Alliance for American Manufacturing Townhall Meeting
The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) held a series of townhall meetings in venues across the country late last year to drum up some enthusiasm for the industry at the grassroots level. I headed out to one that was held in Northampton, PA –close to where I live.

Upon my arrival I was surprised at the number of people in attendance—it had to be several hundred. Of course, the topic couldn’t be timelier. AAM—a grassroots organization with a mission to save American manufacturing—strives to promote “creative policy solutions on priorities such as international trade, energy security, health care, retirement security, the environment and green jobs.” Judging by the energy of the crowd in attendance, they were ready to be educated and motivated.

The evening started off with a video presentation by AAM that showcased the voices of American manufacturing labor and management calling out for changes—and an end to the loss of jobs and productions. It ended with a theme of “reshaping the global playing field.” Then Congressman Charlie Dent (R) and Congresswoman Sam Bennett (D)—both running for reelection in PA’s 15th District—spoke about how they would work to preserve manufacturing in the U.S. (Editor’s Note: Dent won the seat.)

AAM Executive Scott Paul spoke throughout the meeting, urging the attendants to “hold our new President and Congress accountable.” He emphasized that policies need to be initiated to enforce trade laws and strengthen the backbone of our economy—American manufacturing. His comments were met with thunderous applause and it was easy to see how pumped up the crowd was.

A highlight of the evening for me was the Panel Discussion. Industry experts spoke about the plight of today’s steelworkers, the Clean Air Council and challenges facing today’s manufacturing workforce, amongst other topics. A Q&A followed, and it was interesting—and enlightening for these experts to answer questions on the spot.

I left the meeting more educated, aware and empowered. United for a common cause, we can make a difference.—MoldMaking Technology Senior Editor Sherry Baranek

Alliance for American Manufacturing Townhall Meeting
The American Mold Builders Association (AMBA) California chapter met this past October at the National Hot Rod museum in Pomona, CA. With many of the moldmakers in the member shops being “gear heads,” the museum made itself a nice place to have a chapter meeting. Along with the regular quarterly meeting, attendees were able to tour the museum before and after the meeting. AMBA national president Steve Rotman (Ameritech Tool & Die) was the guest speaker. Steve spoke about the Apprenticeship 2000 program they have been involved with the past the eight years. Along with member shops and partner companies in attendance, the chapter had Daniel Granillo, an engineering student from Cal Poly University, Pomona as a guest. One of the focuses of the CA chapter is to promote the moldmaking trade to high school and college students to fill the need for moldmakers and designers in the future.—MoldMaking Technology Editorial Advisory Board Member, Robert Vaughan, Dauntless Mold.