May 13, 2008 According to NAM, continuing surge in exports of manufactured goods, up 11% this year compared to same part of last year, contributed strongly to improvement in U.S. trade balance in March. Exports are strongest part of U.S. economy, and over last 4 quarters, they accounted for close to half of all U.S. economic growth. Implementing trade agreements with Colombia, Korea, and Panama will further open markets to American-made goods and services.

May 13, 2008 On July 16-17, 2008, IPC will host symposium titled "It's Not Easy Being Green: New Laws, New Materials, and New Way of Doing Business." Event will take place in Cambridge, MA and will feature presentations by U.S. EPA and some leading corporations in electronics supply chain. Top industry executives will cover compliance essentials of China RoHS and REACH, and attendees will hear about aggressive OEM timetables for halogen-free implementation.

May 13, 2008 Helping to strengthen economy and protect businesses, workers, and consumers, H.R. 4279 PRO-IP Act improves coordination of federal government IP enforcement resources, expands authorities, and improves enforcement practices at international, state, and local levels. Counterfeiting often poses serious health and safety risks to general public through sub-standard pirated products, including automobile parts, airplane parts, food, medical devices, electrical supplies and pharmaceuticals.

May 13, 2008 According to John Engler, President and CEO of NAM, U.S.-Colombia Trade Agreement is worth more than $600 annually for every manufacturing worker in America, and immediate passage of agreement would add strong stimulus to U.S. economy. For last 4 quarters, manufactured goods exports have contributed 50% of total economic growth. Trade agreements will further increase exports and lead to further economic growth, helping America to fight current downturn.

May 13, 2008 Held in Beijing, China, International Enterprise Summit hosted influential chief executives from major laser and photonics companies in China, North America, and Europe. With focus on impact of globalization on laser industry, participants shared knowledge, experiences, and vision for future. Attendees gained valuable insight from influential group of speakers including industry experts, legal experts, and decision makers on conducting and expanding business in China.

May 12, 2008 With the conclusion of Drinking Water Week, the AWWA joins water professionals across North America in encouraging community awareness of the importance of keeping water supplies and systems secure. According to Gary Zimmerman, Executive Director of the AWWA, water utilities are investing in physical security, cyber-security, and contaminant monitoring technologies while utility emergency response planning has advanced significantly in recent years.

May 9, 2008 The RIA and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) have signed a memo of understanding, formalizing their intention to collaborate on a number of industry initiatives. Established in 1998, IAQA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, comprising both individuals and corporations who share an interest in indoor environmental issues. The RIA, founded in 1946, has served as the trade association for the cleaning and restoration industry.

May 9, 2008 According to Gary Zimmerman, AWWA Executive Director, periodic drought conditions, population shifts, and general increased demand on water supplies have caused many to rethink the way we approach our water supply. Several years of drought across parts of the United States have strained water resources. The water community is exploring new technologies to develop alternative sources of clean, drinkable water, including desalination and water reuse.

May 9, 2008 Titled "High Density Data Centers - Case Studies and Best Practices", ASHRAE book provides range of ventilation schemes that demonstrate how loads can be cooled using various approaches. Some case studies covered in book include National Center for Environmental Prediction, San Diego Supercomputer Center, NYC Financial Services Data Center, Georgia Institute of Technology Data Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Data Center, and Hewlett-Packard Richardson Datacool(TM) Data Center.

May 9, 2008 Scheduled for May 7-8, 2008, invitation-only Leadership Summit will feature keynote address by Chuck Rumbarger, President of Organization Guidance Group, on leadership and power of associations. Robert N. Bradshaw, Jr, CEO of Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia, will discuss how to understand basics of legislative issues. And RIA's Executive Director, Donald Manger, will facilitate discussion of how to use power of associations to effect positive legislative changes.

May 9, 2008 Part of Manufacturing Insight® Video Series, "RFID: Tool Tracking Solutions" shows infrastructure and technology behind RFID as well as real-world applications, challenges, and advantages of using RFID. Viewers will visit 4 manufacturing companies, including Traxle Manufacturing, maker of precision-metallic components; Absky, manufacturer of carbon composites; Witman, producer of automation systems for plastics industry; and The Nordam Group, manufacturers of aircraft components.

May 9, 2008 Scheduled for June 9-10, Manufacturing Innovations - Technologies for Oil and Gas conference will include Keynote by Brian D. McCready who will discuss how to manage complex matrix of people, machines, process technologies, and materials in oil and gas industry. Moderated by Robert A.R. Mills, second keynote will focus on how-to behind culture change needed to implement and sustain LEAN efforts within manufacturing environment. Two process and equipment technology sessions will also be held.

May 9, 2008 According to John Engler, NAM President and CEO, S.2958 amendment to Flood Insurance Bill S.2284 offered by Senator Mitch McConnell, would encourage environmentally responsible domestic energy production on Outer Continental Shelf and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It would also accelerate production of advanced energy technology and alternative resources such as renewable fuel. In contrast, bill introduced by Sen. Reid would impose onerous taxes, mandates, and regulations.

May 9, 2008 Under terms of memorandum of understanding, BSA and Kuwait Ministry of Commerce will jointly launch major anti-piracy advertising and media campaign across Kuwait. MOU also seeks to promote Kuwait as important regional IT investment destination and attract key business organizations and international investors. According to IDC study, decreasing Kuwait's piracy rate by at least 10 percentage points could potentially add USD 350 million to national economy.

May 8, 2008 Inventor, entrepreneur, and advocate for science and technology, Dean Kamen, will deliver keynote address at SME's International Awards Gala on June 2, which is being held in conjunction with "A Passion for Manufacturing: 2008 SME Annual Meeting and Interactive Unconference" from May 31-June 3, 2008. Awards recognize significant contributions to areas of manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, education, research, management, and service to Society.

May 8, 2008 Part 60, Change 1 covers FSTDs to receive initial evaluations, which includes new simulators or simulators upgraded in level, after Part 60 becomes effective. All existing, qualified devices will continue to hold grandfather rights in accordance with Part 60. The NSPM must receive written notification no later than May 30, 2008 of any FSTDs currently on-order and all initial evaluations on affected FSTDs must be completed no later than April 30, 2010.

May 7, 2008 According to Labor Department report, economy failed to create jobs for fourth consecutive month in April, marking greatest monthly decline in more than 1 yr. Manufacturing employment fell by 46,000 in April, which is similar to declines during prior 2 months. Bulk of job declines in manufacturing was concentrated in durable goods sectors where employment fell by 43,000. Nearly 2/3 of overall decline in manufacturing employment was concentrated in motor vehicles and fabricated metals.

May 7, 2008 The National Restaurant Association (NRA) and the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) announced their partnership to strengthen food safety systems and increase the use of common food safety standards worldwide. Since 2004, ANSI has partnered with FMI to provide a neutral, 3rd-party verification for GFSI's SQF certification program. The ANSI also offers a Conference for Food Protection (CFP) accreditation program aimed at organizations involved in certification of food protection managers.

May 7, 2008 ANSI President and CEO S. Joe Bhatia led the 23-person U.S. delegation at the 31st Pacific Area Standards Congress (PASC) in Shanghai, China, held April 21-25, 2008. A prime focus was an update on the interactions between PASC and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) including the APEC Business Advisory Council and the APEC Sub-Committee on Standards and Conformance. Attendees also discussed the development of the ISO Energy Management System Standard.

May 7, 2008 In April of 2008, ANSI welcomed Bladestone, Mubea Inc, The Society of Protective Coatings, Hunter Automated Machinery Corp, MINTO Research and Development Inc, Marco Group International, and Pacific Institute. Diverse constituency works together to strengthen competitiveness of businesses operating in global marketplace and to improve quality of life for all citizens by developing, implementing, and promulgating voluntary consensus standards and related conformance assessment systems.