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Congressman Tom Reed unveiled Our Vision for America's Manufacturing Future in Jamestown.

"We care about revitalizing America's manufacturing sector. Domestic manufacturing is critical to not only our local economy, but also our national economy. This industry brings jobs to our nation, which means food on the table for local families and a better quality of life for so many here at home," said Reed.

Reed was joined by State Assemblyman Andy Goodell and Chautauqua County Legislators Elisabeth Rankin and Mark Odell, a representative from State Senator Cathy Young's office, area economic development leaders and Rick and Heather Turner co-owners of Blackstone Advanced Technologies in Jamestown, to unveil the proposal after a tour of the Blackstone facility.

The proposal contains a comprehensive approach to jumpstart domestic manufacturing and the local economy. It also provides the direction needed to rejuvenate this critical industry by focusing on the development of advanced manufacturing technologies within the United States. The plan goes on to highlight Reed's Revitalizing American Manufacturing and Innovation (RAMI) Act, examines methods to prepare the next generation for career opportunities in advanced manufacturing fields and encourages research and development to ensure new technologies are available to help bring products to the marketplace. The proposal also advocates for comprehensive tax reform and the reduction of restrictive regulation. The goal of the plan is to ensure America becomes a global manufacturing powerhouse, "so our country can once again 'make it here, and sell it there,'" said Reed.


The plan was met with praise from area businesses, academics and economic development organizations:

"We were honored to have Congressman Reed announce his manufacturing plan at Blackstone today. Manufacturers across the southern tier are fortunate to have the Congressman as an advocate in Washington," said Rick Turner, co-owner of Blackstone Advanced Technologies.

"This is a practical and well written plan. We are delighted that Congressman Reed gets it…manufacturing is not a level playing field internationally and these measures will help all manufacturers in the Southern Tier compete," said Alan Rae Ph.D. M.B.A., Executive Director, IncubatorWorks.

"Congressman Reed's Vision for America's Manufacturing Future is on target for supporting manufacturers across the Southern Tier and the U.S. This is the type of vision required to rebuild careers in manufacturing for our youth." Craig R. Clark, PE, PhD, Vice President of Economic Development, Alfred State College.

"I have read "Our Vision for America's Manufacturing Future" and whole heartedly endorse this proposal as one if fully implemented would have a very positive impact on my business and our employees.  We have experienced adverse pressure from environmental regulations, Chinese unfair trade practices, overly complex tax rules and burden which all impact our ability to compete.  In addition, our customers have also experienced these obstacles which have had an impact on sales as well.  This proposal would provide major assistance to an over looked important segment of our economy," said Martin Metzger, President, Silicon Carbide Products, Inc. in Horseheads.

"Congressman Reed's proposed Vision for America's Manufacturing Future would go a long way to eliminating the barriers that hinder the recovery of manufacturing jobs in the US," said John Johnson, Executive Director at Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park.

"Manufacturers in New York and throughout the United States are leading an innovation revolution, creating jobs, making more products and making them better than ever before," said National Association of Manufacturer (NAM) Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations Aric Newhouse. "However, manufacturers are often disproportionately and adversely impacted by decisions made by policy and lawmakers. The NAM is proud to stand with lawmakers like Rep. Reed who understands what is at stake and seek to implement policies that will energize the manufacturing economy."

"It's only right that we continue to advance our efforts to ensure America leads the way in advanced manufacturing, bringing jobs back to our shores and helping create a better future for New Yorkers for generations to come," Reed concluded.

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