This common sense solution to jump starting the American economy and the job market is simple and it has nothing to do with government. Like other revolutions it will start with people like you and me. If you are a small business owner, you already know the answer to this.
Over the weekend I went to a local sporting goods department store and purchased some exercise equipment. Out of the weights, bands, and other accessories, nothing was made in the USA. I purchased a rather large piece of equipment that allows me to do chin-ups. This thing was huge, all metal and had lots of parts. It sold for under $100. No way should it be that cheap. If it were made in Alabama, or New Jersey or even California it probably would have sold for $150 – $199, but it would have been worth it.
The problem is that we have been lulled into a false sense of value due to cheap imported products from China, Indonesia, Thailand and other (mostly Asian) countries, and it is all in the name of profit for the department stores as well as in the name of (economic) power for these countries. Nothing wrong with that, except we have overindulged to the point where nothing much is made in this country and our economic power is being given away. Therefore, we don’t have the job base anymore, nor will we (unless…) You can see it in every community that used to support manufacturing, distributing and even now customer support functions (which is now often in India, for crying out loud).
Here is the point. Unless we start manufacturing and servicing customers in America, we will not see the strong American jobs that we once enjoyed. Duh! OK, so that’s been said. Now what? It’s complicated, right? Requires governmental incentives, accelerated depreciation schedules, accountants, lawyers, lions, tigers, bears (oh my), all the rest, right?
Not only no…But hell no!
Getting our strong American economy back with more jobs and goods being made right here simply means that we as individuals and business managers make a decision to ask for and buy products that are made in the United States. In the case where no products are available (as is often the case nowadays) find a way to let the store and/or chain management know. Businesses like Wal-Mart and others listen to the sales figures and are keen to bad press. When they see that sales are off on a range of imported products, then they will start asking for it to be made here. That is when American manufacturing will be reborn. Believe me…when Wal-Mart speaks, suppliers listen. The same goes for Target, Sears and the rest of the pack.
Small American businesses know this, and many of us already make our products in the USA, and many do it in our homes, garages and business. But we need to educate the consumer that if they want American products, American jobs and American profits (to pay for it all), we have to ask for and demand American products!
So, if you want American products, ask for them! Demand them! Buy them!
Robby Meadows
Nashville Wraps
