The Cutting Edge™ May 2004

WMMA® President Plays Role in Passage of Legislation - And So Could You!

Peter Perez of Carter Products in Grand Rapids, MI has the ear of Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Through personal contact over the last several months, Mr. Perez has been able to convey to the Senator the severity of the state of manufacturing in Grand Rapids and throughout the U.S. The passage of this Bill on May 11th is a victory for manufacturing and for WMMA®. To read the complete press release, click here.

You, too, can get involved in the legislative process in so many ways. Your membership in WMMA® is just one. WMMA®, as an Association, is a member of NAM, and we attempt to forward you as much NAM information as possible. But each WMMA® member company can and should join NAM (www.NAM.org) now, more than ever.

As an individual company, you are also encouraged to do the following, TODAY!:

• Join the Coalition for the Future of U.S. Manufacturing
• Click the above link to register - for FREE! You will start receiving valuable, critical newsletters and legislative updates from NAM. These will keep you informed, and help your business compete for a better tomorrow.
• WMMA® will be sending a notice to all members by mid-June, stating that unless we hear otherwise, we will sign you up for the Coalition. But please act now, so you can start receiving their timely information. You will need to provide some basic contact information. If you choose to sign up through WMMA®, contact Jean Coney at jconey@fernlely.com.
• Get Involved in the Campaign for Growth and Manufacturing Renewal!
• "Receive details on becoming a part of the "mobilization for manufacturing."
• Join the recently formed China Policy Subcommittee at NAM.
• This Subcommittee will provide a forum for NAM members to discuss US-China trade policy issues. The goal is to ensure that NAM policy towards China reflects the views of all member companies that are concerned about exporting to China, producing in China, or the impact of imports from China.
• Contact jsonick@nam.org if you are interested in participating on the China Policy Subcommittee.

Contact Patricia Mears at pmears@nam.org or 202-637-3141 if you have any questions.