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Let’s celebrate Manufacturing Day

It will come as no surprise to even the most casual student of American history to learn that manufacturing has contributed mightily to our nation’s economic prosperity. It may not be so obvious, however, that Iowa’s economic well-being – while influenced hugely by agriculture – is also dependent on the success of the state’s manufacturers. In 2011, manufacturing was the largest sector of the Hawkeye State’s economy. Its contribution was an impressive $27.6 billion.

Friday has been designated Manufacturing Day. This observance was created and has been supported by an assortment of sponsors including the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The goal of Manufacturing Day, according to its organizers, is to address “common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is – and what it isn’t.”

Locally, Iowa Central Community College is playing a major part in this observance by partnering with Clarion’s Hagie Manufacturing. The company is offering plant tours from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday. On an ongoing basis, the college provides an impressive array of training and educational programs designed to help area manufacturers meet their work force needs.

The Messenger applauds Iowa Central its efforts to help manufacturers in north central Iowa thrive. We also join in paying tribute to the important contributions these enterprises make to the health of the local economy.

Hagie Manufacturing deserves special applause for helping Iowans learn more about the manufacturing sector of the Hawkeye State’s economy.

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