PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release
Monday January 24, 2011
Granite City, IL - Ehrhardt Tool & Machine Company was featured on the Fox News Channel in a report by Senior National Correspondent John Roberts titled State of the Union’s Jobs.This two minute segment was part of the lead up to the State of the Union speech and was shown on national TV presented the technological advancements in manufacturing that can lead to American greatness again. His report features some of the newest machines installed at Ehrhardt and the skilled technicians and engineers that design stamping dies, special machines and unique processes for other manufacturers.
In 2011, President Obama is expected to focus on unemployment, job creation and American competitiveness in the global market -- a theme that dominates this year's State of the Union Address. But some critics question the President's track record, when it comes to helping unemployed workers and businesses struggling in the worst recession in decades.
The State of Missouri has often been called a political and economic bellwether - a barometer of how the entire country is faring. I traveled with Fox News Senior National Correspondent John Roberts and Photographer Dutch Wargo to Fenton, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, hit hard after Chrysler shut down operations two years ago. When the gates closed, thousands of jobs were lost and a local economy was devastated. We tracked down a few former Chrysler workers in Missouri to see if they found new jobs after being let go in 2008 and 2009. Several have found new jobs - although some are making less than half of their Chrysler salaries. Still others, despite going through state-sponsored retraining programs and applying to countless job postings, still can't find work.
We also wanted to see how companies in this region are rebounding from the multi-year recession. Ehrhardt Tool and Machine Company, which makes specialized machines for manufacturers, sits across the Mississippi River from St. Louis in Granite City, Illinois. They had to eliminate jobs when the recession hit, but also turned to automation as a way to compete in a global economy. Ehrhardt CEO Bob Roseman says American industry can compete with foreign companies in manufacturing. He just wants the government to get out of the way.
Many manufacturers feel that the government isn’t getting their own house in order while adding regulation, taxes and negative statements about the engine of growth in this economy. The request is for the government to support and protect a free market where both parties benefit from a free exchange between a willing buyer and a willing seller. Small businesses provide more jobs than any other group in this country and they don’t accept a slap down for success nor do they expect a bailout when they fail. This can happen if the government returns to their basic tasks of protecting the rights of individuals and allowing them to accept the responsibilities for their actions. It is not about ensuring success, it is about protecting your right to try.
