Manufacturing Extension Partnership Funding Restoration Project

History:

 Taken from the MEP Website:

"MEP is a nationwide network of  not-for-profit Centers in over 400 locations nationwide, whose sole purpose is to provide small and medium-sized manufacturers with the help they need to succeed. The Centers, serving all 50 States, and Puerto Rico, are linked together through the Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology. That makes it possible for even the smallest firms to tap into the expertise of  knowledgeable manufacturing and business specialists all over the U.S. These are people who have had experience on manufacturing floors and in plant operations. They’ve been where you are today. And they’ve lived to tell about it!"

To find out more, see the MEP website above. There can be no mistake, many small manufacturers cannot afford to pay private consultants for the assistance that the MEP offers. Most private consultants do not want to deal with the small manufacturer because it takes just as much effort to land a $1000 contract as a $100,000 contract. 

MEP center funding typically comes from three sources, the federal government, state governments and from industry revenue (In roughly 1/3 increments). Many states "match" federal funds. Should the federal government stop funding, state funding will cease as well. That puts MEP centers in real jeopardy. They will not be able to function at the same level, providing the same service.

Situation:

MEP funding last year was just over 106 million dollars. The new budget calls for only 12.9 million dollars, a reduction of 88%! Almost every center will lose all federal, and some will lose state funding! MEP centers could be required to abandon most small manufacturers. This could result in thousands of small manufacturers with little or no alternative avenues for assistance. Ruth Ellen Carey Communications and SearchManufacturing.com is a strong supporter manufacturing. This is why SearchManufacturing.com was created. We are also a strong supporter of the MEP program. WE are calling on all manufacturers to help restore the funding to this valuable program.

What you can (should) do:

First, locate your local MEP center. You can find your local center from the MEP Website. Ask them how you can best help them. They have helped communities for years, now it is time for the same communities to help them.

Second, contact your United Sates Senator or Representative. Tell them that the MEP funding needs to be restored!  Either fax them, or call. Capitol Hill is still having trouble with mail delivery! You can find your Senator's or Representative's phone number and fax at Congress.org.

With enough encouragement, perhaps this funding can be restored, and once again small manufacturers will have an important resource they can count on.

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You can also visit the Mod Forum for more information on MEP

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