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Washington, D.C. –��The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Ingersoll Rand will host Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-8) for a facility tour, employee town hall and business leader roundtable focused on the skills gap crisis in manufacturing and how filling the high-skilled jobs required for modern manufacturing is critical to North Carolina’s economic prosperity.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports��, according to the 51�Թ���.

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 Josh Ward 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 take B-roll footage of the employee town hall beginning at 3:00 p.m. Rep. Hudson will take questions from the media directly following the town hall at approximately 3:30 p.m. To schedule an interview with Rep. Hudson, please contact his communications director, Tatum Gibson, 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.

Washington, D.C. –��51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons today continued manufacturers’ call to secure the best deal possible for manufacturing workers in America:

Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. It is a positive signal that some form of NAFTA will survive. Manufacturers accept the administration’s position that the 25-year-old NAFTA agreement needs updates. Our hope—for the sake of our workers and a successful manufacturing industry here in America—is that the final agreement will include all three of the original signatories: the United States, Mexico and Canada. Because of the massive amount of movement of goods between the three countries and the integration of operations which make manufacturing in our country more competitive, it is imperative that a trilateral agreement be inked.

Regarding the negotiations with Mexico, we are pleased that, at the 51�Թ���’s urging, today’s framework seems to include content requirements that are more workable than previous suggestions, investment protections for some industries (we would prefer that it applies to all manufacturers), stronger intellectual property protections than negotiated in previous agreements and a modernized approach to how we operate in a digital age. It also does not include language incorporating the disruptive uncertainty of ending the agreement every five years (sunset provision) and instead establishes a rigorous review process.

Reaffirming our relationship with such a vital trading partner, neighbor and ally is crucial and sends a powerful message as America confronts China’s unfair trading practices.

-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.

Jacksonville, IL –��On Friday,��the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���), the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Eli Bridge Company hosted Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18) for a facility tour to discuss the need to fill the high-skilled jobs required for modern manufacturing, which is critical to Illinois’ economic prosperity.

Manufacturers appreciate Rep. LaHood’s commitment to building the modern manufacturing workforce and expanding opportunities for American workers, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Eli Bridge Company, like manufacturers across this country, face an urgent need for trained, talented workers, a need that will only grow in the coming years. Right now, manufacturers have some 482,000 jobs to fill—jobs that are rewarding and high-paying and help families build brighter futures. By 2025, as many as 2 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled, according to a by Deloitte and the 51�Թ���’s Manufacturing Institute. So, we need all elected leaders engaged, and we’re grateful for Rep. LaHood’s leadership on this issue as well as other manufacturing issues like tax reform and regulatory relief, which have also empowered manufacturing workers.

During the facility tour, Rep. LaHood had the opportunity to see firsthand the types of high-skilled jobs required to run Eli Bridge Company machinery and equipment.

While meeting with employers across central Illinois, I consistently hear about the need for more skilled workers in all areas of our economy, whether it’s nursing, welding or truck driving, said Rep. LaHood. As our economy grows, this demand will only continue, and I look forward to working with community colleges, high schools, and trade unions on policies that will promote career technical education programs and apprenticeships that will give people the skills needed to succeed in today’s economy.

Company leaders thanked Rep. LaHood for his commitment to helping build the high-skilled workforce to fill modern manufacturing jobs.

We thank Congressman LaHood for his vote on tax reform and his continued support of workforce development, said Patty Sullivan, president and CEO of Eli Bridge Company. At Eli Bridge Company, we are about to celebrate 100 years in Jacksonville, Illinois, and fervently need the next generation of shop floor workers. For example, we could expand our employee base by 30 percent if we could find qualified workers, from welders to engineers, in the area.

Darin LaHood is a champion for Illinois manufacturing, said Mark Denzler, vice president and chief operating officer of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. With tax reform and regulatory reform that is reducing costly and cumbersome regulations, the manufacturing sector is humming and leading America’s resurgence. However, we need to make sure that we have a strong education and workforce development system, and Darin is leading the effort to make sure that manufacturers have a pipeline of qualified workers to fill these jobs.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports��571,800 jobs in Illinois alone, according to the 51�Թ���.

-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.

Greensboro, NC –��Today, the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Southern Elevator Company hosted Rep. Ted Budd (NC-13) for a business leader roundtable to discuss the positive impact of tax reform and other ways Congress can better serve the interests of North Carolina 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 Southern Elevator Company 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.

All of us at Southern Elevator are grateful for Rep. Budd’s commitment to economic growth and his vote to enact the new tax law, said Rodney Pitts, Chairman and CEO of Southern Elevator Company. The immediate capital expensing provision of the tax law has made a significant difference in Southern Elevator’s ability to grow and purchase equipment, and we consistently hear the same from our manufacturing clients. Because of Rep. Budd’s leadership in Congress, 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.

Washington, D.C. –��51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) Vice President for Labor, Legal and Regulatory Policy Patrick Hedren released the following statement on the White House��issued Thursday instructing the administration to work to eliminate unfair rules that essentially subsidize shipments from China and other countries that operate in the global postal system:

Manufacturers have struggled in recent years with the rapid growth of counterfeit goods pouring in to the country through the U.S. postal system from countries like China. This problem is fueled by heavily subsidized shipping rates and it displaces American innovators from online marketplaces, said Hedren. The 51�Թ��� has been working for months to address the terrible Universal Postal Union deal that results in these unfair rates, and to raise awareness of the growing threat from counterfeit goods—and even drugs—entering the country. Manufacturers are pleased to see that this issue has been elevated to the very highest levels in the Trump administration, and that the president himself has instructed key members of his Cabinet to take the initial tough steps to finally fix this broken system. Manufacturers look forward to working with the administration to finally end the subsidy China receives from the U.S. Postal Service and to create an environment with fair and nondiscriminatory shipping around the world.

In April, 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons sent a��to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who leads the President’s Task Force on the United States Postal System (USPS), stressing the importance of ending the subsidy China receives from the USPS.

-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 Senate Banking Committee’s unanimous vote to advance the nomination of Kimberly Reed to be president of the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank of the United States.

Kimberly Reed is the qualified leader manufacturers need at the helm of the Ex-Im Bank, and the full Senate should confirm her without delay. In Kimberly Reed, President Trump has put forward a nominee who shares his belief in the mission of the Ex-Im Bank. Every senator who supports American manufacturing workers should support Kimberly Reed.

The Senate also needs to act on President Trump’s three nominees to the Ex-Im Board of Directors. Once Kimberly Reed is confirmed, she’ll need a quorum to implement reforms and get the Bank fully functioning again—empowering manufacturers of all sizes to compete in the global economy and win deals and jobs for American workers.

-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.

Upper Sandusky, OH –��Today, the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Kalmbach Feeds hosted Rep. Bob Latta (OH-5) for a facility tour to meet employees and a business leader roundtable to discuss the positive impact of tax reform and other ways Congress can better serve the interests of Ohio’s manufacturers, manufacturing workers and their families.

Thanks to Rep. Latta’s support for tax reform, manufacturers in Ohio 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 Kalmbach Feeds 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. Latta’s leadership in making that possible.

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

Ohio’s 5th Congressional District is home to more than 60,000 manufacturing jobs, said Rep. Latta. That means when the environment is positive for manufacturers, it benefits our entire region. Because of pro-growth policies like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we’re seeing Ohio businesses expand, create jobs, and produce more American-made products. Manufacturing confidence is also reaching record highs. I appreciated visiting Kalmbach Feeds to see the positive economic impact that historic tax reform is having for workers and businesses in Northwest and West Central Ohio.

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.

I want to thank Rep. Bob Latta for his role in the successful efforts to reduce taxes and regulations, said Paul Kalmbach, President and CEO of Kalmbach Feeds. These reforms have made it easier for Kalmbach Feeds to invest in new equipment and capital improvements. Congressman Latta’s efforts have assisted in supporting a healthier manufacturing climate in Ohio and across the United States.

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.–��With trade talks resuming between the United States and China today, 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement and negotiating objectives for an agreement:

With the president’s demonstrated commitment to engage China on its well-established trade abuses and cheating, there is no better time to get the right deal done to curb these practices. We agree with the administration that Beijing has long reaped the rewards of unfair trade practices at the expense of American workers, which is exactly why manufacturers have been calling for the negotiation of a fair, bilateral, enforceable, rules-based trade agreement to stop those practices at their foundation. The administration has put itself in a position to address the deep-seated challenges that exist in our trading relationship with China, and manufacturers are encouraged that the United States has succeeded in getting China back to the table for negotiations.

In January of this year Timmons and the 51�Թ���, in a letter to the president, urged the administration to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with China. Now that talks are scheduled, Timmons urged 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.” Timmons pointed to a three-point framework released by the 51�Թ��� ahead of this week’s talks that outline manufacturers’ priorities to be included in any trade agreement between the two countries:

• Ending Unfairness: End Chinese Anti-Competitive Activities and Market-Distorting Barriers
• Protecting U.S. Assets: Protect U.S. Intellectual Property, Products and Investments��
• Raising Standards: Raise and Modernize Regulations and Regulatory Practices to Ensure Transparency, Fairness and Accountability

Achieving these objectives will help to level the playing field for manufacturers in the United States, opening critical markets for exports that support good, high-paying manufacturing jobs here at home while eliminating Chinese practices that unfairly boost their companies at the expense of ours and distort global markets.

Click����to read the full negotiating objectives framework.

Timmons first raised the need for such an agreement in a January����and he reiterated this call in a May��. The 51�Թ��� has also����this year on the need for the administration to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement rather than pursue an escalating cycle of tariffs and retaliation.

-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 Kalmbach Feeds will host Rep. Bob Latta (OH-5) for a facility tour and business leader roundtable focused on the historic tax reform law and its positive impact on Ohio’s 5th District.

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 town hall 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]. Media is welcome to cover the facility tour at 2:15 p.m. To schedule an interview with Rep. Latta, please contact his communications director, Drew Griffin, 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.