Freedom
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

We have so much to be grateful for during this Independence Day week. At the same time, we also have much to continue working on.

Reflecting on July 4th, I am reminded how much we value our freedoms. And of our need to continue to extend these freedoms to so many more. America can and needs to be a beacon of hope. As the war in Ukraine continues and tensions in Asia increase, we need to be people of hope. Manufacturers have been a large part of our progress as a nation. I am more convinced than ever that manufacturers will be a vital part of our growth and prosperity in the future.

Early on in our nation’s history, manufacturing was crucial for success. Products used throughout the nation and world allowed our country to achieve rapid economic growth. Millions were lifted out of poverty. Millions made the products that helped our nation expand. Our factories built what was needed to win world wars. These same factories converted to peacetime products to put men and women back to work as they returned. This has been the story of the nation.

Our nation has witnessed rapid change. Manufacturing is needed again to produce essential products in the U.S. We must make our vital pharmaceuticals here again. Semiconductors for economic and national security must be manufactured in the U.S. Also, we need to have solid supply chains that are resilient. We need all this and more in the coming reshoring of manufacturing to the U.S.

It won’t be easy. However, it has started, and we need to continue. It will take effort from manufacturers, governments, and communities. However, I know we can do it. How do I know this? We have done it before. We must commit to rebuilding our manufacturing base in New York and our nation.

As we continue to celebrate our nation’s freedoms, let’s not only remember what we have accomplished. Let’s commit to more. Our country needs it – and so does our world.

Enjoy your Fourth of July holiday weekend!