America's Business Radio Show and Podcasts
“America’s Business” is a new one-hour radio program that delves deep into the issues that shape manufacturing and business in the United States and abroad. Hosted by broadcast veteran Mike Hambrick, “America’s Business” hits the topics that matter most to those who make America’s products…and to the people who buy them. From politics to the economy, litigation to legislation, Mike goes directly to the nation’s top leaders. The very first guest on “America’s Business” was President George W. Bush, reaffirming his commitment to a strong U.S. manufacturing economy and the goals he shares with the National Association of Manufacturers. During the run-up to the November elections, Mike is talking to the 2008 presidential hopefuls, putting them on the record on the top issues of the day. Massachusetts’ Governor Mitt Romney was the first of many to speak to “America’s Business” about the key issues facing the economy – energy, taxes, education, health care, Research and development and trade. Each week Renee Giachino of the American Justice Partnership joins Mike to tackle tort reform on the state level. They’ll look beyond the headlines to explain how the law and lawyers are affecting America’s business – for better AND worse. In addition to issues, policy and politics, you will also meet real life manufacturers on “America’s Business.” Each week listeners will take a trip to the “Factory Floor” to hear first-hand from manufacturers. For example, Kelly Johnson shared with a nationwide audience the success story of her company, Ace Clearwater Enterprises in Torrance, Calif. And NAM’s own author and historian Hank Cox will offer a weekly look back at “The Way It Was.” If you have an issue or gripe you want to get off your chest, we have that covered too. Call in and step up on “America’s Business Soapbox” and let loose! (877-BIZ-SPEAK). And finally, NAM President, Gov. John Engler delivers the “Last Word” in his weekly commentary. Remember, if it is business it’s “America’s Business.”

• America's Business: December 22, 2007
  Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week, America's Business, a rash of product recalls made toy safety a big issue in the news as this year's holiday shopping season approached. The recalls also prompted Congress to consider strengthening the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the agency charged with ensuring products sold in stores don’t hurt consumers and vulnerable children. This week on “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) will report on the status of legislation to increase funding and enact reforms at the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Dingell is chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is working on the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act. “America’s Business” will explore another issue important to manufacturing – opening new markets abroad through trade agreements. U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab will join Mike to talk about the recently approved Peru trade pact and other initiatives. Although World Trade Organization members weren't able to finish the Doha round to further open global markets, 2007 was still a banner year for U.S. trade, Schwab says. "Anticipating equally busy and productive 2008," she says. And Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX), co-chairman of the Reliable Energy Caucus, will share his views on how energy legislation is shaping up in Congress. On a lighter note “America’s Business” will take a look at popular gifts this holiday season. A Sony official will review some of that company’s hottest-selling electronic gadgets. Then “America’s Business” will go low-tech when it visits Whittle Shortline Railroad, a Missouri company that makes traditional wooden toys. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of tort reform battles while the National Association of Manufacturers Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the NAM Manufacturers President John Engler gives us “The Last Word” when he delivers a holiday message.
• America's Business: December 15, 2007
  Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week, America's Business is turning its attention to a problem hitting the pocketbooks of manufacturers and everyday Americans – rising energy prices. The price of a gallon of gas recently averaged of $3 a gallon, up 30% from a year ago. Congressman Nick Lampson (D-TX) will join Mike to talk about why he was one of a handful of Democrats who recently voted against a controversial House energy bill. Lampson says the bill doesn’t boost fuel supplies and could cause more pain at the pump. “The bill really didn’t do anything to reduce energy costs for families in my opinion who are struggling to make ends meet,” Lampson says. Meanwhile Alexander “Andy” Karsner, assistant energy secretary, will discuss a program to help industrial plants cut energy costs. The Energy Department’s “Save Energy Now” initiative appears to be working and “America’s Business” has the proof – an official from Dow Chemical will tell Mike how the program helped his company slash energy expenses. America has sired some great inventors – Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison and George Washington Carver to name a few. But are Americans losing the lead when it comes to thinking up fresh ideas and products? John Kao, author of “Innovation Nation,” is worried we’ve lost our edge. He’ll drop by America’s Business to discuss this problem and how it could affect America’s future.“In my mind, it’s a scenario where America could become a much less happy place to live,” Kao says. In our regular segments, Renee Giachino of America Justice Partnership gives us the heroes and villains of tort reform battles and the NAM’s Hank Cox recalls the “The Way It Was.” And the National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler gives us The Last Word when he talks about a proposed EPA ozone regulation that could cause the loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs.
• America's Business: December 8, 2007
  Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week, America's Business spotlights some issues of tantamount importance to U.S. manufacturers – energy costs and environmental regulations. There is energy legislation moving through Congress that could put a dent in American pocketbooks and threaten millions of jobs. David Montgomery, vice president of CRA International, will join Mike to talk about his group’s recent survey of the legislation’s economic impact. "By 2030 we estimate that the change in the standard of living of the average U.S family due to this legislation would be the equivalent of a loss of about $1,700 in income," Montgomery said. American skies are bluer than they’ve been in decades under current EPA ozone regulations. EPA is ignoring this fact. The agency is proposing a more stringent ozone rule that will punish manufacturers who have already worked hard to cut emissions to meet the current standard, which is working quite well. H. Sterling Burnett from the National Center for Policy Analysis will tell Mike why the EPA anti-smog proposal doesn’t make sense. Other guests on “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick” include Bill Downey, president and chief executive officer of Kansas City Power and Light Co. and James Knott Sr., president of Riverdale Mills Corp. in Massachusetts. Downey will talk about how his company reached a deal with environmentalists to build a new coal-fired electricity plant. And Knott will discuss how the falling value of the U.S. dollar isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it’s helped his wire mesh product company and other manufacturers boost exports. Think all that Maine produces is lobsters? Todd French, chairman of Maine Built Boats, will tell Mike what his group is doing to promote the Pine Tree State’s centuries-old boat manufacturing industry.”
• America's Business: December 1, 2007
  Dear Subscribers: Be sure to check out the new America's Business vodcast at www.americasbusiness.org...This Week on America's Business – the national deficit, medicare, social security and Peru Free Trade. Remember actor Jack Nicholson’s famous line from the movie “A Few Good Men”? “You can’t handle the truth!” It seems Americans can’t handle the truth when it comes to the nation’s financial future. But Comptroller General David Walker, a guest on this week’s “America’s Business with Mike Hambrick,” is on a nationwide tour to get their attention. With the nation in a $53 trillion budget hole and Social Security expected to run short on funds, Walker said elected officials must make tough budget decisions soon. “The clock is ticking and time is working against us,” says Walker, who runs the U.S. Government Accountability Office. Speaking of budgeting, is your holiday shopping done? Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation will join Mike to talk about whether the holiday gift-buying season is meeting retailers’ expectations. “America’s Business