Congratulations to Greg Willard, NFPA Board Chairman and CEO of Quality Control Corp. on a great kickoff to the 2011 Annual Conference. His opening remarks got the audience warmed up for several great presentations.
John Ferriola, COO of Nucor Steel, made a strong impression on the audience about the importance of American manufacturing for global strength. Increasing manufacturing in the US is the key to global success but even more important to a stabile economy at home. Every manufacturing job supports 5.2 service jobs.
Increasing unemployment is a main focus business and government in 2011. While we will not get back to previous high employment levels of the recent past, a key to growing our overall employment is to generate manufacturing jobs now.
Mr. Ferriola stated the importance of energy independence, balanced trade, and a rebuilt infrastruction to a growing economy. All of these factors are also key to increased employment as well. This was a very good presentation and an eye-opener with regard to the importance of manufacturing in the US.
