Bishop-Wisecarver President Appointed to National Association of Manufacturing Board of Directors
Pittsburg, CA - - December 11, 2007 - - The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has appointed Pamela Kan, president of Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation, to the group's board of directors, a position Kan says will help her raise awareness of career and technical education in schools. Kan's term as board member begins in January 2008.
Established in 1895, the NAM is one of the oldest trade associations in the United States and is comprised of over 200 of the top manufacturing executives in the country, according to the NAM. Through advocacy, research and lobbying efforts, the association enhances competitiveness of manufacturers across the country by influencing legislative and regulatory environments conducive to economic growth, according to the NAM.
As a board member, Kan will influence the policies the group promotes on Capitol Hill. She will also continue her work with the NAM's Employment and Workforce working group. The working group, a team of 25 business leaders, drives education and job training initiatives brought before congressional leaders. Kan will also join a policy subcommittee, which she says will likely focus on education and workforce development.
"Students don't hear about the opportunities available in manufacturing," Kan says. "And they don't hear about the level of skill it takes to operate sophisticated machinery used in today's factories. My goal as a NAM board member is to increase the priority, funding and support of career and technical education in high schools."
Kan continues a long tradition of advocacy in education and workforce development. Nearly 40 years ago, Kan's father Bud Wisecarver, founder of Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation, began a life-long commitment to youth programs related to education, engineering, manufacturing and science.
In its 2005 Skills Gap Report, the NAM found that 80 percent of businesses surveyed suffered serious workforce shortages, and that these shortages impacted their ability to meet production levels, increase productivity and compete effectively. The study also found that 90 percent of businesses surveyed reported a moderate to severe shortage of qualified, skilled production workers, including front line workers such as machinists, operators and technicians. According to the NAM report, manufacturers surveyed believed that a highly skilled workforce will drive future business success.
Kan's experience and business acumen will benefit the NAM Board of Directors, according to Dana Lee Cole, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Corporate Secretary.
"Pamela is well-known on Capitol Hill and among business and political leaders in California," Cole says. "We look forward to her assistance as we reach out to these leaders regarding the NAM agenda. In addition, her interest and knowledge of advanced technologies will be valuable to policy development in this rapidly changing industry sector."
Kan expects that her new position on the NAM board will give her an opportunity to change the way the public looks at trade schools and career and technical education. In the long run, she believes developing a skilled workforce will strengthen the U.S economy.
"I can't complain about the education system if I'm not going to do something to change it," Kan says. "There are many students who would enjoy a career of making things. Going to trade school should have as much status as going to a four-year college."
About Bishop-Wisecarver
Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation has remained one of the most respected names in guided motion technology since 1950. The San Francisco Bay Area company manufactures, stocks, and distributes guided motion components and systems for linear, rotary and curved track applications. Bishop-Wisecarver products are used worldwide in industries such as packaging, medical device manufacturing, wood processing, food processing, and semi-conductor fabrication.
For more information, visit www.bwc.com.
Renée Halog
Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation
Tel: 1 (925) 431-8234
Fax: 1 (925) 439-5931
Email: renee@bwc.com
