How You Can Help

The American Small Manufacturers Coalition is fortunate to have a broad base of bi-partisan support which greatly contribute to its advocacy efforts.  Support ranges from small to large manufacturers, trade and industry associations, federal, state and local legislators and several media publications.

If you are a manufacturer who has used MEP services, an association whose membership has benefited from the MEP program, or a member of the media whose audience are manufacturers, you can contribute to these efforts.

Together, we can work to restore and increase federal funding to the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program to its authorized level of $122 million.

Manufacturers, Related Associations and Local, State or Federal Legislators

MEP client companies, partners and stakeholders can submit written testimony for the Congressional record requesting $122 million in federal funding for the MEP program in fiscal year 2009. Submitting public testimony for the record is the only way, MEP clients and partners can be on public record in support of the program. It is a direct display of industry, client and stakeholder support to CJS staff. All testimony submitted will be printed as part of the public record and a part of history. MEP clients, partners and stakeholders have the opportunity to make it known that the commitment, dedication and importance for America’s small manufacturers will not go unnoticed.

Written testimony for the record must be submitted via email attachment to C.JApprop@mail.house.gov with the Subcommittee by 5:00 PM, March 28, 2008. The written testimony should follow the specific format requirements defined by the Subcommittee. The requirements can be found at the following link: http://appropriations.house.gov/Hearings/CJSWrittenTestimony.shtml which state:

• Not exceed five pages;
• Be singled-spaced on 8.5 by 11 inch letter size paper;
• Be at least 12 point font and have one inch margins;
• Clearly state in the first paragraph the agency, program, and amount of money involved in the request;
• Clearly indicate your name, title, and institutional affiliation at the top of the first page;
• Not include color and detailed photos as the hearing volume will be photographically reproduced. However, use of charts and tables and the use of appropriate bold type and bullets are acceptable, as long as they are within the five page maximum length.

By simply customizing the template testimony to include your experience with your local MEP Center, the testimony should be completed. After submitting to the Committee, please forward a copy to Carrie.Hines@SmallManufacturers.org to be posted on the website. PLEASE BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE INTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. Submitted testimony which does not adhere to the above requirements will not be accepted by the Committee.

Write the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriation Subcommittees whom have jurisdiction over the Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership program to ask for restoration of critical program funding. The names and addresses are listed below, as well as a template letter to get you started. Please also forward a copy of your letter on letterhead to Carrie.Hines@SmallManufacturers.org to be posted on ASMC's website with a link to your company or organization.

Letters should be addressed to:

The Honorable Alan B. Mollohan
Chairman, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agenciess
H-309 U.S. Capitol Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-6017

The Honorable Rodney P. Frelinghuysen
Ranking Member, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
H-309 U.S. Capitol Building
Washington, D.C. 20515-6017

The Honorable Barbara Mukulski
Chairwoman, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce Justice, Science and Related Agencies
S-146 U.S. Capitol Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable Richard Shelby
Ranking Member, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce Justice, Science and Related Agencies
S-146 U.S. Capitol Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Template Letter of Support

Members of the Media

Join our distribution list for Coalition Press Releases.  Email your contact information to Carrie Hines, ASMC's Executive Director, to be added to this list.  Or see the Coalition's recent press releases on advocacy efforts:

President Eliminates Budget of MEP Program Authorized to Improve Manufacturing Competitiveness

Press Release Archives »

Photos from
Bermco Aluminum,
Birmingham, Alabama