As Americans still struggle with high unemployment, high foreclosure rates and a host of other negative economic conditions, there is always a ray of hope that transcends America's problems. U.S. manufacturing has always been the main hope and driver for U.S. jobs and innovation. This time in American history is no different. For Americans to make it in America we as a nation are going to have to with sincere and laser like focus start "Making it in America" again.
Manufacturing in America is an issue that is personally very true to our hearts here at Made in USA Certified, Inc. For many years we have fought to protect the integrity and reliability of "Made In USA" claims on product packaging. Made in USA Certified is non-partisan in our efforts. In general the ultimate goal for all of us as Americans regardless of political affiliation is to create more jobs in the U.S.A., and Made in U.S.A. -- is not a political issue but, an American issue that should unite us all.
However it isn't just enough to manufacture the products, we need to encourage consumers to purchase these Made in U.S.A. goods, give companies tax incentives to keep manufacturing domestically, as well as encourage innovation and exportation around the world. Made in U.S.A is a viable brand that the world still desires.
Together, united behind a common goal we can out-compete and out-innovate the rest of the world by doing what we have always done best; manufacturing it in America.
This past week I was asked to be a guest speaker at the Make it in America event hosted by Democratic National Chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz at A & M Tape & Packaging company in Sunrise, Florida. In attendance at the event was Steny Hoyer (D- MD), Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Congressman Alcee Hastings (D- FL). Hoyer and Wasserman-Schultz were touring and talking about a "Made in America" facility that has done just that and been incredibly successful doing it. With laser-like focus the conversation stayed centered on U.S. job creation and creating a business friendly environment for people to start manufacturing businesses, keep them here and export their Made in America goods around the world.
A & M Tape & Packaging company is a wonderful U.S. manufacturing success story. A & M was started in 1977 by husband and wife team, David & Amy Perlman with just four employees; it has now grown to 60 workers and is undoubtedly a beacon of growth in their community. Even more impressive however is the owners's fierce commitment to buying Made in USA components for the products they manufacture.
"We compete against other products that are imported," said David Perlman, "And I just tell the customer, look, I may not be able to compete on price, but at least it's made in the U.S. We do lose out on some sales because of that. I'd rather it be that way because I think it's just really important."
Julie Reiser is president and co-founder of Made in USA Certified, Inc. an independent, non-partisan, leading third party certification company for the Made in USA, Product of USA and Service in USA claims.
