May 9, 2008

This Week On "America's Business" Radio

The continuing battle between Democratic presidential nominees Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton is good news for Republican presidential hopeful John McCain, Florida Sen. Mel Martinez says.

“It’s got to be a help that we have had some time for the McCain campaign to get its feet on the ground. He's raising money. Getting organization behind him,” said Martinez, a McCain supporter and guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” radio program.

“But it also remains a clear fact that the Democrats are going to unite and this is going to be a battle,” Martinez said.

The Senate is weighing a climate change bill that would use a pollution cap and trade system to help prevent global warming. But Neil O’Brien from the Open Europe think-tank will tell Mike why a similar program in Europe has run into problems.

For almost 20 years the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program has given companies training to help them boost sales and cut costs. Bruce Pulkkinen from Windham Millwork Inc. in Maine, a supporter of MEP, will tell us why such a worthwhile program is under threat.

“America’s Business” will also talk to Advanced Technology Services Inc. President Jeffrey Owens. Owen’s company helps manufacturers stay on budget by maintaining and repairing their shopfloor equipment. And the program will visit with Judith Crocker, director of the Dream It. Do It. program in Northeast Ohio to find out how that program trains young people for manufacturing careers.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership will give us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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May 2, 2008

This Week on "America's Business" Radio

Arizona Sen. John McCain is the likely Republican nominee for the presidency but the battle is still raging over who will snag the Democratic presidential nomination.

However, John Zogby, a guest on this week’s edition of “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” predicted Illinois Sen. Barack Obama will beat New York Sen. Hillary Clinton. Zogby is one of the most respected political pollsters in the nation.

“The most important thing is that Clinton does not really have a way mathematically to obtain the nomination,” Zogby said. “There is no way, or very little way, for her to be able to catch up with Sen. Obama among pledged delegates.”

The Senate is considering a climate change bill that supporters claim would help prevent global warming but opponents say would wreck the U.S. economy. Award-winning Time Magazine editor Eric Pooley will talk about the politics surrounding the issue.

Environmentalists are trying to fight a new power plant in Utah. Attorney Russell Frye will explain why that case is so important to future energy supplies and manufacturing.

Meanwhile, National Association of Manufacturers Trade Policy Director Doug Goudie will give listeners an update on World Trade Organization negotiations to further open global markets. And Croplife America President Jay Vroom will explain why pesticides needed to grow crops to feed the world sometimes get a bad reputation.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership will give us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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April 25, 2008

Vodcast: Chester Finn on Nation at Risk

This week marked the 25th anniversary of the "Nation at Risk" report, awakening the public and policymakers to the failures of American public education. Have things improved since then?

In this week's video podcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," we'll hear from Chester "Checkers" Finn, a leading educational thinker and reform and president of the Thomas Fordham Institute.

Finn sees lots and lots of problems still affecting our schools.

For more on this week's interview with Finn and the entire radio broadcast, please visit www.americasbusiness.org

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This Week on 'America's Business' radio

Education is a top priority for manufacturers who need a skilled workforce to operate increasingly complex shop floor computers and equipment.

But has America’s public education system improved in the 25 years since the National Commission on Excellence in Education released its “Nation at Risk” report? That report gave our schools a mediocre grade.

Chester Finn, a guest on this week’s edition of “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” said things haven’t gotten much better. “I guess the big issue for me is that the reforms to date haven’t yielded much by the way of improved achievement,” said Finn, who is president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.

Trade agreements have recently gotten a bad rap in Congress and the media but exports create American jobs. Miguel Cruz from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc. will join Mike to talk about how his company is taking advantage of Latin American business opportunities.

“National Small Business Week” is officially ending. Kristy Schloss, president of Schloss Engineered Equipment, will visit “America’s Business” to talk about issues important to small businesses such as hers.

MeadWestvaco Corp., which makes packaging materials, is repackaging itself under the new name MWV. Company Vice President of Communications Donna Cox will tell us why the company decided to make the change.

And to honor “Earth Day” Ed Kiczek, global business director at Air Products and Chemicals Inc., will discuss his company’s push into the hydrogen fuel market. Hydrogen could turn out to be a promising alternative form of energy.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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April 18, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

The media can sometimes fan false hysteria about issues ranging from asbestos to global warming, according to the authors of the new book “Scared to Death.”

Christopher Booker and Richard North, guests on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” said this hysteria can cost businesses billions of dollars when policymakers overreact. Remember the Y2K computer crash that never happened?

“Part of the reason for writing the book, the process, is to tell people that actually they are being caught up in a very specific phenomenon and to advise and instruct them as to how to recognize the phenomenon they’ve been caught up with,” North said.

Manufacturers are struggling to find qualified workers and the H1-B visa program helps them attract talent from overseas. But the visa program has flaws. Microsoft Corp. Managing Director of Federal Government Affairs Jack Krumholtz will appear on the program to tell us more.

Clean technology is more popular than ever. Allied PhotoChemical Inc. Vice President of Sales Dan Sweetwood will join Mike to talk about why his company is offering a line of environmentally friendly paints, coatings and other products.

One way to cut soaring healthcare costs is to help workers manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Dr. Ken Thorpe, executive director of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, will be on hand to talk about his group’s push to include chronic disease management in the presidential debates.

Spring is here and grass is growing again. On that note “America’s Business” will visit Walker Manufacturing Company in Colorado to help celebrate a special milestone. They will manufacture their 100,000th lawnmower this year.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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Vodcast: Scared to Death

On this week's video podcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," we hear from the two authors of a new book, "Scared to Death -- From BSE to Global Warming: Why Scares Are Costing Us the Earth." Christopher Booker and Richard North recount the media-fueled, government-sanctified scares that ruin companies, burden the economy and scare people to death -- for little reason. The latest example of this phenomenon cited by this British pair? The fear that the world faces disaster from man-made global warming. It's evidently chickentown.

For more on America's Business and to listen to the full radio program, please visit www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Carter Wood at 3:45 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

April 11, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

Congress will hurt the U.S. economy and send a bad message to its allies if it rejects a free trade agreement with Colombia, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez says. The House on Thursday voted to delay a vote on the deal.

“We should not put politics in front of sending a message to an ally,” said Gutierrez, a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” radio program. “If we don’t approve this, our allies and friends will be very confused. And people who don’t like us will be very happy.”

Gasoline prices are at record highs and the search for alternative energy sources is gaining urgency. America’s Business will talk to Southern California Edison spokesman Gil Alexander about the utility company’s multi-million-dollar plan to light hundreds of businesses and homes using solar power.

American manufacturers are also using a foreign visa program to help meet a shortage of qualified workers. Texas Instruments Government Relations Director Amy Burke will join Mike to discuss the hurdles the company faces when it uses the H1-B visa program.

You can also tune in this week to find out from ColorCraft owner and president Jim Mayes what high ranking government official recently visited his Sterling, Va., to talk about the economic stimulus package. And “America’s Business” will continue its series on foreign manufacturing groups when its visits the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association and meets with its president Jayson Myers.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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April 4, 2008

Vodcast: Rep. Roscoe Bartlett on Alternative Energy

Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) wants the public to know more about the wide array of use and opportunities involving alternative energy and "green technology" and in this week's video podcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," we hear about his plans for a "Maryland Clean Energy Center," a multifaceted rest stop along I-270 near the Monocacy Battlefield.

We'll also hear Executive Director Miguel Gomez Martinez of the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce on the need for a U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.

For more on the radio program that provides these highlights, please visit www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Carter Wood at 5:31 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

'This Week on America's Business'

The United States will only hurt itself if it rejects a free trade agreement with Colombia, says Executive Director Miguel Gomez Martinez of the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce.

That’s because America already opened its market to Colombian products, says Gomez Martinez, a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” radio program. Now Colombia wants to return the favor, he says.

Gomez Martinez expressed surprised some Democrats are against the deal. “First of all the Democrats have always voted in favor of the (trade) preferences for Colombia. So the Democrats already gave us free access to the U.S. market. So it’s very difficult to understand why they are not willing to do the same thing for U.S. companies.”

Higher energy prices are prompting Americans to consider alternative energy sources such as solar and geothermal. Congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) will join Mike to talk about an upcoming Clean Energy Center in Maryland that will introduce the public to the renewable energy industry.

The college basketball championship season is here and America’s Business will pay homage to college sports by talking to two former college athletes who are involved in manufacturing. And the program will visit Imagine Tomorrow, a special program that helps kids get interested in technology that could be useful when they grow up and decide to pursue a manufacturing career.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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March 28, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

America is headed for trouble if it doesn’t kick its spending habit, says Tennessee Democratic Rep. John Tanner, a guest on this week's "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" radio program. The federal debt is a massive $9 trillion dollars.

All that money spent paying interest on this debt could go to fixing roads and bridges and investing in human capital such as education and healthcare, says Tanner, co-founder of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats.

“There is no country that I know of in recorded civilization that had an unhealthy, uneducated population that was strong and free,” Tanner says.

President Bush is pressing Congress to approve an agreement to open Colombia’s markets to American goods and services. Politico reporter Victoria McGrane will talk to Mike about the odds Congress will back the deal.

The Senate may also take up a climate change bill that critics say wouldn’t stop global warming and would wreck the economy. William O’Keefe from the George C. Marshall Institute will talk more about the bill’s down side.

National Association of Realtors economist Lawrence Yun will tell us whether the stagnant housing market will turn around soon. And Loews Corp. President and Chief Executive James Tisch will tell Mike why a lower corporate capital gains tax rate would benefit business.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 2:34 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

March 21, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

Sen. George Voinovich says a pending Senate bill that would address global warming by limiting U.S. greenhouse gas emissions is ineffective, would hurt the economy and spark higher energy prices. Voinovich is a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick" radio program.

“Basically, what it does is it ignores the international impact of greenhouse gases and just concentrates on the United States,” the Ohio Republican says about S. 2191, America’s Climate Security Act of 2007. “In addition, it really is a real blow to the jaw of the U.S economy.”

Frivolous lawsuits are tying up courts around the country. A Pacific Research Institute expert will talk to Mike about a report on states that are saints and sinners when it comes to tort costs and litigation risk.

March Madness, the college basketball championship season, is here. It would be hard to keep up with the action on the court without manufacturers such as Daktronics. We’ll visit the South Dakota electronic scoreboard maker.

“America’s Business” will explore issues important to state-level manufacturers in a conversation with officials from the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and the Association of Washington Business. And we’ll find out how the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce in Tennessee is pitching the region’s ample water supplies to attract manufacturers.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.”

And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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March 14, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

Rep. Joe Donnelly says you are hurting American manufacturers and jobs when you buy a bootleg DVD or fake Rolex watch on the street corner. Donnelly, a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” radio program, introduced a bipartisan bill to battle product piracy in the United States and abroad.

“It takes intellectual property theft much more seriously (and) creates stronger law enforcement network to fight it so that we can stand up for our manufacturers and make sure our ingenuity and ideas are protected,” the Indiana Democrat said.

Freelance reporter Phaedra Hise returns to the program to talk about her Popular Mechanics magazine article on five American manufacturing success stories. The owner of one the companies profiled in her story – Drew Greenblatt of Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore – will also appear on the program.

Manufacturers are scrambling to find well-trained workers. Mike will talk with an executive from Die-Tech metal stamping company in Pennsylvania about an innovative program they use to sharpen employee skills.

You can tune into “America’s Business” this week to find out how the recently enacted, $168-billion economic stimulus plan will benefit McCutcheon's Apple Products in Maryland. And Sandra Westlund-Deenihan, president of Quality Float Works in Illinois, will join Mike to discuss the advantages U.S. manufacturers will gain from a pending trade pact with Colombia.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on legal reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.”

And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with “The Last Word” when he talks about why innovation is so vital to America’s future.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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March 7, 2008

'This Week on America's Business"

Democratic presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have said they would try to reopen parts of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

But a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” radio program says NAFTA is fine as is. Tampering with the pact would sour relations with Canada and Mexico and threaten the economy, said Dan Ikenson, associate director of the Cato Institute Center for Trade Policy Studies.

“It’s a terrible thing to be talking about at a time when U.S. export growth has been crucial,” Ikenson says. “Four years in a row we’ve set records in exports.”

All the talk about the decline and fall of American manufacturing is overblown. Mike will talk to reporter Phaedra Hise about her recent Popular Mechanics magazine story on American manufacturers who succeed despite the odds. We’ll also visit one of those manufacturers – the American Bicycle Group.

Natural gas is a crucial part of America’s energy supply. Natural Gas Supply Association President Skip Horvath will join Mike to talk about what role natural gas will play in America’s future.

“America’s Business” will also chat with a business executive who says manufacturing know-how can help companies slash healthcare costs. And we’ll visit a Wisconsin boat horn manufacturer, Kahlenberg Bros., that has achieved a rare feat – the same family has run it for more than 100 years.

In our regular segment Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership will give us the latest on tort reform. And the National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler will close out the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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February 29, 2008

'This Week On America's Business Radio"

The Washington Post and CNN say Alabama Democrat Rep. Artur Davis is a future leader to watch.

The Harvard Law School graduate sits on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees trade, taxes and other vital business issues. And Davis, a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” is keen on using trade deals, worker training and other steps to keep manufacturing strong.

“Obviously, we need to make sure that the international rules of trade are fairly enforced and that they just don’t apply to the United States,” he told Mike.

“America’s Business” will also go to “The Land Down Under” to meet the Australian Industry Group in our first look at manufacturing in other countries. And we'll chat with an executive from an American mining and farm equipment company that does business in Australia.

Coal provides much of the nation’s electricity. A Duke Energy official will talk about technology that reduces coal’s impact on the environment.

This week you’ll meet the person to go to at the U.S. Small Business Administration if you need help clearing regulatory hurdles. And with Black History Month closing, we’ll talk to a University of Houston expert about the many contributions of African American inventors.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest report on tort reform while commentator Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close out the program with “The Last Word.”

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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February 22, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

Medical costs in America are soaring but Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) says his bipartisan Promotion of Health Information Technology Act could save lives and reduce health care costs.

The bill would do this partly by using technology to boost health care quality and efficiency, says Rogers, who appears on this week’s edition of “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick.”

“Last year alone, about 98,000 people were either killed, 1.3 million injured, because there were inconsistencies in the medication that were given to patients,” Rogers said. “Think of what that costs the system not only in human life…but in the extra costs of trying to treat that patient and get that patient back on their feet.”

Assistant Commerce Secretary Woody Sutton has a big job. Sutton, who promotes U.S. manufacturing around the globe, will talk to Mike about the state of the industry and issues manufacturers will face in 2008.

You can also tune into “America’s Business” to learn more about a study that says a controversial Environmental Protection Agency plan to reduce smog could cast a dark cloud over our already troubled economy. Mike will also talk to noted economist Arthur Laffer about what states are best for business and another program segment will look at the booming clean technology investment market.

And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close out the program when he gives us "The Last Word" on EPA's ozone plan.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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February 15, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

Americans are already planning how to spend tax rebate checks they’ll get from the $168-billion economic stimulus plan.

But America’s newest senator, Republican Roger Wicker from Mississippi, said the plan’s business incentives are much more important than one-time checks.

“I think more so than the tax rebates are the job creating incentives that we provided for business to purchase equipment that helps create jobs,” said Wicker, who appeared on this week’s edition of “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick.”

“America’s Business” will also hear about a plan to fix the nation’s aging roads and bridges from Patrick Quinn, a member of the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. Quinn is also co-chairman of U.S. Xpress Enterprises Inc.

Marian Blakey, president of the Aerospace Industries Association will explain why U.S. aerospace exports are soaring and listeners will find out why the National Association of Manufacturers went to court to fight a lobbying disclosure law that threatens privacy of trade association members.

Do you want to get a coveted, environmentally friendly “green” label for your product or service? A Federal Trade Commission official will tell you how.

And to close the program, The National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler will give us “The Last Word."

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 3:27 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

February 8, 2008

Vodcast: Representative Zach Wamp

In this week's video highlights of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," we hear from Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), an outspoken advocate of expanding nuclear energy in the United States as part of a multifaceted strategy of achieving energy security. Wamp argues:

"Let’s lead on this issue. Let’s advance nuclear, let’s solve the problems of the world. Let’s build energy technologies out of this country and export them to the world. Frankly, let’s lead on energy in the next 20 years the same way we lead on information in the last 20 years and we will preserve our way of life. But it means technology, not regulation."

Wamp also has some sharp criticisms for members of Congress who respond to America's energy challenges with the heavy hand of government, taxation and regulation.

In our second segment, we hear from Garrett Graff, author of The First Campaign, a look at how new technologies have reshaped the world of campaigning, politics and policy.

For more on the full radio program and podcast, be sure to visit www.AmericasBusiness.org.

Posted by Carter Wood at 1:17 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

'This Week on America's Business'

Europe is way ahead of the United States when it comes to nuclear energy development. But Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” said America should be the No. 1 nation when it comes to nuclear and other alternative energy.

“Let’s advance nuclear, let’s solve the problems of the world, let’s build energy technologies out of this country and export them to the world,” says Wamp, who sits on the House Nuclear Energy Working Group.

Rep. Melissa Bean (D-IL) returns to “America’s Business" to discuss her recent trip to Colombia and the status of a pending U.S.-Colombia free trade pact.

Author Garrett Graff will join Mike to discuss how technology and globalization are revolutionizing political campaigns. Meanwhile, Tom Tanton from the Institute for Energy Research will explain the ramifications of California suing EPA to create its own emissions rules to fight global warming.

“America’s Business” will also visit an inner city Washington, D.C. high school that is getting kids interested in robotics, a technology vital to manufacturing. And closing out the program is the “The Last Word” from the National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler on the California EPA lawsuit.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 1:06 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

February 1, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

The economy is shaky and President Bush and Congress are trying to get it back on firm ground with a $150-billion stimulus plan.

Rep. Melissa Bean (D-IL), a guest on this week’s edition of “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” talks about the significance of the stimulus package and how soon Congress may approve it. The plan already passed the House.

Bean knows what she’s talking about -- she helped craft the package. “In the House we’re moving full speed ahead,” she said. “The question now is what the Senate does. And that’s always the question.”

The presidential primary season is heating up and Super Tuesday is almost upon us. “America’s Business” will talk to political pollster John McLaughlin to see who could come out on top in the Democrat and Republican races.

What else will this week's program cover? The National Association of Manufacturers economist Dave Huether will tell Mike whether the dark clouds of recession will roll in during 2008. “America’s Business” will air the second installment of its series on the resurging nuclear power industry when it visits with an official from the Dominion company.

And Robert Samuelson, a Washington Post columnist who has a reputation of delivering the straight dope on economics and politics, will share his wisdom with Mike.

To close the program, NAM President John Engler will give us “The Last Word” when he talks about why manufacturers need research and development tax credits.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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Vodcast: Rep. Melissa Bean, John McLaughlin

Stimulating discussion on this week’s video podcast of the “America’s Business” radio program, as Rep. Melissa Bean (D-IL) highlights the lightning-quick House passage of the economic stimulus bill (even as legislation to enact three jobs-creating, economy-boosting free trade agreements has seen no action for months). In praising the broad bipartisan House support for injecting the stimulus into the economy by the second quarter, Bean, looking to her colleagues across the Chamber observes, “The question now is what the Senate does…and that is always the question”.

Noted Republican pollster John McLaughlin weighs in on the rollercoaster presidential primaries, predicting an aisle-crossing Senatorial battle in November pitting McCain against Clinton. According to McLaughlin: “There is no way that Mitt Romney or Mike Huckabee have the resources or the money to effect the states that are up on Super Tuesday.”

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January 25, 2008

Vodcast: Anticipating the State of the Union

With the President's State of the Union just around the corner, this week's video highlights of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" has preview and perspective from Brian Darling, an old Senate hand now a top policy and politics expert at the Heritage Foundation. Darling is a skeptic of stimulus:

“It is feel-good politics in a sense. There is only so much the federal government can do. I think the American people and economists would agree that a better thing to do for the long term would be a tax simplification plan to make our tax code more simple.”

And while Congress is stimulating the economy, Darling warns it could hamper growth with a government-heavy response to global warming.

NAM President John Engler closes with his "The Last Word" commentary, recommending policies for the President's speech that would strengthen the U.S. manufacturing sector.

The vodcast is available as streaming video. To watch the vodcast online visit www.americasbusiness.org or on the NAM's YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/namvideo.

Posted by Carter Wood at 7:49 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

'This Week on America's Business'

President Bush will deliver his last State of the Union address on Monday night. Many Americans will be listening to learn more about Bush and Congress’ plan to jump-start the sagging economy.

Brian Darling, a political expert at the Heritage Foundation, will appear on “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” to give his forecast of the speech and an analysis of stimulus plans.

“There is only so much the federal government can do,” Darling said. “I think the American people and economists would agree that a better thing to do for the long term would be a tax simplification plan to make our tax code more simple.”

“America’s Business” this week is launching a three-part series featuring some of the players involved in America’s resurging nuclear power industry. This week’s guest is Jacques Besnainou, head of Areva NC. Areva NC is a subsidiary of the Areva group, a French nuclear services company that is doing business in the United States.

Geothermal, or energy from the earth, is also getting more attention as an energy source. John Kelly, executive director of the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium, will discuss how geothermal systems are helping businesses and residences slash heating and cooling bills, sometimes by half.

What does it take for a product to earn a “Made In U.S.A” label? Federal Trade Commission attorney Laura Koss will tell Mike about the process.

And “America’s Business” will explore a troubling proposed EPA smog rule that could give our economy another blow. Environmental consultant and former Indiana state representative Bruce Carter explains why the proposed rule is scientifically flawed and bad for business.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest report on tort reform while the NAM's Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” NAM President John Engler closes with his "The Last Word" commentary, anticipating the State of the Union from a manufacturing perspective.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 4:34 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

January 18, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

American manufacturers are about to lose a champion in Congress. Six-term Pennsylvania Republican Rep. John Peterson will retire at the end of his term.

Peterson, a guest on this week’s edition of “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” has a 100 percent approval rating when it comes to voting on legislation vital to manufacturing.

He is also a leading proponent of opening offshore oil and gas exploration to boost energy supplies, an issue more important than ever considering high prices at the pump.

“We need to open up the Outer Continental Shelf. We need to do coal to liquids, coal to gas, we need to open up more of Alaska,” Peterson says. “We need to do a lot of things because the energy crunch -- we have these high numbers without a real crisis in the world.”

Manufacturers are battling an epidemic of counterfeit products on the market, from airplane parts to dog food and razor blades.

Rick Cotton, NBC Universal’s general counsel, will join Mike to discuss what Congress and a group he heads are doing to battle the problem. Cotton leads the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy, a joint project of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

“This is the new face of organized crime,” Cotton says about the problem.

“America’s Business” will also discuss a new report from the Manufacturing Institute and the RSM McGladrey professional services firm that examines how small and medium manufacturers are adapting to a more globalized and integrated supply chain.

And the program will take a special trip to Stride Inc., a New Mexico writing instrument and office products company that is bringing much needed jobs and dignity to disabled people.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the latest news on tort reforms while the National Association of Manufacturers’ Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.”

And the NAM President John Engler gives us “The Last Word” when he talks about a favorable Supreme Court decision that will shield businesses from unnecessary lawsuits.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 2:00 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

Vodcast: Rep. John Peterson, NBC's Rick Cotton

This week's video podcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" hits the issues of domestic energy production and overseas product piracy with two national leaders in their areas. Rep. John Peterson (R-PA) has fought successfully to expand access to America's abundant energy resources in the Outer Continental Shelf, but more must be done, he says. The Congessman, who has just announced his retirement at the end of his term, points to high oil costs as a warning sign, especially since they occur at a relatively calm time -- absent disruptions from hurricanes or international crises, for example.

NBC's general counsel, Rick Cotton, issues a call to arms against product counterfeiting and piracy. "This is the new face of organized crime," he tells host Mike Hambrick. "We are not talking about people in garages – these are committed criminals, with sophisticated production techniques and elaborate distribution networks, who are committed to undercutting many of the most industries in this country." A broad alliance is organizing against these crooks, The Coalition against Counterfeiting and Piracy.

NAM President John Engler closes with his "Last Word" commentary, applauding the U.S. Supreme Court for its ruling in Stoneridge v. Scientific Atlanta, which prevented a new flood of excessive, anti-business lawsuits.

To watch this and other NAM videos, please go to www.YouTube.com/namvideo. And for more information about our weekly radio program, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Carter Wood at 7:33 AM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

January 11, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

Louisiana Sen. Mary Landrieu sits on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. And Landrieu hails from a state where about one out of 10 people work in the oil and gas or an energy-related industry.

Landrieu will appear on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” to discuss what America must do to achieve energy security. Landrieu also tells Mike she recently voted against a motion to advance an energy bill because she believes taxes on oil and gas would hurt the nation’s energy supply.

“We don’t need to be discouraging production of oil and gas,” Landrieu says. “We do need to be promoting the production of alternative fuels but not at the expense of traditional sources.”

Coal might have a dirty reputation but it’s essential to America’s energy needs. Did you know half of the electricity generated in the United States comes from coal?

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, another guest on this week’s program, will talk about the role coal will play as the United States develops alternative energy sources. America can also use coal in an environmentally sound way, said Manchin, who represents the nation’s second largest coal producing state.

“The bottom line is we’re going to continue to use coal in this nation as we move out in the next 10, 20, 30 years,” Manchin says. “I believe, truly believe, that we can do it much cleaner, much greener, much more responsible.”

With the presidential election season heating up, Greg Casey, president of the Business Industry Political Action Committee, will chat with Mike about what’s at stake for manufacturers. And two reporters from respected Capitol Hill newspapers – Roll Call and CQ Weekly -- will shed light on issues Congress could tackle in 2008.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest report on legal reform while the National Association of Manufacturers’ Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.”

And the NAM President John Engler will offer up the “The Last Word” when he talks about the recent 2008 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and how new free trade pacts are vital for the nation’s electronics makers.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 4:32 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

Vodcast: Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)

This week's video podcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" highlights energy issues in an interview with Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA). Landrieu is a vocal advocate for a broad-based energy strategy, including expanded domestic production and development of America's oil and natural gas resources in the Outer Continental Shelf.

"The $100-a-barrel oil is being driven by real demand because of global growth. With the demand soaring, we not only have to produce more domestically, we have to be able to import more liquefied natural gas, particularly to maintain our manufacturing base here. Otherwise, we’ll become completely uncompetitive," Landrieu says. "And we do need to diversify our fuel source, which is why I’m also a huge supporter of trying to convert crops and switchgrass and using by-products of cellulosic fiber, et cetera, for fuel."

Landrieu also provided a crucial vote last month in the Senate, preventing passage of a $14 billion tax increase on domestic energy producers. In the interview, she explains how critical this issue is to the people and economy of her home state of Louisiana.

The video podcast also features the weekly news round-up and NAM President John Engler's "The Last Word" commentary, saluting the just-completed Consumer Electronics Show 2008 for stressing the role of free trade in keeping its industry -- and American jobs -- healthy.

To watch the vodcast, click on the embedded video or head to the NAM's video page at www.YouTube.com/namvideo. And for the full radio program, please visit www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Carter Wood at 11:49 AM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

January 4, 2008

'This Week on America's Business'

When it came to international trade, 2007 was a busy year for America.

There was a textile agreement with Mexico in January, a broader deal with South Korea in April, and the year ended on a climatic note when Congress and President Bush approved a trade pact with Peru.

America’s top trade negotiator Susan Schwab, a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” says things won’t slow down in 2008.

“We have had a big year in trade in 2007 and anticipate an equally busy and productive year in 2008,” U.S. Trade Representative Schwab says.

U.S. trade policy won’t be the only issue “America’s Business” tackles in its first program of 2008. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, chairman of the National Governors Association, will tell Mike about that group’s push to promote alternative energy sources and clean vehicles.

With oil lately hitting $100 a barrel and gasoline prices rising, Pawlenty says America must develop other energy sources. “Obviously one of the big issues facing our country is how we’re going to continue to access and use energy at an affordable, secure and predictable level,” he says.

Attorney Cleta Mitchell will join Mike to talk about new lobbying reforms that could stymie manufacturers’ ability to connect with lawmakers. And Brian Johnson from the Alliance for Worker Freedom will discuss a new report on how states rate when it comes to worker rights.

This winter is already shaping up to be one of the snowiest in years. All that snow is manna from heaven for snowmobile manufacturers. International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association President Ed Klim will join Mike to talk about rising snowmobile sales in foreign markets such as Russia.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of tort reform battles and the NAM’s Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.”

And the National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler gives us “The Last Word” when he talks about how the bright lights of Broadway could go dark if New York officials succeed in closing the Indian Point nuclear power plant.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 5:19 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

January 3, 2008

Vodcast: U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab

U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab reviews the year in trade 2007 in this week's videopodcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," highlighting Congressional passage of the U.S.-Peru Free-Trade Agreement. But challenges await in 2008: enactment of trade pacts with Panama, Colombia and South Korea and completion of the Doha round of the WTO negotiations. Schwab comments:

"It is puzzling that any member of Congress could vote no on a trade agreement that opens a foreign market for U.S. exports to a country that already has unlimited access to the U.S. market. That’s what the Peru vote did, that’s what the Columbia deal does, that’s what the Panama deal does and, quite frankly, in the case of the Korea deal…Korean barriers are significantly higher than ours."

NAM President John Engler closes with his "The Last Word" commentary, challenging New York politicians who want to shut down a nuclear power plant and the power it provides to New York City.

To watch this week's vodcast, please click the embedded video or head over to YouTube.com/namvideo. And to listen to the entire radio program, available Friday afternoon, please visit www.americasbusiness.com.

Posted by Carter Wood at 4:47 PM | 1 comment; click here to read it or submit your own! | Send to a Friend

December 28, 2007

'This Week on America's Business'

The New Year is upon us but this week “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” is taking a look back at some of its best guests of the past.

Some of the most influential people in the nation have appeared on “America’s Business” during the last year or so. These include two candidates for the presidency in 2008 – former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.

We’ll again hear what Romney and Huckabee had to say about issues important to manufacturers, including healthcare and education.

There is more than one breed of Democrat. This week we’ll rebroadcast excerpts of our September conversation with Rep. Allen Boyd of Florida and Arkansas Rep. Mike Ross of the fiscally conservative “Blue Dog Democrats.”

Ross and Boyd talked about legislation to raise fuel efficiency in cars and trucks. “Blue Dogs we’re environmentalists but we want to have a common sense approach,” Ross said during his appearance.

Rising healthcare costs and the nation’s deteriorating roads and bridges have long worried manufacturers. “America’s Business” will rebroadcast parts of its interviews with American Trucking Association President Bill Graves and Newt Gingrich, a former Republican congressman from Georgia and Speaker of the House.

Graves appeared on the program in September, just a month after a Minnesota bridge collapse killed 13 people, to talk about the nation’s infrastructure problems. America’s aging road system has caused more traffic jams, which in turn have contributed to air pollution, Graves said.

“We are burning fuel while we are waiting in traffic,” he said during that interview. “We are idling and adding to the already recognized environmental problems that we face as a nation.”

And Gingrich in May talked about efforts to reform the nation’s healthcare system through his organization, the Center for Health Transformation.

“America’s Business” will also take another look at some of the craziest lawsuits filed in the recent past with Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership. Remember the man who sued God?

And the National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler will give us “The Last Word” when he talks about manufacturing successes in 2007.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 10:32 AM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

December 21, 2007

'This Week on America's Business'

A recent rash of product recalls made toy safety a big issue in the news as the holiday shopping season approached.

The recalls also prompted Congress to consider strengthening the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the agency charged with ensuring products sold in stores don’t hurt consumers, especially children.

This week on “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) will report on the status of legislation to increase funding and enact reforms at the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Dingell is chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is working on the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act.

“Pretty clear that with the imports of toys and goods and commodities from China, serious action has to be taken on this,” Dingell says.

“America’s Business” will explore two other issues important to manufacturing – opening new markets and climate change. U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab will join Mike to talk about her recent trip to climate change talks in Bali and how these negotiations might impact global trade.

And Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX), co-chairman of the Reliable Energy Caucus, will share his views on how energy legislation is shaping up in Congress.

On a lighter note “America’s Business” will take a look at popular gifts this holiday season. A Sony official will review some of that company’s hottest-selling electronic gadgets. Then “America’s Business” will go low-tech when it visits Whittle Shortline Railroad, a Missouri company that makes traditional wooden toys.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of tort reform battles while the National Association of Manufacturers' Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.”

And the NAM President John Engler gives us “The Last Word” when he delivers a holiday message.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 12:45 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

Vodcast: Dingell, Schwab, CAFE, Bali

This week's video podcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" visits with Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), a 52-year-veteran of the U.S. House and chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, where he helped craft the final fuel-efficiency language in the just-passed energy bill. Chairman Dingell comments on the legislation:

"It will be hard for industry to meet, but industry has supported that and has indicated it is something that they can do and will do. And so it is a meaningful stride forward."

Host Mike Hambrick also talks to U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, who recounts her discussions in the U.N. conference on global warming in Bali.

For the entire vodcast, please click the embedded video or visit www.youtube.com/namvideos, for our entire collection of manufacturing and policy-related videos.

And don't forget to check out the full broadcast and podcast program at www.americasbusiness.com.

Posted by Carter Wood at 11:58 AM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

December 14, 2007

'This Week on America's Business'

“America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” this week is turning its attention to a problem hitting the pocketbooks of manufacturers and everyday Americans – rising energy prices.

The price of a gallon of gas recently averaged $3, up 30% from a year ago.

Congressman Nick Lampson (D-TX) will join Mike to talk about why he was one of a handful of Democrats who recently voted against a controversial House energy bill. Lampson says the bill doesn’t boost fuel supplies and could cause more pain at the pump.

“The bill really didn’t do anything to reduce energy costs for families in my opinion who are struggling to make ends meet,” Lampson says.

Meanwhile Alexander “Andy” Karsner, assistant energy secretary, will discuss a program to help industrial plants cut energy costs. The Energy Department’s “Save Energy Now” initiative appears to be working and “America’s Business” has the proof – a Dow Chemical official will tell Mike how the program helped his company slash energy expenses.

America is known for its inventors – Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison and George Washington Carver to name a few. But are Americans losing the lead when it comes to thinking up fresh ideas and products?

John Kao, author of “Innovation Nation,” is worried we’ve lost our edge. He’ll drop by America’s Business to discuss this problem and how it could affect America’s future.

“In my mind, it’s a scenario where America could become a much less happy place to live,” Kao says.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of tort reform battles and the NAM’s Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.”

And the National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler gives us "The Last Word" when he talks about a proposed EPA ozone regulation that could cause the loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 11:24 AM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

December 13, 2007

Vodcast: Rep. Nick Lampson on Energy

With Congress coming down to the wire for action on any kind of energy legislation, this week's video podcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" features an interview with Representative Nick Lampson (D-TX).

Lampson chairs the House Science Committee's Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, and in the vodcast, he explains his reason for opposing the House-passed version of energy legislation: "“The bill itself takes away important incentives for oil companies which will not only lead to job loss, but will also discourage energy providers from continuing important research and development activities.”

NAM President John Engler also provides his "The Last Word" commentary, praising the Senate passge of the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement.

To watch this week's vodcast, please click the embedded video or head over to YouTube.com/namvideo. And to listen to the entire radio program, please visit www.americasbusiness.com.

Posted by Carter Wood at 10:10 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

December 7, 2007

'This Week on America's Business'

Remember actor Jack Nicholson’s famous line from the movie “A Few Good Men”? “You can’t handle the truth!”

It seems Americans can’t handle the truth when it comes to the nation’s financial future. But Comptroller General David Walker, a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” is on a nationwide tour to get their attention.

With the nation in a $53 trillion budget hole and Social Security expected to run short on funds, Walker said elected officials must make tough budget decisions soon. “The clock is ticking and time is working against us,” says Walker, who runs the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Speaking of budgeting, is your holiday shopping done? Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation will join Mike to talk about whether the holiday gift-buying season is meeting retailers’ expectations.

“America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” this week and every week features a regular segment from Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership on heroes and villains in the tort reform battle.

Renee could soon have more to talk about. This week attorney Victor Schwartz from the firm of Shook, Hardy & Bacon will join Mike to discuss controversial legislation that would enable trial lawyers to file even more frivolous lawsuits.

Think a job in manufacturing is passé? “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” will chat with two students at the cutting-edge Robert C. Byrd Institute in West Virginia. The facility trains manufacturing workers and delivers new technologies to small manufacturers.

Student Judy Cassell lost her job when a plant closed. She’s getting machinist training at the center. Machinists are in high demand, Cassell said. “It’s given me a lot of confidence that I kind of lost when I walked out those doors when the plant shut down,” she said of the Robert C. Byrd Institute.

“America’s Business” this week is also launching a special series – the best and brightest in manufacturing. Mike will chat with a representative from Hypertherm, a New Hampshire metal cutting technology company. The Society for Human Resource Management four times picked Hypertherm as one of the best places to work in America.

The National Association of Manufacturers’ Hank Cox recalls “The Way It Was.”

And the NAM President John Engler gives us "The Last Word," commenting on Congressional passage of the Peru trade agreement and why the American economy would benefit from more trade pacts.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 12:59 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

December 6, 2007

Vodcast: GAO's Walker on Long-Term Budget Mess

This week's video highlights of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" steps back from press of daily policy imperatives to examine the long-term fiscal threats posed by Social Security and Medicare. GAO Comptroller General David Walker has been on what he calls a "Fiscal Wake-Up Tour," trying to get the public to pay attention to demography's coming clash with dollars. Some hard facts:"The nation is in a $53 trillion hole, of which another $6.4 trillion relates to Social Security and about $32 trillion relates to Medicare. Every year that we wait to start addressing our problem that $53 trillion number will go up two to three trillion."We conclude this week's vodcast with a commentary from National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler explaining what passage of the U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement means for U.S. exporters -- and jobs.

To watch the vodcast, please click the embedded video or here. For this week's full radio program, please check back Friday to www.Shopfloor.org or www.AmericasBusiness.com. And please visit the NAM's video page at YouTube, labeled so you can remember it: www.YouTube/namvideo.

Posted by Carter Wood at 6:10 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

November 30, 2007

"America's Business with Mike Hambrick"

“America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” this week spotlights some issues of paramount importance to U.S. manufacturers – energy costs and environmental regulations.

There is energy legislation moving through Congress that could put a dent in American pocketbooks and threaten millions of jobs. David Montgomery, vice president of CRA International, will join Mike to talk about his group’s recent survey of the legislation’s economic impact.

"By 2030 we estimate that the change in the standard of living of the average U.S family due to this legislation would be the equivalent of a loss of about $1,700 in income," Montgomery said.

American skies are bluer than they’ve been in decades under current EPA ozone regulations. EPA is ignoring this fact. The agency is proposing a more stringent ozone rule that will punish manufacturers who have already worked hard to cut emissions to meet the current standard, which is working quite well.

H. Sterling Burnett from the National Center for Policy Analysis will tell Mike why the EPA anti-smog proposal doesn’t make sense.

Other guests on “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” include Bill Downey, president and chief executive officer of Kansas City Power & Light Co. and James Knott Sr., president of Riverdale Mills Corp. in Massachusetts.

Downey will talk about how his company reached a deal with environmentalists to build a new coal-fired electricity plant. And Knott will discuss how the falling value of the U.S. dollar isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it’s helped his wire mesh product company and other manufacturers boost exports.

Think all that Maine produces is lobsters? Todd French, chairman of Maine Built Boats, will tell Mike what his group is doing to promote the Pine Tree State’s centuries-old boat manufacturing industry.

In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of tort reform battles and the NAM’s Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.”

And the National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler gives us the last word when he talks about Peru and other recent trade pacts.

For more about “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” and to listen to the program online, please click here. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

Posted by Greg Wright at 1:12 PM | Click here to comment | Send to a Friend

November 23, 2007

Vodcast: John Engler on Japan, China and Trade

NAM President John Engler leads this week's video podcast of "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" with a debriefing on the NAM-led delegation's trip to China and Japan. An important discovery from the trip: Japan is on the mend, with incredible new economic opportunities at hand, and with the protections of intellectual property missing in other countries.

Engler also discusses the U.S.-Peru Free Trade agreement. It passed the House with a good margin of support, although 132 members voted n