Sherwood Boehlert: “During a busy day, most Americans probably do not stop to think about the impact small manufacturing has on all of our…”

“During a busy day, most Americans probably do not stop to think about the impact small manufacturing has on all of our lives. In fact, most Americans would be surprised to learn that it is all but impossible to get through a day without using and benefiting from the many products created by our Nation's small manufacturers. Everything from the alarm clock ringing in the morning, to the clothes we wear, to the communications equipment C-SPAN uses to broadcast these House proceedings live can be attributed in part to small manufacturing. It is not surprising, then, that small manufacturers contribute so greatly to our Nation's economic growth and prosperity. Small manufacturers employ over 12 million Americans, translating to nearly 1 in 10 workers nationwide. It is estimated that a manufacturing sale of $1 results in an increase of total output in the economy of $2.30. As they seek to remain a driving force in our Nation's economy, one of the greatest challenges facing small manufacturers in the coming decade will be the need to implement successful e-commerce business strategies allowing them to better compete in the burgeoning information age.”