Manufacturing Day

WHEREAS, recognizing October 3, 2014, as Manufacturing Day in Alabama is an effective way to highlight the importance of the manufacturing to our nation’s economy and to draw attention to the many rewarding, high-skilled manufacturing jobs. It is also an opportunity to support and celebrate Alabama’s manufacturers and school programs that prepare our future workforce; and

WHEREAS, manufacturers in Alabama account for 16.3 percent of the total output in the state, employing more than 13 percent of the workplace; and

WHEREAS, innovation drives productivity and economic growth, giving American workers the tools to remain the most productive in the world and creating products, processes and even new industries, which expand employment and boost standards of living; and

WHEREAS, manufacturers help to drive Alabama’s economy, with $17.4 billion in manufactured goods exports in 2013; and

WHEREAS, since 2009, Alabama’s manufactured goods exports grew 62.8 percent, while the national average increased 50.4 percent; and

WHEREAS, the United States has remained the world’s innovation leader through its commitment to basic research, a world-class workforce and a climate that rewards originality; and

WHEREAS, the manufacturing industry is a dynamic part of Alabama’s economy, and manufacturing jobs significantly contribute to our standard of living and economic vitality; and

WHEREAS, Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to showcase manufacturing’s technology-driven, innovative environment in order to attract skilled workers and excite young people about pursuing a career in manufacturing:

NOW, THEREFORE, I,Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October 3, 2014, as

Manufacturing Day

in the state of Alabama.