NAM's State of Manufacturing Address Highlights Agenda for Economic Growth, American Exceptionalism

PALATINE, IL- National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered his 2016 State of Manufacturing address on Wednesday, February 3, to a packed house of students, elected officials, business and community leaders at Harper College’s new FMA Metal Fabrication Lab. The event, co-hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and Harper College, is the latest in a series of stops throughout seven states to highlight the vital role the industry plays in the U.S. economy and the changing perceptions of manufacturing.

“Today’s modern manufacturing doesn’t always look like yesterday’s. We are sleek, high-tech and innovative, and manufacturers continue to drive economic growth in the United States,” said Timmons. “The manufacturing industry is leading an innovation revolution that will win jobs for America, raise standards of living and restore our nation’s standing around the world. Modern manufacturing touches every aspect of our lives, and it’s the backbone of our economy. Our industry is about the men and women who make things in America; it’s about their creativity and the potential we can unleash. Now is the time to embrace a manufacturing resurgence to protect and promote American Exceptionalism.”

Timmons is highlighting the real-world solutions needed to allow the U.S. economy and manufacturers to thrive. Manufacturing supports an estimated 18.5 million jobs in the United States, including 573,700 jobs in Illinois, and contributes $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy.

Illinois Lt. Gov. Evelyn Sanguinetti joined Timmons at Harper College for the event.

“It is great to welcome the National Association of Manufacturers to Illinois as part of their state tour,” said Sanguinetti. “Manufacturing is embedded in the fabric of our state and has been since the Industrial Revolution. Illinois holds great potential for the future of this industry, and Harper College is a great place to highlight that.”

IMA President and CEO Greg Baise also joined Timmons for this portion of the tour.

“Manufacturing is critical to the success of Illinois and the United States,” said Baise. “Our sector employs nearly 600,000 workers in good, high-paying jobs that comprise our nation’s middle class, and we’re pleased that Jay is in Illinois today to share his State of Manufacturing address. There is absolutely no doubt that the spirit, innovation and ingenuity of American manufacturers allow them to make the best products and compete with anyone in the world. Today, we saw firsthand how focused programs of study can prepare a highly skilled workforce to compete in today’s global economy featuring advanced manufacturing. We have made great strides, but many challenges continue at both the state and federal level. In Illinois alone, we need to replace 26,000 production workers and 5,000 engineers every single year between now and the end of 2027. For that to happen, policymakers must take decisive action to enact a strategic and sustainable plan that will create a strong education and workforce development system, reduce intrinsic costs and reform the tax code so that American companies can compete on a level playing field.”

At Harper College, Timmons showcased “Competing to Win: Manufacturers’ Agenda for Economic Growth and American Exceptionalism” - a roadmap to guide manufacturing voters and candidates as they navigate the upcoming elections.

“It is encouraging to hear candidates on the campaign trail talk about manufacturing, but we want more than just talk,” Timmons said. “We must ensure the next president understands what a real manufacturing agenda looks like. Members of Congress and candidates for office need to know what policies to pursue. We want voters to see what solutions a candidate who truly supports manufacturing and is focused on growth will embrace.”

The agenda outlines the challenges manufacturers face as well as much-needed public policy solutions. The issues include tax, trade, energy, environment, transportation and infrastructure, labor; immigration, workforce, healthcare, research, innovation and technology, as well as regulatory and legal reform.

This week, the NAM also premiered a new get-out-the-vote video to encourage manufacturing voters to engage in the 2016 elections and make their vote matter.

Prior to his visit to Harper College, Timmons visited with students at Palatine High School who are participating in the school’s innovate STEM program and advanced manufacturing classes. Students who complete the entire program in high school will have earned 21 hours of dual credit at Harper, additionally allowing them internship and apprenticeship opportunities at area supportive companies partnering with the program.

As part of the 2016 State of Manufacturing Tour, Timmons is visiting with local manufacturers, employees, students, business and community leaders and elected officials across New Hampshire, Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas and Maryland.