My organization, the National Association of Manufacturers, represents 14,000 companies and 350 member associations in all 50 states. We represent 18 million people who make things in America.
Small manufacturers play a decisive role in the success of the American economy.
Small manufacturing contributes 55 percent of the value of all manufactured goods and 65 percent of manufacturing employment. These statistics underscore the importance of small manufacturing to the future of our economy. At this week s summit, we addressed four areas of critical concern to today s small manufacturers. First, however, let me also mention two issues that rank as among the highest priorities for small companies across our country. It can send small businesses into bankruptcy or at least severely weaken them.