Cutting-Tool Demand Rebounds

With consumption rising to $178.1 million in August, industry leaders suggest pricing pressures are easing, with indications that the transportation sector will be a demand-driver in 2023. More HERE.

U.S. Industrial Output Rises In September On Manufacturing Gain

U.S. industrial production picked up more than anticipated in September, official data showed Tuesday, as manufacturing output continued to expand. Total industrial production rose 0.4% in September, bouncing back from a revised 0.1% dip in August, Federal Reserve data showed on Tuesday. More HERE.

Mike Rowe: Why 7M Able-Bodied Men Aren’t Looking For Work, It’s Not ‘A Skills Gap’

“Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe explained there’s “7 million able-bodied men” who aren’t looking for work and said it’s not a “skills gap” but a “will gap” as too many appear to be addicted to their screens. More HERE.

Production Tax Credits Unleash Tidal Wave of Investment in Manufacturing

The manufacturing incentives tucked into the Inflation Reduction Act have unleashed a tidal wave of investment in U.S. manufacturing. According to calculations, so far $22 billion of investment dollars have been promised for U.S. manufacturing operations, and these new facilities will employ some 15,000 people. Those totals are likely to be revised upwards as many projects have yet to be announced and will likely lead to thousands more jobs and billions more dollars. More HERE.

New Study: Future Skill Needs in Manufacturing

The Manufacturing Institute released a forward-looking study on where the manufacturing sector will be headed over the next 5 to 10 years and how those changes will impact the necessary skills that will be required of employees. Study HERE.

New Report: Inflation, Labor Shortages Remain Major Problems for Small Business

NFIB’s September Small Business Economic Trends (SBET) report found that inflation remains the top problem facing small business owners, with 30% reporting that inflation is their single biggest problem. A net negative 44% of owners said they expected better business conditions over the next six months, a two-point drop from August. More HERE.

Biden Administration's National Strategy on Advanced Manufacturing

The Biden Administration released its national strategy on advance manufacturing. Read it HERE.

Employers Are Ditching the College Degree Requirement

The job market isn’t the same as it was before the world changed a few years ago. Beyond upending the job market and how people work, the pandemic also leveled the playing field for requirements for certain jobs. More HERE.

U.S. Treasury’s Final “Beneficial Ownership” Rule’s Impact Small Manufacturers

A new federal law is set to expand the role of the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to collect and store confidential personal information about small businesses that have fewer than 20 full-time employees. As a part of the federal government’s moves to begin enforcing the new law, FinCEN recently released a final rule stating how the new law will take effect. More HERE.

Fun Facts About the Manufacturing Industry

In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau found that manufacturing ranked among the top five industries employing Americans, with diverse sectors such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, energy, and digital home products. For every $1.00 invested in manufacturing, there is a $2.68 impact on the U.S. economy overall, making manufacturing one of the sectors with the highest multiplier effects. More facts HERE.

America's Test Scores Drop

National test scores released yesterday show the largest math declines ever recorded for fourth and eighth grade students across the country, while reading levels dropped to the lowest level since 1992. More HERE.

Move Over, Nicotine

The U.S. surgeon general has issued a new warning: toxic workplaces are bad for people’s mental and physical health. More HERE.

TMA MEMBER POLL

Last week we asked TMA members to vote on which Illinois gubernatorial candidate they intended to vote for on November 8. The results are below.

Illinois Congressional Candidates Discuss Their Plans to Help Manufacturers Thrive

Over the past few weeks, TMA has hosted virtual conversations with candidates for U.S. Congress in Illinois to learn about their background, why they are running for Congress, and how they can help TMA members thrive and create good-paying jobs. The virtual conversations can be found at the links below along with additional information about the district and the candidates, including their responses to the TMA federal questionnaire:

• Congressman Bill Foster (11th Congressional District): HERE
• Catalina Lauf (11th Congressional District): HERE
• Scott Gryder (14th Congressional District): HERE
• Keith Pekau (6th Congressional District): HERE
• Kathy Salvi (U.S. Senate): HERE

Vote No On Amendment 1 - Workplace Flyers & Yard Signs

Because of its serious, negative impact on our members, TMA is opposing Amendment 1, which will, among other things, significantly increase property taxes on small and midsize manufacturers.

To the right is an informational flyer. Click on the graphic to download a printable version that you can make accessible to your employees.

TMA has yard signs opposing the amendment. Email us HERE to reserve one.

TMA Voter Information Website

It’s vital that TMA members vote to ensure the voice of the manufacturer is heard by our political leaders. Please visit TMA’s voter information website HERE to prepare to vote. You will find information on registering to vote, requesting mail-in ballots, finding early voting locations and your precinct locations on election day.