Thomas J. Gibson, CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute made the following statement with regard to Ron Bloom's appointment as special assistant to the President for manufacturing policy within the National Economic Council.
"The fact that the President is elevating Ron Bloom's role in the White House is a good sign that the President recognizes how important having a vibrant manufacturing sector is to the health of the overall U.S. economy. Ron is a passionate and experienced advocate for U.S. manufacturing. It is essential that he has the right resources and support at the highest levels in the Administration, to achieve success.
"A three-pronged national manufacturing strategy that focuses on better trade enforcement, a plan to develop domestic energy sources and infrastructure investment is a clear path forward toward achieving this unifying course. We laud the President's decision to create a new council on decision to create a new council on jobs and competitiveness that will include strategies to invest in innovative solutions to spur revival in American manufacturing and the nation's economy.
Ron joined us at AISI's most recent Board meeting where we continued our dialogue with him about the President's priorities for revitalizing Americas manufacturing sector and how the steel industry can work with him toward that common goal. We look forward to continuing to work with Ron and the Obama Administration toward that end."