Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) on Tuesday, along with Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Industry & Analysis Marcus Jadotte, participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by Navistar International Corp., the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) to learn how trade and exports impact manufacturers in Chicago.
“For decades, manufacturing has been essential in driving American growth and building our middle class," Quigley said. "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.
"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 Corp. 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.”
Quigley said manufacturing is a vital component of the Commerce Department’s Open for Business agenda.
"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," he said.
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