Last week Wednesday, CONEXPO-CON/AGG and AEM sponsored the POLITICO event, “Manufacturing in America: Navigating the Administration’s New Roadmap.” The event, which had thousands of attendees and online viewers, convened members of Congress, former administration officials, and Caterpillar’s Phil Kelliher, for discussions on the trends and policies impacting manufacturers and the construction industry.
The event started with a keynote interview with Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, moderated by Victoria Guida, Politico Economics Correspondent and author of Capital Letter. Sen. Wyden discussed trade barriers to American manufacturing and the need for incentives to help reshore manufacturing.
Next, POLITICO Vice President of Client Partnerships Heidi Sommer interviewed Caterpillar Senior Vice President Phil Kelliher, a member of the AEM Board of Directors and former Chair of CONEXPO-CON/AGG. He highlighted innovations in the construction equipment industry, how the industry is reducing its environmental footprint, and the importance of attracting and retaining talent to meet the needs of a 21st century workforce.
“Attracting talent is key to the future of our industry,” said Phil Kelliher. “Whether it’s modernizing manufacturing environments through technology or supporting machines in the field, there are incredible opportunities — especially for skilled technicians. These are high-tech, high-demand careers that don’t always require a four-year degree, and they offer a strong path forward through trade schools and vocational training.”
Steven Overly, Editorial Director of POLITICO LIVE and Host of the POLITICO Tech Podcast also moderated a panel discussion with Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Former Deputy Undersecretary for International Labor Affairs Thea Lee, and Former Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade and Senior Fellow of the Manufacturing Policy Initiative at Indiana University Gilbert B. Kaplan. The panelists discussed their differing views on trade policies and the best ways to revitalize the manufacturing sector.
Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.), member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Budget Committee, closed out the event in a keynote interview moderated by Victoria Guida. Sen. Johnson spoke about why Congress must extend key tax provisions and ensure that U.S. manufacturers do not receive tax hikes.
Those who missed the event can listen to the full interviews here.
