Dear Subscribers: Be sure and listen to another great episode of America's Business with Mike Hambrick! We have some great guests this week on some very important issues. Listen in to this episode to find out more on important legislation in Congress right now, such as the poorly named Employee Free Choice Act and the Waxman Markey climate change bill. Also we'll hear from Ford Motorcars as they share their recent breakthroughs in green technology. Be sure and listen to this and many other interesting interviews in this months "America's Business"

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure and listen to another great episode of America's Business with Mike Hambrick! Be sure and listen to another great episode of America's Business with Mike Hambrick! We have some great guests this week on some very important issues. Last episode we heard the first of a three part discussions with journalists Tyler Suites who is the Chief Correspondent for Clean Skies TV, Chris Gadomski who is Managing Editor of Nuclear, New Energy Finance, and Jim Synder from the Hill on the future of nuclear power in America and recent progress it has made. This week we bring you part 2 of this interview, with a discussion about the status of nuclear power in America. Be sure and listen to this and many other interesting interviews in this months "America's Business."

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure and listen to another great episode of America's Business with Mike Hambrick! We have some great guests this week on some very important issues. Last episode we spoke with a spokesperson from Areva Corp., a nuclear company based in France about recent developments Areva is making at bringing more nuclear power to America. This week we'll start the first of a three part discussions with journalists Tyler Suites who is the Chief Correspondent for Clean Skies TV, Chris Gadomski who is Managing Editor of Nuclear, New Energy Finance, and Jim Synder from the Hill on the future of nuclear power in America and recent progress it has made. Also on the program this week is Mark Deo, Executive Director of the Small Business Advisory Council. Mark is here this week to discuss a new program that could really help out some small businesses that are being hurt by the economic downturn the US is facing right now. The EPA is considering new policy to impose on America's businesses; misguided policies that would be counter productive to economic growth. This week we have Roger Martella of the Environmental Practice Group at Sidley Austin LLP to give us some insight into these policies and what they could mean. Roger has served as General Counsel for the EPA and has good idea of what could happen to America if these policies are made into law. The economic downturn might have put some of America's businesses in a tough spot, but don't tell that to them. Optimism is high that this ship will be righted and America will work itself out of these times. This was indicated in a new survey conducted on America's business leaders. We'll hear from Wally Gruenes of Grant Thorton to tell us more about the results of this survey.

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Dear Subscribers: This edition of America's Business touches on a number of key issues that are important to America. First we'll find out the inside news about the Obama administration's new tax proposals and why they should be considered dangerous. Dorothy Coleman, Vice President of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy at the NAM will be here to tell us more. We'll also hear from Gary Hufbauer of the Peterson Institute for International Economics to hear his perspective. We'll also find out about how nuclear power is gaining in America. Areva Corp. and Northrop Grumman have teamed up to build a world class facility in the US to manufacture heavy components for nuclear facilities. We'll speak with the future general manager of that plant Chris Levesque this week. More breaking news from Ford Motorcars on this edition of America's Business...they are set to reform one of their SUV plants into a small car plant and in addition to that this plant will create their fully electric car. Nancy Gioia, a spokesperson for Ford is here to tell us more. All this and more on this edition of America's Business! For more about "America's Business" and to listen to the program online, please visit www.americasbusiness.org

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Dear Subscribers: This week?s edition of America?s Business is an interesting and timely one. Former representative Ernest Istook is on the program to discuss the hotly debated issue of the Employee Free Choice Act. We have a current member of Congress on the program as well?.Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn is here to discuss her new book, ?Life Equity: Realize Your True Value and Pursue Your Passions at Any Stage in Life.? The book is guide to get the most out of your career, no matter how old you are. We?ll learn about Ford Motorcars new project they are working on, the plug-in hybrid. Spokeswoman Nancy Joya will fill us in on that. Business owners are having to make tough choices in the down economy; here to guide you through this process is Francis Dalton, President of Dalton Alliances. We?ll go to the factory floor with Pro Team Vacuum in Boise, Idaho and find how they produce their backpack vacuums. Vice President of Operations Kyle Mackie will fill us on this and how Pro Team is looking towards the future. In our regular segments, commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And as always, we?ll close the program with the President of the National Association of Manufacturers, Governor John Engler, and the ?Last Word? For more about "America's Business" and to listen to the program online, please visit www.americasbusiness.org

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Dear Subscribers: This week on America?s Business with Mike Hambrick?We bring you our interview with Congressman Vern Ehlers (R-MI). Many interesting and topical interviews on this week?s edition of America?s Business, here is who?s featured. The Death Tax is making a stealthy return; hidden in the footnotes of President Obama?s budget proposal. Here to talk about the damage this tax could cause is Dick Patten, President of the American Family Business Institute. The NAM and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have teamed up with The National Center for Education and the Economy to release a new commission entitled ?Tough Choices or Tough Time?, which emphasizes the importance of having skilled workers for the future. Joining the program to discuss this report is Mark Tucker, President and CEO of The National Center for Education and the Economy. Another group pushing for strong skills for the U.S.?s future workers is the Manufacturing Institute. They have worked with the NAM to develop a new Manufacturing Skills Certification Program. Here to explain how this works is Martin Scaglione, President and COO of the ACT, who was also involved in developing this new program. When we first spoke to the Shop Rats, they were an exciting organization ready to get going and start getting kids excited about manufacturing. That was over 2 years ago and a lot of progress has been made since then. Returning to the program is founder Chris Salow to tell us what the Shop Rats have been up and to talk about an exciting new ?Wheelie Car? competition that is coming up. Wrapping up the program is Jim Harbour, author of the new book, ?Factory Man.? Jim?s book gives an inside look at the American car manufacturing scene being a former auto industry executive. Jim feels American cars have unfairly been given a bad reputation based on the cars it produced in the 1980?s. And as always, we?ll close the program with the President of the National Association of Manufacturers, Governor John Engler, and the ?Last Word? For more about "America's Business" and to listen to the program online, please visit www.americasbusiness.org

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Dear Subscribers: This week on America?s Business with Mike Hambrick?We bring you our interview with Congressman Vern Ehlers (R-MI). Congressman Ehlers was on the program to discuss congressional efforts to improve our nation?s K-12 education system, especially in the STEM subjects, which is science, technology, engineering, and math. Also on the program this week is Bill Cooper, President of the Center for Liquefied Natural Gas to talk about the benefits of clean liquefied natural gas. We have two great authors are on the program this week. Alexandra Harney is on to discuss her new book entitled, ?The China Price.? This book reveals the true cost of the Chinese competitive advantage. Another well respected author, Parag Khanna, is here to talk about his new book, ?The Second World.? We all here about developing third world countries, but there are several countries that fall in the second world category. Parag is on the program to tell us which countries this applies to and how they are setting themselves up nicely for the future. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And as always, we?ll close the program with the President of the National Association of Manufacturers, Governor John Engler, and the ?Last Word? For more about "America's Business" and to listen to the program online, please visit www.americasbusiness.org

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Dear Subscribers: House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) leads this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick,? explaining the priorities in the $825 billion Democratic stimulus bill and making the case that its passage will restore the U.S. economy, creating jobs in the process. ?We think that we have been very conscience of what it takes to assists American businesses stand back up and to help get our economy moving again.? Included in the stimulus package is funding to support adoption of information technology in health care. Joel White, executive director of the Health IT Now! coalition, details the funding provisions and make the case that IT investment can improve health care quality. Passed last year in response to lead-contaminated toys from China, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act includes strict testing requirements for children?s products. With the law set to kick in, it is now clear that the testing mandates are proving prohibitively expensive for small businesses and will hit thrift stores hard. Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, has been covering the law?s business-killing excesses at his popular website, overlawyered.com. He joins us to highlight the law?s many problems. The Maryland Manufacturers Alliance of Maryland has released a new report, ?Manufacturing in Maryland ? The Cornerstone of Shared Prosperity.? Gene Burner, President of the Alliance, is here to talk about what Maryland is bringing to table in terms of manufacturing, and how the state could promote this important sector of the economy ? think energy and taxes. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? For more about "America's Business" and to listen to the program online, please visit www.americasbusiness.org

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Dear Subscribers: President Obama has taken office as our 44th President, with the pressure on to produce a stimulus bill that can effectively help America?s economy. This week on America?s Business to discuss the stimulus bill is Congresswoman Melissa Bean (D-IL). Rep. Bean argues for a key tax provision relating to net operating losses, which would put money back in the hands of struggling companies. A highly anticipated and controversial bill is the Employee Free Choice Act. The legislation would take away the secret ballot when deciding if a workplace will unionize or not and replace with a card check system that could lead to worker harassment from union organizers. This week we continue our conversation with Representative John Kline (R-MN) on the bill?s threat to U.S. competitiveness and employee rights. A healthy manufacturing sector is key to reviving the economy and creating jobs. Mark Tomlinson, Executive Director and General Manager of the Society for Manufacturing Engineers surveys the scene in 2009, including the prospects for manufacturing employment. Another key for economic stability is the recovery of the U.S. housing market. National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun details the difficulties facing housing and possible steps to improve conditions. Finding young workers who are interested in joining the manufacturing sector has become a serious problem. Highly skilled jobs are becoming available across the country, but no workers to fill them. The American Society for Quality recently did a survey that showed 85 percent of youth today are not interested in a future engineering career. Cheryl Birdsong-Dyer of Sprint Nextel is on the program to explain the results of this survey. For more about "America's Business" and to listen to the program online, please visit www.americasbusiness.org

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Dear Subscribers: The so-called Employee Free Choice Act takes center stage this week on ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick.? President-elect Barack Obama cosponsored this bill as U.S. Senator and organized labor has made its passage a top priority. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) is on the program to share his strong opinion on the bill, which would eliminate secret ballot elections in the workplace when unions attempt to organize a business. Senator Chambliss said of the bill, ?That?s the most dangerous piece of legislation that we may deal with in the session of Congress and I expect we will have it on our plate early in the process.? Chambliss also talked about his recent run-off victory in Georgia. Here to explain some of the finer details of the Employee Free Choice Act is attorney Peter Kirsanow. This former member of the National Labor Relations Board says the legislation contains provisions beyond the secret-ballot-attacking ?card check? that could cause major headaches to business owners in America. The Employee Free Choice Act isn?t the only troubling labor bill on the horizon. The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act are also approaching. With innocuous sounding names these bills sound good and just, but that just isn?t the story. Here to explain what these bills could do to employers across America is Congressman John Kline (R-MN). Back again for part two of a discussion on China?s economy and global impact is Atlantic Monthly?s James Fallows. Find out about a small business that is doing very well by finding a large market by exporting. We?ll speak with Ray Heelan, President of Allegheny Coupling Company in Warren, PA to find out how to best start an exporting relationship with other countries. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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 check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer headlines this week's "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," highlighting the benefits of trade to the U.S. economy even during the tough times of recession. Secretary Schafer looks at prospects for the pending U.S. free trade agreements, and sees hope for congressional action next year on Colombia and Panama, if not Korea. Also on the program this week is investor Peter Buffett, son of Warren Buffett. Peter will be attending the Future Capitals Summit in Abu Dhabi on January 13-15. This conference is taking place to discuss which countries will emerge as centers of commerce in the coming years, a topic of the younger Buffet's expertise. The American Tort Reform Foundation has released its annual "Judicial Hellholes" detailing the states and venues where frivolous and abusive lawsuits drive up costs and destroy justice. ATRA's general counsel, Victor Schwartz, joins Mike to tell us which jurisdictions are improving and which are becoming even more hell-like. We'll follow that up with our "Legally Insane" case of the week with Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership. Wind power promises to be an important part of America's energy portfolio in the coming year. Here to give the lowdown on wind's potential is Greg Wetston, Senior Director for Government Affairs at the American Wind Energy Association. And for another perspective on wind power, on the program is Steve Lockard, President and CEO of TPI Composites. TPI Composites manufactures the blades you see on those large wind towers. In our regular segments, commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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 check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Tune into this week's special New Year's edition of America's Business to hear some of the most interesting interviews from 2008. Here's to a happy 2009!

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Tune in this week to hear some of the best interviews heard on America's Business in 2008. America's Business would like to wish you a merry Christmas! For more about ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? and to listen to the program online check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer headlines this week's "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," highlighting the benefits of trade to the U.S. economy even during the tough times of recession. Secretary Schafer looks at prospects for the pending U.S. free trade agreements, and sees hope for congressional action next year on Colombia and Panama, if not Korea. Also on the program this week is investor Peter Buffett, son of Warren Buffett. Peter will be attending the Future Capitals Summit in Abu Dhabi on January 13-15. This conference is taking place to discuss which countries will emerge as centers of commerce in the coming years, a topic of the younger Buffet's expertise. The American Tort Reform Foundation has released its annual "Judicial Hellholes" detailing the states and venues where frivolous and abusive lawsuits drive up costs and destroy justice. ATRA's general counsel, Victor Schwartz, joins Mike to tell us which jurisdictions are improving and which are becoming even more hell-like. We'll follow that up with our "Legally Insane" case of the week with Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership. Wind power promises to be an important part of America's energy portfolio in the coming year. Here to give the lowdown on wind's potential is Greg Wetston, Senior Director for Government Affairs at the American Wind Energy Association. And for another perspective on wind power, on the program is Steve Lockard, President and CEO of TPI Composites. TPI Composites manufactures the blades you see on those large wind towers. In our regular segments, commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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 check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Aid to the Detroit-based automotive industry tops this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick.? Republican Rep. Candice Miller of Michigan speaks to the economic importance of the industry; her congressional district represents all three of the big American automakers. We?ll broaden our horizons with a look at the national impact of the auto parts industry with Bob McKenna, President of the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association. Lack of internet security costs businesses millions of dollars every year. On the program this week is Larry Clinton, President of the Internet Security Alliance, addressing key issues of cybersecurity. Larry says the big threat to the Internet no longer comes from teen-age ?hackers? but instead from various forms of organized crime. The out-of-control system of civil justice adds billions to the costs of doing business in the United States and leaves real victims in the lurch. One possible reform would be to implement a "Loser Pays" system used by most of the rest of the world. It would make the loser of a legal case responsible for the other side?s legal fees, discouraging the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Explaining the concept and practical application is Marie Gryphon, senior fellow with the Center for Legal Policy at the Manhattan Institute. She?s the author of a new study, ?Greater Justice, Lower Cost: How a ?Loser Pays? Rule Would Improve the American Legal System.? We'll also have part two of Mike?s interview with Newsweek and Washington Post columnist Bob Samuelson. Bob has a new book entitled, ?The Great Inflation and its Aftermath: The Past and Future of American Affluence. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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 check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...?America?s Business? this week considers economic crises, past and present, with Newsweek and Washington Post columnist Bob Samuelson. Bob has written a new book entitled "The Great Inflation and its Aftermath: The Past and Future of American Affluence," and is on the program this week to share its insights. Contributing to the now-almost forgotten Great Inflation of the 1960s and ?70s was consistently bad advice from the nation?s economists, Samuelson says, helping to produce bad policies from both parties in the White House. Europe remains the No.1 trade partner for U.S. manufacturers, and this week we find out how business can receive assistance in exporting to Europe. The program is called Export Europe and is run by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the NAM. Rebecca Balogh, Commercial Attaché, describes the essential steps for forging valuable trade relationships with Europe. Also here to relate firsthand how he achieved success in exporting Europe is Roy Paulson, President and CEO of Paulson Manufacturing. Everyone knows Bayer for its aspirin, but their medicines and products run a broad scale of industrial production. Here to tell us more about the Bayer Corporation is newly appointed CEO, Greg Babe. He?s here to share what Bayer is up to and what they have planned for the future. The Erie Canal is nearing 200 years old, and it's still helping America move its goods, often even faster than highways or rail. We'll learn about canal history from the NAM's Hank Cox and his "The Way It Was" and then hear from Rob Goldman of the New York State Marine Highway Transportation Company, which does business on the canal. And as usual we'll close the program with "The Last Word" from the NAM President Governor John Engler. For more about ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? and to listen to the program online check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This is Thanksgiving weekend and the ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program will take a look back at some of the guests we?ve been most thankful for this year. We?ll replay our July interview with House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD). Hoyer appeared on the program to talk about his support for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The legislation to expand protections for people with disabilities brought together lawmakers, the disabled community and businesses. In a few weeks Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) will be sworn in as the next president of the United States. We?ll re-air a post-Election Day interview with National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO John Engler about how the NAM will welcome Obama into office. The shape of America?s infrastructure ? our roads, bridges, rails, air transportation and waterways ? is an issue of vital importance to manufacturers. We'll go back to a May interview on America's infrastructure needs with Rep. Ron Wyden (D-OR). During that interview Wyden discuss a plan to fund infrastructure improvements through bonds. One of the first pieces of legislation the new Congress could pick up is the misnamed Employee Free Choice Act. The so-called ?card check? bill in fact would take away an employee?s right to a secret ballot on union organizing. We'll rewind our conversation with Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) about why the legislation is so bad for American democracy. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. For more about ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? and to listen to the program online check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...The National Association of Manufacturers, the Manufacturing Institute and the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI recently released a study on the costs facing American manufacturers. Manufacturing Alliance economic consultant Jeremy Leonard, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, will walk listeners through the study. Leonard says the report revealed some bad news as well as some good news about the state of American manufacturing. There are several tax provisions in the 2008 Emergency Economic Stabilization Act that could help manufacturers weather these rough economic times. Mike will talk to Tom Catania from Whirpool Corp. about a provision that gives the appliance maker and other companies more incentive to build energy-efficient products. The American manufacturing sector recently scored a major victory when Congress stopped the Federal Communications Commission from selling off radio frequencies. Manufacturers sometimes use radios to communicate with workers on busy shop floors. Frank Weaver, director of telecommunications policy at Boeing, will explain why it was so important to manufacturers to stop the radio frequency auction. ?America?s Business? this week will also take a break from heavy policy issues to talk about an interesting book on fatherhood from Steve Doocy, co-host of the TV news show ?Fox and Friends.? The book has a catchy title - ?Tales from the Dad Side: Misadventures in Fatherhood.? In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...President-elect Barack Obama wants to make improving America?s infrastructure ? our roads, transportation systems, rails and waterways ? one of his top priorities. One group that wants to make that a reality is the The New America Foundation. Foundation spokesman Michael Lind will appear on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program to discuss how important infrastructure is to the economy. Congress recently passed the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 to help pull our economy out of recession. That law includes several tax provisions that will help manufacturers through this rough economic period. National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy Dorothy Coleman will explain these tax provisions to listeners. Meanwhile, Ace Clearwater Enterprises Vice President Gary Johnson and Bill Morin, Director of Government Affairs for Applied Materials, will talk about how the tax provisions specifically benefited their companies. There was recently a major development in developing more nuclear power in America. Jarret Adams, spokesman for Areva Corp., will join Mike to discuss his companie?s partnership with Northrop Grumman on a new nuclear reactor supply plant in Virginia. Going green is a trendy thing to do. But did you know being more environmentally responsible and energy efficient can also help manufacturers save money? Coachmen Industries Inc. Vice President Tom Gehl will talk about how going green with a line of recreational vehicles has helped the company become more environmental responsible and save cash. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...The 2008 presidential election is over, and Democratic Sen. Barack Obama is the victor. National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler will appear on this week's ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program to discuss how American manufacturers will react to change in the White House and Congress after Election Day. ?The National Association of Manufacturers has reached out to President-elect Obama and to his new administration and said, look, manufacturing is the lifeblood of this economy, we still represent 1.6 trillion dollars of economic impact on an annual basis; we want to work with you," Engler says. "We?ve got a lot of problems ahead as we look to the future. We?re in a recession; globally, the economy of countries all over the world are slowing down. So we need help. And we need to be thinking long term about what?s going to make a difference to allow the U.S. to remain the greatest manufacturing economy in the world.? NAM Executive Vice President Jay Timmons will also offer a run-down on the winners and losers on Election Day and what the results mean to manufacturers. And respected pollsters John McLaughlin and Allan Rivlin will return to the program to check if their earlier Election Day predictions proved true. This week?s program is not just about elections. Mike will visit Peerless Chain Company President Tom Wynn. Wynn will talk about why chains are such an important product and how his company is doing in these shaky economic times. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...The long presidential campaign season is about to end. Election Day is Nov. 4. Respected pollsters John McLaughlin and Allan Rivlin will appear on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program to offer the latest election result forecast. And National Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President Jay Timmons says manufacturers will work with whoever wins the White House and House and Senate races to ensure U.S. manufacturing grows.?There is no person who stood for election, particularly this year, who also does not care about jobs,? Timmons says. ?We all have a stake in ensuring that this economy is strengthened and our country is strong and vibrant into the future.? This past week the Manufacturing Institute launched an Education Council. This new group will focus on expanding and enhancing our nation?s workforce. We?ll hear about the group from two charter members. They are D. Timothy Franklin, director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development at Penn State University, and Dr. Cynthia Bioteau, president of Salt Lake Community College.Europe is about to implement new trade regulations that would make it more difficult for America?s small and medium manufacturers to ship products to Europe. Commerce Department international trade specialist Don Wright will join Mike to discuss the pitfalls of Europe?s REACH trade regulations. Over the last year the nation?s electronics makers have made a push to become more environmentally friendly. Some of these companies have cut electricity usage by as much as 25 percent. Joanne Sonenshine, senior manager of environmental policy at the Consumer Electronics Association, will talk about how these companies are going green. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. For more about ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? and to listen to the program online go to http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Congress is considering a controversial bill that would take away a worker?s right to a private ballot on union organizing. Ironically, the legislation is entitled the ?Employee Free Choice Act.? Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA), a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, will talk about why lawmakers should kill the bill. It is expected to come up in Congress early next year. ?They call it the (Employee) Free Choice Act but what it really does is take away people?s choice,? McKeon says. ?It?s not just Republicans that are against this. George McGovern, one of the most liberal men to ever run for the presidency, has come out against it because it takes away democracy from the people.? Election Day is less than two weeks away. Noted pollster John McLaughlin will join Mike to discuss how the presidential campaign is shaping up and what the makeup of the Congress could be after Election Day. Speaking of Election Day, the National Association of Manufacturers has launched a ?Get Out the Vote? Web site. NAM Vice President Tiffany Adams will tell us how manufacturers are using this Web site to get their employees fired up on Election Day. You may have noticed there are more candy displays at your local grocery store. That?s because Halloween is coming. Jelly Belly candy company Vice Chairman Bill Kelley will give Mike a taste of the Halloween-themed candy the company is rolling out this year. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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 go to http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) returns to "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" this week to detail his support of legislation to provide guaranteed loans to American automakers. "It was not a bailout, as some protest. It was a loan, very much like the loan with Chrysler back in about 1980," the Congressman explains. "And in fact the federal government made money on that particular loan. Whether that's going to be the case here we don't know, but it was an effort made on a bipartisan basis." The Manufacturing Extension Partnership program is helping small to medium sized manufacturers across the country by providing them with the support they need to compete globally. Rep. Marion Berry (D-AR) is a major supporter of this program and joins us on America?s Business to tell us why. One of the most important pieces of legislation for businesses in 2009 will be the misnamed Employee Free Choice Act. That bill would strip away an employee?s right to a secret ballot when voting on union representation. Jim Patterson of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is on the program this week to talk about a recent poll LABI conducted , showing widespread opposition to this "card check" legislation. If you live in the D.C. area you?ve probably seen the Presidential helicopters fly over your head, but did you know those helicopters were over 30 years old? Lockheed Martin has been commissioned to build new helicopters for the President, and Lockheed spokesman Jeff Bantle is here to tell us more. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform, NAM Executive Vice President Jay Timmons offers an update on the 2008 political campaign season, and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. For more about ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? and to listen to the program online check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX) says he was under a lot of pressure from folks in the Texas 11th Congressional District to vote against the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008." But Conaway, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, decided he had to vote for the bill. Congress approved the bill and President Bush signed the legislation into law a week ago. Supporters hope the bill will help prevent the American economy from sinking into another Great Depression. ?My job as I see it is to form the best opinion I can, the most informed, intelligent,? Conaway says. ?And yes, you listen to the constituents. But at the end of the day I had to vote for what I believe is right.? One of the most important pieces of legislation for businesses in 2009 will be the misnamed ?Employee Free Choice Act.? That bill would strip away an employee?s right to a secret ballot on union organizing. One group fighting against the bill is the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace. Mike will talk to their spokeswoman Rhonda Bentz about their campaign. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership helps American manufacturers grow and compete in the global marketplace. For the past 17 years it has helped manufacturers achieve $1.3 billion in cost savings annually. But the program has been unfairly criticized as a government handout. Mike will talk to Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions Director Dan Curtis about why the program is crucial to manufacturers in his state and around the country. In fact, Lee Morgan, president of Farr Air Pollution Control in Jonesboro, Arkansas, will tell Mike how MEP helped save his company and jobs. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform, NAM Executive Vice President Jay Timmons offers an update on the 2008 political campaign season, and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. And for video highlights and more, check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) says the ?Employee Free Choice Act? has a very misleading name. DeMint says the legislation would strip away workers? fundamental right to a private vote on union organizing and voters should urge Congress to reject it. ?It?s hard for me to get past the name ?Employee Free Choice Act? because it?s anything but free choice,? said DeMint, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program. ?In fact, we know when you take the secret ballot away from a worker or a voter of any kind you basically subject them to intimidation and public pressure that shouldn?t be there.? Health care is a big issue in the 2008 presidential campaign. Author Sally Pipes will tell listeners how to separate fact from fiction when it comes to healthcare reform. Pipes is author of ?The Top Ten Myths of American Health Care.? Social networking Web sites have revolutionized the way people interact. Businesses can also use the Web to reach out to the public, says Catherine Brown from the Dotster social networking site. She?ll join Mike to talk about how manufacturers can get involved in social networking. The first debate between presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama is over. NAM Executive Vice President Jay Timmons has been intimately involved in national politics for years and he?ll give us his expert take on how the presidential campaign is shaping up. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. And for video highlights and more, check out http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Congress is moving to lift a quarter-century ban on offshore oil and natural gas exploration. Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) says that move is just a first step in securing our nation?s future energy supplies. DeMint, a guest on this week's "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" radio program, plans to introduce legislation to ensure energy exploration proceeds once the ban is lifted. ?It just opens the door,? he says. ?And we need to pass a piece of legislation that tells the Interior Department to expedite the vetting of these leases and to set up the structure that gives states a percent of the royalties so it will encourage states to get active behind this and stop frivolous lawsuits.? Congress is considering a controversial bill that would take away workers? fundamental right to a private vote on union organizing. Attorney and blogger Seth Borden will join us to talk about troubling provisions in the so-called Card Check bill. You can also check out Borden's blog here. Every parent wants their child to attend Harvard or Yale. But author Charles Murphy says your child may actually be happier and end up earning more money with a technical or vocational degree. High fuel prices are prompting more Americans to buy smaller, gas-sipping cars. Insurance Research Council spokesman David Corum will join us to talk about his group?s recent study that links lighter cars to high auto insurance injury claims. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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 http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Congress is considering controversial legislation that would take away workers? fundamental right to a private vote on union organizing. Ironically, the legislation is called the Employee Free Choice Act. Political consultant and attorney Barbara Comstock, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, says Democrats mostly support the "card check" bill. But even former Democratic senator and presidential nominee George McGovern says the legislation is a ?disturbing and undemocratic overreach.? ?That?s a betrayal really of what Democrats have always claimed to champion,? Comstock says of the legislation. ?But even in the bigger picture, it?s a betrayal of the fundamental rights of workers to vote and have a say in their workplace.? For more information on the bill, Comstock recommended the SaveTheElection.com Web site. High oil prices are making alternative energy such as ethanol and nuclear power more appealing. Mike will talk to Alliance for Abundant Food and Energy Executive Director Mark Kornblau about how is group is trying to let the government know farmers can grow enough to make food and fuel. And NuScale Power Inc. Chief Executive Officer Paul Lorenzini will let us know about his company plans to make smaller, portable nuclear power plants that can bring energy to every corner of the United States. Higher energy prices are also driving up shipping costs. So more companies are starting to look at moving goods by boat, which can be less expensive. This is good news for manufacturers such as Master Marine Inc. The company?s President Brett Dungan will tell Mike why. And ?America?s Business? will take a trip to Chicago to meet Chicago Manufacturing Renaissance Council Co-Chair David Hanson. That group launched an initiative to bring more skilled manufacturing jobs back to inner city Chicago. Meanwhile, in our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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 http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...The Environmental Protection Agency wants to explore the option of using the decades-old Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases. But some groups say such a plan would give EPA more control over the economy and hamper economic growth, says Roger Martella, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick.? Martella is a former general counsel at EPA and a partner in the Environmental Practice Group at the Sidley Austin law firm. ?When you begin to regulate carbon you effectively regulate energy,? Martella says. ?And when you regulate energy you effectively regulate the economy.? Finding qualified workers is a big problem for some manufacturers. Mike will chat with Nancy James, a spokeswoman for M-Powered in Minnesota. M-Powered is an award-winning coalition that is helping train workers for increasingly complex shopfloor jobs in the ?Land of 10,000 Lakes.? What issues could organized labor be working on this fall? National Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President Jay Timmons will tell manufacturers what could be moving. Veterans are highly sought after by employers because they have acquired sought-after job skills and discipline in the military. Mike will talk to Bradley-Morris Inc. Chief Executive Officer Sandy Morris about how her company helps find manufacturing jobs for veterans. Your child may not be happy school is back in session. But the back-to-school season is a good time of year for companies such as Dec-O-Art Inc. Dec-O-Art President Tony Dosmann will explain why. Meanwhile, in our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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 http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...National Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President Jay Timmons has been on the road for two weeks attending Democratic National Convention in Denver and this week?s Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St.Paul. Timmons, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, says Republican presidential pick Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) outlined a strong economic vision during his address Thursday night. ?He talked extensively about lower taxes and how that can spur the economy,? Timmons said. ?He was a passionate advocate of opening new markets ? international markets ? to U.S. goods.? Frivolous lawsuits can cripple businesses. But some states are moving to put a stop to lawsuit foolishness. Mike will talk to Ohio State Senator William Seitz about Ohio?s successful tort reform movement. What does Congress plan to do this fall on tax policy? NAM Vice President of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy Dorothy Coleman will offer an overview of the issues lawmakers could tackle in weeks ahead. Keeping factory floor machines in good shape is a top priority of manufacturers. ?America?s Business? will talk to Cold Jet Chief Marketing Officer Stuart Rabkin about that company?s really cool method of using dry ice to keep factory machines clean. High oil prices have prompted Americans to take a closer look at alternative fuel such as solar. On that note ?America?s Business? will visit with Big Belly Solar Chief Executive Jim Poss. Big Belly Solar probably makes the ultimate ?green? product ? a solar powered trash compactor. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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 http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...The Democratic National Convention in Denver is over and Illinois Senator Barack Obama is officially the Democrat?s pick for president. National Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President Jay Timmons was at the convention. Jay, who has been involved in the national political scene for years and served as executive director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, will give us his take on the convention. All that talk about American jobs moving overseas may be overblown. We?ll be joined by Exxel Outdoors founder and Chief Executive Officer Harry Kazazian to discuss why his company is moving sleeping bag production back to the United States from China. America has a hard time balancing its check book. The White House recently announced the federal budget deficit will hit a record $482 billion for the year ended September 2009. Committee for a Fiscally Responsible Budget President Maya MacGuineas will join us to talk about what effect this massive deficit will have on our economy. This is the Labor Day holiday weekend. That means its time to get the annual Labor Day economic report from National Association of Manufacturers Chief Economist Dave Huether. Dave will talk about how trade and exports have proven to be a bright spot in the economy. And with fall approaching football is in the air. Mike will chat with Wilson Sporting Goods plant manager Daniel Riegle about football manufacturing and Wilson?s close ties with the NFL. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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 http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA), a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, is one of the strongest supporters of free and fair trade in Congress. It?s not difficult to find out why. One out of three jobs in Washington State is linked to trade. That?s why Reichert is so disappointed Congress is not moving to approve more free trade deals with Colombia, Panama and South America. The United States should be using trade to create jobs and shape global economic policy and not sitting on the sidelines, he says. ?We are in a global economy. I think most people recognize that,? he says. ?There is no going back now. And what we should be doing as a country is focusing on how we as Americans define the global economy.? The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing are dominating the news. We?ll get an on-the-scene look at the games from Behlen Manufacturing Company Chief Executive Tony Raimondo. More American manufacturers say they want to do more production at home and not overseas. We?ll talk about that phenomenon with Industry Week reporter Jonathan Katz. Gas prices dropped a bit but manufacturers and most Americans are still worried by high energy prices. National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy Keith McCoy will join us to talk about what Congress could do this fall on energy policy. And NAM Executive Vice President Jay Timmons, who has been deeply involved in the national political scene for years, will talk about environmental issues manufacturers should keep an eye on in the weeks and months ahead. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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 http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Infrastructure, legal reform and defending nation?s domestic security are all top issues facing the United States today, and this week on ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick,? we hear from prominent leaders working to reinforce these pillars of our economy. Ed Fox, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, brings us up to date on the agency?s activities, with an emphasis on keeping business owners and operators aware of the threats they face. Former Texas Congressman Max Sandlin talks about the work of the NAM-founded Alliance for Improving America?s Infrastructure to strengthen the country?s roads, bridges, rails, harbors, and airports - the bricks and mortar of our advanced industrial economy. Sandlin co-chairs the alliance. Providing the private-sector perspective is Ronald DeFeo, chairman and CEO of the Terex Corporation, the global diversified manufacturer, best known for its construction equipment. Earlier this year, DeFeo gathered business, labor and political leaders from around the country for a national summit to discuss strategies for addressing infrastructure needs. Scott Cohn of CNBC returns to ?America?s Business? with the second annual report on the network?s ?Top States for Business? rankings. Good job, Texas! And NAM Senior Vice President Jay Timmons surveys the political scene with an eye on legal issues and how trial lawyers? are expanding the grounds on which to sue - in the process, taking millions of dollars away that business could better spend hiring and paying employees. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership reports the latest on tort reform and the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...With oil prices at record high levels Americans are more eager than ever to find affordable, alternative fuels. House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC), a guest on this week?s edition of ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, says nuclear power will be an important part of our nation?s future energy supply. Clyburn?s state is already pro-nuclear. More than half of South Carolina?s electricity came from nuclear power plants in 2004, according to the Energy Information Administration. ?I do believe that if we are going to?ever wean ourselves off of foreign oil we?re going to have to do it with nuclear in the mix,? Clyburn says. ?I don?t see how we drill ourselves out of it.? Commerce Undersecretary Chris Padilla is responsible for helping formulate America?s international trade policy. He will appear on America?s Business to talk about why a pending trade agreement with Colombia is important to the U.S. economy and job creation and why lawmakers are wrong to block passage of that deal. Our radio program will also host one of the biggest supporters of free trade in Congress ? Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT). The National Association of Manufacturers recently honored Matheson for his unwavering support of free trade. Like Padilla, Matheson says Congress should approve the Colombia deal. The agreement will open that market to American goods and services and help support an important South American ally, he says. ?We should be rewarding Colombia for the progress it has made ? the move to democracy, the move to a secure situation in that country, the move to respect human rights,? he says. ?It?s been such a great success story.? Who will presumptive presidential nominees Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain pick as running mates? National Association of Manufacturers Executive Vice President Jay Timmons, who has been deeply involved in the national political scene for years, will give us his take on who could be vice president. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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 http://www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...America has one of the most advanced medical systems in the world but many doctors and hospitals continue to keep records on paper. Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick,? is pushing legislation to modernize health care. Dingell?s PRO(TECH)T Act of 2008 would reduce medical errors and costs by encouraging adoption of health care information technology and further protect the security of health information. The bill would reduce soaring healthcare costs and save many lives, Dingell says. ?It is a piece of legislation that industry desperately has to have (and) government desperately has to have,? he says. Will gasoline prices continue to rise? Will gas-hungry sports utility vehicles really go extinct like dinosaurs? American Petroleum Institute (API) President Red Cavaney, another radio guest, will answer those questions and more. Microsoft Corp.?s Visio software has helped manufacturers become more efficient. The same software can also help hospitals provide better care and save lives. Penn State?s Hershey Medical Center used Microsoft Visio and Orlando Software Group?s ProcessView to help improve health care delivery. Hershey Medical Center Chief Medical Information Officer Chris DeFlitch and Frank Kapper, Vice President of Orlando Software Group, will tell us more. And the National Association of Manufacturers Vice President of International Economic Affairs Frank Vargo will give us the scoop on the latest round of World Trade Organization negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. Frank probably had more access to the U.S. negotiating team than any other business group representative. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler. 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...The Manufacturing Extension Partnership program has helped small and medium-sized manufacturers stay competitive and create jobs for almost 20 years. Despite its benefits, MEP supporters often have to scramble to get federal funds. Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), a guest on this week?s edition of ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, explains how program supporters recently pushed to get the program funding. ?We did it by having individuals with the MEP talk to people in their district, wherever it might be, whatever state it might be in,? he says. ?And that drummed up a lot of support because those members of Congress living in those states did not want to lose out.? Higher energy prices are putting a financial pinch on manufacturers and made more Americans eager to embrace alternative energy sources. Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) will discuss his plan to extend tax credits that encourage development of alternative fuels such as solar and wind. High energy prices are also make shipping more expensive. CIBC World Markets Chief Economist Jeff Rubin will talk about his recent report on how energy costs affect global trade flow. Canada is one of our nation?s closest allies. Canadian Ambassador to the United States Michael Wilson will join Mike to discuss trade and other economic ties that bind the United States to its neighbor to the north. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? This week ?America?s Business? is launching a new segment featuring NAM Executive Vice President Jay Timmons. Jay, who has been intimately involved in politics for years, will give us his take on 2008 political races that manufacturers should watch closely. And our program will close with ?The Last Word? from 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...The U.S. House in June overwhelmingly passed legislation to expand protections for people with disabilities. Many businesses employ disabled people and manufacturers were key supporters of renewal of the Americans with Disabilities Act. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), the bill?s chief sponsor, will appear on ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program to talk about how businesses and the disabled communities came together to craft the bill. Hoyer hopes the Senate will take up the bill soon. ?I think we have a bill that?s workable for both sides,? Hoyer says. ?A bill that will be effective. And a bill which will carry out the intent of assuring people with disabilities aren?t discriminated against in our country.? ?America?s Business? will continue exploring the issue of disabled workers with another guest, Assistant Labor Secretary Neil Romano. Romano runs the Office of Disability Employment, which encourages companies to hire disabled people. Despite worries about the economy a new survey indicates more American and Canadian manufacturers want to expand business at home. Deloitte and Touche Vice Chairman Craig Giffi will join Mike to talk about the survey results. There is a misconception that robots will replace human workers. However, FANUC Robotics President Rick Schneider will explain how his company is using robots to help manufacturers boost efficiency, grow business, and hire more flesh and bone workers. Americans roads, bridges and other infrastructure are ailing. We?ll talk to Patricia Dalton from the Government Accountability Office about that group?s recent Congressional testimony on the nation?s infrastructure needs. Dalton is managing director of the GAO?s Physical Infrastructure Team. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...America?s transportation infrastructure ? its roads, bridges, and rails ? are in crisis, former Missouri Sen. Jim Talent says. The government should make fixing the nation?s ailing infrastructure a national priority, says Talent, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program. Talent is an honorary chairman of the National Association of Manufacturers? Alliance to Improve America?s Infrastructure. ?I think it?s one of the three or four things the government must do in partnership with the American people if America is going to continue to be prosperous and great in the next generation,? Talent says. The declining U.S. housing market put a damper on the economy. But are things about to turn around? National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun will give us the scoop. Exports have proven to be a bright spot in the economy. General Mills Chief Operating Officer Ian Friendly will tell us how his company, which makes popular foods such as Cheerios cereal, is taking advantage of free trade agreements. Our nation would save countless lives and billions of dollars if we converted our healthcare records system from antiquated paper files to electronic ones. Jennifer Queen, the parent of a chronically ill child, will join us to tell us why health information technology legislation that would modernize the health care sector is so critical to her family and other Americans. And ?America?s Business? will make a special visit to the factory floor of Image National with company President Doug Bender. The Idaho company makes some of the electric signs that light up shopping centers across America. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Well, we?re halfway through the year. So this week ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? will take a look back at some of our favorite guests so far in 2008. We?ll re-air excerpts of our June interview with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich about his push to help America find alternative energy. Gingrich is now general chairman of American Solutions for Winning the Future, a bipartisan group that is trying to solve some of our nation?s most pressing issues such as energy. The group's online petition asking citizens whether they want more oil drilling has attracted more than 1.2 million signatures. ?We believe that the American people deserve to have the least expensive energy possible in an environmentally sound way and in a way that strengthens national security,? Gingrich said. Europe is way ahead of the United States when it comes to developing nuclear energy. This week you can listen to our February interview with Tennessee Republican Rep. Zach Wamp. Wamp say the United States should be the No. 1 nation when it comes to developing nuclear and other alternative energy sources. The news media and the government tend to fan up hysteria about issues ranging from asbestos to global warming. Back in April we talked about this phenomenon with Christopher Booker and Richard North, authors of the book ?Scared to Death.? We?ll re-play some of that interview. ?America?s Business? will also re-air parts of a February interview on the state of the nation?s manufacturing sector with Assistant Commerce Secretary Woody Sutton. And we?ll take you back to January when we talked with NBC Universal General Counsel Rick Cotton about a campaign to battle intellectual property theft. Cotton is chairman of the Coalition Against Counterfeiting and Piracy. In our regular segment, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform. 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...The United Space Alliance aerospace company manufactures special tiles that protect space shuttles from the fiery heat they encounter when re-entering Earth atmosphere. The company wanted to cut down on waste in tile production. So they turned to Microsoft?s Visio software and ProModel Corp.?s Process Simulator to get the job done. Visio is software that helps businesses visualize systems, processes and other information while Process Simulator is a Visio plug-in. United Space Alliance representative David Tucker, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program, says the results were better than expected. Accompanying Tucker on the program is Microsoft representative Ingo Heel and ProModel Consulting Services Vice President Bruce Gladwin. ?I can tell you to triple the production requirements and not have to hire anybody new or buy any new equipment was a pretty amazing feat,? Tucker says. ?So we were able to do that without tripling our resource requirements. We used what we had.? Reporter James Fallows, a frequent contributor to Atlantic Monthly, returns to ?America?s Business? this week to continue his conversation about China?s environmental problems. China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world but lags far behind the United States when it comes to keeping air and water clean. Nuclear energy could be an important component in making America independent of expensive imported oil. And a recent study from the Clean and Safe Energy Coalition (CASEnergy) says a renaissance of America?s nuclear power industry could create thousands of high-paying jobs. Former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, co-chair of CASEnergy, will join Mike to talk about the report. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD) is pushing legislation to begin oil drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to help ease soaring gasoline prices. But Bartlett, who was the first congressman to buy a gas-stingy Toyota Prius, said federal revenue from ANWR oil drilling will be used to develop alternative fuels. ?Well, I always was opposed to drilling in ANWR unless we used the revenues we got from ANWR to invest in alternatives,? says Bartlett, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program. ?We desperately need to develop alternatives and I thought that would provide some leverage to get us going on developing alternatives.? China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world but is grappling with a huge pollution problem. Smog is so bad some observers say it could affect the performance of athletes at the Olympic Games. Reporter James Fallows, a regular contributor to Atlantic Monthly, will join Mike to talk about what China is doing to clean up its air, soil and water. Federal tax credits to boost research and development help foster innovation and create jobs. But Congress often lets these credits lapse. Tom Neubig of Ernst and Young, author of a recent report on R and D tax credits, will talk about the huge benefit they give manufacturing. With gasoline prices so high wouldn?t it be nice if you could make your own fuel at home? Well, now you can. E-Fuel Chief Executive Officer Thomas Quinn will introduce us to a machine his company manufacturers that lets consumers make their own ethanol using sugar, yeast and water. And America?s Business will visit Patriots Technology Training in Seat Pleasant, Maryland. President Thurman Jones will talk about his mission to use fun and recreational activities to teach children and teenagers about robotics, science and math. These skills could one day help them in manufacturing careers. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Oil prices are hitting new records almost daily, hurting consumers and businesses alike. But the United States still has plenty of untapped oil, says former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick.? The former Georgia Republican congressman is chairman of American Solutions for Winning the Future. The nonpartisan group has an online petition asking Americans whether they want more domestic oil drilling to help bring down prices. Not surprisingly, many want more drilling.?In less than three weeks it has gotten 475,000 signatures,? Gingrich says. ?We?re adding 30,000 to 50,000 signatures a day now. So it?s building momentum.? America?s roads, bridges, waterways and rails are aging and need fixing and improvements. But is our government up to the challenge? Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN) will join Mike to discuss the issue. One answer to our nation?s energy crisis could be blowing in the wind. Assistant Energy Secretary Andy Karsner will talk about a recent report that says wind could generate 20 percent of our nation?s energy needs by 2030. There are more minority engineers in America but more work needs to be done. National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering Inc. Vice President Irving Pressley McPhail will talk about a recent report on diversity in engineering and why the issue is so important to manufacturing. And ?America?s Business? will chat with Munro and Associates Inc. President Sandy Munro. Munro?s company is helping manufacturers become leaner and meaner by helping them boost efficiency and cut costs. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Prices at the pump are downright painful. But Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) has a plan to wean America off expensive foreign oil by the Fourth of July 2015. Part of the "American Energy Independence Act" calls for giving automakers incentives to build more gasoline-efficient cars or vehicles that run on alternative fuels, says Rogers, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program. ?We?re going to offer you low-interest money so you can invest in green technology research,? Rogers says. ?You can do hydrogen research. You can do lithium ion battery research. You can do hybrid fuel and biomass research.? Healthcare costs are soaring for businesses and consumers. Len Nichols from the New America Foundation will tell Mike about his group?s report on what the nation?s leaders must do to fix this problem. Teenage race car driver Brennan Palmiter is also a pretty handy welder and fabricator. Palmiter, whose race car is partly sponsored by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, is encouraging other youth to pursue manufacturing-related jobs. He even has a fan Web site, www.gobrennan.com. SPX Corporation has been around for almost a century, shifted its product line, and is still thriving. President and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Kearney will talk about how his company has managed to survive and succeed. And ?America?s Business? will visit with Polyamide High Performance President Carlos Serrano. Serrano?s award-winning company is helping save thousands of lives by making the material used in car air bags. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Congressman Bart Gordon (D-TN) helped push passage of legislation that will create an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy. That agency will harness some of the best minds in America to help the country develop sorely needed solar, nuclear and other alternative energy sources, Gordon says.?Bring in a program director, get the public sector, the private sector, the national labs, the universities, everyone together in trying to really break through,? says Gordon, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? radio program. ?We?re going to have to have some major breakthroughs.?W ashington Post Columnist Bob Samuelson regularly gives his readers the straight dope on politics and the economy. Samuelson has been a guest on ?America?s Business? before. He returns to talk about presidential candidates, free trade, and an issue on many people?s minds ? sky high gasoline prices. Americans love their gadgets but when our laptops, cell phones and video games break or go obsolete they end up in the garbage can. However, Mike will talk to Electronics Recyclers International Chief Executive Officer John Shegerian about how his company is turning a lot of that electronic junk into gold. Keeping your tires properly inflated is one way to improve gas mileage. But did you know filling tires with nitrogen can improve gas mileage even more? Branick Industries President Brian Brasch will visit ?America?s Business? to talk about his company?s nitrogen tire inflation systems. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...An alliance of business, education, government and other groups are creating an advanced manufacturing hub in South Texas near the Mexican border. Supporters say this hub will be a new Silicon Valley for manufacturing and technology. North American Advanced Manufacturing Research and Education Initiative Executive Officer Wanda Garza, a guest this week on ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick,? said NAAMREI will also create thousands of manufacturing jobs. ?Our target is we have 17,000 manufacturing jobs today on the U.S. side in our Rio South Texas Region,? she said. ?Our target is 25,000 ? to create up to 25,000 jobs in manufacturing in the region.? Oil prices are record high with no relief in sight. But Northern Alliance of Independent Producers President Bob Harms will talk to Mike about a recent survey that shows there could be billions of barrels of oil in the United States under the plains of North Dakota and Montana. The U.S. Senate is considering a bill to help prevent global warming that critics claim is based on bad science and will hurt the U.S. economy. American Council for Capital Formation top economist Margo Thorning will discuss a study on the economic down side of the Warner-Lieberman climate change bill. ?America?s Business? will also have a conversation with Case Western Reserve law professor Jonathan Adler about how a controversial bill to increase government oversight over waterways could affect business. And the program will talk to Pine Hall Brick President Fletcher Steele about how his company is using an unusual fuel ? sawdust ? to help slash its utility bills. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership gives us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls ?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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Many of America?s roads and bridges are in bad shape, putting a strain on economic growth. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) is pushing Congress to approve ?Build America Bonds? to help fix the nation?s ailing infrastructure. Wyden, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick,? praised the National Association of Manufacturers for raising public and political awareness about America?s infrastructure needs. Wyden is a member of the NAM?s Alliance to Improve America?s Infrastructure. ?It seems to me the alliance has helped us get more and more support every time out,? Wyden says. Many nations continue to look at the United States as a model of economic success. On that note ?America?s Business? this week will meet Institute of Brazilian Business and Public Management Issues Director Jim Ferrer and Center for International Private Enterprise Executive Director John Sullivan. Ferrer?s group brings Brazilians to the United States to learn about our business and economic system. And Sullivan?s organization helps strengthen democracy abroad through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. Move over Ford and General Motors ? there?s a new car manufacturer in America that makes vehicles specifically for law enforcement and homeland security. Carbon Motors Corp. Chief Executive Officer Bill Li will join Mike to tell us more about his company. You can also tune in to get a sneak preview of the second annual National Summit on American Competitiveness in Chicago from event operations director Kelly O?Brien. And Nancy Hickey, senior vice president at the Steelcase office furniture maker, will talk about how that company is harnessing energy from wind. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of American Justice Partnership will give us the latest on tort reform and commentator Hank Cox recalls "The Way It Was.? And the National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. John Engler will close the program with ?The Last Word.?he National Association of Manufacturers President Gov. 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Arizona Sen. John McCain is the likely Republican candidate for the presidency but the battle is still raging over who will win 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. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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 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 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 what high-ranking government official visited Colorcraft in 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. 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. 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...America 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. In fact, 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 market 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...America is headed for trouble if it doesn?t kick its spending habit, says Tennessee Democratic Rep. John Tanner. 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, a guest on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick.? ?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 Jim Tisch will tell Mike why a lower corporate 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.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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 the 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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. And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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 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.? And for video highlights and more, check out www.americasbusiness.org.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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 and will 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 but has a dirty reputation. A Duke Energy official will talk about technology that reduces coal?s impact on the air we breathe. 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Healthcare costs in America are soaring but Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) says his bipartisan Promotion of Health Information Technology Act could save lives and money. The bill would do this partly by using technology to boost health care quality of care 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." 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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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Americans are already planning on 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 the U.S. Xpress Enterprises Inc. Marian Blakey 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.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Europe is way ahead of the United States when it comes to nuclear energy. 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 Columbia and the status of a pending U.S.-Columbia 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.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...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 stimulus package and some of her tax incentives for businesses are included in the plan. ?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. Meanwhile, the National Association of Manufacturers economist Dave Huether will tell Mike whether the dark clouds of recession will roll in during 2008 and ?America?s Business? will air the second installment of its series on the resurging nuclear power industry with a visit to Dominion Resources. And to close the program, The National Association of Manufacturers 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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sses and residences slash heating and cooling bills, sometimes by half. Americans are worried about a recent surge in unsafe food, toys and other imported products. This concern has made products made right here in the United States a lot more desirable. But 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 stumbling economy another blow. Environmental consultant and former Indiana state representative Bruce Carter will explain 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.? 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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ident 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.

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and exports are 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.

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anufacturers 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.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week, America's Business, a rash of product recalls made toy safety a big issue in the news as this year's 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 and vulnerable 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. ?America?s Business? will explore another issue important to manufacturing ? opening new markets abroad through trade agreements. U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab will join Mike to talk about the recently approved Peru trade pact and other initiatives. Although World Trade Organization members weren't able to finish the Doha round to further open global markets, 2007 was still a banner year for U.S. trade, Schwab says. "Anticipating equally busy and productive 2008," she says. 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 Manufacturers President John Engler gives us ?The Last Word? when he delivers a holiday message.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week, America's Business 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 of $3 a gallon, 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 ? an official from Dow Chemical will tell Mike how the program helped his company slash energy expenses. America has sired some great 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.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week, America's Business spotlights some issues of tantamount 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 and 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.?

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merica?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.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week on America's Business...New trade deals with Peru, Columbia and Panama are a win-win for America, the National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler says on this week's "America's Business with Mike Hambrick." American markets are already open to these Latin American nations. The agreements would simply make trade with them a two-way street, favoring American industries and jobs, Gov. Engler says. The House passed the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 3688) in November by a vote of 285-132 and the Senate is expected to take the bill up soon. Engler tells Mike he can't understand why a lawmaker would vote against the Peru deal, or a Panama or Columbia trade agreement for that matter. "We ought to be doing everything we can to open up wide the opportunities for our companies and our jobs right here in the United States," he says. Engler, who recently returned from a trade and manufacturing trip to Asia, will also talk about why Japan's growing economy offers great opportunities for American manufacturers. And Phil Poel, senior vice president of global operations at the Wolverine World Wide shoe company, will join Mike to discuss how his company gained a foothold in China. With the holiday travel season upon us, gasoline prices are on the minds of many Americans. Daniel Yergin, president of Cambridge Energy Research Associates, will discuss a report that paints a sobering picture of America's energy future. Joseph Minarik of the Committee for Economic Development will talk about another problem facing Americans -- higher healthcare costs. Minarik's group recently unveiled a proposal to provide quality, affordable healthcare by moving beyond employer-based healthcare systems. And if you think American kids aren't interested in manufacturing, think again. Ron Wilson at the Livonia Career Technical Center in Michigan is moving the old-fashioned high school shop class into the 21st century. Ron offers more details on the center. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the America Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of the tort reform battles and the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.?

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week on America's Business...issues affecting U.S. manufacturers, including a controversial hardrock mining bill, America?s ailing bridges and roads, taxes and water regulations.Rep. Don Young (R-AK) tells Mike why he voted against the Hardrock Mining and Reclamation Act of 2007, which could impose taxes on mining companies and hike raw material costs for manufacturers.Young, former chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, will also say what Congress must do to fix the nation?s deteriorating infrastructure. Eugene Sukup, who runs an Iowa grain bin and silo business, will join Mike to talk about the devastating human cost of the estate tax. Sukup recently told the Senate Finance Committee that if he died today his sons must sell the company to pay the so-called ?death tax.? Hundreds of jobs would be the lost, striking a serious blow against the economy of tiny Sheffield, Iowa. Tim Carlson, president of the Coalition for Tax Fairness, will also join Mike for a discussion on another tax that hurts working Americans ? the alternative minimum tax. The American Farm Bureau?s Don Parrish and Missouri hog farmer Chris Chinn will offer the nuts and bolts on how businesses could be affected by legislation to give EPA and the Army Corp of Engineers control over wet areas.On a lighter note Dan McGregor, chief executive officer of Rose City Manufacturing in Springfield, Ohio, will spread the word about his multimedia presentation that celebrates manufacturing. McGregor is taking the exhibit around the country. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the America Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of the tort reform battles and the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And Gov. John Engler gives us the last word, a message on the importance of export controls.

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Virginia's Dream It. Do It. campaign launch. Developed by NAM and its research, education and workforce arm, The Manufacturing Institute, Dream It. Do It. attracts young people to manufacturing careers by building regional alliances. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of the tort reform battles and the NAM's Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? And Gov. Engler will give us the last word when he talks about the need for a comprehensive national energy strategy.

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Modernizing America?s healthcare system, NAM President John Engler?s trip to Asia, a controversial consumer products safety bill, and the future of solar power are topics on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick.? Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) talks about her legislation to bring America?s health records system out of the pen and paper age and into the information technology era. With medical costs on the rise, Eshoo says the move could improve healthcare efficiency. Engler this month leads a manufacturers and trade trip though Japan and China. He?ll call in from Japan to talk about his goals for the trip and hopes for U.S.-Japan relations. Joining Mike to talk about a Consumer Product Safety Commission bill moving through the Senate is Joe McGuire, president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Businesses support giving the tiny agency more funding but the bill contains risky provisions, including one that could cause a landslide of litigation against some companies. Here comes the sun! The Department of Energy and BP recently hosted a Solar Decathlon in Washington, D.C. Mike will talk with Nick Venezia, a University of Maryland team member. The university?s team finished second overall with its solar house and won the People?s Choice Award. Bells will also be ringing. Jake Malta, founder of Malmark Inc. - Bellcraftsmen, a Pennsylvania-based manufacturer of English handbells, is featured in this week's installment of the program?s Creativity and Innovation in Manufacturing Series. Besides these reports, Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, will offer an update on the corporate average fuel economy bill. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of the tort reform battles and Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.?

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week on America's Business...Taxes, trade, budgets and baseball bats ? ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? hits for the cycle this week covering the issues affecting the U.S. economy.With four free-trade agreements waiting for Congressional action, Representative Jim McCrery (R-LA), ranking member on the House Ways and Means Committee, stops by to explain the economic importance of boosting exports by lower foreign tariffs. He walks us through the agreements one by one, starting with the U.S.-Peru pact. OMB Director Jim Nussle also talks about trade and the trade agreements in the second part of his ?America?s Business? interview. Joining Mike to talk about the importance of keeping the Internet tax free is Representative Anna Eshoo, a California Democrat. The federal moratorium on taxing Internet access expires on November 1, opening the door to new local and state taxes for logging onto the web. Eshoo supports a permanent moratorium. A four-year extension of the moratorium has passed the House, but the Senate has yet to act. ?The Call of the Entrepreneur? is a new documentary from the Acton Institute, using three compelling life stories to illustrate the virtue and creativity that lie at the heart of entrepreneurship. Jay Richards, director of media, tells us about the movie?s history and its goals. Play ball! With the World Series at hand, we hear from Ron Vander Groef, manager of the Rawlings-Adirondack Bat Company in Dolgeville, N.Y. Ron explains the careful manufacturing process that leads to this seasonal high point. But danger looms: The bats are made from Northern White Ash, and a tree beetle is killing the trees. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of the tort reform battles; Hank Cox recalls ?The Way it Was?; and NAM President John Engler's ?The Last Word? examines Internet, taxes and productivity.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week on America's Business...The new director of the Office of Management and Budget leads this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? with frank talk about spending and SCHIP, we hear about the economic successes of minority- and women-owned suppliers, look for cost-saving solutions to chronic disease and assess the risks of manufacturer-retailer relationships. OMB Director Jim Nussle, a former eight-term Congressman from Iowa, joins Mike to discuss the Administration?s budgeting philosophy, Congress? ?paygo? approach, and the fate of the state children?s health insurance program (SCHIP). The Billion Dollar Roundtable brings together corporations that do more than one billion dollars in spending with minority- and women-owned suppliers. We hear from the Roundtable?s co-founders, Sharon Patterson and Don McKneely about their goals and the group?s achievements. Smaller businesses can see a deal with a mega-retailer as the answer to their marketing prayers, but then problems arise. Andrew Thomas of the University of Akron, who co-authored a Wall Street Journal column ?The Distribution Trap,? tells us of the opportunities and obstacles. Chronic diseases account for a major portion of employers? health care costs, but it?s possible to manage the conditions. Speaking with Mike on the topic are Ken Thorpe, executive director of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, and Ross DeVol of the Milken Institute, principal author of the new report, ?An Unhealthy America: The Economic Burden of Chronic Disease.? In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership looks at this week?s winners and losers in legal reform; the NAM?s Hank Cox takes us back to ?The Way it Was?; and NAM President John Engler closes with ?The Last Word? on trade.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week on America's Business..A key congressional budget player cautions against unrestrained entitlement spending, a presidential candidate looks forward to next fall's election, an Administration official save small business money, and a student seeks employable skills -- "America's Business with Mike Hambrick" this week keeps an eye on the issues that matter to manufacturing and the economy.Representative John Spratt (D-SC) chairs the House Budget Committee, where he preaches fiscal responsibility to members of both political parties. In his interview with host Mike Hambrick, Chairman Spratt focuses on the consequences of Medicare and Social Security spending in future decades, and sees difficulties posed by health-care expectations.Tom Sullivan is chief of advocacy at the Small Business Administration, serving as an advocate for business in dealings with the federal government. He joins Mike to talk about how his office helped save business $7 billion last year by keeping new rules and regulations realistic and efficient, with much more work to come through the R3, Small Business Regulatory Review and Reform Initiative. We hear the second part of an interview with Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Arkanas, who covers energy and infrastructure, also describing how he would run a general-election campaign against the potential Democratic nominee, Senator Hillary Clinton. Huckabee also responds to a question about the "skills gap" and workforce training posed by Charles E. Bunch, chairman of the NAM. Workforce training is also the topic of a conversation with Don MacMaster, project director for the Concrete Technology Program at Alpena Community College in Michigan, and Jeff Kowalski, who enrolled after completing a four-year college degree, searching for employable skills and a rewarding career. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership points to winners and losers in the tort battles, and notes the AJP's new report, "Legal Shakedowns and Scandals"; Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," thanking the public for speaking out on EPA proposed new ozone standards.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week on America's Business...A presidential candidate, America?s infrastructure woes, the skills gap, and manufacturing?s unappreciated strengths ? It?s a full range of people and issues on this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick.? Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is gaining new attention as a serious contender for the Republican nomination for President. He joins host Mike Hambrick this week to talk about energy independence as a foreign-policy priority and other campaign developments. Ty Gable of the National Precast Concrete Association and Robin Wiener of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries are on hand to look at the overloaded U.S. infrastructure, its challenges and how their industries can contribute to solutions. Daniel J. Ikenson is the associate director at the Center for Trade Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, a leading free-market think tank. He finds U.S. manufacturing thriving - no matter what the naysayers claim. And trade is a big reason why, Ikenson explains. Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA, and Phyllis Eisen of the Manufacturing Institute ? executive director of the Center for Workforce Success ? update us on how educators and manufacturers are addressing the shortage of skilled employees. And in Minnesota a program called M-Powered helps bring employees? skills up to a higher, marketable level. Elizabeth Abraham, CEO of Top Tool Co. in Minneapolis, tells us more. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership tells us who?s winning and losing the tort-reform battles; the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Ways Things Were?; and NAM President John Engler closes with ?The Last Word? on health care.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...Trade, taxes and community service top this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick,? as we also consider U.S. business in Russia.Representative Wally Herger R-CA is the ranking member on the House Ways and Means Committee?s Subcommittee on Trade. In a hard-hitting interview with host Mike Hambrick, Rep. Herger criticizes organized labor for its reflexive opposition to free-trade agreements, arguing that trade is a proven jobs-creator.A federal moratorium is set to expire on state and local taxation of Internet access, opening the door to a new array of innovation-discouraging taxes. Broderick Johnson, head of the Don?t Tax Our Web Coalition, makes the case for a permanent moratorium. Another unnecessary burden is the business activity tax, also called cross-state taxation, which hits a business twice when its products are shipped across state lines. Jeffrey Hyde, senior tax counsel for General Electric, explains the problem.Russia is more and more a place where U.S. manufacturers are doing business, and here to fill us in on the state of affairs there is Andrew Somers, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia.The NAM initiated a new honor this year to recognize community service by member companies, the Sandy Trowbridge Award. Sandy was the former president of the NAM, much appreciated for his dedication to service. The first recipient is Fairmount Minerals of Chardon, Ohio, the country?s largest producer of industrial sand. Joining Mike to discuss Fairmount?s community involvement is Chuck Flower, president and CEO.In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership identifies tort reform's winners and losers; the NAM's Hank Cox explores "The Way It Was"; and NAM President John Engler provides "The Last Word," warning against abuses of the Family and Medical Leave Act.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org... This Week on America's Business...?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? explores the rising influence of Blue Dog Democrats this week, talks workforce skills with a top Administration official and monitors the world of lawsuit abuse. Blue Dogs are the 47-member strong House caucus of conservative-leaning Democrats. Joining Mike this week is the group?s two chairmen, Rep. Alan Boyd of Florida and Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas. Political balance and mandated miles per gallon are among the hot topics. From the Department of Labor, we hear from Emily Stover DeRocco, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training, who explains how government works with the private sector to promote skills training. The NAM's Heath Weems adds the manufacturers' perspective. Mark Tapscott, editorial editor of The Examiner, tells us how America pays the price for "Lawyers Gone Wild," the title of the paper's hard-hitting series on how the plaintiff's bar distorts justice and drags down America's competitiveness. Staying on the topic of tort reform, we hear from Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership, tackling the excess of frivolous lawsuits. The FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show is North America's largest trade show featuring metal forming, fabricating, tube and pipe, and welding; essential contributors to the U.S. manufacturing economy. Joining Mike to talk about the Nov. 11-14 event in Chicago are Ray Shook, executive director of the American Welding Society; Jerry Shankel of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, and Mark Tomlinson, executive director of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. The NAM's Hank Cox revisits "The Way it Was," and NAM President and CEO John Engler closes with "The Last Word" commentary on the EPA's proposed new ozone standards, which could destroy jobs if taken to extremes.

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Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org... This Week on America's Business...?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? interviews the Administration?s hand-picked man for manufacturing, considers the major costs and consequences of new ozone regulations, and finds innovation hard at work in U.S. companies. Woody Sutton is the newly confirmed Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing. He joins Mike for a discussion of the state of the manufacturing economy and Administration policies intended to support it. New ozone standards proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency could impose billions of dollars of costs on local governments, business and consumers, even before current standards are achieved. Sheri Wilburn of the Georgia Industry Association recently testified on the issue, and she?s with us to explain how maintaining the current ozone standards serves clean air AND the economy. Highlighting American manufacturing?s innovation and creativity is Bud Wisecarver, owner of Bishop Wisecarver, a linear-motion systems manufacturer in Pittsburgh, Calif. And from Wilson Tools we hear from Chris Lawless, vice president of operations, explaining how the company?s use of ?lean principles? led to it receiving the Manufacturing Alliance?s ?Manufacturer of the Year? award. In our regular segments: On ?The Soapbox? this week is Peter Perez, president of Carter Products in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership hits tort reform?s winners and losers; the NAM?s Hank Cox visits ?The Way it Was?; and the NAM President John Engler closes with ?The Last Word.?

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This Week on America's Business...Infrastructure, trade, China and the priorities of smaller manufacturers: They?re key issues affecting the U.S. economy and the heart of this week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick.? And ...manufacturing in Kentucky! Bill Graves, CEO and President of the American Trucking Associations, details how the country?s deteriorating roads and bridges hit the trucking industry and U.S. competitiveness. Mary Andringa, president and CEO of Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa, joins Mike to discuss the top concerns for small- and medium-manufacturers, identified during a recent NAM survey. Health care, the difficulty in hiring skilled employees, and competition from China rank high. U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab takes on the issue of China trade, while Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) discusses the free trade agreements pending in Congress. Bill Hawkins, Senior Fellow for National Security Studies at the U.S. Business and Industry Council, examines the risks involved with China?s holding of U.S. debt. And on ?The Soapbox? is Chuck Lein of Stuller Inc., the Louisiana jewelry-manufacturer, speaking out on the U.S. trade imbalance. We also hear from Andrew Meko, the outgoing president of the Kentucky Manufacturers Association, talking about business in the Bluegrass State and the state of U.S. manufacturing. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership spotlights the winners and losers in tort reform; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was," and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word." And check out the America's Business audio blog at www.americasbusinessblog.org for show segments and more.

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This Week on America's Business...A big Labor Day show this week at "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," featuring Representative John Boehner, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, Sen. Sam Brownback and a review of the NAM's Labor Day report on the economy and workers. As Congress returns from its August recess, House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) is on hand to talk trade, energy and taxes, predicting presidential vetoes of excessive spending bills. U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, taking a break from her world travels, joins us for a far-reaching discussion of global competition and the free trade agreements pending in Congress. The discussion of trade continues with Kansas Senator Sam Brownback, a Republican candidate for president, who is predicting a tough fight with China over its trade and currency practices. The economy is growing, and 85 percent of workers are earning higher wages, the NAM's 10th annual Labor Day report concludes. The downside? Manufacturers are finding it harder and harder to fill jobs. NAM Chief Economist David Huether fills us in on the news of the economy. Making his weekly trip into manufacturing history, the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was." And we close with NAM President John Engler and "The Last Word," saluting America's workers on Labor Day. Check out the America's Business audio blog at www.americasbusinessblog.org for show segments and more.

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This Week on America's Business...?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? covers the high-impact issues of manufacturing this week, hearing from a leading Senator on taxes and a top magazine reporter on Chinese manufacturing, while we also pay tribute to those who fell and those who still fight.Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) is the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, responsible for taxes and trade. In far-reaching interview, he tells host Mike Hambrick that a $7.5 billion tax increase on foreign companies included in the House farm bill violates tax treaties, posing real problems for the Senate. Grassley also touches on tax treatment of oil companies and renewable fuels.Staying on the subject of taxes, this time corporate, Scott A. Hodge, president of the Tax Foundation, tells us that the United States is falling behind in global competitiveness.In the second half of an interview from Shanghai, Atlantic Magazine?s James Fallows talks about China?s pollution, purchase of U.S. debt and America controlling its own fate in manufacturing.As the anniversary nears of the terrorist mass murders of September 11, 2001, we join Assistant Secretary of Defense Allison Barber, who describes a tradition of pride, tribute and memory ? Freedom Walk ? honoring those who fell and the men and women who fight today to protect our nation.From ?The Factory Floor? in Waverly, Nebraska, we hear from Daryl Chapelle, general manager of Lenco-PMC, a plastics manufacturer and the producer of audio cassettes in the United States. In our regular segments, the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Way it Was,? and NAM President John Engler closes with ?The Last Word.?

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This Week on America's Business..."America's Business with Mike Hambrick" bucks Washington's annual August slowdown this week, bringing listeners the hot topics of China, Congress, energy and workforce skills. James Fallows is the national correspondent for the Atlantic Monthly, now living in Shanghai. His cover story, ?China Makes, the World Takes,? in the July/August edition examines the momentous growth of Chinese manufacturing. In the first of a far-reaching two-part interview, Fallows talks with host Mike Hambrick about China, addressing the question: China -- economic threat or benefit to the United States? With Congress on its August recess, we?ll hear from the Wall Street Journal?s ?Potomac Watch? columnist Kimberly Strassel, looking at legislative action on labor, litigation and prescription drugs. Congress has also been busy on the energy front, passing bills that will dramatically increase the cost of electricity. Joining Mike to talk about one such measure ? mandates that utilities use renewable fuels ? is Tom Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute. Summit Appliances and Felix Storch, Inc., a Bronx manufacturer of custom refrigeration units, has been hit hard by the lack of skilled employees. Company owner Paul Storch is on hand to explain his pro-active steps to bring workers? skills levels up to par. We wrap our summer series on women in manufacturing with Karen Healy, vice president of corporate affairs and facilities at Delphi Automotive Systems, one of the leading women in the auto industry. In our regular segments, the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Way it Was?; and NAM President John Engler closes with ?The Last Word? highlighting the top states for business. Check out the America's Business audio blog for show segments and more -- including this week's complete interview with James Fallows.

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This Week on America's Business...Investment, invention and challenges from China top this week's "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," as we also head to the races with ShopRats.org. In a last-minute addition to the farm bill, the House passed a $7.5 billion tax increase on foreign companies with business operations in the United States. Todd Malan of the Organization for International Investment joins Mike to detail how these taxes will discourage jobs-creating investment. Santokh Badesha has achieved a remarkable record at the Xerox Corp., recently receiving his 150th U.S. patent, with more to come. President Bush just honored Badesha and his Xerox colleagues at a White House ceremony for National Medal of Science and Technology recipients. Badesha joins Mike to explain where all this innovation and invention comes from. In a segment about facing challenges from China, "America's Business" considers counterfeiting and quality. Fake Chinese products were threatening the reputation of Task Force Tips, a leading manufacturer of fire suppression equipment, as well as the safety of their customers. The company's president, Stew McMillan, tells us how he fought back -- successfully. And Paul Midler, founder and president of the supply-chain services company China Advantage, contemplates the Chinese practice of "quality fade," boosting profits by cutting corners on quality.Shop Rats is a Michigan-based group that celebrates rolling up your sleeves and getting to work, encouraging young people toward careers in engineering, manufacturing and construction. Benefiting the group's educational efforts Saturday, August 18th, is a "Manufacturers Day at the Races," held in conjunction with the NASCAR Busch Series CARFAX 250 race at the Michigan International Speedway. Bringing us up to speed on Shop Rats' activities is its founder, Chris Salow. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership reviews this week's participants in U.S. tort battles; the NAM's Hank Cox examines "The Way Things Were"; and NAM President John Engler closes with his "The Last Word" commentary.

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This Week on America's Business...America's Business with Mike Hambrick" celebrates its first full year on the air (and the Internet) this week with far-ranging discussions of taxes, training and technology, a review of the U.S. steel industry and a look at the latest regulatory overkill.The Alternative Minimum Tax, meant originally to target a few high-income households, hits an increasing number of middle-income individuals and businesses with heavy and often unexpected tax bills. Here to discuss options for easing AMT?s burdens are Gerald Prante, staff economist of the Tax Foundation, and Rea Hederman of the Heritage Foundation.EPA has proposed new standards on ground-level ozone that will cost businesses and local governments billions of dollars to comply with, yet bring no clear health benefits. Explaining the serious implications for business is Joseph Loughrey, president of Cummins Engine, the Indiana-based manufacturer, and chairman of the Manufacturing Institute.America's steel industry, modernizing in the face of intense -- and many say unfair -- foreign competition, remains a bastion of U.S. manufacturing. Joining host Mike Hambrick to report on the state of the industry is Andrew Sharkey, president and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute.The Robert C. Byrd Institute at Marshall University helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers with access to new technology and training, a wealth of opportunities for West Virginia employers.RCBI's Jim Casto provides a run-down of the many good things.Our series on women in manufacturing features a conversation with Lisa Caldwell, senior vice president of Bearing Point, a leading business consulting and systems integration firms.In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership highlights the recent battles over tort reform; the NAM's Hank Cox explores "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler concludes with "The Last Word."

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This Week on America's Business..."America's Business with Mike Hambrick" examines a full range of manufacturing-related issues this week, ranging from workforce needs to ground-level ozone, from health care to electronic ID. Manufacturing is a busy and complex world, after all. Manufacturers are leading the way in promoting technical and vocational education, helping young people gain essential workplace skills. A leader in the effort, and the Manufacturing Institute's "Dream It! Do It!" campaign, is Joseph Loughrey, president and CEO of Cummins Engine. Joe joins host Mike Hambrick to discuss southeastern Indiana's "Dream It! Do It!" initiative, a grassroots effort uniting business, government and education on behalf of skills and manufacturing careers. The Environment Protection Agency has issued proposed rules to restrict ground-level ozone, worrying manufacturers and local officials about billions of dollars in new compliance costs for uncertain health benefits. Joining host Mike Hambrick to discuss the real-world impact of the EPA's proposal is Mayor George Grace of St. Gabriel, Louisiana, and Joseph C. Stanko, Jr., an emissions-policy expert with Hunton and Williams. Radio Frequency Identification Technology, or RFID, is making great strides in the manufacturing world, especially supply chain and inventory, and the technology's potential seems enormous. Joining Mike to discuss RFID's use and national security-related issues are Tres Wiley of Texas Instruments and Milan Turk, director of customer E-business for Procter and Gamble. Employees' chronic health conditions can hit employers hard with increased health-care costs, but there are positive steps business can take to help manage those conditions. You can learn how at a joint summit on intergrated care in Atlanta sponsored by the NAM and the Disease Management Association of America. Here to discuss the program are Tracey Moorhead, DMAA's President and CEO, and the NAM's Jeri Gillespie.Our "Women in Business" series features Christina P. Mullen, manager, technical and regulatory, Toyota North America. Speaking from "The Factory Floor" in Minneapolis is Harold Hamilton, founder of Micro Control Company. Our regular segments feature Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership, making the case for tort reform; the NAM's Hank Cox taking us back to "The Way Things Were"; and NAM President John Engler closing with his "The Last Word" commentary.

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This Week on America's Business...This week on ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? we delve into health-care technology, examine the best ways to promote fuel efficiency, and review the just-completed term of the U.S. Supreme Court. Health IT Now! is a new coalition that promotes affordable and high-quality health care through increased use of information technology. Co-chairman Nancy Johnson, the former U.S. Representative from Connecticut, joins host Mike Hambrick to discuss how government can pave the way for more IT in the U.S. health care system. A bipartisan bill seeks to encourage fuel efficiency while respecting consumer choice and the strengths of the U.S. auto industry. Representatives Barron Hill (D-IN) and Lee Terry (R-NE) stop by to explain how their bill, H.R. 2927, achieves reasonable corporate average fuel economy standards, or CAFE standards.The U.S. Supreme Court handed down many decisions in the just-completed term affecting the private sector, and many observers say that business did very well. Here to cover some of the high-profile business cases is David Savage, Supreme Court reporter for The Los Angeles Times. Our ?Women in Business? segment features Sherryl Welsh Hyman, senior vice president at Robert Bosch LLC. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership gives us the highlights of the week in tort reform, and the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Way it Was.? NAM President John Engler closes with ?The Last Word? on unsafe Chinese imports.

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This Week on America's Business...This week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? plugs into the nation?s energy needs, considers a "family-friendly" manufacturer and dissects a $54 million lawsuit over a pair of pants. John Clarke, president of the Industrial Equipment Heating Association, tells us how manufacturers can lead the way in energy efficiency. For a look at energy legislation in Congress, we have a reporters? roundtable with Tom Doggett of Reuters and Bret Schulte of U.S. News. Melissa Lindsay, a bookkeeper with Marlin Steel Wire Products was recently before a congressional committee testifying on ?family friendly workplaces.? Melissa will explain how the Baltimore-based manufacturer makes life easier for a mother of two with a hectic schedule. Justice has prevailed in the case of the $54 million pair of pants. A judge has found for the defendants in the lawsuit filed against them by a D.C. administrative judge, Roy Pearson, who accused his drycleaners of losing a pair of suit pants. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership speaks with Chris Manning, the attorney who represented Soo and Jin Nam Chung in this bizarre but all-too-familiar case of legal abuse. Renee also joins Mike for the latest rundown on tort reform?s winners and losers. In our regular segments, we?ll go to the ?Factory Floor? in Landrum, S.C., to speak with Charlie Martin, president and treasurer of Bommer Industries; the NAM's Hank Cox steps back into "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler offers "The Last Word" on trade agreements. Check out America's Business" new audio blog, bringing you highlights of recent interviews ...and more!

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This week on America's Business...This week?s ?America?s Business with Mike Hambrick? plugs into the nation?s energy needs, considers a "family-friendly" manufacturer and dissects a $54 million lawsuit over a pair of pants. John Clarke, president of the Industrial Equipment Heating Association, tells us how manufacturers can lead the way in energy efficiency. For a look at energy legislation in Congress, we have a reporters? roundtable with Tom Doggett of Reuters and Bret Schulte of U.S. News. Melissa Lindsay, a bookkeeper with Marlin Steel Wire Products was recently before a congressional committee testifying on ?family friendly workplaces.? Melissa will explain how the Baltimore-based manufacturer makes life easier for a mother of two with a hectic schedule.Justice has prevailed in the case of the $54 million pair of pants. A judge has found for the defendants in the lawsuit filed against them by a D.C. administrative judge, Roy Pearson, who accused his drycleaners of losing a pair of suit pants. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership speaks with Chris Manning, the attorney who represented Soo and Jin Nam Chung in this bizarre but all-too-familiar case of legal abuse. Renee also joins Mike for the latest rundown on tort reform?s winners and losers. In our regular segments, we?ll go to the ?Factory Floor? in Landrum, S.C., to speak with Charlie Martin, president and treasurer of Bommer Industries; the NAM's Hank Cox steps back into "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler offers "The Last Word" on trade agreements. And don't forget to check out "America's Business" new audio blog, bringing you highlights of recent interviews ...and more!

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This week on America's Business...The Employee Free Choice Act has been stopped for now, and this week on "America's Business" we get a debriefing from two of the leaders who helped block the card-check bill, saving the secret ballot in the workplace: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT). The Doha Round suffered a major setback this month in Germany, and joining host Mike Hambrick to explain the reasons -- and reasons for continued hope -- is Sean M. Spicer, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative. Our series on Women in Manufacturing features Ann Brown, co-owner of New Vista Image, a Golden, Colo., firm that specializes in design and large-scale digital printing. (NBA All-Star banners!) If the sky lights up on the Fourth of July, there's a good chance the Zambelli family deserves the credit. Mike talks to George Zambelli of Zambelli Fireworks Internationale, who tells us everything that goes into making an explosive (but safe) celebration. A year ago, Australia eliminated its national debt. Is Australia's achievement a model for the United States? Explaining debt down-under is Steve Morling, the economics counselor at the Australian embassy in Washington, D.C. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership declares this week's tort-reform winners and losers; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," warning that Big Labor will continue pushing the Employee Free Choice Act.

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This week on America's Business... With a vote looming Tuesday on the Employee Free Choice Act ? a bill that would destroy the secret ballot in the workplace ? ?America?s Business? hears from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), who has led the fight against organized labor?s No. 1 legislative priority.NAM has helped found the new Coalition against Counterfeiting and Piracy, fighting the fake products that cheat consumers and endanger people?s health. To delve deeper into this threat, host Mike Hambrick talks to Clark Silcox of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and Jim Schneider of Schneider Electric. On hand for the NAM perspective is Marc Anthony Signorino, director of technology policy.Project management helps manufacturers accomplish big things, but sometimes the challenges are great ? especially for large corporations. Covering the topic is Chuck Stakston, business process manager for 3M, and Dave Edson of Visibility.biz, who brought Microsoft's many tools to bear. Manufacturers of ag machinery are doing great, global business these days, and companies like Case New Holland are making their case for pro-trade policies up on Capitol Hill. Here to talk about the recent ?fly-in? of 15 plant managers is Linda Knoll, executive vice president of worldwide agriculture manufacturing. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership joins us for the never-ending battle for tort reform, and the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Way It Was.? NAM President John Engler closes with ?The Last Word,? demonstrating the benefits of free trade.

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This Week on America's Business... Energy and the environment headline this week?s ?America?s Business,? as host Mike Hambrick talks to the top Cabinet officials in charge. Energy Secretary Sam Bodman highlights a new DOE-NAM partnership to promote energy efficiency in the manufacturing sector. EPA Administrator Steve Johnson updates us on the environmental discussions held at the recent G-8 meeting in Germany as well as the Administration?s new policy approach toward climate change. Flags flew proudly on Thursday, and to mark Flag Day we?ll hear from Carter Beard of Annin and Company, the world?s oldest and largest flag manufacturer. Happy 160th anniversary, Annin! Ever wondered about the best place to live in the United States? David Savageau, editor of the "25th Anniversary Edition of Places Rated Almanac" stops by to suggest a few possibilities for that exalted location, judged by a wide range of factors. And the top city in the 2007 rankings just happens to be a center of U.S. manufacturing. We conclude our visits with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, hearing from this potential presidential candidate on homeland security issues. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership tells us who is "Legally Insane" this week, and the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was." NAM President John Engler concludes the program with his "The Last Word" commentary.

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This Week on America's Business... North Dakota is an energy-rich state, with abundant coal, oil and wind resources as well as a growing biofuels sector. This week on "America?s Business," host Mike Hambrick visits with N.D. Governor John Hoeven, who this year won passage of a legislative package advancing energy infrastructure, research and development. Education and training to fix the "skills gap" are other keys to improving the business climate, the Governor explains. Also addressing the need for domestic energy supply is Jim Martin, president of the 60 Plus Association, speaking out for senior citizens as consumers. Jim touches on taxes, too, calling for the elimination of the punitive ?death tax.? The U.S. Senate will soon consider the so-called Employee Free Choice Act, the ?card check? bill pushed by big labor to eliminate secret-ballot elections in the workplace. Refuting union claims that the bill is needed for "democracy" is James Sherk, a labor scholar at the Heritage Foundation. In Washington recently to speak up for equipment manufacturers were plant managers for Case New Holland, who met with members of Congress and Administration officials about trade, the Employee Free Choice Act and energy. Mike talks to two of the delegation, Steve Tyler and Bret Lieberman, for a debriefing. Our continuing series on women in manufacturing features Leslie Longoria, president of Form Cove Manufacturing Co., a home-furnishings manufacturer in Rio Rancho, N.M. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership names the winners and losers in the world of tort reform, and the NAM?s Hank Cox delves into history with ?The Way it Was.? NAM President John Engler closes with his ?The Last Word? commentary, promoting a new coalition, Health IT Now!

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This Week on America's Business... John Ratzenberger's "Made in America" is a TV tribute to the men and women who make manufacturing great, and on this week?s "America?s Business," host Mike Hambrick discusses the "skills gap" with John, AKA Cliff from "Cheers." Ratzenberger?s Nuts, Bolts and Thingamajigs Foundation is joining with the Fabricators and Manufacturers Foundation to sponsor 20 manufacturing camps for young people this summer. Terrance Eagan, director of the FMA Foundation, is also on hand to talk about the camps and the future of American manufacturing. Out-of-control litigation and a broken legal climate cost Americans the equivalent of almost $10,000 for every family of four, a study by the Pacific Research Institute has determined. Here to describe his findings from "Jackpot Justice: The True Cost of America's Tort System" is the study?s author, Lawrence J. McQuillan, PRI?s Director of Business and Economic Studies. America?s aging infrastructure is a major factor in manufacturing?s ability to compete. John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, highlights a new report that lays out the full scope of the problem. Dan Neumann, associate editor of Inside U.S. Trade, covers the recent ?U.S. complaint to the World Trade Organization about China?s failure to protect intellectual property rights. Continuing our ?Women in Manufacturing? series, Mike talks with Mary Andringa, President and CEO of Vermeer Manufacturing, an equipment manufacturer in Pella, Iowa. And in our regular segments, from ?The Factory Floor? comes Bill Beyer of Amerex; the NAM?s Hank Cox recalls ?The Way it Was?; and NAM President John Engler closes with ?The Last Word.?

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This Week on America's Business... A new management proposal by the Department of Interior would advance America?s energy security by allowing access to natural gas and oil on the Outer Continental Shelf, increasing supplies and stabilizing costs. In the lead segment on this week's "America?s Business with Mike Hambrick," Virginia manufacturer and state Senator Frank Wagner explains why his state is taking the lead on this forward-looking energy policy. Mike continues his far-reaching interview the co-chairmen of the House Manufacturing Caucus, Congressman Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Ohio, and Congressman Don Manzullo, an Illinois Republican. The topics are education and the President?s Trade Promotion Authority. Barbara Dyer, president and CEO of The Hitachi Foundation, joins Mike for a thoughtful discussion on corporate philanthropy. Is Japan, long an economic powerhouse, now reawakening as an engaged international diplomatic and military force? We take a look at the issue with veteran Asia hand Kenneth Pyle, author of Japan Rising. Our series on women in manufacturing touches base with Hannah Kain, president and CEO of Alom Manufacturing, a package assembly and fulfillment company headquartered in Fremont, Calif. In our regular segments, we hear from Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership, tackling tort reforms' heroes and villains; Drew Greenblatt calls in from "The Factory Floor" of Marlin Steel Wire Products; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls the "Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word" commentary, hailing congressional introduction of a new and strengthened R and D tax credit.

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This Week on America's Business... Soaring energy costs have hit the chemicals industry hard, working its painful way throughout the manufacturing economy. This week "America?s Business" reports on a new study that finds manufacturers weighing the possibility of moving production facilities overseas if chemical costs do not quickly come under control. Host Mike Hambrick interviews Kevin O?Marah, senior vice president of AMR Research, which conducted the study, and Bill Canis, acting president of The Manufacturing Institute. In a far-reaching interview with the co-chairs of the House Manufacturing Caucus, Mike talks with Congressman Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Ohio, and Congressman Don Manzullo, an Illinois Republican. The Pew Foundation delves deep into public attitudes, and a new "Values Survey" reveals that Americans have mixed views about business: Corporations are too powerful, yet America succeeds because of business. Discussing those contradictions is the Pew?s Jodie T. Allen. Our series on women in manufacturing continues with a profile of Kellie Johnson, president of ACE Clearwater Enterprises, a Torrance, Calif., aerospace manufacturer. In our regular segments Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership takes on tort reform; up on "The Soapbox" climbs Larry Laske of Vonco Products, an Illinois-based manufacturer of thermoplastic custom packaging; the NAM?s Hank Cox journeys back to "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler closes with his "The Last Word" commentary.

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This Week on America's Business... Rising health care costs consistently rank as a top concern of manufacturers in the United States, and in this week's "America's Business with Mike Hambrick," Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt discusses one response, "value-driven health care." The approach makes transparency a priority, giving consumers more information to guide their own care. We also hear from former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who heads the Center for Health Transformation. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a successful federal program that helps small- and medium-sized manufacturers adopt new management and manufacturing techniques, such as "lean manufacturing." NAM President John Engler recently spoke to the MEP's national conference, and he'll provide some thoughts on the program's effectiveness and funding. Also addressing the topic is Edward W. "Ned" Hill of Cleveland State University, chairman of the MEP's National Advisory Board. Our series on women in manufacturing this week features Karla Aaron, president of Hialeah Metal Spinning in Hialeah, Florida. We pay a visit to "The Factory Floor" of ECCO, the Boise-based electronic controls company, speaking with CEO Ed Zimmer. And in our regular segment, the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was. NAM's president, John Engler, closes with "The Last Word," marking the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown, the birthplace of manufacturing in the future United States.

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"This week on America's Business:" The 400th anniversary of the English settlement at Jamestown also marks the 400th anniversary of manufacturing (glass blowing) in America, and this week, "America's Business" joins the quadricentennial celebrations. Host Mike Hambrick interviews George Allen, who as Virginia's governor in 1997 started the commemorations rolling. We'll also hear from Brian McNelis, plant manager of the Williamsburg Brewery of Anheuser-Busch, one of the major sponors of the Jamestown events. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-KY, stops by "America's Business" for an exclusive interview on the Employee Free Choice Act, which would do away with secret-ballot elections when unions attempt to organize a workplace. The public overwhelmingly opposes the legislation, which is in direct conflict with America's democratic principles, McConnell says. Corporate philanthropy is alive and well in America, and manufacturers are among the most generous contributors. This week "America's Business" begins a series of reports on corporate giving. Mike talks to Matthew Nelson, managing director of corporate services for the Council on Foundations, and Ian Wilhelm, a reporter for the Chronicle of Philanthropy. And we continue the multi-part interview with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who discusses taxation and education reform.

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"America's Business" spans the manufacturing world from Brazil to Mississippi this week, as host Mike Hambrick tackles trade, Toyota, energy and the manufacturing economy. Hambrick reports on the recent visit of an NAM-led delegation of U.S. manufacturers to Sao Paulo, where they met with their Brazilian counterparts and government leaders to discuss ways of furthering the Doha Round of global trade talks. NAM President John Engler recounts the discussions; Whirlpool's vice president, Tom Catania, who chairs the U.S.-Brazil Trade Council, adds perspective; and Tom Murphy of Dow-Jones Newswires in Sao Paulo summarizes the news. From northern Mississippi, Mike covers the groundbreaking of Toyota?s new $1.3 billion SUV plant. He interviews Jim Wiseman, vice president of external affairs for Toyota North America, Mississippi Governor Harley Barbour and Senator Trent Lott, R-MS. John Byrd, president of the Association for Manufacturing Technology, provides his views on today's manufacturing economy. And in the first segment of a far-reaching interview, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich examines energy security and environmentalist excesses, putting in a plug for nuclear energy at the same time.

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This Week on America's Business. April 23-27 marks National Small Business Week, and in this "America's Business" host Mike Hambrick talks with Steven C. Preston, administrator of the Small Business Administration. The SBA's Preston celebrates the contributions small business makes to U.S. economy and society; for many, owning a business means realizing the American Dream. North Carolina is deep in a debate about whether high school graduation requirements should direct all students toward a four-year university education. Mike explores the topic and the comparative value of technical training and trade courses in interviews with Tony Zeiss, president of Central Piedmont Community College; George Leef, vice president for research at the North Carolina-based John William Pope Center for Higher Education Policy, who warns against overselling a university education; and Marti Maguire of the Raleigh News and Observer, who reported on the push for new graduation requirements. We'll hear the second part of "Both Sides Now" segment on Internet regulation, aka "net neutrality," featuring Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, the on-line classified ads site, and Scott Cleland, chairman of Netcompetition.org, an e-forum supported by the broadband companies. This is the first time the two frequent opponents on the topic have appeared on the same program together. This week, "America's Business" begins a new series profiling women in manufacturing, highlighting the career of Ingrid Brase, global marketing manager for National Starch and Chemical. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership tackles tort reform, and in our regular segments, Robert Fritz of Avtron Manufacturing in Independence, Ohio, steps up on "The Soapbox"; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word" commentary, talking about the American innovation agenda.

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Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership tackles tort reform, and in our regular segments, Robert Fritz of Avtron Manufacturing in Independence, Ohio, steps up on "The Soapbox."

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NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word" commentary, talking about the American innovation agenda.

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This week on "America's Business," host Mike Hambrick examines the future of Internet regulation in a "Both Sides Now" segment featuring Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, the hugely successful on-line classified ads site, and Scott Cleland, chairman of Netcompetition.org, an e-forum supported by the broadband companies. In their first-ever joint appearance, Newmark and Cleland debate "net neutrality," the level of government control over pricing and access to the Internet. Newmark favors "net neutrality," ensuring single-priced access, while Cleland warns against government rules slowing innovation and even higher-speed communications. The discussion turns to energy and infrastructure in an interview with John Fees, CEO of the Babcock and Wilcox Companies, who highlights advances in clean-coal technology and nuclear power. Scott Peterson, vice president, communications, at the Nuclear Energy Institute, then profiles America's nuclear renaissance, which holds the promise of providing emissions-free power to drive the nation's economy. The IRS deadline for filing taxes is upon us, and Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, tells us the real costs of taxation in the United States. We'll hear more about the Commerce Department's decision to impose anti-subsidy duties against China's exports of coated paper products from our reporters' roundtable, featuring Dan Neumann, associate editor of Inside U.S. Trade, and Ian Swanson of The Hill. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the The American Justice Partnership seizes the reins of tort reform; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was," and NAM President John Engler warns against the consequences of expiring tax cuts in his weekly commentary, "The Last Word."

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Renee Giachino of the The American Justice Partnership seizes the reins of tort reform.

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NAM President John Engler warns against the consequences of expiring tax cuts in his weekly commentary, "The Last Word."

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Trade and labor issues headline this week's "America's Business," as host Mike Hambrick delves into the major news developments shaping the U.S. economy and manufacturing.The Department of Commerce has announced imposition of countervailing duties on Chinese coated-paper products, the first time this trade remedy had been applied to a non-market economy. We'll hear from Frank Lavin, undersecretary for trade, who made the case for the action in a recent speech to the National Association of Manufacturers. Our reporters' roundtable examines the economic and political implications with Ian Swanson of The Hill and Dan Neumann, associated editor of Inside U.S. Trade.The United States has just concluded a Free Trade Agreement with South Korea, and Charles Uthus, vice president of the Automotive Trade Policy Council, explains why opening the Korean market is so important to U.S. automakers.The Senate is considering the Employee Free Choice Act, the "card check" legislation that would eliminate secret-ballot elections in the workplace when unions try to organize a business. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-GA, of the Senate Committee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions discusses the committee's recent hearing on the legislation. Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform, condemns the labor power grab behind the bill.Have a great idea for a new product? Richmond, VA, television news anchor Gene Cox is also an inventor, and he walks us through the process of turning ideas into inventions into money. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership tells us what's up in tort reform. And in our regular segments, we hear from "The Factory Floor" of FN Manufacturing, a small arms manufacturer in Columbia, SC; and the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was." NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," previewing an NAM-led delegation to Brazil to promote the Doha WTO talks.

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Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership tells us what's up in tort reform.

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NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," previewing an NAM-led delegation to Brazil to promote the Doha WTO talks.

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A new study by the Pacific Research Institute reports that America?s broken system of civil litigation imposes an economic cost of $865 billion a year on the nation. This week on "American Business," host Mike Hambrick talks to Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership to dig deeper into this "Jackpot Justice" and the harm it causes across all sectors of the economy. And when it comes to health care, research and development and ?defensive medicine,? our tort system is even costing lives. America?s transportation infrastructure is failing to keep up with the demands of a modern, global economy, and this week, Mike looks at America?s waterways. He interviews John Paul "J.P" Woodley, Jr., the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, who oversees the infrastructure responsible for $10 billion of business a year in domestic shipping. Tim Gallagher, senior vice president and general manager, Grain Division of Bunge North America, speaks to ships, barges and grain. Responding to consumer demand, the national restaurant chain, T.G.I. Fridays is serving less, hoping to get more. Richard Snead, President and CEO of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc. discusses the business strategy that embraces healthy eating and profits both. IT security is a constant business concern, and Bret Arsenault, general manager of U.S. Enterprise Security for Microsoft, talks about the tools needed to keep information safe. Joining the discussion is Vinita Boo-Shun, president of Pontis Research, who adds the perspective of an IT security consulting firm. In our regular segments, we hear from "The Factory Floor" with President Ray Lund of Thermex Thermatron in Louisville, KY; the NAM's Hank Cox considers "The Way it Was," and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," finding good news in America's nuclear renaissance.

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Mike and Renee look at "Jackpot Justice."

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NAM President John Engler discusses finding good news in America's nuclear renaissance.

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Congress is contemplating an $8.3 billion package of tax increases as part of legislation to increase the minimum wage, and this week "America's Business" explores the potential negative impact on business. Host Mike Hambrick interviews Ken Petrini, vice president of taxes at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., in Allentown, PA. Ken recently testified on behalf of the NAM at a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the proposed tax increases. We continue our look at presidential candidates as Mike concludes his two-part interview with Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former CBO director and an advisor to Sen. John McCain's campaign. Former Congressman Pat Toomey, president of the free-market Club for Growth, then takes McCain to task for supporting higher taxes. Allen Schaeffer of the Diesel Technology Forum explains how advances in engine technology and low-sulfur diesel are making diesel an environmentally friendly fuel. Recent regulatory changes have also served to raise the profile of this "clean diesel." In our regular segments, we hear from Ed Childress, president of Syncrocorp of Arab, AL, speaking from "The Factory Floor." Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership fights the good fight in the nation's tort battles; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls the "Way it Was"; and Mike reads "From the E-Mail." NAM President John Engler closes with his "The Last Word," saluting President Bush for being a regular visitor to manufacturing facilities.

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Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership fights the good fight in the nation's tort battles.

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NAM President John Engler closes with his "The Last Word," saluting President Bush for being a regular visitor to manufacturing facilities.

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"America's Business" tips its hat to the Irish this week in salute of St. Patrick's Day, while examining the Emerald Island's economic renaissance. Host Mike Hambrick speaks with Deborah O'Shea, executive director of Atlantic Corridor, USA, an economic development outfit connecting New York State with Ireland. "America's Business" checks back with the impassioned debate over "card check," legislation that would allow unions to avoid secret-ballot elections when organizing a workplace. The Wall Street Journal's "Potomac Watch" columnist, Kimberly Strassel, frames the issue in Congress. We then conclude last week's debate between David Keene, chairman of the American Conservative Union, and Jonathan Tasini, executive director of the Labor Research Association. With the NCAA?s "March Madness" upon us, "America's Business" profiles a business that helps fans enjoy the games -- Herr Foods of Nottingham, PA, a family-owned manufacturer of snack foods. Company president Ed Herr describes Herr's 60-year history and ponders the question: Can snacking be healthy? Continuing our coverage of the presidential race, Mike interviews Douglas Holtz-Eakin, former director of the Congressional Budget Office and currently an economic advisor to Sen. John McCain's campaign. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership makes the case for tort reform; Dean Garritson of Green River Cabins in Campobello, SC, steps up on "The Soapbox"; and from the "Factory Floor" in Trussville, AL, we hear from Bill Beyer, president of Amerex Corp., a fire-extinguisher manufacturer. The NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was," and NAM President John Engler closes with his "The Last Word" commentary.

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Mike and Renee continue the battle for tort reform.

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NAM President John Engler concludes this week's show with the "last word."

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Manufacturers are world leaders in conservation and energy efficiency, and this week "America's Business" highlights a great example ? Corning's efforts to control its energy consumption. Microsoft Visio 2007, the mapping and business management software, is an essential tool in the process, with Itron, the international leader in utility-meter reading technologies, guiding the way. Host Mike Hambrick considers conservation of another kind -- conserving federal dollars -- in an interview with Jim Harper, who runs WashingtonWatch.com, a website devoted to detailing how much a piece of federal legislation costs the average American family. This week's media roundtable takes on the controversy of "card-check," labor-backed legislation to replace secret-ballot elections in the workplace with employee signature cards. Representing the union side of the argument is Jonathan Tasini of the Labor Research Association, and supporting continued confidentiality for employees is David Keene, a columnist for The Hill and chairman of the American Conservative Union. We hear from Chris Salow of Shop Rat, a Michigan group that sings the praises of being a "shop rat," making manufacturing cool for young men and women. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership makes the case for legal reform. From "The Factory Floor" of Plastinetics in Towaco, N.J., we hear from CEO and President Ed Batta; and the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was." NAM President Engler closes with his "Last Word" commentary.

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Mike and Renee continue the battle for tort reform.

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NAM President Engler closes with "The Last Word," looking at the House's recent passage of the so-called Employee Free Choice Act.

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Major news in manufacturing came from Tupelo this week as Toyota announced a new, $1.3 billion automotive plant in Mississippi. ?America?s Business? reports comments of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and Senator Trent Lott, and from a simultaneous news conference in Washington, D.C., of James (Jim) Press, president of Toyota Motor North America, and NAM's president, John Engler. In February, the U.S. government filed a WTO case against China for its use of market-distorting subsidies, a formal action the NAM strongly supports. Host Mike Hambrick of "America's Business" explores the case with Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Karan Bhatia, and Wes Smith, president of E and E Manufacturing in Plymouth, Mich., a metals fabrication company harmed by China's trade practices. The focus on trade turns the Western Hemisphere as Mike interviews Mary Anastasia O'Grady, the Wall Street Journal's Latin American expert, on the anniversary of the Central Free Trade Agreement. Also this week we hear about "Business Champions," a program created by the Manufacturing Institute and Center for Workforce Success to encourage business support for America's community colleges. One of these champions is Erick Ajax of EJ Ajax and Sons, Inc., of Fridley, Minn., who talks about his approach toward workforce development. Bob Samuelson of the Washington Post and Newsweek discusses the far-reaching economic consequences of responding to global warming. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership fights for tort reform. From "The Factory Floor" of Plastinetics in Towaco, N.J., we hear from CEO and President Ed Batta; and the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was." NAM President Engler closes with "The Last Word," saluting the "Business Champions."

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Mike and Renee continue the battle for tort reform.

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NAM President Engler closes with "The Last Word," saluting the "Business Champions."

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This week on "America's Business," host Mike Hambrick delves into the Internet side of manufacturing, talking with Linda Rigano, director of strategic alliance for ThomasNet, a company that helps small businesses gain maximum efficiency from their websites. Sherri Wilburn, executive director of the Georgia Industry Association, explains how her organization works with ThomasNet. In our continuing series of one-on-ones with presidential hopefuls, we'll hear from Mike Huckabee, the former Republican governor of Arkansas. Huckabee announced his candidacy this month in Washington, D.C. Voters in Panama recently approved a $5.5 billion expansion of the Panama Canal, and Mike talks with Tom Gales, vice president of the Latin American division of Caterpillar, about involvement for the U.S. construction business in the project. The NAM is a strong supporter of the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement, which would dramatically expand export opportunities to the Central American country. The debate over global warming continues in full force as "America's Business" talks wtih Professor Richard Lindzen of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who sees natural climate dynamics at work. Truman Semans, director for markets and business strategy at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, who calls for broad policy actions to prevent severe damage to the environment. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership, makes the case for tort reform. Mike Jenkins of Jenkins Brick speaks out from "The Factory Floor" in Montgomery, Ala.; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was." NAM President John Engler closes with his "Last Word" commentary, reviewing the NAM's successful congressional outreach program, "72 Hours to Educate and Celebrate."

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Mike and Renee continue the battle for tort reform.

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NAM President John Engler closes with his "Last Word" commentary, reviewing the NAM's successful congressional outreach program, "72 Hours to Educate and Celebrate."

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Mike Hambrick, host of "America?s Business," hits the highlights of the NAM?s "72 Hours to Educate and Celebrate," the advocacy blitz that brought hundreds of manufacturers to Washington this week. Congressman Phil English (R-PA) describes the impact of one-on-one meetings with constituents and manufacturers, and Dex Brown, group vice president for National Starch and Chemical Company, explains how Hill visits can make a difference. Listeners will also hear excerpts from Vice President Cheney's remarks at an NAM issue breakfast. The "72 Hours" campaign also featured release of the NAM's comprehensive energy strategy, "Energy Security for American Competitiveness." There are highlights from NAM President John Engler's news conference announcing the strategy, with reaction from newly elected Congressman Bill Sali (R-ID). Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Public Forum Institute, previews the activities and priorities of Entrepreneurship Week, February 24 through March 3. And with this week's formal announcement by former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney that he's running for President, we'll replay our interview with him from last August, in which he discussed the challenges faced him at the state level. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership contemplates, "What is Legally Insane?" John Braun comes to us from "The Factory Floor" of Braun Northwest in Chehalis, Wash.; and the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was." NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," highlighting "Energy Security for American Competitiveness."

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Mike and Renee look at a "legally insane" case in Connecticut.

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NAM President John Engler discusses the highlights of "Energy Security for American Competitiveness."

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Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt joins host Mike Hambrick to explain the Administration's "value-driven" plan to empower consumers in making health-care decisions. Karen Linscott, COO of the Leapfrog Group, adds more on the topic, announcing release of "The Purchaser Guide to Value-Driven Health Care," a project of the Partnership for Value-Driven Health, a consortium of U.S. business groups. The discussion turns to "lean manufacturing" and its principles of efficiency in an interview with Ingo Heel, industry solutions director for lean manufacturing in the Manufacturing Industry Unit at Microsoft. The President's FY2008 budget is the subject of this week's media roundtable, with guest analysts Jodi Schneider, economics editor at Congressional Quarterly, and Joel Havemann of the Los Angeles Times. Up on "The Soapbox" is Al Lubrano, president of Technical Materials, Inc., in Lincoln, RI; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word" commentary, previewing next week's "72 Hours to Educate and Celebrate," the annual lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., by America's manufacturers.

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Mike and Renee continue the battle for tort reform in America.

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NAM President John Engler looks ahead to this week's annual 72-Hours Event, in which hundreds of manufacturing leaders will gather in Washington to meet with their representatives.

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This week?s "America?s Business" heats up with a discussion of climate change, as host Mike Hambrick interviews Truman Semans, Director for Markets and Business Strategy at the Pew Center on Global Climate Change, and Sen. James Inhofe, R-OK, an indefatigable critic of "global warming alarmism." Former Health and Human Services Secretary and Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson -- currently the independent chairman of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions -- joins Mike to talk about "value-based health care." The discussion also turns to his potential candidacy for President; Thompson formed a presidential exploratory committee in December. Peter Cholokis, vice president of marketing for Avitar Technologies, Inc., a leading drug-testing company, details the tremendous costs of workplace drug abuse. Mark Feeback of Swisher Mowers adds his thoughts; the Missouri manufacturing company uses Avitar to test its employees. The NAM bids farewell to Al Frink, Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services, who left the Department of Commerce on January 31. Frink, the first ever to hold that position, has been a great friend to manufacturing. Our regular segments feature Jim Knott of Riverdale Mills in Massachusetts taking to "The Soapbox" to protest bureaucratic excesses by the EPA ; Woody Brown speaks from the Philadelphia "Factory Floor" of Kingsbury, Inc.; and the NAM's Hank Cox considers "The Way It Was." NAM President John Engler concludes with "The Last Word," urging Congress to renew the President's Trade Promotion Authority.

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A school in Rhode Island has banned talking during lunch.

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Mike and Renee look at this week's tort reform "hero" and "goat" of the week.

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NAM President John Engler urges Congress to renew the President's Trade Promotion Authority.

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On this week?s "America?s Business," OMB Director Rob Portman joins host Mike Hambrick to review the President?s State of the Union address with an eye toward manufacturing-related issues. The State of the Union is also the subject of a journalists? roundtable with reporters Richard S. Dunham, White House correspondent for BusinessWeek, and Mary O?Driscoll of Greenwire/Energy and Environment Week. Bjorn Lomborg, noted author of ?The Skeptical Environmentalist,? discusses the scientific and public policy disputes related to climate change, a topic Mike also tackles in an interview with Sen. James Inhofe, R-OK. The ranking member of the Senate Energy and Public Works Committee, Inhofe is a sharp critic of what he calls "global warming alarmism." Assessing recent House passage of legislation to increase royalties and taxes on the oil industry are Mark Kibbe, senior tax-policy analyst for the American Petroleum Institute, and Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In our regular features, Phil Mullin of Garner Industries reports from "The Factory Floor" in Lincoln, Neb.; mounting "The Soapbox" to talk about asbestos issues is Kirk Liddell, president and CEO of Irex Corp. in Lancaster, Penn.; and the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was." President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," commenting on the workplace intimidation that will result from passage of union-backed ?card check? legislation.

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Mike and Renee look at a suit filed against social networking Web site MySpace.com.

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An Ohio judge gets the nod for this week's tort reform "hero of the week."

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NAM President John Engler comments on the workplace intimidation that will result from passage of union-backed ?card check? legislation.

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This week on "America's Business," NAM Board Member Mary Andringa, president and CEO of Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa, and the Manufacturing Institute's Phyllis Eisen join host Mike Hambrick to examine the opportunities manufacturing provides women.Alma Powell is on hand to discuss Learning to Finish, a new national effort of the Pew Partnership for Civic Change devoted to reducing the drop-out rate among America's youth. Alma heads this exciting venture, chairs the board of "America's Promise," and is married to former Secretary of State Colin Powell. Staying on the education theme, Mike talks with former Tennessee Senator and Labor Secretary Bill Brock about the work of the New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce. Washington Post reporter Lori Montgomery previews the President's State of the Union Address. And in our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership takes on tort reform; the NAM's Hank Cox considers "The Way It Was"; and we travel to the "Factory Floor" with Ray Lund of Thermex Thermatron of Louisville, Ky. NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," talking about trade's prospects in the 110th Congress.

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Mike and Renee look at some "labor pains" being had by a maternity company.

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This week's "hero" is known for his work identifying "wacky warning labels."

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NAM President John Engler discusses the importance of free trade agreements and encourages Congress to secure American jobs by renewing trade deals.

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This Week on America's Business: The early days of the 110th Congress invite analysis, prognosticating and talk of bipartisanship, and Democratic Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska offers all the above in an informative interview with host Mike Hambrick. Nelson is a recipient of the NAM's Legslative Award for Manufacturing Excellence and has much to say about the NAM's congressional agenda. Noted labor attorney Harold "Hal" P. Coxson of Ogletree Deakins lays out the contentious issues involved with union "card checks," allowing labor unions to organize a business without a secret-ballot election. Labor-backed legislation in Congress would authorize this major expansion of union power. The 2008 Iowa presidential caucuses are just a year away, and Mike gets an on-the-ground report on the state's political scene from the Des Moines Register's David Yepsen, the dean of Iowa political reporters. For a view of this year's economy and a forecast for manufacturing we hear from the NAM's chief economist, David Huether. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership features legal reform's latest goats and heroes; the NAM's Hank Cox considers "The Way It Was"; and Jack Hans of Custom Wood Products in Roanoke, Va., takes to the "Factory Floor." NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," noting this week's news conference at the New America Foundation highlighting the case for national voluntary educational standards.

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Mike and Renee look at a "slippery slope" in Nebraska. The city of Omaha has banned sledding, skating, and other winter activities due to potential liability issues.

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Mike and Renee look at this week's tort reform "hero" and "goat" of the week.

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Engineering, design, and other technical skills are increasingly critical for American manufacturers competing in the global marketplace. NAM President John Engler discusses the importance of academic achievement and the role voluntary national standards can play in establishing benchmarks for students pursuing careers in science, technology, and other disciplines.

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With the 110th Session of Congress now gaveled to order, "America?s Business" highlights the NAM's legislative agenda for jobs and economic growth. Host Mike Hambrick interviews Jay Timmons, senior vice president for policy and government relations, on the policies and priorities NAM has identified as essential for maintaining the U.S. manufacturing economy. Manufacturers take a keen interest in preserving the environment, and Mike looks at a nationwide effort in an interview with John Bowie of Duke Energy. John chairs the Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, a joint public-private effort to restore environmentally critical areas. Security, identification theft and privacy are key issues for business, topics explored in an interview with Dan Caprio, president of the Progress and Freedom Foundation. Michigan man Chip St. Clair then tells his life story, where stolen identities eventually revealed the truth about his father, a child murderer. Profiling one of the many success stories of U.S. manufacturing, Mike talks to Richard F. Pedtke, Ingersoll Rand's Senior Vice President and President of Compact Vehicle Technologies. Dick oversees Bobcat, a producer of skid-steer loaders and North Dakota's largest exporter. The company's Gwinner, N.D., plant was recently featured in a Wall Street Journal series, "Still Made in the USA," by reporter Tim Aeppel, who offers his insights about manufacturing in an "America's Business" interview. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership continues her tireless efforts on behalf of tort reform; the NAM's Hank Cox considers "The Way It Was"; Bert Miller, president of Phoenix Closures reports from "The Factory Floor"; and David Lesser of Dyad Partners gets on "The Soapbox." And NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," commenting on the NAM's 2007 Congressional Agenda.

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Mike and Renee look at a case involving New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, as well as some class action lawsuits taking place across the country.

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Mike and Renee discuss this week's tort reform "hero" and "goat" of the week.

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It's a new year and a new Congress, and NAM President John Engler looks forward to working with representatives on key manufacturing issues such as infrastructure, health care, global competition, and building a skilled workforce.

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America's Business and host Mike Hambrick welcome 2007 with a selection of the best of 2006, led by an interview with Michelle Wucker, author of ?Lockout: Why America Keeps Getting Immigration Wrong When Our Prosperity Depends on Getting It Right.? The NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was" and the days of Eli Whitney, and Mike talks to Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership, who never rests in her drive for tort reform. In our "Factory Floor" segment, we hear from David Kosloff of Roosevelt Paper in Laurel, N.J. Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the Outdoor Industry Association, then highlight the economic value of recreation. A far-reaching discussion of the use of information technology in health care includes Mike's interviews with Ryan Streeter, a White House domestic policy advisor; Dr. Paul Grundy, Director of Healthcare, Technology and Strategic Initiatives for IBM Global Well Being Services; and Dan Pelino, general manager, IBM Global Healthcare and Life Sciences Industry. On a note of safety, officers with NYPD's Operation Nexus, counsel businesses on how to recognize suspicious activity that might be terrorism-related. And NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word" marking the New Year holiday by reviewing the state of manufacturing in 2006 and its prospects for 2007.

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Mike and Renee look at how frivolous litigation impacts health care providers, patients, and employers' bottom lines.

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Mike and Renee look at the medical malpractice issue on the state level, where in some cases it's "easier to sue a doctor than see a doctor."

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NAM President John Engler takes a look back at 2006 and some of the positives the year held for manufacturers: record levels of output, soaring productivity, and the passage of key legislation. He also reminds us that much remains to be done in 2007, and the NAM will be leading the charge into the new year on issues such as taxes, regulation, and energy.

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With Christmas upon us, America's Business takes a holiday hiatus this week, reprising one the fall's best broadcasts. Host Mike Hambrick highlights the NAM's cost study released in September, which demonstrates that manufacturers in the United States face a 31.7 percent structural cost disadvantage compared to our major global competitors. The cause? Misguided government policies on taxes, energy, legal reforms, benefit mandates and regulation. Mike's regular discussion with Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership focuses on major cases considered by U.S. Supreme Court and outrageous lawsuits from around the country. America's Business follows up with a profile of the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council's program to certify manufacturing production workers. Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana joins the program to talk about government efficiency and economic development, efforts that are bringing thousands of new jobs to the state. And our regular segments feature "Soap Box" and "Factory Floor" ? a first-person report from Sandra Westlund-Deenihan, president of Quality Float Works, Inc., of Schaumburg, Illinois. The NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was," noting the contributions of GM engineer Charles Kettering, who invented the electrical ignition system for automobiles. NAM President John Engler closes with a brand-new "Last Word" commentary, a holiday message that reminds listeners that manufacturers are community and charitable leaders in the best spirit of the season.

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Mike and Renee look at some "legally insane" cases and people abusing the system to get a payday.

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Mike and Renee look at frivolous lawsuits and the impact they have on everyday American life.

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The holiday season is a time of giving, and NAM President John Engler reminds us that manufacturers are some of the most charitable organizations in our communities.

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This Week on America's Business: China looms large as both a competitor and customer for manufacturers in the U.S., and host Mike Hambrick examines the related pros and cons in a far-reaching interview with Washington Post and Newsweek columnist Robert J. Samuelson. This timely discussion takes place as a high-level Administration delegation -- led by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson -- travels to Beijing for the inaugural meeting of the U.S.-China Economic Dialogue. The 109th Congress has just departed Washington, and reviewing the session's record on issues important to the manufacturing economy is Jay Timmons, NAM's senior vice president for policy and government relations. There are some major strides on health care information technology to report, and Intel Chairman Craig Barrett joins Mike to explain a pioneering new program in Health IT. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership scores the Legally Insane and introduces us to the Tort Reform Goat of the Week. Our regular features highlight the "Factory Floor" of Edison Price Lighting in Queens, N.Y.; the NAM's Hank Cox recalls "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler offers his thoughts in "The Last Word."

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Mike and Renee take a look at a Florida case in which eleven people were jailed for being late for traffic court.

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Officials from the Big Apple get this weeks nod for Tort Reform "Goats of the Week."

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NAM President John Engler applauds the 109th Congress for passing a range of legislation that will benefit U.S. manufacturers.

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America?s Business starts with a trip to Orrville, Ohio, and Schantz Organ Co. as host Mike Hambrick begin a series of reports with the Wall Street Journal?s Tim Aeppel, who recently completed an outstanding series, ?Still Made in the USA.? Schantz is the largest manufacturer of pipe organs in the country and a great member of the NAM.The curtain is dropping on the 109th Congress and will rise on the 110th in January, with Democrats in control of both the House and Senate. Taxes are sure to be high on the agenda, so Mike will talk with Dorothy B. Coleman, the NAM?s vice president of Tax and Domestic Economic Policy. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership continues the battle for tort reform in America.Bill Sammon, senior White House correspondent for the Washington Examiner, returns to discuss his reporting on potential 2008 presidential candidates. His list has already dropped from 10 to six, and we?ll take a look at them. The NAM?s Hank Cox ventures back into ?The Way It Was,? we hear from ?The Factory Floor,? a manufacturer climbs up on ?The Soapbox,? and NAM President John Engler concludes with this last word.

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Mike and Renee look at a 'nutty' case in which an Illinois woman is seeking more than $50,000 plus court costs for a 'squirrel attack' sustained in in a store's courtyard.

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The producer of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" gets the nod for this week's tort reform "Goat of the Week."

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Modern manufacturing thrives on the use of technology to produce high-quality products. NAM President John Engler calls for the improved use of information technology in our nation's health care sector. Doing so would reduce costs to domestic manufacturers and make them more competitive in the global marketplace.

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America's Business talks trade this week, following up on a recent Commerce Department business development mission to China. Host Mike Hambrick interviews two prominent NAM members who traveled on the mission: NAM Chairman John Luke, chairman and CEO of Meadwestvaco, and Lee Styslinger III, president of Altec Industries in Birmingham, Ala. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership finds heroes and hope as she outlines the continuing battle for tort reform. We hear both analysis and hard tales of first-hand experience in a segment on excessive government regulation and its cost to business. Mike interviews Fred Smith, President of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and Drew Greenblatt with Marlin Steel Wire Products in Baltimore. A timely segment features the NYPD's Operation Nexus, offering advice for businesses on how to recognize suspicious activity that might be terrorism-related. In the weekly segments, Bert Miller of Phoenix Closures, a manufacturers of bottle caps and other injection-molding closures, reports from "The Factory Floor"; the NAM's Hank Cox looks back at "The Way it Was"; and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," urging Congress to act on the Research and Development tax credit in the lame-duck session.

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Mike and Renee look at "legally insane" court cases and progress being made in tort reform.

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A Manhattan Institute scholar is recognized as a "Tort Reform Hero of the Week."

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NAM President John Engler encourages Congress to re-enact the Research and Development Tax Credit so U.S. manufacturers can maintain their edge in the global marketplace.

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On a special Thanksgiving "best of" show, host Mike Hambrick revisits some of the most interesting and important stories previously broadcast on "America's Business." Recalling the destruction of Hurricane Katrina, Mike talks to the president of a regional power company about its efforts to help the storm's victims, and in an emotional interview Katrina victim Dorman Davis of Lumberton, Miss., tells Mike what it is like to lose everything in an instant. Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership reviews the transformation of Florida's Supreme Court into an "activist court," and then talks with Mike about the impact activist judges have on business and law-abiding citizens. In our regular segments, Karla Aaron, President of Hialeah Metal Spinning, gets on her "Soapbox," and the NAM's Hank Cox takes a look back at "The Way It Was." Our series of interviews with potential presidential candidates includes talks about manufacturing issues with New York Governor George Pataki and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, both Republicans. NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word," expressing the thanks manufacturers feel at this time of year.

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Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership reviews the transformation of Florida's Supreme Court into an "activist court."

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Mike and Renee discuss the impact activist judges have on business and law-abiding citizens.

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NAM President John Engler offers a Thanksgiving wish that America's new political leadership has success in collaborating to solve national challenges.

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With President Bush in Vietnam this weekend, "America's Business" considers the importance to U.S. manufacturers of establishing Permanent Normal Trading Relations with Vietnam. Host Mike Hambrick talks with Sandra Westlund-Deenihan of Quality Float Works in Schaumburg, Ill., providing the perspective of a small manufacturer. From a larger manufacturer, we hear from R. Scott Miller, director of global trade policy, for Procter and Gamble. Another pressing issue for the lame-duck session of Congress is passage of legislation to open the Outer Continental Shelf to energy exploration and development. Discussing the topic is Rep. John Peterson, R-Penn., chief supporter of the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act, to accomplish that goal. Jim Ruggiero, director of energy procurement for National Gypsum Co., talks about the effect of high natural gas prices on the second largest gypsum wall-board manufacturer in the country. Dave Parker, President and CEO of the American Gas Association, drives home the point about limiting the domestic supplies of natural gas. Thomas M. Stevens, president of the National Association of Realtors, sees the upside in the real estate market. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership considers the Legally Insane and Tort Reform Hero of the Week. Karen Buchwald Wright of the Ariel Corp. of Mount Vernon, Ohio, speaks from the Factory Floor and John S. Bank of Phoenix Electric Manufacturing in Chicago steps up on the Soapbox. NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word."

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Mike and Renee discuss a "legally insane" case involving identity theft.

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This week's "tort reform hero" is one of the nation's most influential attorneys.

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NAM President John Engler discusses the importance of access to global markets to U.S. manufacturers and encourages nations to be more forthcoming in regards to trade.

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Host Mike Hambrick calls on journalists and business lobbyists to analyze the November 7th election results and then prophesize about their impact. Bob Benenson, editor of CQPOLITICS.com and Jim McTeague, Washington editor of Barrron?s, take a journalistic view of the new Democratically led Congress. The NAM's Jay Timmons and Greg Casey, President of BIPAC, discuss the switch in control's impact on manufacturing and business issues. Marking Veterans Day, "America's Business" talks with David Walker of Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, which organizes corporate support for the wounded veterans of the War on Terror. Drew Meyers, president of RecruitMilitary.com, describes his organization's efforts to place injured veterans in manufacturing jobs, and guest Rob Davis is a veteran who has just gained a business development position with Old Castle in Atlanta. In our regular features, Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership, makes the case for tort reform; we hear from someone on "The Soapbox" and "The Factory Floor"; Hank Cox tells us about "The Way it Was," and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word."

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Mike and Renee look at a case in Mt. Vernon, Illinous where a judge filed a $111 million lawsuit in his own court seeking defamation charges and also review a case in Crystal City, Texas brought against Ford Motor Company

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Mike and Renee discuss a lemon law case in the state of Maryland that was overturned when it was discovered that an expert never looked at a car reported to be a lemon and where the owner was never even interviewed

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NAM President John Engler reminds Americans about the sacrifice of our veterans and congratulates Democrats on their election victory and remarks that the NAM stands ready to work with them.

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This week on ?America?s Business,? OMB Director Rob Portman discusses the strength of the U.S. economy with host Mike Hambrick, noting the negative slant common to mainstream media coverage. They talk about the elections, as well. Also in anticipation of Tuesday's vote, Mike talks with Linda Schade of about electronic voting machines. And Terri Voss of Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella, Iowa, discusses Vermeer's efforts to encourage employees to vote. Journalists Bob Beneson of Congressional Quarterly and David Bauman of National Journal follow with coverage of the tight congressional races. U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Tex., talks about his voting record in the state?s 28th Congressional District, which earned him a Manufacturing Legislative Excellence award from the NAM. And Mike and he talk Texan. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership pitches in with the tort reform hero and goat awards for the week. Our regular features include "Factory Floor," "Soapbox," Hank Cox's "The Way it Was," and NAM President John Engler's "The Last Word."

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Mike and Renee look at some "legally insane" court cases around the nation and the effects they have on individuals and businesses.

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Mike and Renee discuss tort reform taking place in Texas.

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NAM President John Engler encourages Americans to cast an informed vote, one that recognizes the importance of manufacturing to the nation's prosperity.

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Host Mike Hambrick interviews Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez in anticipation of his leading a business development mission to China next month. Secretary Gutierrez also covers recent political developments leading up to the November 7th elections. Wall Street Journal reporter Greg Hitt and the NAM's Christopher Wenk follow up with a discussion of what a Democratic take-over in Congress would mean for U.S. trade policy. Dan Gainor of the Business and Media Institute offers a trenchant analysis of the major media's tendency to emphasize negative news when it comes to business and the economy. South Dakota newsman Bob Mercer and Jay Bender of Falcon Plastics, Inc., in Brookings examine Amendment E, an initiated constitutional amendment known as the "Judicial Accountability Initiative Law." The measure would make judges and other elected officials subject to personal lawsuits for their official decisions, opening up the state to a flood of business-hostile litigation. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership considers the latest in "legally insane" and tort reform news, and the NAM's Hank Cox treks into the past with "The Way it Was." NAM President John Engler's "The Last Word" closes with a reminder of the elections' importance to manufacturing.

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Mike and Renee discuss a California court case that can be described as "legally insane."

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A Boston University professor is recognized as a "tort reform hero of the moment."

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NAM President John Engler's "The Last Word" closes with a reminder of the elections' importance to manufacturing.

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Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Guttierez will be leading a U.S. trade mission to China next month, and on this week's "America's Business," host Mike Hambrick speaks to one of the high-level business participants, Richard Holwill, Vice President for Public Policy of Alticor, Inc., the consumer products company. A former ambassador, Holwill once served as counselor to the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, so in addition to trade, the conversation touches on recent geopolitical developments, i.e., North Korea. Immigration policy is the topic for an interview with Michele Wucker, author of the provocative "Lockout: Why America Keeps Getting Immigration Wrong When Our Prosperity Depends On Getting It Right." Offering a first-person perspective is Manajit Sengupta, a renowned weather researcher at Colorado State University. The Wall Street Journal profiled Sengupta last July as an example of a highly skilled immigrant frustrated by U.S. visa policies. Greg Casey, President of BIPAC, the pro-business PAC, looks at the rapidly approaching elections. Regular segments feature Kendig Kneen speaking from the "Factory Floor" of Al-Jon in Ottumwa, Iowa and American Justice Partnership's Renee Giachino takes on tort reform, cases of the "Legally Insane," and junk science.

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In this week's legally insane, Renee Giachino provides talks about junk science, the profileration of "experts for hire" in the court rooms and how, in one legal case in California, a plaintiff was ordered to pay the defendent's court costs.

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Mike and Renee profile Steve Milloy in their tort reform hero of the week. Steve is a publisher of the top ten junk science claims.

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NAM President John Engler encourages voters to learn get involved in the political process through the Prosperity Project. The Prosperity Project was founded by the NAM to educate employees and employers about their elected officials. It includes information such as where to vote, election laws and questions for candidates. To find out more, visit http://www.nam.org/p2.

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Election Day is drawing nigh, and this week host Mike Hambrick of "America's Business" speaks with Renee Giachino of The American Justice Partnership on one initiated measure in South Dakota. Amendment E would open the floodgates of lawsuits against public officials, in the process attracting business-hostile litigation from across the country. Renee also addresses the problem of activist attorneys general.Heading father west, Mike interviews Steve Lethert, Comptroller at Woods Power Grip in Laurel, Montana, about the expired and much-needed R and D tax credit. Tony Raimondo, CEO of Behlen Mfg. Co. in Columbus, Neb., gives advice to small-and-medium sized manufacturers on becoming an exporter, and discusses the need to narrow the skills gap.Roger Hannay of Hannay Reels, Inc. in Westerlo, N.Y. steps up to the "American Business" Soapbox, and NAM President John Engler closes with "The Last Word."

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Mike and Renee Giachino from the American Justice Partnership discuss suspect court cases and look ahead to state attorneys general races around the country.

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Mike and Renee look at some tort reform heroes and the steps they're taking to combat abusive legal practices.

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NAM President John Engler encourages voters to learn how their elected officials voted on key manufacturing issues (To find out, visit http://www.nam.org/votingrecord).

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On this week's "America's Business," host Mike Hambrick assesses the economy, discusses tort reform and contemplates the impact of the November congressional elections on the manufacturing economy. NAM Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs Jay Timmons talks about the just-announced NAM Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence ? based on Member of Congress? voting records -- while Richard Dunham of Business Week focuses on the consequences of a Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. Also from the Fourth Estate comes a discussion of the U.S. economy from Jodi Schneider of Congressional Quarterly, which had a recent cover story, "No Way Out," and James P. Miller of the Chicago Tribune. The debate is about an economic hard landing versus soft landing. In the weekly segment with Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership, the topic is winners and losers in the competition to be "legally insane," abusing the U.S. legal system. Other regular segments include the Factory Floor, with Jim Dyer of Metal Products Company of McMinnville, Tenn., and Phil Tredway of Erie Molded Plastics. NAM President John Engler concludes with "The Last Word," noting the release of the NAM's voting record guide for the 109th Congress.

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Mike and Renee Giachino discuss tort reform and some court cases that can be called "legally insane."

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Mike and Renee continue the discussion on the need for tort reformand look at the current Supreme Court session from a business perspective.>

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Referencing the recently released report "The Escalating Cost Crisis," NAM President John Engler discusses how corporate taxes and other structural costs are hindering U.S. manufacturers in the global marketplace.

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On ?America's Business? this week, host Mike Hambrick covers the NAM's newly released "cost study" demonstrating that manufacturers in the United States face a 31.7 percent structural cost disadvantage compared to our major global competitors. The culprits? Wrong-headed government policies on taxes, legal reforms, energy, benefit mandates and regulation.Mike's weekly discussion with Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership focuses on major cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and outrageous lawsuits from around the country. "America's Business" follows up with a profile of the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council's new program to certify manufacturing production workers. The initiative was launched this week at the NAM. Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana calls in to talk about government efficiency and economic development, emphases that helping to bring thousands of new jobs to the state. And our regular segments feature ?Factory Floor? ? a first-person report from Sandra Westlund-Deenihan, president of Quality Float Works, Inc., of Schaumburg, Illinois. The company manufacturers metal floats and vessels, and Sandra's an NAM board member. There's a Soap Box, and NAM President John Engler closes with his "Last Word" commentary.

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Mike and Renee Giachino from the American Justice Partnership discuss the seldom-celebrated Constitution Day and why it's a good idea for more people to take notice.

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Mike and Renee discuss what some citizens are doing to fight back against frivolous lawsuits.

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NAM President John Engler discusses the recently released report "The Escalating Cost Crisis" and the consequences for domestic manufacturers.

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Trade, torts, taxes and technology headline America's Business this week, as host Mike Hambrick covers the hot issues here and abroad. Tops is the status of the research and development tax credit, a priority for manufacturers that Congress is having difficulty reauthorizing. Guests are the NAM's Monica McGuire and Gary Johnson, President of Ace Clearwater Enterprises in Torrance, Calif. Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership and Mike assess the need for medical malpractice reform. There is a need. Our weekly features step up on the Soapbox, wander over to the Factory Floor, and travel back into history, as NAM's Hank Cox recalls the days of Eli Whitney. NAM President Governor Engler closes with the "Last Word." U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel (R-IN) provides the perspective of a businessman-turned-Congressman. A far-reaching discussion of Health Information Technology offers interviews with Ryan Streeter, a White House domestic policy advisor; Dr. Paul Grundy, Director of Healthcare, Technology and Strategic Initiatives for IBM Global Well Being Services; and Dan Pelino, general manager, IBM Global Healthcare and Life Sciences Industry. And as Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson travels to China, we have David Wessel, Washington deputy bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal, discussing the tough issues Paulson faces on trade and currency.

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Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership and Mike assess the need for medical malpractice reform and the impact on businesses and households.

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Mike and Renee look at what's being done on the state level regarding medical malpractice reform.

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NAM President John Engler encourages students to work hard to prepare for careers in manufacturing.

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This week on America?s Business, host Mike Hambrick focuses on the "skills gap," the shortage of skilled workers faced by manufacturers in the United States. Interview segments visit the recent announcement of a Dream It. Do It. campaign in Nebraska, designed to encourage young people to pursue a career in manufacturing. Phyllis Eisen of the Manufacturing Institute discusses the need for a skilled workforce, and the NAM's Jeff Noah reports on the survey views of small and medium-sized manufacturers. We hear also from Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and Congressman Geoff Davis (R-KY). The weekly conversation with Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership tackles two topics: the abuse of consumer protection statutes, and the American Trial Lawyers Association's name change to the American Association for Justice. Our weekly features offer commentary in a variety of forms: Soapbox, Factory Floor, and NAM?s Hank Cox's look back at manufacturing history. And NAM President John Engler discusses the skills gap in his weekly "Last Word." Remember, if it is business it?s ?America?s Business.?

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Mike and Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership discuss the American Trial Lawyers Association's name change to the American Association for Justice.

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Mike and Renee continue the discussion on how trial lawyers are abusing the legal system.

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NAM President John Engler offers a back-to-school message, encouraging students to 'hit the books' and acquire skills that will lead to high-paying manufacturing jobs.

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This week on America?s Business with Mike Hambrick: Illinois Congressman Don Manzullo, Chairman of the House Small Business Committee, joins Mike to talk about what action to expect from Congress this session. In this week?s ?The Way it Was? segment Hank Cox tells a story of how the right combination of hard work, determination, and perseverance can lead to success. In the continuing battle for Tort Reform Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership talks with Mike about recent action taken by the Michigan Supreme Court on asbestos litigation. In the second half hour Renee talks about a new report from the American Tort Reform Foundation, entitled "Private Consumer Protection Lawsuit Abuse.? Also this week Mike tackles the controversial H1-B Visa issue and he continues his conversations with likely candidates for President in 08. Mike?s guest this week is New York Governor George Pataki. Of course, you can tune in for Soapbox and Factory Floor. And finally, NAM President, Gov. John Engler delivers the ?Last Word? in his weekly commentary.

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Mike and Renee Giachino discuss the American Justice Partnership's Lawsuit Abuse Victims Project. The project's goal is to bring to light the stories of legitimate victims of lawsuit abuse.

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Mike and Renee look at a recent decision by the Michigan Supreme Court in an asbestos case.

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NAM President John Engler reflects on the events of September 11, 2001.

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This week on America?s Business with Mike Hambrick: The National Association of Manufacturers released its ninth annual Labor Day Report this week. Mike talks with NAM President John Engler about this year?s report which details the negative impact high energy costs have on the bottom line. Frank Wagner of Davis Boat Works, Inc. in Newport News, Va., provides a vivid picture of how his business is being hammered by the high price of energy. Pat Cleary, Sr. VP of Communications at NAM, gives Mike the history of the annual report. Mike and Renee Giachino continue to battle for Tort Reform in America. The topics this week are which judicial races around the country to watch and why they are important. In his ?The Way It Was? segment this week Hank Cox takes us back to the not-so-distant past and into the Silicon Valley. Then it?s on to the ?Factory Floor? at Williams-Pyro in Ft. Worth with company president Della Williams. Also this week the Outdoor Recreational Association released the first study quantifying the contribution of outdoor recreation to the US economy. You will have to hear the numbers to believe them. Mike also talks to the brand manager of Gore-Tex of one the great outdoor gear companies. Joel Leonard of Mpact Learning steps up to the America?s Business ?Soapbox? this week. In keeping with upcoming Labor Day holiday Mike talks with Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao about the American labor market. Continuing the labor theme Mike talks with Richard Bensinger, former Organizing Director of the AFL-CIO and Rick Berman head of Union Facts about the status of Labor in America. And finally, NAM President, Gov. John Engler delivers the? Last Word? in his weekly commentary. Remember, if it is business it?s ?America?s Business.?

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Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership joins Mike to look at judicial races around the country.

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Renee Giachino rejoins the discussion to continue the discussion on judicial elections and tort reform.

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NAM President John Engler offers commentary on NAM's Annual Labor Day Report and what it means for manufacturing and the U.S. ecomony.

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This week on America?s Business with Mike Hambrick: Mike and Renee Giachino continue to battle for tort reform in America. Topics this week include obesity lawsuits and some of the more ridiculous cases that are clogging up court systems all across America. Security is a major concern for many people in the aftermath of the foiled terrorist attacks in the United Kingdom. This week Mike looks at the security issue from three angles: a company that makes the products that keep us safe, the need for supply chain security, and an overview of the current status of security in America. In his ?The Way It Was? segment this week Hank Cox takes a look a great American who gained immortality all because of his relationship with the peanut. On Tuesday August 29th it will have been one year since hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf States leaving in her wake death, destruction, and heartbreak. Mike talks to the President of one regional power company about its efforts to help victims of Katrina. In an emotional interview Katrina victim Dorman Davis tells Mike what it is like to lose everything in an instant. In the Media Round Table segment Mike talks with two reporters who have written stories highly critical of the way the Bush administration has handled the crisis caused by Katrina. And finally, NAM President, Gov. John Engler delivers the ?Last Word? in his weekly commentary.

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Renee Giachino with the American Justice Partnership joins Mike to talk about obesity lawsuits and how they are no laughing matter.

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Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership discusses the need for tort reform.

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NAM President John Engler comments on frivolous lawsuits and their impact on manufacturing and American competitiveness.

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In our first segment, Renee Giachino with the American Justice Partnership joins Mike to talk about what is being done at the state level on asbestos litigation. Then, Ed Andrews, Economic Correspondent for the New York Times Washington bureau speaks with us about why the Federal Reserve decided not to raise interest rates followed by Hank Cox's look at "The Way It Was." In our second segment, Al Frink, Undersecretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services, speaks with us about Free Trade Agreements: what they are and what they do along with the benefits of becoming an exporter. Then, Bob Piazza of Price Pump Manufacturing talks to us about his positive experience with exporting. Our weekly trip to the factory floor has us speaking with Dyke Messinger, CEO of Power Curbers, which makes cement curbs for parking lots and much more. In our third segment, Renee Giachino with the American Justice Partnership rejoins us to speak about how companies and individuals are finally beginning to fight back on court litigation and frivolous lawsuits. Then, we speak with Ambassador Roger Noriega about the future of Cuba post-Fidel Castro and what it means for trade. In our final segment, our media roundtable, we speak with Cathy Rizzo, editor of CQ Inside Washington and Charlie Mitchell, Senior Editor of Congress Daily about the future of the death tax, followed by our weekly soapbox commentary and Gov. Engler joins us for the "the last word" about energy consumption. Gov. Engler's last word this week focuses on global demand for energy and what happens when we ignore the law of supply and demand when it comes to energy: it hurts manufacturers, the economy and the public.

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Renee Giachino with the American Justice Partnership joins Mike to talk about what is being done at the state level on asbestos litigation.

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Renee Giachino with the American Justice Partnership rejoins us to speak about how companies and individuals are finally beginning to fight back on court litigation and frivolous lawsuits.

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Gov. Engler's last word this week focuses on global demand for energy and what happens when we ignore the law of supply and demand when it comes to energy: it hurts manufacturers, the economy and the public.

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