Manufacturers' Debate Broadcast Live on Iowa Public Television

Discussion with Presidential Candidates Will Address Key Manufacturing Issues

Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and Iowa Public Television (IPTV) today announced that the NAM-sponsored "A Republican Forum on Manufacturing," scheduled for November 1, will be covered live by Iowa Public Television and made available to other broadcasters for national coverage. The statewide network will also make the forum available for live and archived streaming online. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Tom Hudson, Co-anchor and Managing Editor of the Nightly Business Report on PBS, have agreed to moderate the discussion, which will focus on manufacturing issues. Hudson is an Iowa native.

Vermeer Corporation, a family-owned manufacturing company in Pella, Iowa, will host the forum. Vermeer produces construction, agricultural and environmental equipment. The company's president and CEO is Mary Andringa, who also serves as chair of the NAM Board of Directors.

"Everyone is talking about manufacturing, and this forum is an excellent opportunity for manufacturers to hear directly from the leading Republican candidates about their positions on economic issues," said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. "We are in interesting times, and while manufacturers are optimistic, we have concerns about our current economic situation. This forum is the perfect outlet to discuss taxes, energy, trade and regulation - all issues that are vital to manufacturers."

"Iowa voters have a well-deserved reputation for taking the presidential nominating process seriously, and we're proud to provide them with a venue to learn more before the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses," said Daniel K. Miller, executive director and general manager of IPTV.

The NAM-sponsored forum was first announced in April. All of the major Republican candidates running for president in 2012 have been invited to participate in the forum. The NAM has also offered President Obama the same opportunity.

-NAM-

The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing has a presence in every single congressional district providing good, high-paying jobs. For more information about the Manufacturers or to follow us on Shopfloor, Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.