TECHNOLOGY & MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION
E-NEWS BULLETIN
MANUFACTURING STRONG !
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Greetings!
Good morning! Below is information you may find useful. Please contact us at any time if you have questions or need assistance: [email protected], or 847-825-1120.
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RECLAIMING THE U.S. SOLAR SUPPLY CHAIN FROM CHINA
The Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA) released a report titled, “Reclaiming the US Solar Supply Chain from China.” The white paper documents the current state of the U.S. solar manufacturing industry and provides key recommendations on how to counter Chinese dominance over the global supply chain that threatens U.S. energy independence and technology leadership in this critical industry of the future. Read the full report HERE and a one-pager with key findings and policy recommendations HERE.
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NATIONAL SECURITY COMMISSION REPORT ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
According to a new report by the bipartisan National Security Commission, Americans have not yet grappled with just how profoundly the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution will impact our economy, national security, and welfare. While much remains to be learned about the power and limits of AI technologies, the report concludes that big decisions need to be made now to accelerate AI innovation to benefit the United States and to defend against the malign uses of AI. Read the full report HERE, or view an interactive version HERE.
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BIDEN TRADE AGENDA RELEASED
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LACK OF EMPLOYEES AND GOVERNMENT POLICY MAJOR SMM PAIN POINTS
TMA ongoing, monthly survey of small and midsize manufacturers (SMMs) has found that the lack of employees for open positions and government policy remain the primary pain points for the industry. See chart below.
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2021 SEES INCREASE IN MANUFACTURING JOB OPENINGS
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported reported 515,000 manufacturing job openings in January, up from 479,000 in December. Over the past six months, postings in the sector have averaged more than 505,000 each month, including October’s reading, which hit a record high at 545,000. Read the report HERE.
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NFIB SMALL BUSINESS SURVEY
The National Federation of Independent Business said that the Small Business Optimism Index ticked up from 95.0 in January to 95.8 in February. It was the third straight month with a reading below 100, traditionally the threshold indicating growth for small businesses. This reading suggests that small business owners remain anxious about the economy and political landscape. See survey HERE.
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RANSOMWARE GANGS TARGETING MANUFACTURERS
According to a new report, Industrial goods and services accounted for 29% of ransomware attacks in 2020, the most of any industry, followed by construction, technology and retail. The report by a cybersecurity firm adds that hackers target manufacturing and infrastructure sectors because these businesses are more willing to pay the ransoms, since they need to operate 24 hours a day. More HERE.
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GOVERNOR'S TAX HIKE PROPOSALS NOT "LOOPHOLES"
The Executive Director of the IL Chamber's Tax Institute, Keith Staats, told TMA members at last week's legislative briefing that the Governor's efforts to "close corporate loopholes" will cause serious damage to small and medium-sized manufacturers who rely on specific tax credits as part of their business model.
If you missed the briefing, you can watch it HERE. You can download a summary of the Governor's tax hike proposals and other high-profile tax bills pending before the General Assembly HERE.
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CPA ANNUAL TRADE CONFERENCE
One of TMA's government relations partners is the Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA), which represents our members' interests in Washington D.C. and is focused on U.S. Trade Policy. CPA is holding its Annual Trade Conference March 23-26. The event will be virtual. TMA members may register for free.
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For info, schedules, and speakers for days 1&2 - and to register, click HERE.
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For info, schedules, and speakers for days 3&4 - and to register, click HERE.
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TMA TRACKING CRITICAL LEGISLATION IN ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Nearly 2,800 bills have been introduced in the Illinois Senate in addition to the 4,000 introduced in the Illinois House. TMA is tracking over 100 measures for members. The list can be found HERE.
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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
TMA works to provide members with fresh, meaningful and relevant virtual content. Many of these events were free and open to every member. What did you miss in 2020? Take a look in our TMA Knowledge Center – and find links to most of our past webinars, which cover just about every topic imaginable.
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3.18.21 | Sales & Marketing Peer Group
Join Kent Gladish (TMA) and Mike Weber (MLW Marketing) for an overview of the TMA Hoovers program and its role as a foundation element in creating and executing a targeted direct marketing initiative for your company.
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Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Cost: Free
Location: Online
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3.23.21 | The Aftermath of PPP and the Pandemic
Join the Bronswick Benjamin team led by Jeff Bronswick and Caleb Lendy for an engaging session to help maximize your value and discuss what they see happening in our profession and the economy.
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Time: 8:00am-8:30am
Cost: Free
Location: Online
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3.29-30.21 | NTMA Spring Conference
TMA members may join this virtual event at NTMA member cost. For details on the event, and to register, click HERE.
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Cost: $195
Location: Online
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4.8.21 | Expiring Tax Incentives on Your Building
Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of the tax incentives that you are eligible for on your building. Dave Mitchell and Kim Lockridge of Engineered Tax Services, explain the expiring Bonus Depreciation rules.
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Time: 8:00am-8:30am
Cost: Free
Location: Online
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4.22.21 | 2021 Economic Breakfast
The TMA Supplier Network Committee invites you to attend this year’s Economic Breakfast. Join us as we welcome back John Augustine, CFA, CIO, Huntington Wealth & Investment for an Economic and Market update.
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Time: 8:00am-9:00am
Cost: Free
Location: Online
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PHASE 4 TOOLKIT: Guidelines HERE, and the toolkit [with live links] HERE.
PPE: Supplies can be found HERE.
FACILITY CLEANING: A list of those providers can be found HERE.
SAFETY KIT: Daniel & Henry Co. kit HERE.
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