This year marks a big anniversary for Vermeer – 65 years in operation and counting! Family owned and operated since the beginning, Vermeer is a model of manufacturing in the U.S. Today, Vermeer’s CEO and former Board Chair of the NAM Mary Andringa, hosted a roundtable discussion with 15 business leaders to talk over challenges and policy priorities. So it was perfect timing to have the new Department of Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzer and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) drop by for a tour and listening session.
Ms. Andringa blogged earlier today that, “When you look back at the origins of the Department of Commerce, you’ll see that the National Association of Manufacturers was at the center of support for its development. It’s fitting that the relationship between Commerce and the manufacturing community dates back before the Department’s official conception. The two share similar visions of progress – both strive to create jobs, promote economic growth and encourage sustainable development in communities big and small.”
While the conversation touched on a number of topics, Ms. Andringa, zeroed in on the importance of growing exports and the jobs and economic growth that follow. Vermeer, and in particular Ms. Andringa, has been an invaluable manufacturing advocate and today was no different. Vermeer clearly sees the big picture and Secretary Pritzker couldn’t have picked a better stop to make as she spends time with business across the country.
