From a CNBC news release, “CNBC Tapes Show With Powerful Americans On CMU’s Campus“:

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Manufacturing led the United States to become the richest nation in the world and has been the backbone of this country. But times have changed and today’s economy values innovation and design over manual labor — emphasizing mind over matter. This sea change has spurred many questions: Are the manufacturing jobs in the U.S. gone forever? Does an economy that doesn’t produce anything have any real value and has ‘Made in the USA’ died, taking with it the soul of our country?

On Wednesday, December 2nd at 8PM ET, in a CNBC special, “Meeting of the Minds: Rebuilding America,” hosted by CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo from Carnegie Mellon University, a world-leading research university in Pittsburgh, PA, CNBC assembles some of the most influential leaders in the manufacturing industry and government to answer those questions and chart a path forward.

Panelists: Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company; Daniel R. DiMicco, Chairman, President & CEO, Nucor Corporation; Leo W. Gerard, International President, United Steelworkers; Jeff Immelt, Chairman & CEO, General Electric; John Engler, President & CEO, National Association of Manufacturers; and Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Bartiromo sets the stage further:

“Manufacturing companies have traditionally been a growth engine in the United States, but with unemployment at double digits, there is a growing concern whether or not that will continue to be true, said Bartiromo. “Americans are at a critical time wondering what their future looks like and it’s vital we bring this issue front and center.”