Made in the USA Brand & Logo Certification Mark for American Made Products

The opinions and views expressed in any guest post featured on madeinusabrand.com are those of the guest author and do not reflect the opinions and views of Made in the USA Brand, LLC.

GUEST POST: TOM BONINE, PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL METAL FABRICATORS

A surge in consumer preference for made-in-USA products is more and more apparent these days. With everything from electronics to apparel, consumers are progressively looking for American-made products even if these goods cost slightly more than ones manufactured overseas.

The same can’t be said, however, for the steel industry. With the overwhelming need for bridge repair, 70,000 nationwide to be exact, the need for steel is high but we are buying overseas. The new $6.3 billion Bay Bridge in California is being constructed with steel from China because it is cheaper, and a variety of companies and municipalities across the country are following suit. Many Americans are in an uproar regarding this issue because this one project alone created thousands of jobs in China, while our steel workers remain out of work.

While patriotism may be one of the factors behind the preference for US steel, there are several other reasons to buy American.

Quality
One of the reasons for this surge in consumer preference for made-in-USA goods is quality. Products manufactured here are perceived to be of higher quality than goods produced elsewhere. According to a recent study by Industry Week, 85% of Americans and 82% of Chinese citizens believe that products made in America are high-quality items.

The US steel we buy all undergoes a series of certifications, testing, and corrosion control to ensure the product they ship will stand the test of time. American products must undergo a more thorough examination process before being put on the market, and steel is certainly one of the most deeply examined industrial products.

Pride and Patriotism
The recent downturn in the economy has resulted in many people rethinking how their spending affects the job market. Many consumers who previously purchased goods made in China simply because they were less expensive have begun to wonder if their actions contributed to a loss of manufacturing jobs in the United States. This has led to increased patriotic spirit and a desire to help their country. In the same Industry Week poll, 80% of those responding said that buying domestic goods is a way to display patriotism.

Government Initiatives
The National Export Initiative was launched in 2010, with the primary goal of doubling the number of U.S. exports to other countries by 2014. Several government agencies are working together to accomplish this task including the Commerce Department, Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thus far, the program appears to be successful. The Commerce Department reports that exports during the first quarter of 2013 totaled over $555 billion, the highest quarterly total on record.
Due to the alarming rate at which steel is being bought overseas, a “Buy America” campaign for steel is gaining steam around the country. For example, The Department of Transportation has committed to a “Buy America” cause that ensures that all transportation infrastructure projects will be built with American-made products.

Enhanced Skills Needed
Manufacturers are more willing to “reshore” factories than ever before thanks to ever-evolving technology. Because the machines that produce goods are more complicated than before, unskilled workers are often not qualified to operate them. For many companies, that means bringing their manufacturing operations back to the United States simply because there is an abundance of qualified American workers who can operate their highly technical equipment.
Among the largest manufacturers that require skilled labor are those whose processes involve metal pouring and casting, welding, or computer-controlled machines and tools. These manufacturing jobs are primarily associated with producing automobile engines, wind turbines, agricultural equipment, and mining operations. Manufacturing jobs in technology, transportation, and aerospace are experiencing slow but steady growth as well.

What the Future Holds
While the cost for Chinese steel remains cheap, Californian taxpayers have had to foot the bill for the faulty steel girders in 2012 as well as other issues during construction. These problems have resulted in cost overruns and delays that could have been avoided, had California officials not chosen the lowest bidder and went with a reliable and domestic steel provider.
And although “Buy America” is still a rising cause in the steel industry, the overall admiration of products featuring the phrase “Made in the USA” will certainly remain a worldwide trend.

About the author:
Tom Bonine is president of National Metal Fabricators. The Chicago area firm, established in 1944, offers custom metal fabrication, angle rings, welding, and bar milling services.

Renowned brand Fiesta® dinnerware by The Homer Laughlin China Company

About Made in USA Brand: All Made in USA Brand licensees meet accreditation standards through verification or self-certification. Made in USA Brand does not verify members’ self-certified U.S. origin claims.

NEWS & TRENDS

The Homer Laughlin China Company (HLC Inc.), founded in 1871, is the largest remaining domestic tableware manufacturer in the United States. HLC Inc. is proud to lead the way in both product sales volume and in creating American manufacturing jobs.

Elizabeth McIlvain, President, The Homer Laughlin China Company

“The founders of this company agreed that we would be an American company producing an American-made product while providing jobs and giving support to the communities in which we live. That promise is as alive in me as it was my great-grandfather,”said Elizabeth McIlvain, President, The Homer Laughlin China Company.

Homer Laughlin products, including the renowned and iconic brand Fiesta® dinnerware, have retained their momentum through longstanding tradition and continual innovation. “I think collectors know that they can continue to look forward to new colors and products from Fiesta. It is as exciting for us as it is for them,” promised McIlvain of the dazzling dinnerware collection started in 1936.

HLC Inc. is proud to lead the way in ceramic tableware manufacturing and American manufacturing job creation. Homer Laughlin China, Kenilworth/RAK, and Hall China comprise the HLC Inc. family of companies, and its diverse range of lead-free dinnerware meets every conceivable need from today’s discerning home chefs all the way to restaurateurs. Setting the tone—not just the table—is at the heart of the HLC commitment to its customers.

For more information, please contact The Homer Laughlin China Co., 672 Fiesta Drive, Newell, WV 26050. Phone: (800) 452-4462. Fax: (304) 387-0593. Web: www.hlchina.com. Email: hlc@hlchina.com.

The opinions and views expressed in any guest post featured on madeinusabrand.com are those of the guest author and do not reflect the opinions and views of Made in the USA Brand, LLC.

GUEST POST: TOM BONINE, PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL METAL FABRICATORS

“Buy American!” may sound like an advertising slogan that American manufacturers created to push their products. However, there are many reasons why consumers pay more for merchandise made in the USA that have nothing to do with advertising. A wide range of products, from toys to clothing, are made in the United States, and here are just a few reasons why consumers are willing to pay more for this merchandise.

• Jobs and the economy. The bottom line is that when you buy American, you are either creating or saving American jobs. When production facilities move overseas, so do the jobs. Once these jobs go abroad, it is very unlikely that they will come back. Jobs are the foundation of an economy, and purchasing products that are made in a country has a direct impact on its economy. More manufacturing jobs lowers the unemployment rate and increases the tax base to pay for benefits, such as Social Security. New jobs created in one industry can also lead to new jobs in other businesses. For example, every new auto manufacturing job supports nine additional jobs, from parts manufacturers to restaurant employees.

• Labor standards. Working conditions in some countries are not safe. Some do not have minimum age restrictions and allow young children to work long hours for very little money. The United States has strict labor laws that ensure safe working environments and child labor laws to keep young children out of factories.

• Manufacturing processes. The manufacturing processes in the U.S. are considerably more environmentally friendly than the processes in many foreign countries. It is not uncommon to find foreign products that were made using processes that dangerously pollute the air, soil, and water. The U.S. has a strong commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.

• Fair wages. Many foreign countries do not have minimum wage requirements or have wages that are too low. American workers are guaranteed fair pay for honest work.

• Independence. The decrease in manufacturing in the U.S. has made this country more dependent on outside sources, putting this country at a strategic disadvantage. Purchasing American-made items heightens independence for America.

• Trade deficit. The substantial trade deficit in the U.S. has contributed to increased borrowing from foreign countries at levels that cannot be sustained. Individual citizens may not have felt the effect of this yet, but they will if the debt continues to grow and affects the overall economy. In 2009, for example, the national trade deficit in the U.S. was a factor in the reduction in economic growth from four percent to three percent. Buying items made in the U.S. is one way to reduce this country’s large trade deficit, as well as support the American economy.

• Safety standards. Many foreign countries have extremely low product safety standards. For example, millions of toys are exported to the U.S. every year that contain dangerous levels of lead. When you buy American-made products, you are guaranteed to have items that meet U.S. consumer safety standards and protection laws.

• Political conflict. A number of popular items are produced in countries that do not have favorable relations with the United States. Choosing products made in America frees the U.S. from having to access materials and supplies from these countries.

• Conservation. When the U.S. purchases products made overseas, they must be shipped a considerable distance, typically over either the Pacific or Atlantic Oceans. Shipping these distances uses huge amounts of fuel and releases unnecessary emissions into the environment.

Buying American-made products on a regular basis creates a domino effect. When people purchase American-made items, money stays in the country. This money, in turn, contributes to wages for the people who are indirectly and directly responsible for the creation of these products. And when these people spend their hard-earned money on more American-made products and services, the cycle continues. The more frequently people buy American, the more this stimulates the economy and creates new jobs. Additionally, American workers pay taxes on wages earned in the United States; these monies then fuel programs and services that benefits.

About the author:
Tom Bonine is president of National Metal Fabricators.  www.nmfrings.com  The Chicago area firm, established in 1944, offers custom stainless steel fabrication, angle rings, welding, and bar milling services.

Uncommon valor was a common virtue.

Essay submitted by Colin, 5th Grade, Millersburg, OH

This is what Veterans Day means to me. It is a time of celebrating the men and women that have served and are serving in the military. It is also a time to respect the people that served and the people that were injured. The reason we need to respect them is because they fought for our country, gave us freedom and put their lives on the line for our country.

Veterans are also very special people because it takes a brave person to fight in a war or serve for the military. Many also have to get shipped away from their family and have to do very hard work, which would not be easy.

I would not want to be in the military, but I’m thankful that there are people that want to. So, this is what Veteran’s Day means to me.

Thank you, Colin, for honoring Veterans with your essay. -Made in USA Brand

Pledge to be a consumer of American made products, and in the process, you’ll have a positive and meaningful impact. On your neighbors. On the businesses down the street. And on the economy from coast to coast.

NEW ORLEANS, La. September 11th 2012 … It was announced today by Michael King President and CEO of the Kings Broadcasting Network, Syndicators of the popular radio shows Home Talk USA and Build with America, that the Business Talk Radio, The Genesis Communication and the Heathlife.net Radio Networks will all add the new Build w America Radio Program to their broadcasting and programming lineups.

John Patch speaking on behalf of the Business Talk Radio Network said that,” The new radio call in program called “Build with America”, will be focusing on home improvement products and technology companies that manufacture, produce and assemble right here in the US by our American Workers. Each week, Michael King will feature one of these American made home construction/ home improvement companies on the show, taking calls and discussing the many features and benefits of purchasing these products by US Consumers. “

Michael King the host/producer of the show went on to say that, “I’m excited about the fact that all these top radio networks decided to carry the show, but they all wanted me to host it. My expressed intention of this program, is for our listening audience, which will be comprised of US Consumers, to make my guest accessible to them. The sole purpose is not only create consumer awareness for US consumers, but when they actually purchase these products, it  will in a sense be creating much-needed jobs right here in the US. The long term goal is to start manufacturing these products right back here in the United States. “

The creation of the program was inspired by the Bozeman, Montana home that was built with 100% American made home construction and home improvement products that was featured by Diane Sawyer of ABC News and promoted on Home Talk USA.

On average, the US builds about 1.4 million homes a year at a construction cost of $280 Billion. If builders would just reallocate 5% of their construction spending to America made products, this would add roughly $10 billion to the America GNP. So what if every family in the US reallocated 5% of their spending to American made products? This would translate into the creation of roughly 3 million new job!” ( Quote provided by http://theallamericanhome.com/about).

If you have questions, need further information or would like to know about broadcasting times and dates, Please visit www.buildwithamerica.com

As seen on Creativity, just launched an integrated campaign on behalf of hard working anti-perspirant Mitchum to find The Hardest Working (insert job title here) in America.

Films highlight hard-working Americans from various vocations. The films will appear online at the http://www.mitchumhardestworking.com site, on TV and in live screenings.

Viewers can compete for the title of hardest working person by submitting films, building social media fan pages, even offering promotional merchandise, and contestants can check on the intensity of their work ethic via a hardest working iPhone app.

The winner receives $100,000 and other Mitchum-themed goodies.

About Made in USA Brand: All Made in USA Brand licensees meet accreditation standards through self-certification. Made in USA Brand does not verify members’ U.S. origin claims. (Florida’s Natural® Brand is not a Made in USA Brand licensee.)

NEWS & TRENDS

Florida’s Natural® Brand is using their real estate on their packaging to tell their brand story. One package’s headline reads: We can tell you where our orange juice comes from. In fact, we can tell you who it comes from. The package features four photos of actual growers with a caption of their name(s). Another package utilizing Florida’s Natural® Brand’s brand story uses the simple headline: Thank you. The copy is a personalized note from Edwin Friedlander: As a second generation grower with Florida Natural co-op, I sincerely thank you for buying juice that isn’t imported. Because of your continued support, I’m able to continue a way of life that was passed down from my father. I hope you get as much enjoyment drinking juice made form Florida oranges as I get from growing them. Sincerely, Edwin Friedlander. Two photos of Edwin are shown. Both packages close with: Unlike other major brands’ orange juice, this juice is never Imported. Florida’s Natural®. From Florida and only Florida.