Quigley Hears from Local Businesses on Manufacturing and Exports
Statement
Yesterday, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) joined Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry & Analysis Marcus Jadotte at a roundtable discussion hosted by Navistar International Corporation, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), and the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) to hear how trade and exports impacts manufacturers in Chicago.
"For decades, manufacturing has been essential in driving American growth and building our middle class. Since February 2010, U.S. manufacturers have added nearly 900,000 jobs against a backdrop of rising exports. Currently, one in four U.S. manufacturing jobs is estimated to be supported by exports," said Rep. Quigley. "Yesterday's discussion reiterated the fact that exporting doesn't just help big corporations like Navistar and Boeing; it also helps small manufacturers like the Howe Corporation and Graymills. In fact, 98 percent of American companies that export are small and medium-sized businesses. I look forward to continuing to work with manufacturers in my district and across Illinois on important issues like trade and the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank and thank Navistar, NAM and IMA for hosting today's roundtable."
"Chicagoland is one of America's leading export hubs, contributing $47.3 billion to the nation's record-setting exports last year, so it was fitting we met here to discuss the benefits of exporting," said Assistant Secretary Jadotte. "The resurgence of the manufacturing sector in recent years has produced tangible results for the American people, allowing manufacturers to pay higher average salaries than other industries. In fact, manufacturing is a key component of the Commerce Department's Open for Business Agenda and our focus on strengthening American innovation. We will continue to work to connect manufacturers with the resources they need to grow and thrive, and help ensure workers have the skills to get today's high-tech manufacturing jobs and enhance the global competitiveness of America's manufacturing sector."
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