Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, this week we have representatives from the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, MEP, visiting for their annual legislative day. MEPs are public-private partnerships that help small- and medium-size manufacturers grow their business. There are MEP centers in all 50 States and Puerto Rico. Manufacturing is one of America's major economic drivers, comprising over 12 percent of our annual GDP, with most manufacturing firms in the United States having 500 employees or less. MEPs provide much-needed assistance for manufacturers to become more successful. MEPs help manufacturers grow their global market with export guidance on where to eliminate waste. Last year, MEPs across the country generated $1.7 billion in cost savings, $3.5 billion in new client investments, and helped create and retain over 100,000 jobs. You can see these benefits firsthand in the Second Congressional District, where the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, led by Chuck Spangler, served over 40 companies last year, resulting in $25 million in new sales and 25 retained jobs. I am grateful for the MEP's positive impact in communities across the country. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. ____________________”