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A welcome to those assembled was delivered by BCCC President James Linksz, who expressed special interest in the summit, as the college, he noted, has a business and industry trading arm that works with a variety of manufacturers throughout the county.
Congressman Fitzpatrick then took the podium to deliver the opening remarks, during which time he assured those in attendance that the government was in tune with the struggles of small manufacturers.
"The federal government has resources that would assist manufacturers in our district," noted Fitzpatrick, who has made it his priority to spend time inside local businesses, talking to employers and employees about the challenges they face.
"This summit is an important event because manufacturing continues to be one of Pennsylvania's most important business sectors," Fitzpatrick stressed. "Of the nation's estimated 300,000 manufacturing establishments, 18,000 reside in our state and we need to keep them competitive in an ever-changing marketplace."
Fitzpatrick noted that, in his many discussions with business owners, he zeroed in on three major concerns that seemed to weigh heavily on their minds.
First of all, many indicate that the rising cost of healthcare is limiting their growth. In his opening remarks to those gathered in the BCCC auditorium, Fitzpatrick noted that "approximately 60 percent of the 41 million uninsured Americans are employed by small and medium size businesses, or are dependent on someone who is employed by these businesses."
Second, the Congressman hoped to address the need to eliminate the costs of needless litigation in this society that now sees the courthouse as a first stop for those who believe they have suffered an injury. He noted that these lawsuits often "involve small businesses that lack the resources to litigate the allegations."
Finally, Fitzpatrick stressed the need to confront the threat to small businesses and manufacturers from foreign competitors, most notably China and India. He noted that Congress has acted to protect America's competitiveness in the world by passing legislation to improve manufacturing technology as well as address the rise of overseas competitors.
The morning-long event gave area business owners the opportunity to hear speakers that were concerned with their well-being and the success of their companies, such as Paul Raetsch, Regional Director, Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce; William Bujalos, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center; and Joseph Hanley, the director of the Mid-Atlantic U.S. Export Assistance Center.
The summit also gave these businessmen and women the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with each other as well as with the Congressmen and the special guest speakers. Similar topics were on the minds of many business owners.
One gentleman, who asked to remain anonymous, noted that he and many like him were experiencing much frustration as small manufacturers in Bucks County. Many have expressed their concerns to Fitzpatrick and other local politicians, he added, noting that he is currently struggling with whether or not to try to hold on to the business that he's owned and built for more than 25 years.
Fitzpatrick offered hope for these business owners, adding that "policy in Washington is not made in a vacuum."
"Lawmakers," he said, "need input from the people of America who put their economic vitality on the line every day to keep the engine of our economy roaring."
