Policy Makers Partner with Industry Leadership to Strengthen Manufacturing Competitiveness, Emphasize Greater Focus on Technology, Innovation and Education

WASHINGTON, June 9 -- The National Council for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM) will convene its Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Forum (AMLF) for the Annual Washington Policy Meeting on June 9, 2005 at the Beacon Hotel in Washington, D.C. NACFAM will host a number of prominent policy-makers. Vern Ehlers (R-MI), the first speaker of the day, will address the importance of education and technical research. His prepared remarks include,

“Manufacturing represents 23 percent of the employment base in my district, by far the most significant sector of the economy. So I want to help increase manufacturing competitiveness and keep jobs in the U.S. (and especially in Michigan) by supporting technical research, development, innovation, and education... ”

David Sampson, Acting Deputy Secretary of Commerce, will address the AMLF as the keynote speaker (Secretary Carlos Gutierrez was originally confirmed to speak but was called away by the President at the last minute). Sampson will discuss the continuing role of Commerce and NACFAM working together to advance recommendations by the manufacturing community to make American manufacturing stronger and more competitive. (Note: Sampson will not be available for Q&A.)

Al Frink, Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Manufacturing & Services, will provide an update on progress made on the 57 policy recommendations contained in the Administration’s 2004 Manufacturing in America report. He states, “With a level playing field and open markets, U.S manufacturers can compete and win against anyone in the world. I am confident that, when we lift self-imposed burdens such as high energy prices and excessive regulations, America will continue to be the world’s manufacturing leader.”

Senator Kohl, who will also address the AMLF, states, “Government at every level - but especially at the federal level - must remember and respect the integral role the manufacturing sector has played in this nation’s history, in our prosperity, and in our power. And in doing so, we must make certain that the foundation of a vibrant manufacturing industry is there upon which future generations can continue to build a prosperous, growing economy.”

Other prominent speakers include Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, and Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL).

This annual event is NACFAM’s premier meeting for developing its public policy research agenda for the next twelve months. Key policy issues of interest to U.S. - based manufacturers will be: Technology & Innovation, Taxes, Supply Chain Integration, Structural Cost Reduction (health care, pensions, tort and regulatory costs), Trade, Workforce Education & Training and Energy. Press is invited to attend.

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The National Council for Advanced Manufacturing (NACFAM) is an industry-led, non-profit 501c3 education, research and services organization committed to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of U.S.-based manufacturing. More information about NACFAM can be found at http://www.nacfam.org

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