America was built on innovation, craftsmanship and hard work. The historic wealth created by manufacturing products that the world consumer desired, built a sustainable economic engine in this country and across the globe. I had the fortune of growing-up outside of Detroit and experiencing some of the fruits of a major manufacturing region. Most of my family worked in the automotive factories, and those who did not work for the automotive companies had jobs that relied on them. Detroit, like many other manufacturing dominated areas, has suffered in recent years as our economic engine has shifted away from manufacturing. One cannot forget that for every manufacturing job created, two service sector jobs are created. I have seen no data to suggest the reverse is true or that for every healthcare related position created several other jobs follow. I am not suggesting that service or healthcare jobs are not beneficial or required, but they are only a part of the equation necessary to sustain a viable economy. Fortunately, manufacturing has been a bright spot in this meek economic recovery, and it is time for American manufacturers to stand tall again and invest in our economic future. We are globally competitive and should be proud of our capability, innovation and execution. Manufacturers provide some of the best-paying career paths available to the best critical thinkers our education system can produce. Unfortunately, we will not produce enough new candidates in the next 10 years to replace the retiring baby-boomers let alone fuel desired growth. We are and will be in a talent competition with every other prospective employer. I suggest manufacturing needs our own Got Milk campaign! We must collectively build positive public awareness about opportunities in manufacturing at the local, state and national level. There are currently good fragmented efforts, but I feel we should have a national message like our dairy industry friends. I know Americas Got Manufacturing! Lets shout it out! – Jeff Clark
"Got Manufacturing"
