.

First held in 2012 and organized by its founder—the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International—Manufacturing Day gives manufacturers the opportunity to address the skills gaps they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the industry as a whole. Learn more about Manufacturing Day and the significant impact this event has across the nation here.

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The Manufacturing Institute is the social impact arm of the 51�Թ���. We drive programs and research to promote modern manufacturing and jumpstart new approaches to growing manufacturing talent. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

Blue Ash, OH – Today, the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Sheffer Corporation hosted Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) for a facility tour and business leader roundtable to discuss the positive impact of tax reform and the need to fill the high-skilled jobs required for modern manufacturing, which is critical to Ohio’s economic prosperity.

Thanks to Rep. Wenstrup’s support for tax reform, manufacturers in Ohio and across America are delivering for manufacturing workers and their communities, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. We are keeping our promise to raise wages, hire new workers, buy equipment and make investments for the future. But at the same time, manufacturers are facing a workforce crisis. With 482,000 jobs open today, manufacturers are in desperate need of talented workers to fill high-paying jobs. Manufacturers will more than 3 million jobs through 2025, but as many as 2 million could go unfilled if we don’t fundamentally transform our nation’s workforce development strategy. Manufacturers appreciate the work of leaders like Rep. Wenstrup to equip more people with the skills to secure a rewarding, meaningful career in modern manufacturing.

During the visit, company leaders thanked Rep. Wenstrup for voting in favor of the historic tax reform package and reiterated their optimism for the future of manufacturing in Ohio.

Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District has a storied history of manufacturing, and industry plays a vital role in our economy and our communities, said Rep. Wenstrup. Local manufacturers like Sheffer Corporation were among the first to reinvest the benefits of tax reform into their workers and equipment. Thanks to our pro-growth agenda in Congress, demand for workers and products is up across Ohio and our nation. I appreciated the opportunity to see this incredible impact firsthand in my district.

The roundtable focused on the importance of building on the momentum of tax reform and helping build the high-skilled workforce to fill modern manufacturing jobs.

On behalf of all Sheffer associates, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Rep. Wenstrup for his support of the recently enacted tax reform bill, said Jeffery R. Norris, president and CEO of Sheffer Corporation. Each of our employees and their families have directly benefited from tax reform. Sheffer estimated our tax savings to be $126,000, and, as a result, we divided those savings equally among our employees. The bonus was paid out in addition to our wage increases and our profit-sharing payments. Reform like this enables companies like Sheffer to invest in our people, processes and machinery, which, in turn, ensures our growth now and into the future.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports , according to the 51�Թ���. Since the enactment of tax reform, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

-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���) and Sheffer Corporation will host Rep. Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) for a facility tour and business leader roundtable focused on the historic tax reform law and the skills gap crisis in manufacturing.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports , according to the 51�Թ���. Since the enactment of tax reform, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

Details are as follows and for planning purposes only:

MEDIA RSVP: Members of the media interested in attending the event should contact 51�Թ��� Director of Regional Public Affairs Todd Shelton at [email protected]��.��For all questions not related to event logistics, please email 51�Թ��� Media Relations at[email protected]. Members of the media are welcome to cover the facility tour at 2:15 p.m. To schedule an interview with Rep. Wenstrup, please contact his communications director, Ann Tumolo, at [email protected].

-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.

Troutman, NC – Today, the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and C.R. Onsrud hosted Rep. Ted Budd (NC-13) for a facility tour, employee town hall and business leader roundtable to discuss the positive impact of tax reform and other ways Congress can better serve the interests of North Carolina’s manufacturers, manufacturing workers and their families.

Thanks to Rep. Budd’s support for tax reform, manufacturers in North Carolina and across America are delivering for our people and our communities, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Last year, manufacturers said that if tax reform became law, we would raise wages, hire new workers, buy equipment and make investments for the future. Now, manufacturers like C.R. Onsrud are keeping our promise, and America is better for it. Tax reform is empowering us to improve lives and livelihoods, and manufacturers are grateful for Rep. Budd’s leadership in making that possible.

During the visit, company leaders thanked Rep. Budd for voting in favor of the historic tax reform package and reiterated their optimism for the future of manufacturing in North Carolina.

The positive changes we are seeing throughout the U.S. economy thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cannot be overstated, said Rep. Budd. We have seen a major power shift from bureaucrats in Washington to every day Americans. People are seeing more money in their paychecks, more job opportunities and consumer confidence is at an 18-year high. We know that the manufacturing industry has not escaped this good news. Crediting the tax cuts, 93 percent of manufacturers say they have a positive outlook, 86 percent say they plan to increase investments and 77 percent plan to increase hiring. The manufacturing industry is a major part of this overall economic success, and I will continue to look for ways to get government out of the way of this important economic engine.

The roundtable focused on the importance of building on the momentum of tax reform to ensure manufacturers can continue to invest in their businesses and workers.

At C.R. Onsrud, we appreciate Rep. Budd’s commitment to pro-growth policies and regulatory reform, said Tom Onsrud, president and CEO of C.R. Onsrud. His vote for the tax legislation was a clear message that he stands with manufacturers and manufacturing workers across America. As a direct result of the tax legislation, C.R. Onsrud has hired an additional 40 employees and, due to the immediate capital expensing provision of the law, has invested over $8 million in plant upgrades and equipment necessary to grow our business. Because of Rep. Budd’s leadership in Washington, manufacturing in North Carolina will only continue to flourish.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports , according to the 51�Թ���. Since the enactment of tax reform, the manufacturing industry has added 192,000 jobs—more than double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

-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.