NAM's Timmons gives State of Manufacturing address in S.C.
Press Release Summary:
NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered his 2016 State of Manufacturing address at Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC. Event, co-hosted by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Trident Technical College, is the latest in a series of stops throughout 7 states to highlight the vital role the industry plays in the U.S. economy and the changing perceptions of manufacturing. Manufacturing supports an estimated 18.5 million jobs in the U.S., including 232,800 jobs in South Carolina.
Original Press Release:
NAM's Timmons Gives State of Manufacturing Address at Trident Technical College in Charleston, South Carolina
Timmons Highlights Manufacturers’ Agenda for Economic Growth and American Exceptionalism
Washington, D.C., – National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons delivered his 2016 State of Manufacturing address today at Trident Technical College in Charleston, S.C. The event, co-hosted by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and Trident Technical 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 yesterdays. We are sleek, high-tech and innovative, and manufacturers continue to drive economic growth in the United States,” said NAM President and CEO Jay 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.”
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. 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 232,800 jobs in South Carolina, and contributes $2.17 trillion to the U.S. economy.
South Carolina Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ted Pitts joined Timmons for this portion of the tour.
“We are proud to partner with NAM and Trident Technical College in order to highlight the importance of manufacturing in South Carolina. Representing 30% of jobs in South Carolina, the success of our manufacturers is critical to our state. But their success hinges on being able to fill their jobs with highly-skilled people. Over the next decade, more than 3 million manufacturing jobs will likely be needed, and 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to the skills gap. A top priority at the State Chamber, as laid out in our 2016 Competitiveness Agenda, is addressing the skills gap in South Carolina. Ultimately what it will take to be successful is for the state, schools, and businesses to work together to address our workforce needs. And Trident Technical College, with its aeronautical training center, is a prime example of a collaboration to fill our state’s workforce needs as we continue to bring in high-tech manufacturers to South Carolina.”
At Trident Technical 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; health care; research, innovation and technology; and regulatory and legal reform.
Today, 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.
To read an op-ed by Timmons and Dr. Mary Thornley, president of Trident Technical College, in today’s Charleston Post and Courier, click here.
Members of the media interested in learning more about the 2016 State of Manufacturing Tour should contact Mallory Micetich at mmicetich@nam.org.
To follow the tour on Twitter, visit @ShopFloorNAM and #StateofMFG.
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) 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 14 million men and women, contributes $2.09 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 NAM 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.
- See more at: http://www.nam.org/Newsroom/Press-Releases/2016/02/NAM-s-Timmons-Gives-State-of-Manufacturing-Address-at-Trident-Technical-College-in-Charleston--South-Carolina/#sthash.vYr08Alg.dpuf
