FISCAL YEAR 2014 

ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS 

TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE FOR FIRMS 

PROGRAM 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 
Page 2 of 50

Executive Summary 

This annual report is submitted in accordance with Section 255A of chapter 3 of title II of 

the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. § 2341 et seq.) (commonly referred to as 

the Trade Act). Section 255A of the Trade Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to 

“submit an annual report on the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program 

to Congress no later than December 15, 2012 and each year thereafter.” The TAAF 

program is authorized by chapters 3 and 5 of title II of the Trade Act. 

Key Findings 

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2014, firms assisted by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic 

Development Administration’s (EDA) Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) 

program performed more successfully than the manufacturing industry as a whole, 

demonstrating a significant return on federal investment. These findings follow similar 

positive findings in EDA’s FY 20131

 Annual Report, along with a positive report by the 

U.S. Government Accountability Office in FY 20122. Overall, the program is effective in 

helping firms become more competitive and overcome negative trade impacts. Examples 

of TAAF program benefits to manufacturing firms can be found in the supplement at the 

end of this report.

In order to assess the effectiveness of the TAAF program, EDA evaluates the extent to 

which client firms increased their sales, employment levels, and productivity following the 

implementation of TAAF-supported projects (program completion). To measure these 

outcomes, EDA compares average sales, average employment and average productivity3

(sales per employee) of all firms completing the program in a particular year (known as 

the “base year.”) These measures are compared for the same firms one and two years 

following program completion. The base year used for this report is FY 2012, as this 

allows EDA to compare these measures looking back both one and two years from the 

date of this report. 

By comparison to similar non-assisted U.S. firms, the national manufacturing industry in 

aggregate experienced relatively similar performance at the one year mark, while TAAFassisted firms outpaced others two years after completing the program. In FY 2014, firms 

participating in the TAAF program reported that upon completion of the TAAF program 

in FY 2012, average sales were $16.8 million, average employment was 85 and average 

sales per employee (productivity) were $197,875. 

One year after completing the program (FY 2013), these same firms reported that average 

sales and productivity grew, while employment experienced a slight decline. Average 

 

1

 See EDA’s FY 2013 TAAF Annual Report, available at www.eda.gov. 2

 See http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-12-930 

3

 Since the certified firms are in various industries, which have a variety of ways to measure productivity, 

sales per employee was chosen as the productivity measure. This measure is used because it can be 

generally applied to all certified firms. 
Page 3 of 50

sales increased by 2 percent, average productivity increased by 3 percent, and average 

employment decreased by 1 percent. By comparison to similar non-assisted U.S. firms, 

the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in FY 2013, the national 

manufacturing industry in aggregate experienced an average employment increase of 0.4 

percent4

 from FY 2012. 

Two years after completing the program (FY 2014), these same firms reported continued 

growth in sales and productivity as well as gains in employment. Average sales increased 

by 14 percent, average productivity increased by 4 percent, and average employment 

increased by 9 percent. Meanwhile, BLS reported that the manufacturing industry in FY 

2014 experienced an average employment increase of only 2 percent from FY 2012. 

Therefore, firms assisted by the TAAF program performed more successfully than the 

manufacturing industry as a whole. 

Additionally, all TAAF-assisted firms that completed the program in FY 2012 were in 

operation at the end of FY 2014, indicating strong survival rates for TAAF-assisted firms 

in the face of import pressures. 

Summary of the TAAF Program

The TAAF program is authorized by chapters 3 and 5 of title II of the Trade Act. The 

responsibility for administering the TAAF program is delegated to EDA by the Secretary 

of Commerce. The TAAF program provides technical assistance to U.S. manufacturing 

and production firms5

 affected by import competition in order to help them develop and 

implement projects to regain global competitiveness, increase profitability and create jobs. 

On October 21, 2011, the President signed into law the Trade Adjustment Assistance 

Extension Act (TAAEA) of 2011 (Pub. L. No. 112-40). This Act retroactively extended 

some provisions – such as eligibility for service firms and expanded time periods for 

qualifying firm eligibility – that were enacted as part of the Trade and Globalization 

Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 (TGAAA) until December 31, 2013, and authorized 

TAAF until December 31, 2014. 

The mission of the TAAF program is to help U.S. firms regain competitiveness in the 

global economy. Import-impacted U.S. manufacturing and production firms can receive 

direct technical assistance to help expand markets, strengthen operations and increase 

competitiveness through the TAAF program. The program provides assistance to support 

the development of business recovery plans, commonly referred to as “Adjustment 

Proposals” or “APs,” under Section 252 of the Trade Act, and matching funds to 

implement projects outlined in the APs. 

 

4

 BLS measures productivity by labor productivity (output per hour) versus sales over employment; and does 

not collect a sales measure comparable to EDA’s measure in this report. 

5

 Upon the enactment of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011 (TAAEA) (P.L. 112-40, 

enacted Oct. 21, 2011), service sector firms again became eligible for assistance. Pursuant to the statute, on 

January 1, 2014, the TAAF program reverted from the expanded program made effective by TAAEA to the 

more limited program that was in effect on February 13, 2011 before the TAAEA amendments. This means 

that as of January 1, 2014, among other things, service sector firms are no longer eligible for assistance. 
Page 4 of 50

The TAAF program supports a national network of 11 independent non-profit or 

university-affiliated Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAACs) to help U.S. 

manufacturing and production firms in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Firms work with the TAACs in a public-private 

collaborative framework to apply for certification of eligibility for TAAF assistance, and 

prepare and implement strategies to guide their economic recovery. EDA’s partnership 

with the TAACs allows firms to receive customized assistance from highly qualified 

experts who are knowledgeable about the needs, challenges and opportunities facing the 

industries in their region. 

The most common types of assistance provided to participating firms in FY 2014 were 

marketing/sales improvement and production/engineering projects, which comprised over 

half of all projects supported throughout the year. TAACs reported that 19 percent of all 

AP projects approved included projects explicitly for the purpose of assisting the firm with 

developing or increasing export opportunities. 

As of September 30, 2014, 842 active firms with combined sales of $12.7 billion and a 

workforce of 70,436 participated in the TAAF program. In FY 2014, TAACs provided 

technical assistance to 361 firms in preparing petitions, 120 firms in preparing APs, and 

919 firms in implementing projects within their APs. Meanwhile, EDA certified 105 

petitions and approved 107 APs. 

EDA successfully met both the 60-day processing deadline (to make a final determination 

for petitions accepted for filing) and the 60-day processing deadline for approval of APs, 

as required by statute. In FY 2014, the average processing time for petitions was 17 

business days, and the average processing time for APs was 20 business days. 
Page 5 of 50

Table of Contents 

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 6 

Program Description ............................................................................................................................... 8 

Results/Findings ..................................................................................................................................... 12 

Data for This Report ............................................................................................................................. 12 

(1) The number of firms that inquired about the program. .................................................................. 12 

(2) The number of petitions filed under section 251. .......................................................................... 12 

(3) The number of petitions certified and denied by the Secretary. .................................................... 12 

(4) The average time for processing petitions after the petitions are filed. ......................................... 12 

(5) The number of petitions filed and firms certified for each Congressional District in the 

 United States. ................................................................................................................................. 17 

(6) Of the number of petitions filed, the number of firms that entered the program and received 

 benefits........................................................................................................................................... 22 

(7) The number of firms that received assistance in preparing their petitions. ................................... 23 

(8) The number of firms that received assistance developing business recovery plans. ..................... 23 

(9) The number of business recovery plans approved and denied by the Secretary............................ 24 

(10) Average duration of benefits received under the program nationally and in each region served 

 by an intermediary organization (the TAAC) referred to in section 253(b)(1) of the Trade Act. . 27 

(11) Sales, employment, and productivity at each firm participating in the TAAF program at the 

 time of certification. ...................................................................................................................... 27 

(12) Sales, employment, and productivity at each firm upon completion of the program and each 

 year for the two-year period following completion. ...................................................................... 30 

(13) The number of firms in operation as of the date of this report and the number of firms that 

 ceased operations after completing the program in each year during the two-year period 

 following completion of the program. ........................................................................................... 30 

(14) The financial assistance received by each firm participating in the program. ............................... 37 

(15) The financial contribution made by each firm participating in the program. ................................ 37 

(16) The types of technical assistance included in the business recovery plans of firms participating 

 in the program. ............................................................................................................................... 37 

(17) The number of firms leaving the program before completing the project or projects in their 

 business recovery plans and the reason the project or projects were not completed. .................... 39 

(18) The total amount expended by all intermediary organizations referred to in Section 253(b)(1) 

 and by each organization to administer the program. .................................................................... 40 

(19) The total amount expended by intermediary organizations to provide technical assistance to 

 firms under the program nationally and in each region served by such an organization ............... 41

Conclusion.............................................................................................................42 

Supplement - TAAF Program Benefits to Manufacturing Firms..........................................43
Page 6 of 50

 

Introduction 

his report is provided in compliance with Section 255A of chapter 3 of title II of the 

Trade Act, as amended (19 U.S.C. § 2341 et seq.). Section 255A of the Trade Act 

directs the Secretary of Commerce to provide an annual report on the Trade 

Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program by the 15th of December. Section 

255 of the Trade Act states: 

IN GENERAL.—Not later than December 15, 2012, and annually thereafter, 

the Secretary shall prepare a report containing data regarding the trade 

adjustment assistance for firms program under this chapter for the preceding 

fiscal year. The data shall include the following: 

This report will provide findings and results classified by intermediary organization6, 

state, and national totals7, to the extent that the data are available on the following 19 

measures: 

1. The number of firms that inquired about the program. 

2. The number of petitions filed under section 251. 

3. The number of petitions certified and denied by the Secretary. 

4. The average time for processing petitions after the petitions are filed. 

5. The number of petitions filed and firms certified for each Congressional district 

of the United States. 

6. Of the number of petitions filed, the number of firms that entered the program 

and received benefits. 

7. The number of firms that received assistance in preparing their petitions. 

8. The number of firms that received assistance developing business recovery 

plans. 

9. The number of business recovery plans approved and denied by the Secretary. 

10. The average duration of benefits received under the program nationally and in 

each region served by an intermediary organization referred to in section 

253(b)(1) of the Trade Act. 

11. Sales, employment, and productivity at each firm participating in the TAAF 

program at the time of certification. 

12. Sales, employment, and productivity at each firm upon completion of the 

program and each year for the two-year period following completion. 

 

6

 “Intermediary Organization” referred to in section 253(b)(1) are the Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers 

(TAACs). 

7

 See chapter 3 of title II of the Trade Act, section 255A (b) Classification of Data. 

T 
Page 7 of 50

13. The number of firms in operation as the date of the report and the number of 

firms that ceased operations after completing the program and in each year 

during the two-year period following completion of the program. 

14. The financial assistance received by each firm participating in the program. 

15. The financial contribution made by each firm participating in the program. 

16. The types of technical assistance included in the business recovery plans of 

firms participating in the program. 

17. The number of firms leaving the program before completing the project or 

projects in their business recovery plans and the reason the project was not 

completed. 

18. The total amount expended by all intermediary organizations referred to in 

Section 253(b)(1) and by each organization to administer the program. 

19. The total amount expended by intermediary organizations to provide technical 

assistance to firms under the program nationally and in each region served by 

such an organization. 

 
Page 8 of 50

Program Description 

“The manufacturing sector accounts for 70 percent of U.S. private-sector research and 

development, 70 percent of patents, and the vast majority of U.S. exports. Manufacturing 

jobs provide a key pathway into the middle class, with workers earning between wages and 

benefits 17 percent more than their counterparts in other sectors. 8”

– U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker

The TAAF program is authorized by chapters 3 and 5 of title II of the Trade Act, and is one 

of four distinct programs authorized under the Trade Act. The other TAA programs are TAA 

for Workers and TAA for Community College and Career Training, which are both 

administered by DOL, and TAA for Farmers, which is administered by USDA. 

Exhibit 1: TAA Programs 

The responsibility for administering the TAAF program is delegated to EDA by the Secretary 

of Commerce. 

The mission of the TAAF program is to help U.S. firms regain competitiveness in the global 

economy. The program provides technical assistance to U.S. manufacturing and production 

firms affected by import competition in order to help them develop and implement projects to 

regain global competitiveness, increase profitability and create jobs. 

Import-impacted U.S. manufacturing and production firms9

 can receive direct technical 

assistance through matching funds provided to Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers 

 

8 U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker’s testimony on Strengthening Innovation and Manufacturing for 

a 21st Century Economy, November 13, 2013.

9 Under the TAAEA, which expired December 31, 2013, service sector firms were eligible for assistance. As 

TAAF was not reauthorized before January 1, 2014, the TAAF program reverted from the expanded program 

made effective by TAAEA to the more limited program that was in effect on February 13, 2011 before the 

TAAEA amendments. This means that as of January 1, 2014, among other things, service sector firms are no 

longer eligible for assistance. 
Page 9 of 50

(TAACs), which the TAACs then use to match the costs for third-party consultants to help 

firms expand markets, strengthen operations and increase competitiveness. Funds are not 

provided directly to firms. 

The program provides assistance to support the development of business recovery plans, 

commonly referred to as “Adjustment Proposals” or “APs,” under Section 252 of the Trade 

Act, and matching funds to implement projects outlined in the APs. These projects may cover 

a range of functional areas to improve a firm’s market position and increase its overall 

competitiveness, including engineering, information technology, management, market 

development, marketing, new product development, quality improvement and sales. 

The national network of 11 independent non-profit or university-affiliated TAACs serve U.S. 

manufacturing and production firms in all 50 States, the District of Columbia and the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Firms work with the TAACs in a public-private 

collaborative framework to apply for certification of eligibility for TAAF assistance, and 

prepare and implement strategies to guide their economic recovery. 

Exhibit 2: TAACs and their Respective Service Areas 

TAAC Service Areas 

Great Lakes Indiana, Michigan and Ohio 

Mid-America Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri 

Mid-Atlantic 

Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 

Virginia and West Virginia 

Midwest Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin 

New England 

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and 

Vermont 

New York State New York 

Northwest Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington 

Rocky Mountain 

Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and 

Wyoming 

Southeastern 

Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South 

Carolina, Tennessee and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 

Southwest Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas 

Western Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada 

 
Page 10 of 50

Exhibit 3: Program Phases 

There are three main phases to receiving technical assistance under the TAAF program: 

(1) petitioning for certification, (2) recovery planning and (3) AP implementation. 

Phase I - Petitioning for Certification10

The first step to receiving assistance is the submission of a petition to EDA to be certified as 

a trade-impacted firm. A petition is comprised of Form ED-840P, titled “Petition by a Firm 

for Certification of Eligibility to Apply for Trade Adjustment Assistance,” and required 

supporting documentation. Generally, certification specialists in the TAACs work with the 

firm at no cost to the firm to complete and submit a petition to EDA. 

Upon receipt of the petition, EDA performs an analysis of the petition and supporting 

documents to determine if the petition is complete and may be accepted. EDA is required to 

make a final determination on the petition within 60 days of accepting a petition. 

To certify a firm as eligible to apply for adjustment assistance, the Secretary must determine 

that the following three conditions are met: 

1. A significant number or proportion of the workers in the firm have been or are threatened 

to be totally or partially separated; 

2. Sales and/or production of the firm have decreased absolutely, or sales and/or production 

of an article or service that accounted for at least 25 percent of total production or sales of 

the firm during the 12 months preceding the most recent 12-month period for which data 

are available have decreased absolutely; and 

3. Increased imports of articles like or directly competitive with articles produced or 

services provided by the firm have “contributed importantly” to both the layoffs and the 

decline in sales and/or production. 

 

 

10 Upon the enactment of the TAAEA, service sector firms again became eligible for assistance. Pursuant to the 

statute, on January 1, 2014, the TAAF program reverted from the expanded program made effective by TAAEA 

to the more limited program that was in effect on February 13, 2011 before the TAAEA amendments. This 

means that as of January 1, 2014, among other things (included but not limited to): 

1. Service sector firms are no longer eligible for assistance, 

2. Applicant firms may only use a 12-month “look back” period to demonstrate their eligibility, and not a 

 24- or 36-month look back period, and 

3. EDA must make a determination on a petition under the program within 60 days. 
Page 11 of 50

Phase II - Recovery Planning 

Certified firms then work with TAAC staff to develop a customized AP for submission to 

EDA for approval. Once an AP has been submitted, EDA is required to make a final 

determination within 60 days. 

Phase III - AP Implementation 

The firm works with consultants to implement projects in an approved AP. For an AP in 

which proposed tasks total $30,000 or less, EDA provides up to 75 percent of the cost and 

the firm is responsible for the balance. For an AP in which proposed tasks total over 

$30,000, EDA pays 50 percent of the total cost and the firm pays the remaining 50 percent. 

In order to most efficiently and effectively utilize limited program funds, EDA limits its 

share of technical assistance to a certified firm to no more than $75,000. After a competitive 

procurement process, the TAAC and the firm generally contract with private consultants to 

implement the AP. 

As projects are implemented and if the firm is satisfied with the work, the firm will first pay 

their match to the consultant, and then send a notice to the TAAC stating that they are 

satisfied with the work and that they have paid their matching share. The TAAC will then 

pay the Federal matching share. Firms have up to five years from the date of an AP’s 

approval to implement the approved business recovery strategy contained therein, unless they 

receive EDA approval for an extension. Generally, firms complete the implementation of 

their respective APs over a two-year period. 

In general, the TAACs provide an array of services to assist import-impacted firms 

throughout this process, including: 

 Assisting firms in preparing their petitions for TAAF. Firms are not charged for any 

assistance related to the preparation of a petition. 

 Once a petition has been approved, TAACs work closely with a firm’s management 

to identify the firm’s strengths and weaknesses and develop a customized business 

strategy (AP) designed to foster competitiveness. The program pays up to 75% of the 

cost of developing an AP and the firm must pay the rest. EDA must approve all APs 

to ensure they conform to statutory and regulatory requirements. 

 After an AP has been approved, company management and TAAC staff jointly 

identify consultants with the specific expertise required to assist the firm in 

implementing their competitiveness strategy. 

 
Page 12 of 50

Results/Findings 

Data for This Report 

The data used in this report were collected from the TAACs as part of their reporting 

requirements, petitions for certification, and the APs submitted by the TAACs on behalf of 

firms. Eligibility Reviewers at EDA recorded data from these sources into a central database. 

The data presented in this report has been verified by the TAACs. Results for average 

processing times were derived by EDA. Data in this report reflect data as of the end of FY 

2014. Therefore, data in this Annual Report may differ from previously published data that 

were based on different periods. 

(1) The number of firms that inquired about the program. 

In FY 2014, the TAACs received 1,763 inquiries about the program. 

Exhibit 4: Inquiries about the TAAF program by TAAC 

TAAC 

No. of Firms that 

Inquired about the 

TAAF program 

Great Lakes 79 

Mid-America 251 

Mid-Atlantic 26 

Midwest 70 

New England 46 

New York State 61 

Northwest 130 

Rocky Mountain 202 

Southeastern 225 

Southwest 160 

Western 513 

Total 1,763 

(2) The number of petitions filed under section 251. 

(3) The number of petitions certified and denied by the Secretary. 

(4) The average time for processing petitions after the petitions are filed. 

EDA received 110 petitions, a 6 percent increase, compared to the number of petitions 

received in FY 2013. EDA filed (accepted for investigation) 102 petitions under section 251 

of the Trade Act, a 3 percent decrease, compared to the number of petitions accepted in FY 
Page 13 of 50

2013. EDA certified 105 petitions, equivalent to the number of certifications in FY 201311. 

Petitions are certified on a rolling basis throughout the year. Petitions certified in FY 2014 

may be the result of those received or filed (accepted) in FY 2014, while petitions received or 

filed (accepted) in FY 2014 may not result in certification in FY 2014. 

EDA’s average processing time for petitions (from acceptance to certification) was 17 

business days, a 32 percent decrease compared to the average processing time for petitions in 

FY 2013. EDA is required to process petitions for certification within 60 days of acceptance. 

Exhibit 5: Petition Activity: FY 2009 – FY 201412

FY 

No. of 

Petitions 

Received 

No. of 

Petitions 

Accepted 

for Filing 

No. of 

Petitions 

Certified 

No. of 

Petitions 

Denied or 

Withdrawn 

Average 

Days 

Between 

Receipt and 

Acceptance 

(Filing) 

Average Days 

Between 

Acceptance 

(Filing) and 

Certification 

Average Days 

Between 

Receipt and 

Certification 

2009 276 243 216 1 28 45 70 

2010 311 329 330 0 61 31 74 

2011 128 129 149 22 16 21 36 

2012 85 83 79 3 29 29 58 

2013 104 105 105 1 13 25 37 

2014 110 102 105 1 10 17 26 

% Change 

(2013 to 2014) 6% (3)% 0% 0% (23%) (32%) (30%) 

Exhibit 6: Petitions Received by TAAC: FY 2009 – FY 2014 

 

11 Some TAACs believe that fewer firms were eligible to participate in the program because the economy’s 

improvement from FY 2010 and FY 2011 prevented some firms from demonstrating a decrease in employment, 

sales and production required for eligibility. 

12 Petitions are certified on a rolling basis throughout the year, therefore activity in these categories may not 

result in certification within the same FY. These totals represent the activity under each category within FY 

2014. 
Page 14 of 50

Exhibit 7: Petitions Accepted by TAAC: FY 2009 – FY 2014 

Exhibit 8: Petitions Certified by TAAC: FY 2009 – FY 2014 

Exhibit 9: Petitions Received, Accepted, and Certified by TAAC: FY 2014 

 
Page 15 of 50

Exhibit 10: Petitions Received, Accepted, and Certified by TAAC/State: FY 2014 

TAAC/State 

Petitions 

Received 

Petitions 

Accepted 

Petitions 

Certified 

 

Great Lakes 8 8 8 

IN 2 2 2 

MI 4 4 4 

OH 2 2 2 

Mid-America 9 8 8 

AR 0 0 0 

KS 1 1 0 

MO 8 7 8 

MidAtlantic 8 7 9 

DC 0 0 0 

DE 0 0 0 

MD 0 0 0 

NJ 0 0 0 

PA 8 7 9 

VA 0 0 0 

WV 0 0 0 

Midwest 20 16 17 

IA 1 1 1 

IL 12 10 10 

MN 3 2 2 

WI 4 3 4 

New England 9 9 9 

CT 3 2 2 

MA 4 5 5 

ME 1 1 1 

NH 0 0 0 

RI 1 1 1 

VT 0 0 0 

New York State 4 4 4 

NY 4 4 4 

Northwest 11 10 10 

AK 1 1 0 

ID 1 1 1 

MT 0 0 0 

OR 3 3 3 

WA 6 5 6 
Page 16 of 50

TAAC/State 

Petitions 

Received 

Petitions 

Accepted 

Petitions 

Certified 

Rocky Mountain 19 18 17 

CO 10 9 7 

ND 4 3 3 

NE 0 0 0 

NM 0 0 0 

SD 2 2 2 

UT 3 4 5 

WY 0 0 0 

Southeastern 9 9 9 

AL 1 1 1 

FL 1 0 0 

GA 3 4 4 

KY 1 1 1 

MS 1 1 1 

NC 2 2 2 

SC 0 0 0 

TN 0 0 0 

PR 0 0 0 

Southwest 9 8 9 

LA 2 1 1 

OK 1 1 1 

TX 6 6 6 

Western 4 5 5 

AZ 0 0 0 

CA 4 5 5 

NV 0 0 0 

Total 110 102 105 

 
Page 17 of 50

The majority (96 percent) of petitions certified under the TAAF program were submitted by 

firms in the manufacturing sector. Other industries included transportation, wholesale trade, 

and technical services.13 One service sector firm was certified for TAAF assistance in FY 

2014. Service sector firms were no longer eligible for TAAF assistance after December 31, 

201314. 

Exhibit 11: Firms Certified for TAAF by Industry: FY 2014 

Exhibit 12: Firms Certified for TAAF by Sector: FY 2014 

FY 

Total No. of 

Firms 

Certified 

Manufacturing 

Firms 

Percentage of 

Manufacturing 

Firms Certified 

Service 

Firms 

Percentage 

of Service 

Firms 

Certified 

Other 

Firms 

Percentage 

of Other 

Firms 

Certified 

2014 105 101 96% 1 1% 3 3% 

(5) The number of petitions filed and firms certified for each Congressional District in 

the United States. 

Exhibit 13: Petitions Filed (Accepted) and Certified by Congressional District: FY 2014 

TAAC/State 

Congressional 

District 

Petitions 

Accepted 

Petitions 

Certified 

 

Great Lakes 8 8 

IN 2 2 

2 1 1 

8 1 1 

 

13 As identified by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes. 

14 Ibid. Footnote 9. 
Page 18 of 50

TAAC/State 

Congressional 

District 

Petitions 

Accepted 

Petitions 

Certified 

MI 4 4 

2 1 1 

4 1 1 

7 1 1 

13 1 1 

OH 2 2 

3 1 1 

14 1 1 

Mid-America 8 8 

AR 0 0 

KS 1 0 

1 1 0 

MO 7 8 

2 1 2 

3 4 4 

4 1 1 

5 1 1 

MidAtlantic 7 9 

DC 0 0 

DE 0 0 

NJ 0 0 

PA 7 9 

3 1 1 

4 2 3 

7 1 1 

8 1 1 

9 0 1 

15 1 1 

16 1 1 

VA 0 0 

WV 0 0 

Midwest 16 17 

IA 1 1 

2 1 1 

IL 10 10 

4 1 1 
Page 19 of 50

TAAC/State 

Congressional 

District 

Petitions 

Accepted 

Petitions 

Certified 

5 1 1 

6 2 2 

6 2 2 

7 1 1 

8 2 2 

9 2 2 

14 1 1 

MN 2 2 

3 1 1 

5 1 1 

WI 3 4 

2 1 2 

5 1 1 

6 1 1 

New England 9 9 

CT 2 2 

2 1 1 

5 1 1 

MA 5 5 

3 2 2 

6 2 2 

7 1 1 

ME 1 1 

1 1 1 

NH 0 0 

RI 1 1 

2 1 1 

VT 0 0 

New York State 4 4 

NY 4 4 

2 1 1 

25 1 1 

27 2 2 

Northwest 10 10 

AK 1 1 

At-Large 1 1 
Page 20 of 50

TAAC/State 

Congressional 

District 

Petitions 

Accepted 

Petitions 

Certified 

ID 1 1 

1 1 1 

MT 0 0 

OR 3 3 

2 1 1 

3 1 1 

5 1 1 

WA 5 6 

1 1 1 

2 2 2 

5 1 1 

8 0 1 

10 1 1 

Rocky Mountain 18 17 

CO 9 7 

1 1 0 

2 2 3 

3 3 3 

5 1 0 

6 1 0 

7 1 1 

ND 3 3 

At-Large 3 3 

NM 0 0 

SD 2 2 

At-Large 2 2 

UT 4 4 

1 2 2 

2 0 1 

3 2 2 

WY 0 0 

Southeastern 9 9 

AL 1 1 

7 1 1 

FL 0 0 

GA 4 4 
Page 21 of 50

TAAC/State 

Congressional 

District 

Petitions 

Accepted 

Petitions 

Certified 

1 1 1 

9 1 1 

10 1 1 

14 1 1 

KY 1 1 

4 1 1 

MS 1 1 

3 1 1 

NC 2 2 

7 2 2 

PR 0 0 

SC 0 0 

TN 0 0 

Southwest 8 9 

LA 1 2 

1 0 1 

2 1 1 

OK 1 1 

1 1 1 

TX 6 6 

2 1 1 

10 1 1 

11 1 1 

12 1 1 

32 1 1 

35 1 1 

Western 5 5 

AZ 0 0 

CA 5 5 

26 1 1 

32 1 1 

39 1 1 

47 1 1 

51 1 1 

AZ 0 0 

Total 102 105 
Page 22 of 50

(6) Of the number of petitions filed, the number of firms that entered the program and 

received benefits15. 

In FY 2014, 102 petitions were accepted (filed) for certification and 105 were certified. Of the 

105 firms certified in FY 2014, 73 firms submitted and were approved for an AP in the same 

fiscal year16. An additional 34 firms that were certified for TAAF in previous fiscal years were 

also approved for an AP in FY 2014. 

Exhibit 14: Petitions Certified and APs Approved: FY 2014 

TAAC 

No. of Petitions 

Accepted 

No. of Petitions 

Certified 

No. of APs 

Approved for 

Firms Certified 

in FY 2014 

Great Lakes 8 8 2 

Mid-America 8 8 8 

MidAtlantic 7 9 5 

Midwest 16 17 15 

New England 9 9 7 

New York State 4 4 3 

Northwest 10 10 7 

Rocky Mountain 18 17 13 

Southeastern 9 9 6 

Southwest 8 9 4 

Western 5 5 3 

Total 102 105 73 

Exhibit 15: TAAF Assistance to Firms: FY 2014 

In FY 2014, 1,184 unique firms received TAAF technical assistance in preparing petitions, 

developing APs, and/or implementing projects in these plans. Although firms may receive 

assistance in all phases of the TAAF program more than once in a single fiscal year, firms 

were counted once in this table. 

 

TAAC TAAF Assistance 

Great Lakes 95 

Mid-America 45 

MidAtlantic 111 

 

15 Benefits are defined as technical assistance provided to TAAF-certified firms in preparing and implementing 

business recovery plans (APs). 

16 Firms have up to two years from the date of TAAF certification to submit a business recovery plan (AP). 

These totals represent the firms certified for TAAF in FY 2014 that also submitted and received an approved 

business recovery plan in the same fiscal year. The total number of APs approved in FY 2014 is reported in 

Exhibits 19, 20 and 21. 
Page 23 of 50

TAAC TAAF Assistance 

Midwest 259 

New England 125 

New York State 78 

Northwest 72 

Rocky Mountain 117 

Southeastern 126 

Southwest 114 

Western 42 

Total 1,184 

(7) The number of firms that received assistance in preparing their petitions. 

In FY 2014, 361 firms received assistance in preparing petitions. Firms may receive 

assistance in all phases of preparing petitions more than once in a single year. Petition 

assistance rendered may not result in the submission of a petition in the fiscal year. 

Exhibit 16: Petition Assistance Activity: FY 2014 

TAAC Petition Assistance 

Great Lakes 16 

Mid-America 5 

MidAtlantic 21 

Midwest 117 

New England 13 

New York State 37 

Northwest 17 

Rocky Mountain 43 

Southeastern 61 

Southwest 20 

Western 11 

Total 361 

(8) The number of firms that received assistance developing business recovery plans. 

In FY 2014, 120 firms received assistance in developing APs and 919 firms received 

assistance in implementing projects in these plans. Firms may receive assistance in 

developing and implementing APs more than once in a single year. AP assistance rendered 

may not result in the submission or implementation of an AP in the current fiscal year. 

 
Page 24 of 50

Exhibit 17: AP Development Activity: FY 2014 

TAAC 

AP Development 

Assistance 

Great Lakes 13 

Mid-America 9 

MidAtlantic 15 

Midwest 18 

New England 7 

New York State 6 

Northwest 11 

Rocky Mountain 18 

Southeastern 11 

Southwest 7 

Western 5 

Total 120 

Exhibit 18: AP Implementation Activity: FY 2014 

TAAC 

AP Implementation 

Assistance 

Great Lakes 80 

Mid-America 42 

MidAtlantic 65 

Midwest 167 

New England 125 

New York State 43 

Northwest 61 

Rocky Mountain 86 

Southeastern 54 

Southwest 162 

Western 34 

Total 919 

(9) The number of business recovery plans approved and denied by the Secretary. 

In FY 2014, EDA approved 107 APs, a decrease of 6 percent compared to FY 201317. EDA 

successfully met the 60-day processing deadline for approval of APs. The average 

processing time for APs was 20 business days, a 33 percent increase compared to FY 2013 18. 

 

 

17 Ibid. Footnote 11. 

18 Firms have two years from the date of certification to submit an AP to EDA. APs approved in FY 2014 may 

represent firms that were certified for TAAF between FY 2012 – FY 2014. 
Page 25 of 50

Exhibit 19: Summary of APs Approved: FY 2009 – FY 2014 

FY 

No. of APs 

Approved 

Total 

Government 

Share 

Total Firm 

Share 

Total 

Projected AP 

Costs 

Average 

Government 

Assistance 

Per Firm 

Average Days 

Between 

Submission 

and Approval 

2009 172 $10,393,639 $9,888,201 $20,281,840 $60,428 20 

2010 264 $16,448,946 $15,743,946 $32,192,892 $62,307 24 

2011 183 $11,075,545 $10,580,545 $21,656,090 $60,522 16 

2012 102 $5,437,455 $5,033,455 $10,470,910 $53,308 21 

2013 114 $6,192,998 $5,775,497 $11,968,495 $54,325 15 

2014 107 $5,354,065 $4,955,057 $10,309,092 $54,325 20 

Total 835 $49,548,583 $47,021,645 $96,570,227 $59,340 19 

% Change 

(2013 to 

2014) (6)% (14)% (14)% (14)% (8)% 33% 

Exhibit 20: APs Approved by TAAC: FY 2009 – FY 2014 

Exhibit 21: APs Approved by TAAC/State: FY 2014 

TAAC/State 

No. of APs 

Approved 

Government 

Share of 

Approved AP 

Projects 

Firm Share of 

Approved AP 

Projects 

Total 

Approved AP 

Projects 

 

Great Lakes 3 $120,000 $90,000 $210,000 

IN 1 $22,500 $7,500 $30,000 

MI 2 $97,500 $82,500 $180,000 
Page 26 of 50

TAAC/State 

No. of APs 

Approved 

Government 

Share of 

Approved AP 

Projects 

Firm Share of 

Approved AP 

Projects 

Total 

Approved AP 

Projects 

Mid-America 9 $412,500 $337,500 $750,000 

MO 9 $412,500 $337,500 $750,000 

MidAtlantic 12 $499,000 $484,000 $983,000 

PA 12 $499,000 $484,000 $983,000 

Midwest 16 $858,720 $783,719 $1,642,439 

IA 1 $75,000 $75,000 $150,000 

IL 10 $556,156 $511,155 $1,067,311 

MN 2 $75,001 $60,001 $135,002 

WI 3 $152,563 $137,563 $290,126 

New England 9 $437,500 $392,500 $830,000 

CT 3 $122,500 $107,500 $230,000 

MA 3 $172,500 $157,500 $330,000 

ME 2 $82,500 $67,500 $150,000 

RI 1 $60,000 $60,000 $120,000 

New York State 7 $407,000 $407,000 $814,000 

NY 7 $407,000 $407,000 $814,000 

Northwest 9 $400,565 $346,588 $747,153 

ID 1 $75,000 $75,000 $150,000 

OR 2 $42,100 $27,100 $69,200 

WA 6 $283,465 $244,488 $527,953 

Rocky Mountain 24 $1,285,000 $1,285,000 $2,570,000 

CO 12 $510,000 $510,000 $1,020,000 

ND 3 $175,000 $175,000 $350,000 

NE 1 $100,000 $100,000 $200,000 

SD 3 $155,000 $155,000 $310,000 

UT 5 $345,000 $345,000 $690,000 

Southeastern 9 $483,750 $438,750 $922,500 

AL 2 $97,500 $82,500 $180,000 

GA 3 $120,000 $90,000 $210,000 

KY 1 $75,000 $75,000 $150,000 

MS 1 $75,000 $75,000 $150,000 

NC 2 $116,250 $116,250 $232,500 

Southwest 5 $322,500 $307,500 $630,000 

LA 3 $172,500 $157,500 $330,000 

TX 2 $150,000 $150,000 $300,000 

Western 4 $127,500 $82,500 $210,000 

CA 4 $127,500 $82,500 $210,000 

Total 107 $5,354,035 $4,955,057 $10,309,092 
Page 27 of 50

(10) Average duration of benefits received under the program nationally and in each 

region served by an intermediary organization (the TAAC) referred to in section 

253(b)(1) of the Trade Act. 

In FY 2014, 126 firms exited the TAAF program after being approved for an AP. 

Nationally, firms receive on average 62 months19 of benefits under the TAAF program. 

Exhibit 22: Average Duration of Benefits Received – Firms that Completed Program: 

FY 2014 by TAAC (Region)/Firm 

TAAC 

Average No. of Months 

Firms Received Benefits 

Under TAAF program 

by TAAC 

Great Lakes 64 

Mid-America 52 

MidAtlantic 77 

Midwest 56 

New England 56 

New York State 62 

Northwest 63 

Rocky Mountain 71 

Southeastern 58 

Southwest 62 

Western 65 

Total 62 

(11) Sales, employment, and productivity at each firm participating in the TAAF 

program at the time of certification. 

As of the end of FY 2014, 842 active firms with combined sales of $12.7 billion and a 

workforce of 70,436 are participating in the TAAF program. A firm that has an approved 

AP, has not completed all projects in their AP, and is still engaged in the TAAF program is 

considered “active.” For the purposes of this report, productivity is defined as net sales per 

employee. Since the certified firms are in various industries, which have a variety of ways to 

measure productivity, sales per employee is utilized as a standardized measure for assessing 

productivity across all firms assisted. 

 

 

19 Prior to 2008, firms were allowed in excess of five years to complete projects, resulting in a longer than 

average duration of benefits. Firms have five years from the date of AP approval to complete their projects. 
Page 28 of 50

Exhibit 23: Sales, Employment, and Productivity20 at All Firms Participating in the TAAF 

Program in FY 2014 by TAAC and State: 

TAAC/State 

Total No. of 

Active Firms in 

FY 2014 

Total Sales at 

Certification 

Total 

Employment at 

Certification 

Total Average 

Productivity 

Great Lakes 84 $1,923,343,003 10,722 $179,383 

IN 25 $336,171,086 2,774 $121,186 

MI 33 $592,114,011 2,552 $232,020 

OH 26 $995,057,906 5,396 $184,407 

Mid-America 35 $250,507,322 2,490 $100,605 

AR 3 $10,491,606 208 $50,440 

KS 7 $35,762,503 436 $82,024 

MO 25 $204,253,213 1,846 $110,646 

MidAtlantic 85 $922,754,272 6,208 $148,640 

MD 1 $3,323,141 26 $127,813 

NJ 5 $30,674,555 250 $122,698 

PA 77 $876,215,257 5,751 $152,359 

VA 2 $12,541,319 181 $69,289 

Midwest 143 $2,072,265,109 11,035 $187,790 

IA 5 $114,371,818 475 $240,783 

IL 89 $866,282,910 5,041 $171,847 

MN 18 $160,183,266 1,172 $136,675 

WI 31 $931,427,115 4,347 $214,269 

New England 125 $953,134,682 6,187 $154,054 

CT 18 $140,481,259 922 $152,366 

MA 56 $368,460,782 2,399 $153,589 

ME 14 $230,359,493 1,231 $187,132 

NH 15 $110,008,153 718 $153,215 

RI 19 $82,208,044 655 $125,508 

VT 3 $21,616,951 262 $82,507 

New York State 45 $434,918,725 2,885 $150,752 

NY 45 $434,918,725 2,885 $150,752 

Northwest 64 $809,636,602 3,924 $206,329 

AK 3 $21,333,932 79 $270,050 

 

20 The total productivity as presented in across TAACs, States and the summary line of Exhibit 23 represents 

the actual total average productivity in FY 2014. This total, derived by calculating the mean horizontally (not 

vertically), is based on raw data and provides the most accurate representation of productivity for all TAACs 

and States. While this figure is provided in the table, it should be noted that calculating total productivity 

vertically introduces additional degrees of error as it represents the average of averages. 
Page 29 of 50

TAAC/State 

Total No. of 

Active Firms in 

FY 2014 

Total Sales at 

Certification 

Total 

Employment at 

Certification 

Total Average 

Productivity 

ID 9 $71,868,087 652 $110,227 

MT 6 $32,920,087 244 $134,918 

OR 17 $519,719,408 1,922 $270,406 

WA 29 $163,795,088 1,027 $159,489 

Rocky Mountain 91 $3,663,181,444 16,202 $226,094 

CO 37 $1,079,660,177 3,447 $313,217 

ND 9 $180,150,003 882 $204,252 

NE 7 $60,242,887 474 $127,095 

NM 4 $40,663,880 290 $140,220 

SD 11 $797,760,817 3,808 $209,496 

UT 20 $1,453,773,947 6,984 $208,158 

WY 3 $50,929,733 317 $160,662 

Southeastern 55 $637,311,729 4,593 $138,757 

AL 5 $56,884,188 446 $127,543 

FL 3 $2,102,927 14 $150,209 

GA 13 $42,777,862 439 $97,444 

KY 2 $51,085,164 310 $164,791 

MS 2 $20,223,322 208 $97,228 

NC 19 $242,732,765 1,625 $149,374 

SC 9 $190,870,946 1,394 $136,923 

TN 2 $30,634,555 157 $195,125 

Southwest 79 $398,026,906 3,551 $112,089 

LA 22 $122,923,252 569 $216,034 

OK 22 $128,874,406 1,304 $98,830 

TX 35 $146,229,248 1,678 $87,145 

Western 36 $615,076,587 2,639 $233,072 

AZ 4 $42,071,508 284 $148,139 

CA 28 $543,159,392 2,157 $251,812 

HI 2 $23,068,866 126 $183,086 

NV 2 $6,776,821 72 $94,123 

Total (Nationwide) 842 $12,680,156,381 70,436 $180,02421

 

 

21 Ibid. Footnote 20. 
Page 30 of 50

(12) Sales, employment, and productivity at each firm upon completion of the program 

and each year for the two-year period following completion. 

(13) The number of firms in operation as of the date of this report and the number of 

firms that ceased operations after completing the program in each year during the 

two-year period following completion of the program. 

In order to assess the effectiveness of the TAAF program, EDA evaluates the extent to which 

client firms increased their sales, employment levels, and productivity22 following the 

implementation of TAAF-supported projects (program completion). To measure these 

outcomes, EDA compares average sales, average employment and average productivity of all 

firms completing the program in a particular year (known as the “base year.”) These 

measures are compared for the same firms one and two years following program 

completion. The base year used for this report is FY 2012, as this allows EDA to compare 

these measures looking back both one and two years from the date of this report. 

By comparison to similar non-assisted U.S. firms, the national manufacturing industry in 

aggregate experienced relatively similar performance at the one year mark; while TAAFassisted firms outpaced others two years after completing the program. In FY 2014, firms 

participating in the TAAF program reported that upon completion of the TAAF program in 

FY 2012, average sales were $16.8 million, average employment was 85 and average sales 

per employee (productivity) were $197,875. 

One year after completing the program (FY 2013), these same firms reported that average 

sales and productivity grew, while employment experienced a slight decline. Average sales 

increased by 2 percent, average productivity increased by 3 percent, and average employment 

decreased by 1 percent. By comparison to similar non-assisted U.S. firms, the U.S. Bureau 

of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, in FY 2013, the national manufacturing industry in 

aggregate experienced an average employment increase of 0.4 percent23 from FY 2012. 

Two years after completing the program (FY 2014), these same firms reported continued 

growth in sales and productivity as well as gains in employment. Average sales increased by 

14 percent, average productivity increased by 4 percent, and average employment increased 

by 9 percent. Meanwhile, BLS reported that the manufacturing industry in FY 2014 

experienced an average employment increase of only 2 percent from FY 2012. 

These same firms reported that from the time of petition certification24 in the program, on 

average, sales increased by 33 percent, productivity increased by 34 percent, and 

employment decreased slightly, by 1 percent. 

Therefore, firms assisted by the TAAF program performed more successfully than the 

manufacturing industry as a whole. Firms that completed the TAAF program in FY 2012 

experienced significant growth in sales, employment and productivity from the time of 

 

22 Ibid. Footnote 3. 

23 Ibid. Footnote 4. 

24 Certification is defined as EDA’s approval of a firm’s petition to be certified as a trade-impacted firm. 
Page 31 of 50

completion to a period of two years after completion. All TAAF-assisted firms that 

completed the program in FY 2012 were in operation at the end of FY 2014, indicating 

strong survival rates for TAAF-assisted firms in the face of import pressures. 

For the purposes of this report, data are reported only for firms for which all data were 

available. Since the certified firms are in various industries, which have a variety of ways to 

measure productivity, sales per employee was chosen as the productivity measure. This 

measure is used because it can be generally applied to all certified firms. 

Exhibit 24: Summary of Average Sales, Employment, and Productivity at Firms upon 

Completion of the Program, the One-Year and Two-Year Period Following Completion, and 

from Certification to Two-Years Following Completion. 

Certification 

(Firms that 

completed in 

FY 2012) 

Completion 

(FY 2012) 

1st Year 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

2nd Year 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

% Change 

1st Year 

after 

Completion 

% Change 

2nd Year 

after 

Completion 

% Change 

Certification 

to 2nd Year 

after 

Completion 

Average 

Sales $14,346,125 $16,819,398 $17,103,306 $19,083,039 2% 14% 33% 

Average 

Employment 94 85 84 93 (1)% 9% (1)% 

Average 

Productivity $152,618 $197,875 $203,611 $205,194 3% 4% 34% 
Page 32 of 50

Exhibit 25: Sales, Employment, and Productivity at Each Firm at Certification, Completion of the Program aFollowing Completion. 

Firm ID 

Average Sales 

at 

Certification 

Average Sales 

at Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average Sales 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average Sales 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Certification 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average 

Employment 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average 

Employment 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Productivity 

at 

Certification 

Averag

Productivit

a

Completion 

(FY 2012

GLTAACCMP-001 $702,038 $934,716 $2,100,000 $975,000 6 7 6 5 $117,006 $133,53GLTAACCMP-002 $1,874,369 $3,000,000 $3,300,000 $3,000,000 24 33 34 42 $78,099 $90,90

MamTAACCMP-001 $832,000 $958,229 $1,000,000 $1,229,594 9 10 11 10 $92,444 $95,82MamTAACCMP-002 $1,212,000 $2,171,366 $2,202,295 $2,580,307 27 88 30 36 $44,889 $24,67MamTAACCMP-004 $2,517,629 $1,800,000 $2,500,000 $2,800,000 21 26 25 25 $119,887 $69,23MamTAACCMP-005 $19,110,000 $24,596,000 $23,475,083 $23,815,224 90 95 91 96 $212,333 $258,90MamTAACCMP-007 $12,131,000 $18,615,500 $22,550,442 $26,444,536 136 179 190 225 $89,199 $103,99MamTAACCMP-008 $37,484,000 $46,000,000 $39,574,000 $39,005,857 359 322 305 323 $104,412 $142,85MamTAACCMP-009 $8,395,000 $8,942,286 $9,000,000 $9,932,539 107 27 20 14 $78,458 $331,19MamTAACCMP-010 $8,681,000 $10,000,000 $10,800,000 $9,798,107 83 55 65 65 $104,590 $181,81MamTAACCMP-011 $3,674,000 $2,000,000 $2,066,688 $2,242,892 53 37 37 42 $69,321 $54,05MamTAACCMP-012 $1,324,000 $531,000 $261,674 $270,000 23 11 8 7 $57,565 $48,27MamTAACCMP-013 $345,897 $319,000 $319,000 $366,563 3 5 5 5 $115,299 $63,80MamTAACCMP-014 $3,647,000 $7,250,000 $8,650,000 $6,700,000 19 32 44 39 $191,947 $226,56MamTAACCMP-015 $1,377,000 $1,533,281 $1,533,281 $1,857,000 15 20 20 18 $91,800 $76,66MamTAACCMP-016 $9,040,100 $8,889,658 $10,000,000 $11,740,861 58 60 65 68 $155,864 $148,16MamTAACCMP-017 $11,659,000 $33,900,000 $40,417,711 $42,300,000 38 88 99 98 $306,816 $385,22MamTAACCMP-018 $7,291,000 $7,900,000 $9,525,751 $9,325,497 118 65 77 62 $61,788 $121,53MamTAACCMP-019 $103,961,000 $92,400,000 $115,916,624 $122,400,000 888 542 554 541 $117,073 $170,48
Page 33 of 50

Firm ID 

Average Sales 

at 

Certification 

Average Sales 

at Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average Sales 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average Sales 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Certification 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average 

Employment 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average 

Employment 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Productivity 

at 

Certification 

Averag

Productivit

a

Completion 

(FY 2012

MamTAACCMP-021 $24,166,000 $80,000,000 $54,728,153 $47,500,000 90 125 91 75 $268,511 $640,00MamTAACCMP-023 $19,174,000 $25,000,000 $35,500,000 $37,200,000 241 250 265 280 $79,560 $100,00MamTAACCMP-024 $13,226,000 $17,744,721 $17,744,721 $13,675,000 174 158 158 152 $76,011 $112,30MamTAACCMP-025 $4,902,840 $3,831,600 $3,669,748 $4,114,000 28 17 15 14 $175,101 $225,38MamTAACCMP-027 $52,837,000 $60,000,000 $69,200,000 $55,514,861 406 305 345 344 $130,140 $196,72MamTAACCMP-028 $208,000 $165,865 $180,000 $78,000 5 2 2 2 $41,600 $82,93MamTAACCMP-029 $4,551,000 $3,458,705 $5,948,437 $51,384,339 40 23 38 77 $113,775 $150,37MamTAACCMP-030 $1,054,942 $1,260,151 $1,270,000 $1,128,635 18 11 11 11 $58,608 $114,55MamTAACCMP-031 $4,833,000 $4,818,601 $4,950,000 $5,103,387 72 50 49 60 $67,125 $96,37

MATAACCMP-005 $19,341,214 $18,446,966 $18,991,849 $18,600,000 117 150 137 120 $165,310 $122,98MATAACCMP-006 $9,998,096 $13,650,000 $13,171,402 $14,400,000 41 62 66 65 $243,856 $220,16MATAACCMP-015 $9,939,297 $17,379,072 $18,501,039 $26,673,095 87 114 129 151 $114,245 $152,44MATAACCMP-016 $546,287 $978,000 $945,000 $1,400,000 3 5 5 9 $182,096 $195,60MATAACCMP-018 $15,427,668 $10,737,133 $11,279,579 $10,890,099 71 47 44 42 $217,291 $228,45MATAACCMP-019 $7,671,400 $7,308,721 $7,367,636 $5,653,348 62 67 57 50 $123,732 $109,08

MWTAACCMP-002 $201,980,000 $250,000,000 $250,000,000 $250,000,000 806 1,000 1,000 1,000 $250,596 $250,00MWTAACCMP-003 $7,986,187 $5,717,000 $6,500,000 $15,000,000 76 42 50 78 $105,081 $136,11MWTAACCMP-004 $6,669,681 $9,800,000 $10,500,000 $12,500,000 55 60 75 85 $121,267 $163,33MWTAACCMP-005 $63,497,000 $67,000,000 $60,000,000 $65,000,000 123 151 150 150 $516,236 $443,70MWTAACCMP-006 $8,640,000 $7,741,000 $10,000,000 $15,000,000 63 59 70 80 $137,143 $131,20MWTAACCMP-008 $39,277,000 $30,000,000 $22,400,000 $23,000,000 192 160 48 50 $204,568 $187,50MWTAACCMP-009 $6,883,000 $22,118,000 $23,400,000 $25,000,000 68 119 123 128 $101,221 $185,86
Page 34 of 50

Firm ID 

Average Sales 

at 

Certification 

Average Sales 

at Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average Sales 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average Sales 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Certification 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average 

Employment 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average 

Employment 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Productivity 

at 

Certification 

Averag

Productivit

a

Completion 

(FY 2012

MWTAACCMP-010 $4,340,000 $4,200,000 $4,910,000 $5,000,000 21 37 38 38 $206,667 $113,51MWTAACCMP-011 $9,284,000 $10,275,000 $10,582,000 $10,590,000 48 44 44 45 $193,417 $233,52MWTAACCMP-012 $662,669 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 9 17 17 17 $73,630 $64,70MWTAACCMP-013 $3,334,000 $6,500,000 $7,700,000 $7,700,000 28 47 47 47 $119,071 $138,29MWTAACCMP-014 $1,529,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 16 20 20 20 $95,563 $125,00MWTAACCMP-015 $750,000 $1,000,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 5 7 7 7 $150,000 $142,85MWTAACCMP-016 $33,932,000 $19,000,000 $20,000,000 $25,000,000 200 125 130 135 $169,660 $152,00MWTAACCMP-010 $4,340,000 $4,200,000 $4,910,000 $5,000,000 21 37 38 38 $206,667 $113,51

NETAACCMP-006 $1,496,000 $1,454,000 $1,329,964 $1,425,000 15 16 14 11 $99,733 $90,87NETAACCMP-007 $10,409,004 $13,200,000 $13,500,000 $14,000,000 77 80 80 83 $135,182 $165,00NETAACCMP-009 $7,540,427 $10,400,000 $9,653,000 $11,768,000 64 87 90 93 $117,819 $119,54NETAACCMP-010 $19,809,756 $21,342,034 $23,707,702 $27,851,000 57 58 63 66 $347,540 $367,96NETAACCMP-011 $4,994,647 $6,800,000 $7,002,000 $8,000,000 22 20 24 27 $227,029 $340,00NETAACCMP-013 $884,344 $1,198,551 $1,304,000 $1,562,010 5 7 9 11 $176,869 $171,22NETAACCMP-014 $171,103 $380,955 $325,000 $351,209 3 3 3 3 $57,034 $126,98NETAACCMP-015 $983,006 $1,038,255 $1,036,000 $1,216,000 11 11 11 10 $89,364 $94,38

NYSTAACCMP-001 $18,422,958 $25,000,000 $27,000,000 $30,000,000 143 114 117 131 $128,832 $219,29NYSTAACCMP-002 $2,300,000 $2,300,000 $2,300,000 $2,199,000 34 35 35 34 $67,647 $65,71NYSTAACCMP-003 $1,154,435 $1,498,816 $1,522,114 $2,000,000 11 13 15 16 $104,949 $115,29NYSTAACCMP-004 $1,183,025 $3,490,494 $3,499,736 $3,850,000 26 24 25 26 $45,501 $145,43

NWTAACCMP-001 $41,737,860 $42,000,000 $45,000,000 $49,500,000 267 170 173 175 $156,322 $247,05NWTAACCMP-002 $16,722,097 $18,000,000 $23,800,000 $32,000,000 90 110 114 127 $185,801 $163,63
Page 35 of 50

Firm ID 

Average Sales 

at 

Certification 

Average Sales 

at Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average Sales 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average Sales 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Certification 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average 

Employment 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average 

Employment 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Productivity 

at 

Certification 

Averag

Productivit

a

Completion 

(FY 2012

NWTAACCMP-003 $9,143,030 $8,565,000 $9,400,000 $12,300,000 25 25 19 24 $365,721 $342,60NWTAACCMP-008 $912,115 $875,000 $1,070,000 $1,320,000 6 7 7 7 $152,019 $125,00NWTAACCMP-009 $491,848 $170,959 $210,255 $259,051 1 1 1 1 $491,848 $170,95NWTAACCMP-010 $543,723 $543,000 $570,000 $632,214 8 6 6 6 $67,965 $90,50

RMTAACCMP-001 $2,480,241 $1,894,702 $2,074,291 $2,191,899 17 20 25 25 $145,897 $94,73RMTAACCMP-002 $7,593,750 $11,360,068 $20,500,000 $30,000,000 51 90 123 251 $148,897 $126,22RMTAACCMP-003 $11,067,923 $20,389,761 $19,353,331 $20,958,072 96 107 99 117 $115,291 $190,55RMTAACCMP-004 $1,972,907 $1,448,566 $1,300,000 $1,710,000 17 14 15 15 $116,053 $103,46RMTAACCMP-005 $716,538 $711,522 $522,964 $442,000 11 9 9 7 $65,140 $79,05RMTAACCMP-006 $27,654,310 $33,232,833 $35,678,574 $37,212,724 245 256 264 356 $112,875 $129,81RMTAACCMP-007 $137,515,000 $141,000,000 $125,000,000 $217,310,940 622 397 250 740 $221,085 $355,16RMTAACCMP-009 $150,054 $389,454 $501,620 $589,621 3 10 5 6 $50,018 $38,94RMTAACCMP-011 $9,328,882 $8,853,861 $9,667,821 $10,091,000 73 65 67 72 $127,793 $136,21RMTAACCMP-012 $2,212,061 $2,557,730 $2,500,000 $2,500,000 13 11 12 15 $170,159 $232,52RMTAACCMP-013 $8,669,858 $7,587,500 $9,188,170 $8,889,515 84 72 81 77 $103,213 $105,38RMTAACCMP-015 $8,600,525 $11,500,000 $15,700,000 $16,100,000 43 55 61 65 $200,012 $209,09RMTAACCMP-016 $12,069,604 $10,700,000 $8,775,000 $5,229,304 48 43 44 40 $251,450 $248,83RMTAACCMP-017 $19,491,080 $21,000,000 $20,100,000 $20,600,000 175 186 187 176 $111,378 $112,90RMTAACCMP-018 $2,520,008 $1,900,000 $2,490,000 $2,970,000 32 24 24 25 $78,750 $79,16RMTAACCMP-019 $27,753,785 $24,527,718 $20,336,912 $18,150,000 267 154 132 122 $103,947 $159,27

SETAACCMP-001 $3,465,531 $10,100,000 $11,100,000 $10,800,000 76 108 105 125 $45,599 $93,51SETAACCMP-002 $49,702,000 $72,988,000 $72,988,000 $78,813,000 450 255 255 260 $110,449 $286,22
Page 36 of 50

Firm ID 

Average Sales 

at 

Certification 

Average Sales 

at Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average Sales 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average Sales 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Certification 

Average 

Employment 

at 

Completion 

(FY 2012) 

Average 

Employment 

1st Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2013) 

Average 

Employment 

2nd Yr. 

Following 

Completion 

(FY 2014) 

Average 

Productivity 

at 

Certification 

Averag

Productivit

a

Completion 

(FY 2012

SETAACCMP-004 $4,579,750 $2,600,000 $2,500,000 $2,070,000 18 10 9 15 $254,431 $260,00SETAACCMP-005 $374,218 $613,569 $565,366 $650,000 13 7 10 9 $28,786 $87,65SETAACCMP-006 $2,153,350 $1,900,000 $2,100,000 $1,900,000 37 25 28 28 $58,199 $76,00SETAACCMP-007 $4,836,725 $2,076,775 $993,669 $250,000 20 6 7 6 $241,836 $346,12

WTAACCMP-001 $22,844,000 $31,806,000 $24,477,000 $21,863,583 27 26 27 23 $846,074 $1,223,30WTAACCMP-002 $5,281,000 $3,500,000 $1,848,000 $3,431,457 75 18 25 22 $70,413 $194,44WTAACCMP-003 $17,055,868 $18,264,000 $18,000,000 $12,500,000 69 59 85 60 $247,186 $309,55WTAACCMP-004 $13,573,000 $10,800,000 $10,500,000 $10,300,000 120 96 105 95 $113,108 $112,50WTAACCMP-006 $512,422 $482,061 $512,015 $458,894 4 5 3 3 $128,106 $96,41WTAACCMP-007 $3,959,000 $8,302,380 $8,761,247 $7,877,000 48 85 85 58 $82,479 $97,67WTAACCMP-009 $29,301,000 $27,975,023 $28,871,911 $25,000,000 234 213 230 240 $125,218 $131,33WTAACCMP-011 $2,251,000 $8,528,281 $9,883,874 $10,543,561 21 44 46 43 $107,190 $193,82

Total 

Average $14,346,125 $16,819,398 $17,103,306 $19,083,039 94 85 84 93 $152,618 $197,875 
Page 37 of 50

(14) The financial assistance received by each firm participating in the program. 

(15) The financial contribution made by each firm participating in the program. 

In FY 2014, firms received $9.8 million in technical assistance provided by the TAACs to 

prepare petitions and to develop and implement APs (often through business consultants and 

other experts). Firms participating in the program contributed nearly $6 million towards the 

development and implementation of APs. Funds are not provided directly to firms; instead, EDA 

funds the TAACs and TAACs pay a portion of the cost to secure specialized business 

consultants. 

Exhibit 26: Summary of TAAF program Financial Assistance to Firms by TAAC: FY 2014 

TAAC 

Total TAAC 

Assistance to 

Firms25

Financial 

Contribution by 

the Firms 

Great Lakes $1,103,706 $704,718 

Mid-America $617,508 $419,019 

MidAtlantic $1,147,205 $787,466 

Midwest $1,003,286 $753,119 

New England $804,796 $653,659 

New York State $499,123 $312,589 

Northwest $1,023,040 $351,880 

Rocky Mountain $1,648,616 $1,135,075 

Southeastern $592,608 $247,524 

Southwest $534,084 $436,744 

Western $840,547 $184,722 

Total $9,814,519 $5,986,515 

(16) The types of technical assistance included in the business recovery plans of firms participating 

in the program. 

In FY 2014, firms proposed various types of projects in their APs. TAACs reported that 19 

percent of all AP projects approved included projects for the purpose of assisting the firm with 

developing or increasing export opportunities. Marketing/sales projects are geared toward 

increasing revenue, whereas production/manufacturing projects tend to be geared toward cutting 

costs. Support system projects can provide a competitive advantage by either cutting costs or 

creating new sales channels. Management and financial projects are designed to improve 

management’s decision making ability and business control. Over half of all firms proposed to 

implement a marketing/sales project or production/engineering project in their APs. Sample 

projects are listed in Exhibit 27. 

 

 

25 This does not include the amount expended by the TAACs for outreach to potential new firms. 
Page 38 of 50

Exhibit 27: Characteristics of Technical Assistance in APs: FY 2014 

Project 

Classification Sample Types of Projects 

Number of AP 

Projects26

AP Project 

Costs 

Financial 

 Accounting systems upgrade 

 Cost control tracking system 

 Automatic Data Processing development 17 $279,655 

Management 

 Strategic business planning 

 Succession management 

 Management development 25 $715,000 

Marketing/Sales 

 Sales process training 

 Market expansion and feasibility 

 Web site design and upgrade 129 $4,193,630 

Production 

 Lean manufacturing and certification 

 New product development 

 Production and warehouse automation 94 $3,069,677 

Support Systems 

 Enterprise Resource Planning 

 Management Information Systems upgrades 

 Computer Aided Design software 

 Supply chain management software 79 $2,051,130 

Exhibit 28: APs by Project Classification: FY 2014 

 

26 A firm may have up to five projects in an approved AP. 
Page 39 of 50

(17) The number of firms leaving the program before completing the project or projects in 

their business recovery plans and the reason the project or projects were not 

completed. 

In FY 2014, of the 126 firms that left the TAAF program, 108 completed the program, with 72 of 

the 108 completing all of the planned projects in the five year project period allotted (see first 

two rows of Exhibit 29 below). The remaining 18 firms left for the other reasons listed below in 

Exhibit 29, beginning with the third row. 

Exhibit 29: Summary of Firms Leaving the TAAF program: FY 2014 

Reason for Leaving Program Number of Firms 

Completed the TAAF program 72 

Completed achievable number of projects within 5 year limit 36 

Firm was acquired or sold 8 

Out of business 5 

Firm failed to submit an AP within 2 years post TAAF certification 3 

Bankruptcy 1 

Firm exited and re-qualified for TAAF program 1 

Total 126 

 
Page 40 of 50

(18) The total amount expended by all intermediary organizations referred to in Section 253(b)(1) 

and by each organization to administer the program. 

On May 11, 2012, the OIG presented EDA with a copy of their letter to the House and Senate 

Committees on Appropriations reporting their findings related to an examination of the TAAC 

administrative costs27. As part of their review, OIG obtained expenditure data from a sample of 

three TAACs – Western, New England, and New York State – focusing on the use of Federal 

funds provided by EDA. The OIG reported that it “did not determine that the level of 

administrative costs of the three TAACs to be unreasonable.”

Indirect Costs, referred to as facilities and administrative (F&A) costs, include space rent and 

utilities, telephone, postage, printing, and other administrative costs. University-affiliated 

TAACs have indirect cost rate (ICR) agreements that cannot exceed the current rate negotiated 

with their cognizant Federal agency (non EDA/DOC). These costs are captured on the indirect 

cost line item on the Application for Federal Assistance, SF-424 (Form SF-424). Non-profit 

TAACs do not have ICR agreements as they do not receive other federal funds; instead, they 

categorize similar expenditures in their “Other” line item of their Form SF-424. 

Exhibit 30: Summary of Expenditures by TAAC Across Budget Categories: FY 2014 

TAAC 

Personnel 

(including 

Fringe 

Benefits) 

Contracts 

(Federal 

Share) Travel 

Equipment 

and Supplies Other 

Indirect 

Costs 

Total TAAC 

Expenditures 

Great Lakes $508,192 $735,220 $9,709 $10,732 $27,963 $384,279 $1,676,095 

Mid-America $452,401 $443,621 $11,861 $2,541 $47,264 $238,691 $1,196,379 

MidAtlantic $508,490 $776,187 $27,459 $16,697 $206,775 $0 $1,535,608 

Midwest $663,908 $810,181 $13,155 $6,302 $128,267 $0 $1,621,813 

New England $339,331 $674,747 $7,924 $5,994 $51,988 $0 $1,079,984 

New York State $388,181 $312,061 $4,550 $7,878 $62,251 $82,487 $857,408 

Northwest $631,808 $421,268 $19,514 $14,364 $173,466 $0 $1,260,420 

Rocky Mountain $591,432 $1,148,809 $8,588 $5,402 $59,957 $160,288 $1,974,476 

Southeastern $527,925 $285,827 $21,153 $9,481 $0 $292,917 $1,137,303 

Southwest $455,961 $405,329 $24,975 $17,340 $12,720 $98,107 $1,014,432 

Western $407,821 $404,995 $15,023 $8,180 $25,653 $269,563 $1,131,235 

Total $5,475,450 $6,418,245 $163,911 $104,911 $796,304 $1,526,332 $14,485,153 

 

27 The information was requested in the House Committee Report that accompanied the FY 2013 Commerce, 

Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. See http://www.oig.doc.gov/Pages/Letters-to-Congressre-Administrative-Costs-of-Trade-Adjustment-Assistance-Centers-2011.05.11.aspx 
Page 41 of 50

(19) The total amount expended by intermediary organizations to provide technical assistance to 

firms under the program nationally and in each region served by such an organization 

In FY 2014, TAACs expended $11.1 million in technical assistance provided to the firms in 

outreach to firms, to prepare petitions, and to develop and implement APs (often through 

business consultants and other experts). Funds are not provided directly to firms; instead, EDA 

funds the TAACs and TAACs use the funds to provide the cost-shared proportion of the cost to 

secure specialized business consultants. 

Exhibit 31: Summary of Expenditures - Technical Assistance to Firms by TAAC: FY 2014 

TAAC 

TAAC 

Expenditure - 

Outreach 

TAAC 

Expenditures - 

Petitions 

TAAC 

Expenditures - 

APs 

Total TAAC 

Expenditures 

Great Lakes $339,827 $368,486 $735,220 $1,443,533 

Mid-America $9,132 $124,787 $492,721 $626,640 

MidAtlantic $106,137 934,629 212,576 $1,253,342 

Midwest $189,628 $193,106 $810,180 $1,192,914 

New England $39,366 $130,049 $674,747 $844,162 

New York State $20,828 $181,061 $318,062 $519,951 

Northwest $132,962 $601,772 $421,268 $1,156,002 

Rocky Mountain $58,142 $499,807 $1,148,809 $1,706,758 

Southeastern $190,951 $306,781 $285,827 $783,559 

Southwest $52,992 $126,889 $407,195 $587,076 

Western $136,371 $250,830 $589,717 $976,918 

Total $1,276,336 $3,718,197 $6,096,322 $11,090,855 

 
Page 42 of 50

 “Addressing the challenges facing America’s manufacturing sector is absolutely essential both 

for our ability to employ skilled workers as well as for our ability to maintain our competitive 

edge in the world economy.

 28” – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker 

Conclusion 

EDA’s TAAF program produces strong results: 

 

 Two years after completing the TAAF program (FY 2014), firms reported that, on average, sales 

increased by 14 percent, productivity29 increased by 4 percent, and employment increased by 9 

percent. Meanwhile, BLS reported that, in FY 2014, the manufacturing industry as a whole 

experienced an average employment increase of only 2 percent from FY 2012. Therefore, firms 

assisted by the TAAF program performed more successfully than the manufacturing industry as a 

whole30. 

 

 These same firms reported that from the time of certification in the program, on average, sales 

increased by 33 percent, employment decreased by only 1 percent, and productivity increased by 34 

percent. 

 All firms that completed the TAAF program in FY 2012 were in operation as of the end of FY 

2014, indicating strong survival rates for TAAF-assisted firms in the face of import pressures. 

 

 

28 U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker’s testimony on Strengthening Innovation and Manufacturing for a 

21st Century Economy, November 13, 2013.

29 Ibid. Footnote 3 

30 Ibid. Footnote 4 
Page 43 of 50

Supplement 

Examples of TAAF Program Benefits to Manufacturing Firms 

As can be seen in the examples provided, the TAAF service model enables long-term 

engagements, delivers comprehensive assistance, provides great flexibility in the nature, timing, 

and staffing of business improvement projects, and can be agile and responsive, leveraging 

opportunities and modifying priorities. TAACs work with firms with an understanding of their 

unique circumstances integrated into and supporting their competitive strengths, not just trying to 

remedy their internal weaknesses. All of these qualities drive the program’s effectiveness in 

successfully assisting small distressed firms.

Great Lakes Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (GLTAAC) 

A Michigan firm with 40 employees manufactures inspection jigs and fixtures. It had been 

steadily losing business to foreign competitors for several years before it came into the TAAF 

program in 2012. Although fundamentally sound, the business had some major issues. Much of 

its customer base had migrated south from the upper Midwest, which made it very difficult to 

maintain relationships and support sales from its Michigan base. Also, the third of the firm’s 

four founders was about to retire, leaving just one member of the original management team that 

had successfully led the business for 20 years. Finally, the firm needed to keep increasing its 

productivity and engineering capabilities to improve its competitiveness and win back business 

with those customers that relocated to the southern region of the country. GLTAAC helped the 

firm develop an Adjustment Plan that addresses all of these issues that was approved in late 

2012. The firm has already completed four key projects. First, the firm used the program to 

identify new sales reps for Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It 

then implemented a management development plan and put a management succession plan in 

place. A capital structure and costing analysis was next, followed by the development of a labor 

cost tracking system. The firm has now implemented approximately 50 percent of its AP. In the 

coming year, the firm is scheduled to use the program to develop new promotional materials (to 

support its southern sales reps), and to jumpstart the training of its production workers and 

engineering staff. Although the AP is still in implementation, this firm is now stabilized and its 

long term viability is much improved. Since entering the program, sales have increased and the 

firm has added seven employees. 

An Ohio production equipment manufacturer with a workforce of 100 entered the TAAF 

program after being severely impacted by imports from China and other Asian companies. 

The firm’s AP, which was approved by EDA in early 2010, called for improvements throughout 

the business. The firm needed to immediately improve productivity and reduce costs, so their 

first project was an extensive lean manufacturing initiative. By the end of 2010, strong 

management plus early returns from this project enabled the firm to bring their operations back 

to break-even. After this 8-month project was completed, the firm utilized the program to 

conduct worker training. A market planning project then helped the firm formalize and focus its 

marketing and sales efforts, turning what had been a serious weakness for the firm into an 

important strength. The firm is currently working on its final TAAF project. This 

implementation and integration of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 
Page 44 of 50

system will improve efficiencies throughout the business and facilitate better customer service. 

The project is on track to finish very early next year. This firm has benefited greatly from 

TAAF. Sales are now at an all-time high, as is employment. The number of workers at the firm 

has more than doubled from its low point, adding jobs every year since 2010. The 

competitiveness of this TAAF client has greatly improved, and its future is bright. 

Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (MamTAAC) 

A 67-year-old Missouri manufacturer of chimney covers, log racks, fireplace accessories, animal 

control screens and other hearth-related products began seeing their business slowing in the late 

1990s. Management diversified into other product lines: first tubular log racks; then stove 

boards, essentially insulated boards that sit under a stove to insulate and protect the floor; then, at 

the turn of the century, cast iron fireplace grates, andirons, steamer kettles and other accessories. 

In 2011, the firm again struck out into new territory, adding wood-burning add-on furnaces. 

However, the intervening recession and increasing foreign competition, especially from China 

and Mexico, were dampening sales. The firm reached out to Mid-America TAAC in early 2011.

Since entering the TAAF program about three years ago, the firm’s Executive Vice President 

estimates the firm has added $3 million in sales and ten employees, bringing the total to $12 

million in sales and 65 employees. “And we now have a solid foundation for additional growth, 

thanks to the TAAF program” he says. “From our perspective, it’s hard to find a program 

targeting exactly what’s needed in terms of required changes to update, upgrade our ability to 

compete on the global playing field...TAAF was dead on in terms of what needed doing, and 

Mid-America TAAC has been exceptionally good to work with — very detail-oriented, very 

much has the attitude of doing what needs to be done. They are a true partner in our success.” 

A Kansas scale and bagging equipment manufacturer has been receiving assistance from 

MamTAAC since 2010. Initially the firm began as a parts supplier and over the years evolved 

into making sophisticated gross and net weight bagging scales; automatic bag hangers, bag 

closing and positioning and transfer conveyors; manual, automatic or semi-automatic palletizing 

equipment; and portable bagging. When foreign competition began to erode their market share, 

the firm president met with a TAAC project manager and determined that the firm qualified for 

the program. With TAAF assistance, the firm has implemented a broad array of projects 

including market research, trade show display materials and representation, and software 

upgrades. Currently, the firm is embarking on a new website with e-commerce capability. 

According to the firm’s general manager, TAAF assistance helped to properly market their 

products at trade shows and opened doors to increase requests for quotes. “But the biggest 

project in my book was being able to assess our processes,” he says, adding that while it is too 

soon to place a dollar amount on these improvements, he expects them to be significant. 

MidAtlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (MATAAC) 

A Delaware firm experienced four years of decline before joining the TAAF program through 

MATAAC. The firm manufactures fluids held at supercritical temperatures and pressures, 

allowing the fluids to exhibit both gas and liquid properties, thereby effectively replacing 

petroleum-based solvents in industry. Increasing import competition caused the firm’s sales to 

decrease by one quarter, eliminating all of its profits and leading to a productivity decline of over 

40 percent. With TAAF assistance, the firm implemented a 
Page 45 of 50

variety of projects focused on developing nanotechnology expertise, conducting market research, 

and implementing enterprise resource planning. The outcomes are impressive: sales are up by 76 

percent, earnings have grown from a loss to more than $200,000, the return on human capital 

grew from a loss to $4,900, and the workforce increased by 60 percent. 

A Pennsylvania maker of instruments and test kits for wastewater analysis worldwide was facing 

its second year of declining sales when it inquired about TAAF assistance from MATAAC. 

Revenues were down 17 percent, and 27 percent of its employees had been laid off. Matching 

$75,000 in federal technical assistance, the firm implemented a series of knowledge-based 

projects covering market research, sales force training, website design, product engineering, and 

IT upgrades. Since program entry, the firm has seen sales grow by 20 percent; a 21 percent 

earnings increase and 50 percent more jobs have been created. 

Midwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (MWTAAC) 

A 50-year-old Illinois metal fabricating, cutting, and stamping firm was losing long-standing 

customers to cheaper overseas manufacturers, primarily based in China. High volume sales 

diminished almost overnight as Chinese manufacturers were able to sell competing parts in the 

United States cheaper than the domestic cost of raw materials alone. In order to survive, the firm 

needed to shift its focus to entirely new industries and markets. MWTAAC worked with the 

firm to outline the steps required to transition into more complex manufacturing markets with 

higher quality standards. In just three years, the firm completed 16 projects utilizing TAAFfunded technical assistance, which helped them to reduce costs, improve efficiency, train 

workers, enhance technology, and ultimately to transition into the aerospace industry. This 

industry has higher margins and is more defensible against cheaper overseas manufacturers. 

The results have been extraordinary: the firm has tripled employment and doubled sales as a 

result of these projects. According to the manufacturer, none of this would have been possible 

without their participation in the TAAF program. 

A 90-year-old Wisconsin-based metal firm performed a variety of activities, including metals 

engineering, fabrication and assembly operations as well as tool design and construction. In 

2009, the firm experienced a 19 percent fall in sales, dropping from 40 workers down to just 26. 

Several of its largest customers were forced to switch to cheaper foreign goods in order to remain 

competitive on price, despite feeling that the domestic manufacturer had higher quality. The 

firm relied on TAAF technical assistance to help complete a variety of projects. First, they 

overhauled their management decision-making processes to incorporate more real-time 

information. They also improved their shop-floor manufacturing efficiency by focusing on 

cellular and lean methodologies, which reduced scrap and increased output. Finally, the firm 

conducted market research to form a strategic marketing plan and outfitted their website with 

new e-commerce capabilities. In the five years the firm has been a participant in the TAAF 

program, sales have increased by 44 percent and they have expanded operations to run a second 

shift, hiring an additional 13 full-time employees. The firm is actively seeking more workers for 

both the first and second shifts, and has solid orders indicating continued growth in the coming 

year. 

 
Page 46 of 50

New England Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NETAAC) 

A Massachusetts firm that designs and manufactures instrumentation to monitor dust, powder, 

and bulk solids for environmental and process control applications began receiving TAAF 

technical assistance in 2010. Prior to joining the program, the firm had experienced a significant 

decline in sales due to increased foreign competition and a shrinking domestic market. With 

NETAAC assistance, the firm prepared an AP outlining its key projects to restore competitive 

health, including a revised strategic business plan, an updated sales and marketing plan, and a 

new product development and certification pipeline. The firm has now developed an innovative 

new electrostatic/triboelectric bag leak detector product, which was selected by the prestigious 

industry publication Processing Magazine as the Breakthrough Product of the Year. Since 

entering the TAAF program, the firm has regained a competitive footing and is growing again, 

with sales up 61 percent and employment up 60 percent. 

A Rhode Island firm provides precision metal electroplating, coating, and fulfillment services to 

a variety of industries, including the aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical industries. 

Before entering the TAAF program in 2010, the firm had lost 30 percent of its business due to 

imports. With NETAAC’s assistance, the firm prepared an AP plan focusing on integrating new 

management information systems, launching new sales and marketing initiatives, and 

streamlining operational and production processes. As a result, the firm’s sales have increased by 

63 percent and it has added 60 new jobs. In addition, the firm is now developing plans to reshore 

jobs back to America. 

New York State Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NYSTAAC) 

A 47-year-old New York firm manufactures printed circuit boards for a variety of industries, 

including the military, communications, computer, and consumer electronics industries. As a 

result of import competition from Asia, however, by the time the firm was certified for the 

TAAF program, its annual sales had declined by over 10 percent to $1.1 million, and its 

employment had dropped nearly 8 percent to an average of 24 employees. Working with 

NYSTAAC, the firm developed a new strategic sales plan, coupled with ISO certification. 

Following completion of its AP in early 2013, the firm was able to increase sales by 250 percent 

to $3.8 million, and increase jobs by 8 percent to 26 employees. 

A New York manufacturer of injection molds sought technical assistance from NYSTAAC in 

2010 to develop an AP addressing the adverse effects of Chinese competition. With TAAF 

technical assistance, the firm completed a strategic business plan, created a new website, and 

implemented a lean manufacturing program. As a result of these development projects, the firm 

has increased revenues to $25 million, a 12 percent increase since 2011. The firm has also 

embarked on new expansion plans that will double its manufacturing workspace to 125,000 

square feet. Additionally, the firm expects to increase total employment by 45 percent to 160 

workers over the next three years to support future growth. 

Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (NWTAAC) 

With TAAF assistance, an Idaho softwood lumber manufacturer conducting logging, production, 

and delivery operations invested in automated log intake equipment and training, enabling it to 

significantly reduce the time and cost of its lumber processing operations. The firm is now able 

to measure costs and other important metrics much faster and more 
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thoroughly than before. The net result is improved overall performance, leading to increased 

profitability. During its participation in the TAAF program, the firm more than doubled its sales 

and worker productivity. 

An Oregon manufacturer of sheet metal was losing sales, particularly of aluminum, to Chinese 

producers. In an effort to diversify, the firm had developed a concept for a highly-controllable 

outdoor grill using wood pellets as fuel. Management realized, however, that the transition from 

contract manufacturing into branded product production would be difficult. With TAAF 

assistance, the firm developed a marketing strategy for its grill product, refined product 

development, and implemented a new management information system. During the five years 

the firm participated in the TAAF program, its sales more than doubled, and it increased 

employment by 90 percent. The grill product was commercially successful and now contributes 

approximately one third of the firm’s revenue. The firm’s contract manufacturing business also 

grew, rising to a level of activity exceeding its highest level prior to applying for the TAAF 

program. According to the President of the firm, “NWTAAC and its professional staff have 

contributed to a huge success for our business. The contact with NWTAAC staff and the 

consulting projects we undertook were very valuable. I can't say enough about the 

professionalism of the staff and their willingness to help. We usually turn down government help 

and programs because they are too difficult and time consuming for small companies like ours. 

NWTAAC was the exception for us. My thanks to all the NWTAAC staff for helping us launch 

and be successful with an American-made product.” 

A 51-year-old Washington firm manufactures agricultural irrigation accessories, specializing in 

extension watering booms for pivot type irrigation systems. In response to import competition 

from China, the firm needed technical expertise to adjust and expand their business, both 

domestically and internationally. During the 16 months the firm was in the TAAF program, it 

has been able to shift its focus to marketing the technology rather than the parts and pieces. The 

firm has successfully combined this effort with research and a white paper demonstrating the 

water conservation benefits of their products. The firm now has worldwide brand recognition 

and has secured numerous orders from Zambia in addition to developing strong relationships 

with potential clients and distributors in Jordan and the European Union. The firm has seen 

domestic sales and exports increase, and expect to see further growth as demand for sustainable 

agricultural irrigation products increases. The president of the firm stated that if he had not 

participated in the TAAF program and had NWTAAC’s assistance, he would have had to choose 

between funding for the marketing project and funding for the research, but it is the two of them 

together that have contributed to his increased success and will continue to do so. 

Rocky Mountain Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (RMTAAC) 

A South Dakota manufacturer of industrial cleaning machinery experiencing increased foreign 

competition contacted the RMTAAC in 2010 for help. Over the last decade, there has been a 

significant trend toward consolidation in the industrial machinery industry. As larger multinational conglomerates have gained scale in their operations through acquisitions, the 

competitive challenges continue to mount for smaller manufacturers in the industry. Between 

July 2011 and June 2014, the firm benefited from TAAF technical assistance to develop a 

customized sales and marketing program. To date, the firm’s sales 
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have increased by more than 100 percent since entering the program - a 72 year high - and the 

firm has added 11 new jobs in its rural community, an increase of over 35 percent. 

A Utah manufacturer of precision metal products was faced with intense foreign competition and 

an increasingly competitive market when it entered the TAAF program in 2011. RMTAAC 

conducted a thorough business assessment and competitive analysis to identify improvement 

areas on which to build a solid foundation for future growth. The firm’s AP focused on 

improvements to the firm’s operational and manufacturing processes. Since 2011, the firm 

benefited from TAAF technical assistance for lean manufacturing and Quick Response 

Manufacturing (QRM) initiatives to reduce lead time throughout the firm and build a strong 

foundation for long-term growth. After applying just a few of the principles of Lean and QRM, 

on-time delivery at the firm has increased by nearly 15 percent, customer satisfaction has 

improved, and the cost of quality has reduced by approximately 65 percent from the previous 

year. While competition remains strong, since entering the TAAF program the firm has made 

critical business improvements, including a 25 percent increase in annual sales and the retention 

of valuable manufacturing jobs in the community. 

Southeastern Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (SETAAC) 

A Georgia manufacturer of textile equipment turned to SETAAC for help when its sales had 

plummeted by 80 percent and its employment fell to 62. After entering the TAAF program, the 

firm began working with a consultant to explore ways in which they could market their 

capabilities to the federal government. Through this assistance, the firm received certification 

from the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program, which helps small 

businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement 

opportunities. The firm also redesigned its website and other marketing materials in order to 

appeal to a broader client base. The firm has significantly benefited from participation in the 

TAAF program. The firm now provides ammunition testing systems to the Air Force, weapon 

racks to the Army, and hydraulic lifting systems for vehicle maintenance to the Army. Since 

2009, as a result of participating in the TAAF program, the firm has revitalized its operations, 

adding 26 jobs and increasing its annual sales by over $5 million. 

A North Carolina manufacturer of premium-quality recreational mountain and rock climbing 

gear was experiencing increased competition from larger manufacturers in China, Taiwan, and 

Mexico. After a loss in sales between 2006 and 2008, the firm applied for the TAAF program. 

The SETAAC team outlined key projects to help the firm increase its competitive edge. The 

firm’s AP focused on marketing, including a tactical plan for niche marketing approaches and 

direct-to-consumer internet sales. Print materials were integrated into internet promotions to 

provide “virtual catalog” capabilities. After implementing these projects, the firm’s annual sales 

have increased by over $820,000 and it has added eight additional employees. 

Southwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (SWTAAC) 

An Oklahoma manufacturer of industrial fans and louvers was adversely affected by imports 

from China, Germany, and Mexico. After entering the TAAF program, the firm developed an 

AP focusing on marketing, manufacturing, and support systems. The firm also received 
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technical assistance with finishing product development on a new industrial fan blade. The new 

fan blade was at a juncture where it required further development and testing by experts such as 

engineers, designers, metallurgists, and testing labs. The firm completed its targeted projects and 

anticipates a full recovery to competitive health. Since entering the TAAF program, the firm has 

seen sales increase from $3.8 to $4.4 million, and has increased its workforce by four to 32 

employees. 

A Texas manufacturer of high-quality cotton fabric caps was being adversely impacted by 

imports from China, and was certified as eligible for TAAF assistance in 2012. The firm, while 

located in a small rural community, has attracted a national clientele for high-quality caps made 

in Texas from cotton fabric grown and spun in the state. The firm buys its cotton fabric directly 

from a cooperative association’s denim mill in the Texas panhandle. After entering the TAAF 

program in 2012, the firm developed a multi-project AP designed to assist the firm’s business 

recovery. The first project focused on preparing a manufacturing strategic plan (include green 

initiatives) and on training personnel. The next project aimed to provide functional information 

in product costs analysis, report analysis, accounting and computer training. Additionally, the 

project integrated the firm’s electronic sales and ordering processes with the accounting and 

manufacturing departments, improving efficiency by providing access to real-time information. 

As of 2013, the firm’s sales have increased 25 percent to $480,000, with no reduction in its 

workforce. 

Western Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (WTAAC) 

A California firm produces a wide range of interior and exterior finishes and has the capability to 

meet high volume production requirements of liquid and powder coatings tailored to customer 

specifications. From 2007 to 2009, the firm experienced a shrinking market share due to 

competition from foreign imports. As a result, the firm’s annual sales in 2009 were down 45 

percent, and employment had decreased by 32 percent. With assistance from WTAAC, the firm 

entered the TAAF program in 2009. The firm’s recovery strategy was to focus on those 

customers requiring high value-added technical support and specialized coating products. The 

firm will finish its final year in the implementation phase of the TAAF program in 2014. Since 

beginning its public/private sector partnership with the TAAF program, the firm has successfully 

implemented two marketing projects and one production project. These projects have helped the 

firm increase sales by 72 percent to $5.9 million, and increase employment by 57 percent to 72 

employees. 

A Hawaii manufacturer of chocolate-covered macadamia nut candies began losing business to 

lower-cost foreign imports. As a result, by 2009 the firm’s sales had decreased by 27 percent to 

$1.7 million and employment had decreased by 7 percent to 20 employees. After being 

approved for TAAF technical assistance in 2009, the firm’s management developed a strategy to 

focus on the expansion of its core business of handmade chocolate confectioneries and cookies. 

In addition, the firm looked to increase its exports to Asian markets, particularly Japan. To 

accomplish this expansion, the firm developed a marketing plan to expand their customer base 

through product research and branding. The firm updated its online presence, helping to promote 

the new product lines and increase exports. The firm has now successfully completed its fourth 

year in the implementation phase of the TAAF program. Since entering the TAAF program, its 

sales have increased by 14 percent to $1.6 
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million and employment has increased by 33 percent to 24 employees. The owner commented 

that these changes could not have been realized without participation in the TAAF program and 

WTAAC’s support.