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Contact NMMA's Alissa Calomino with questions at acalomino@nmma.org.More

Survey says American public still values a strong manufacturing sector
NMMA
The National Association of Manufacturers' Manufacturing Institute, in partnership with Deloitte, recently released results from its "Public Viewpoint on Manufacturing" survey. NAM reports that 86 percent of respondents believe that America's manufacturing base is "important" or "very important" to their standard of living.

Most notably, when respondents were asked if they could create 1,000 new jobs in their community with any new facility, they ranked manufacturing at the top of the list — ahead of energy production facilities, technology development centers, retail centers, banks or financial institutions and a host of others. Moreover, 79 percent of survey respondents say a strong manufacturing base should be a national priority.

"There is an unfortunate disconnect, however, between respondents wanting manufacturing jobs in their community and pursuing those very job opportunities for themselves," said Emily Stover DeRocco, president, The Manufacturing Institute. "Survey results reveal that only one-third of parents would encourage their child to go into manufacturing, which translates into a major workforce pipeline issue. This, in turn, becomes a U.S. manufacturing competitiveness issue because we know that an educated and skilled 21st century workforce is the most important factor behind innovation and business success. As the industry faces major 'boomer' retirements, a shortage in the supply of new talent will directly impact a company's ability to thrive and expand in the global economy." Click here to access the complete report.More

Member benefit: Save at least 70 percent on shipping to IBEX
NMMA
NMMA members who are IBEX exhibitors can save at least 70 percent on their shipping to IBEX with YRC. The discount also applies to return shipments from the show. For a free freight quote, call Siriani at 800-554-0005 or go to www.siriani.com/yrcexhserv.

NMMA members attending IBEX are invited to visit with Siriani in the NMMA booth to find out how the NMMA Freight Savings Plan helps save money on day-to-day shipping costs. NMMA members can save up to 29 percent on select FedEx Express services (includes a 5 percent electronic shipping discount) and up to 20 percent on select FedEx Ground services. For free online enrollment in the freight program, go to www.siriani.com/nmmafsp.More

Former 3-term Wyoming US Sen. Wallop dies
Casper Star-Tribune
Former three-term U.S. Sen. Malcolm Wallop, who became a leading conservative voice during the Reagan era in fighting for space defense and a tough anti-communist policy in Central America, died Sept. 14. He was 78.More

Hundreds of boating vendors to cruise into Norwalk
Connecticut Post
In the wake of new growth in the area boating industry, the 2011 Norwalk Boat Show will feature an expanded array of brands, merchandise and hands-on activities.More

Labor pains: Retail remains an attractive target for union organizers
NRF Stores
The nature of retail and the sheer size of its collective workforce continue to make the industry a tempting target for unions. But retailing never has been easy to organize. A constantly changing workforce not inclined to pay dues and dubious about organized labor's ability to deliver higher pay, benefits and hours have worked against unions. And an economy with a barely discernible pulse has everyone worrying about jobs — a scenario that doesn'’t work to labor's advantage, either.More

US industrial production up .2 percent
IndustryWeek
Industrial production increased 0.2 percent in August after having advanced 0.9 percent in July, the Federal Reserve reported on Sept. 15. Manufacturing rose .06 percent in August, after a similarly sized gain in July, and the rates of change were revised down slightly in April, May and June.More

US gets set to sanction BP, contractors
Reuters
The U.S. offshore drilling regulator could issue sanctions as early as next week against BP and the major contractors involved in last year's Gulf oil spill, an agency official said recently. Michael Bromwich, the head of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, told reporters at a congressional hearing the agency was preparing official notices for violations uncovered by a government probe of the spill.More

How to run your business online with $10 (and a Google account)
American Express OPEN Forum
Online infrastructure for your small business doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. By leveraging many of the free and inexpensive products offered by Google, you can create a website, a domain-branded email system, and a document collaboration platform, all unified under one master login and password.More

3 strategies to stay afloat in trying times
American Express OPEN Forum
James Clear writes, "The global economy has been hurting for years now and the expected turnaround has taken longer and been more drawn out that most people anticipated. For small-business owners, this new economy offers loads of opportunities, but it also brings a mountain of struggles and challenges. To overcome these challenges and build profitable businesses, we need to focus on clear and effective business practices. That said, here are three quick changes that could save your business."More

How social media is changing and what it means for your marketing
ClickZ
Social media continues to evolve as a means for participants to communicate, engage, and connect with their family, friends, and social media acquaintances. In the process, more people are spending more time on these platforms. From a marketing perspective, it's critical to understand their behavior to be able to effectively integrate social media into your plans.More