Federal Government Help for Manufacturing Companies: How Commerce Contributes

Submitted on January 25, 2012 - 11:30am
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US-Made Auto Parts

In last night's State of the Union address, President Obama laid out proposals for how to bring about a new era of American manufacturing, with more good jobs and more products stamped Made in the USA.  A few of the proposals are:

  • Reward companies for bringing jobs back to America.
  • Lower tax rates for companies that manufacture and create jobs in the United States.
  • Get tough on trade enforcement.
  • Create more jobs and make us more competitive by rebuilding America using half of the savings from ending foreign wars.

These proposals build upon the efforts already underway by the White House.

At the Department of Commerce, we support manufacturers in a multitude of ways:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. The nationwide network provides a variety of services, from innovation strategies to process improvements to green manufacturing. MEP also works with partners at the state and federal levels on programs that put manufacturers in position to develop new customers, expand into new markets and create new products.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Advanced Manufacturing Partnership National Program Office has information on key issues for the manufacturers industry, such as economic growth policies, data supporting trends in manufacturing, innovation training, as well as other resources available from the government that help to improve the business climate for U.S. manufacturing.

Manufacturers looking to export to new markets have a willing partner in the International Trade Administration. Manufacturers can learn to export (for free!), access key market research on foreign buyers, or find financing.

The International Trade Administration's Manufacturing and Services unit is dedicated to enhancing the export competitiveness of U.S. industry, expanding its market access, and increasing its exports. Manufacturers can access strategic research and analysis in order to develop specific strategies for increasing their exports and learn more about trade agreements.

The Minority Business Development Agency helps minority-owned manufacturers secure capital for new equipment and facilities; compete for pubic and private sector contracts; and prepare for exporting opportunities through a network of 45 MBDA Business Centers around the country, including ones located in manufacturing enclaves such Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, El Paso, Houston and Seattle. 

Manufacturers with a new product or process can obtain a patent or trademark with the United State Patent and Trademark Office.

Manufacturers looking to comply with export control laws should visit the Bureau of Industry and Security.

Those looking for statistics should visit the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the US Census Bureau.

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All or nothing?

Submitted on January 30, 2012 - 12:51pm.

It appears to me that when Commerce spends time with manufacturers, there is hope of more business development. It is also important to educate consumers at the lowest level about the benefit of not only producing a product here and selling it globally, but the benefit to society when we also buy global products. Education eliminates bias & prejudice by bringing the level of consideration to new heights. I would just ask that we spend more time educating to promote all products in a global marketplace & the benefit of imports and exports.

Maybe some of our workforce would realize a deeper sense of accomplishment knowing they are a part of the big picture, not just selling fruit & grain made in & for thier neighborhood!

Export Competiveness

Submitted on February 14, 2012 - 9:59am.

I am very pleased that DoC is in the forefront with The President's initiative, to bring the viable business of exporting back into our Nation. As he and others of his Administration have stated "....in these tough economic times....." I believe, that with consistency and perseverance millions of new jobs will be created in the business arena of exporting.