Some Good News for U.S. Manufacturing Policy?

"At this make or break time for the middle class and our economy, we need a strong manufacturing sector that will put Americans back to work making products stamped with three proud words: Made in America," said President Obama on Dec. 12.

And with that he announced that Secretary John Bryson would join National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling as co-chair of the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy. The Office of Manufacturing Policy is part of the National Economic Council in the White House and works across federal government agencies to coordinate the execution of manufacturing programs and the development of manufacturing policy.

Stephen Gold, president and CEO of the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation is happy with this news. "We are delighted to see that President Obama has recognized the value U.S. manufacturing contributes to the economy by providing more prominence and heightened awareness to the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy.

"With such accomplished economic leaders as Secretary Bryson and Gene Sperling acting as champions and advocates for the sector, this is a perfect opportunity to advance the importance of manufacturing, highlight its historical significance and, most importantly, identify and implement policies to assist U.S. manufacturers in remaining the world's leader.

"Whether it be attention to corporate tax reform, finding ways to streamline an unwieldy regulations process to mutual satisfaction or addressing the need for an updated STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills educational track at the primary and secondary schools level, this initiative will be most welcome by manufacturers, provided they see measureable results and a coordinated strategic effort between the White House and Congress," he added.