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Mt. Airy, NC – Today,the 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Altec Inc. hosted Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-5) for a facility tour and workforce development roundtable to discuss the need to fill the high-skilled jobs required for modern manufacturing, which is critical to North Carolina’s economic prosperity.

Manufacturers appreciate Rep. Foxx’s commitment to building the modern manufacturing workforce and expanding opportunities for American workers, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Altec, 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 441,000 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 study by Deloitte and the 51�Թ���’s Manufacturing Institute. So, we need all elected leaders engaged, and we’re grateful for Rep. Foxx’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. Foxx had the opportunity to see firsthand the types of high-skilled jobs required to run Altec’s machinery and equipment.

Manufacturing is at the heart of the 5th District’s economy,” said Rep. Foxx. As the district’s economy continues to evolve from historically manufactured products to cutting-edge innovations in areas such as telecommunications, I will continue to support policies that allow manufacturing to thrive. Altec’s products and services enable workers to do what Americans do best—get the job done. Manufacturers like Altec contribute $100 billion to North Carolina’s economy and employ over 460,000 residents of our state, and I look forward to supporting enterprises like Altec as we continue to put Americans back to work.

During a roundtable discussion, company leaders thanked Rep. Foxx for her commitment to helping build the high-skilled workforce to fill modern manufacturing jobs.

We appreciate the strong support we receive from Rep. Foxx, said Altec Chairman and CEO Lee Styslinger III. She has always recognized the importance of manufacturing in helping to generate economic growth—both in the U.S. as well as in her district. In addition, I commend Rep. Foxx for her outstanding leadership in the areas of education and workforce development. Her experience in education reform and her innovative ideas related to the changing nature of work are helping to develop important initiatives that will generate job growth for U.S. workers and help U.S. businesses meet the workforce challenges of the 21st century.

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

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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.

New Castle, PA – Today, The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Blair Strip Steel Company hosted Rep. Mike Kelly (PA-3) for a facility tour to meet employees and a business leader roundtable to discuss the real-world impact of tax reform and other ways Congress can better serve the interests of Pennsylvania manufacturers, manufacturing workers and their families.

Thanks to Rep. Kelly’s support for tax reform, manufacturers in Pennsylvania 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 Blair Strip Steel 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. Kelly’s leadership in making that possible.

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

Western Pennsylvania is blessed to have manufacturers who play an essential role in the American economy, said Rep. Kelly. I am proud of the hardworking women and men of Blair Strip Steel Company who represent one of the few remaining true strip steel mills in North America. I was excited to hear how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has greatly influenced Blair’s business and workforce. In every measurable way, thanks to the combination of lower taxes, commonsense deregulation and a tougher trade posture that’s putting American workers first, our nation’s economy is thriving as new jobs, wages, and confidence continue to climb. I look forward to hearing of Blair Strip Steel Company’s continued success.

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 Mike Kelly for his role in the successful effort to reduce taxes on behalf of the company and it’s employees, said Bruce Kinney, president and CEO of Blair Strip Steel Company. His efforts are a key part of rebuilding and sustaining a healthier manufacturing climate in Pennsylvania 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 tax reform was enacted, the manufacturing industry has added 152,000 jobs—double the number of jobs created over the same period last year.

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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.

By: Manufacturing Institute Executive Director Carolyn Lee

“According to a new jobs report released Friday morning, manufacturers in America added 37,000 jobs last month. It’s yet another sign that the manufacturing sector is growing and creating jobs, thanks to boosts from federal tax and regulatory reform, but it’s also a reminder that manufacturing is facing an industry crisis.

“The latest 51�Թ���’ (51�Թ���)  showed a record-breaking 95 percent of manufacturers expressing optimism about the future and reporting an all-time high for the expected rate of manufacturing job growth.

“But the very same survey also found 77 percent of manufacturers expressing serious concerns about their ability to find enough skilled workers to fill all those open jobs. While this isn’t a new issue — manufacturers have cited it as a major concern for a long time — today it has reached crisis levels, and recent soaring job growth is only compounding the challenge.

“There are now more than 441,000 open jobs in manufacturing. By 2025, it’s projected that manufacturers will need to fill more than 3 million. Manufacturers in America might as well just have a permanent sign on their doors: ‘Creators Wanted’ …

“Combatting this perception challenge and the associated workforce crisis is something that the organization I lead—the 51�Թ���’s Manufacturing Institute, which is dedicated to furthering manufacturing competitiveness—is laser-focused on addressing …

“I was proud to join President Trump, Ivanka Trump and key workforce leaders at the White House in July as the president announced a new—and necessary—national workforce strategy that, in line with manufacturers’ priorities, is focused on apprenticeships and training to prepare more workers for the technology-intensive jobs of the future.

“The White House’s priorities are in the right place and complement the many workforce initiatives already underway at The Manufacturing Institute and at manufacturers and allied organizations across the country. Similarly, the president’s “Pledge to America’s Workers” is a welcome campaign to spur more training commitments across America.”

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The Manufacturing Institute (the Institute) is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the 51�Թ���. As a non-partisan organization, the Institute is committed to delivering leading-edge information and services to the nation’s manufacturers. The Institute is the authority on the attraction, qualification and development of world-class manufacturing talent. For more information, please visit .

Washington, D.C. – 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the unanimous passage of H.R. 4318, the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Act of 2018, by the U.S. Senate:

This is a significant step forward for manufacturers, who, along with other businesses, are losing nearly $1 million every day until this bill becomes law, said Timmons. Right now, manufacturers are hit with costly, senseless taxes any time they buy products or supplies that aren’t available in the United States. It makes no sense because it is a direct and punishing tax on making things in America and for creating jobs in America. This bill ends that unfairness and helps manufacturers in the United States better compete for business with companies in China, Europe and elsewhere. Manufacturers need Congress to get this done—to level the playing field and secure the jobs of American manufacturing workers. We urge the House to act quickly, pass the Senate version of the bill and get it to President Trump’s desk for his signature.

In November, the 51�Թ���  the bipartisan, bicameral introduction of the MTB legislation, and in January, the 51�Թ��� praised House passage of an earlier version of the bill as a “big deal for manufacturers.” In March, the 51�Թ��� released a  on the benefits of the MTB for manufacturers and led a  of 216 business organizations urging Congress to boost manufacturing by passing the MTB. Click  for testimonials from manufacturers in America on the importance of passing 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��� (51�Թ���) Vice President of Infrastructure, Innovation and Human Resources Policy Robyn Boerstling released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 6199, the Restoring Access to Medication and Modernizing Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018, and H.R. 6311, the Increasing Access to Lower Premium Plans and Expanding Health Savings Accounts Act of 2018:

These important reforms will help make quality, affordable health care more accessible for manufacturers, manufacturing workers and all Americans, said Boerstling. Further delaying Obamacare’s onerous Health Insurance Tax will prevent unnecessary cost increases for workers and retirees, and manufacturers hope to see Congress take action in the future to fully repeal this provision. The changes contained in these bills to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts will help lower costs and give patients added flexibility to seek and pay for the care that’s right for them. Manufacturers urge the Senate to take up these important reforms, along with the House-passed repeal of the Medical Device Tax, to provide manufacturers and manufacturing workers more certainty and relief.

The 51�Թ��� announced in letters to members of the House of Representatives Wednesday morning that it would key-vote passage of �����Ի���.

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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 U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act:

This bipartisan legislation empowers a new generation of American workers to improve their lives with high-tech, high-paying jobs in modern manufacturing, said Timmons. Tax reform and regulatory relief have powered tremendous manufacturing growth, but to fill the jobs manufacturers are creating, we need more workers with the right skills. Our research shows there will be as many as 2 million unfilled manufacturing jobs by 2025 if we don’t take additional steps to upskill our workforce, which is why the 51�Թ��� has worked so hard to get this bill to the finish line.

Today’s vote sending Perkins CTE reauthorization to President Trump’s desk is a major step toward closing the skills gap and addressing this challenge. But the work does not stop here. Manufacturers are encouraged to have partners in the White House like the president and Ivanka Trump who are laser-focused on worker training and have proposed bold solutions and a national workforce strategy.

The 51�Թ��� has been a key supporter of Perkins CTE reauthorization. The 51�Թ��� earlier this year urged the Senate HELP Committee to advance reauthorization legislation and organized a coalition of nearly 500 business and education groups in support of the program. In addition, 51�Թ��� members highlighted the need to reauthorize Perkins CTE at multiple hearings before Congress.

In the 51�Թ���’s latest quarterly outlook survey, manufacturers cited attracting and retaining a quality workforce as their number-one concern.

-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 of Infrastructure, Innovation and Human Resources Policy Robyn Boerstling released the following statement on House passage of H.R. 184, the bipartisan Protect Medical Innovation Act:

Manufacturers welcome the House’s strong, bipartisan vote to repeal Obamacare’s tax on medical devices, and we call on the Senate to act swiftly, said Boerstling. During the two years this harmful tax was in effect, tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs disappeared, innovation stalled, and the cost of certain health care treatments requiring a medical device increased needlessly.

Manufacturers need certainty to negotiate affordable, best-in-class health plans for our employees, so we are also urging Congress to fully repeal other onerous Obamacare taxes, including the health insurance tax and the so-called ‘Cadillac tax.’ These priorities also have bipartisan support, and we urge Congress to provide manufacturers this additional relief.

On Monday, the 51�Թ��� announced in a letter to members of the U.S. House of Representatives that it would key-vote passage of H.R. 184.

-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.

Jackson, TN – The 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) and Stanley Black & Decker on Friday hosted Rep. David Kustoff (TN-8) for a facility tour and business leader roundtable to discuss the need to fill the high-skilled jobs required for modern manufacturing, which is critical to Tennessee’s economic prosperity.

Manufacturers appreciate Rep. Kustoff’s commitment to building the modern manufacturing workforce and expanding opportunities for American workers, said 51�Թ��� President and CEO Jay Timmons. Stanley Black & Decker, like manufacturers across this country, know that manufacturers face an urgent need for trained, talented workers, a need that will only grow in the coming years. Right now, manufacturers have some 441,000 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 study by Deloitte and the 51�Թ���’s Manufacturing Institute. So, we need all elected leaders engaged, and we’re grateful for Rep. Kustoff’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. Kustoff had the opportunity to see first-hand the types of high-skilled jobs required to run Stanley Black & Decker’s machinery and equipment.

Manufacturing plays a huge role in Tennessee’s economy, said Rep. Kustoff. This industry not only employs more than 340,000 Tennesseans, but also invests heavily in the success of those they employ to create and sustain a top-notch, 21st-century workforce. Stanley Black & Decker right here in Jackson is a perfect example of a company that is invested in its people and committed to being at the forefront of innovation.

During a roundtable discussion, company leaders thanked Rep. Kustoff for his commitment to helping build the high-skilled workforce to fill modern manufacturing jobs.

As the pace of technological change continues to accelerate, we know the skills required for manufacturing workers is evolving, said Joe Voelker, chief human resources officer for Stanley Black & Decker. At Stanley Black & Decker, we are committed to providing our own employees and individuals around the world with the training, education and opportunity to thrive. Jackson, Tennessee is a great example of that effort in action. The facility is one of our ‘Lighthouse Factories’ where we are implementing Industry 4.0, from manufacturing execution systems, to 3-D printing, virtual reality, robotics and artificial intelligence. It’s an exciting and rewarding time to work in manufacturing.

Manufacturing contributes an estimated $2.25 trillion to the U.S. economy and supports 341,500 jobs in Tennessee 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, D.C. – 51�Թ��� (51�Թ���) President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement on the Senate Banking Committee’s hearing regarding Kimberly Reed’s nomination for president of the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank of the United States:

There can be no doubt that Kimberly Reed will make an outstanding leader of the Ex-Im Bank. Like President Trump, she believes in the agency’s mission and recognizes its critical importance to manufacturing’s success in America. With her experience and expertise at the helm of the Ex-Im Bank, our industry and our country will undoubtedly be more competitive in the global economy. Manufacturers need Reed and the other nominees confirmed so we can regain a competitive advantage in the fight for jobs and business.

-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 after the Department of Labor (DOL) rescinded the 2016 Persuader Rule:

Manufacturers have fought for this victory for many years in the courts, in Congress and with two administrations, using the full weight of our policy, government relations and legal teams, said Timmons. The 51�Թ���’s Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action was able to halt the rule in court in 2016.And in 2017, the Trump administration, as part of its broader regulatory relief agenda, thankfully began the process of unwinding the rule. This overreaching rule threatened to impose serious burdens on manufacturers and upend employee–employer communications. Now manufacturers are relieved that this threat to workplace communications is finally and officially off the books. Commonsense steps like this to rein in onerous regulations are a major reason why manufacturers are reporting record-high business optimism.

In 2016, the 51�Թ��� testified on the harmful impacts of the rule before the House Small Business Committee and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

The Manufacturers’ Center for Legal Action (MCLA) is the leading voice of manufacturers in the courts and engages in a range of activities, including direct party litigation and operating a robust amicus program, as well as educating manufacturers about emerging legal trends. The MCLA is led by 51�Թ��� Senior Vice President and General Counsel Linda Kelly and 51�Թ��� Vice President of Litigation and Deputy General Counsel Peter Tolsdorf. More information on the MCLA can be found here.

-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.