FTC: Made In The USA Comments Concerning Morton Clayman--P894219

JULES JÜRGENSEN
WATCHES

Since 1740
ROYAL ORDER OF DANEBORG AT THE “ROYAL LEGION D’HONNEUR”
HELBROS
Since 1913

8 August 1997

The Office of the Secretary
Federal Trade Commission
Room 159
6th and Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20580

Re: Made in USA policy: FTC File #P894219

Dear Sirs and Madames,

By way of introduction I am Morton Clayman, owner and president of Jules Jurgensen Watch Company, Helbros International Watches and our wholly-owned affiliate manufacturing corporation, Tropex Incorporated in the Virgin Islands. I have read the proposed FTC guidelines on US origin, and on behalf of myself certainly, my staff and all of our employees, I would like to commend the' FTC on its stance and a job well done. I hope the guidelines as I have now read them are established as is. They truly speak to a very crucial situation that we as US manufacturers are facing in the new global economy. We can no longer operate on an isolationist's mentality. We are indeed a part of a global economy and our rules and regulations have to be in line with those of our trading partners around the world. The abandonment of the previous "all or virtually all" standard is a major step forward and recognizes the new global economy. The American manufacturers have until this point been held to a much different and higher standard than our trading partners. This will once again put American manufacturers on equal footing with our foreign competitors. This will help to save jobs and bring jobs back to Americans.

As far as I can see, the FTC has opened its eyes to presenting our American consumer with a much more clear understanding of where the product they're considering to purchase is made. With regard to our particular industry, the watch industry, by making the country of origin the country of origin where the movement is assembled, the FTC has recognized the standards as established by all of the other countries in the watch manufacturing industry and done what was necessary and right in clearing up what was previously a very foggy situation.

Once again, I applaud the strides that have been made in the FTC guides on US origin and I am a full supporter.

Sincerely

Morton Clayman

Morton Clayman,
President
Jules Jurgensen, Helbros, Tropex

MC/rl