Independence Day
Randy Wolken, President & CEO

This Independence Day, we have much to be thankful for, but also much to continue working on.

Reflecting on July 4th this year, I’m reminded of how important our freedoms are. Our example and assistance are needed to continue extending these freedoms globally. America must be a beacon of hope. As the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine continue and tensions in Asia remain high, we need to be a people committed to freedom and hope. Manufacturers are a large part of our continued progress as a nation. I’m more convinced than ever that manufacturers are a vital part of our future prosperity.

Early on in our nation’s history, manufacturing was crucial for success. The use of our products throughout the world allowed our country to achieve rapid economic prosperity, lifting millions out of poverty. The products made here propelled our nation’s expansion. Our factories built all that was needed to win world wars; these same factories converted to the production of peacetime products to put men and women back to work as they returned home. For over a hundred years, manufacturing has been at the core of our nation’s story.

Our nation continues to experience rapid change; new technologies ensure that manufacturing is needed again to produce essential products in the U.S. Semiconductors for economic and national security, as well as vital pharmaceuticals, must be manufactured in the U.S. and we need resilient, solid supply chains to make this possible. All of this and more are necessary pieces to successfully reshore manufacturing to the U.S.

It won’t be easy, but the process has started and will continue in the years ahead. It will take the dedicated efforts of many manufacturers, governments, and communities working together, however, I know we can do it. Why? We’ve done it before. We must commit to rebuilding our manufacturing base here in New York and across our nation.

As we celebrate our nation’s freedoms this Fourth of July, let’s remember what we’ve accomplished and commit to even more in the future. Our country needs it—and so does the world.

From everyone at MACNY, we hope you enjoy your Fourth of July holiday weekend!