Expansion Management

Some Good News for U.S. Manufacturing Policy?

Dec. 14, 2011

"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.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

Follow Adrienne on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Call: 216-931-9235

Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.