Quigley Hears from Local Businesses on Manufacturing and Exports

CHICAGO – 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.”‎

Rep. Quigley (standing) addresses local businesses and manufacturing associations at a roundtable discussion hosted by Navistar, NAM, and IMA.

Other participants in the roundtable included representatives from SAS Institute, Howe Corporation, Grant Thornton LLP, Graymills Corporation, The Boeing Company, Horizon Pharma, and Archer Daniels Midland.

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) is the oldest and largest statewide manufacturing trade association in the United States. Based in Oak Brook, Illinois, and founded in 1893, IMA has more than 4,000 member companies.

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. The NAM is the voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States.

Navistar International Corporation is a leading manufacturer of commercial trucks, buses, defense vehicles and engines. Navistar is headquartered in Lisle, Illinois and employees 16,500 people around the world.

Rep. Quigley is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of House members that supports our nation’s manufacturers with policies that foster growth, innovation and entrepreneurship. In May, Rep. Quigley joined Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to tour Howe Corporation and hear how trade and exports impact small businesses in Chicago. He also visited Summit Industries Inc., a small business located in Illinois’ fifth district, in April with Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank) Chairman Fred Hochberg to learn about the business and how the Ex-Im Bank has helped Summit Industries grow their export business and create good jobs in the district. Rep. Quigley has toured many manufacturing plants in the district to highlight the manufacturing industry in Illinois, including Fresenius Kabi, Nestlé, SiPi Metals Corporation, and A.M. Castle & Co. Rep. Quigley is committed to policy initiatives that protect American workers and support American jobs while promoting our interests and values abroad.

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