Vodcast: Sen. John Ensign, Rep. Joe Knollenberg

This week’s video podcast of “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” looks at energy and the encouragement of manufacturing, with two guests from Capitol Hill. Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) talks about his plan to extend tax credits to encourage alternative energy sources such as wind and solar. Rep. Joe Knollenberg makes the case for funding of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program (MEP); the almost 20-year-old MEP program offers small and medium manufacturers the expertise they need to become more competitive and create jobs, he says.

Below you’ll see the full program for “America’s Business,” a radio program the keeps listeners abreast of policies, politics and the practices of manufacturing in the United States.

This Week on America’s Business Radio

Americas-Business-logo.jpgThe 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 he and other 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 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 the 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 regular 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.

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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