[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 140 (Wednesday, October 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE NEW HAVEN MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ON THE OCCASION OF 
                        THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 9, 2013

  Ms. DeLauro. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to join the many who have gathered to celebrate the centennial 
anniversary of the New Haven Manufacturers Association--a remarkable 
milestone for this outstanding organization. Their leadership, vision, 
and advocacy have not only served to promote and expand manufacturing 
opportunities in New Haven County, but have become integral to how our 
communities and policy makers address manufacturing needs across 
Connecticut.
  As one of the oldest states in our great nation, Connecticut has a 
long and rich history. At the heart of our state's economic history is 
a strong manufacturing foundation. Connecticut is incredibly proud of 
that heritage and can boast of many firsts in manufacturing: the first 
cotton gin, patented by Eli Whitney; the first factory town in America, 
planned and established in Seymour; the first movable parts mass 
production in use, making clocks; the first industrial training school, 
established by John Holbrook in Derby; as well as the production of the 
first revolver, portable typewriter, sewing machine, vacuum cleaner, 
Poloroid camera, color television, and helicopter. Our state's 
manufacturing industry has and continues to be an important part of our 
economic success.
  For one hundred years the NHMA has been a strong voice on behalf of 
New Haven Country manufacturers--ensuring that public officials and 
communities understand the importance of the industry to our economy, 
that manufacturing employees have access to on-going training and 
development resources, and that those schools and programs responsible 
for training the next generation of these skilled workers are able to 
do so with the most up-to-date technology and machinery. Over the 
course of my tenure in Congress I have had many opportunities to work 
with the NHMA as well as to visit many of their member companies to see 
first-hand the innovative work they are undertaking. We worked together 
to bring funding to Platt Regional Vocational Technical High School 
which financed new machinery for the school's manufacturing program and 
I have been proud to support their idea of the creation of 
manufacturing reinvestment accounts which are aimed at reducing the 
financial burdens our smaller manufacturers face as they seek to expand 
their businesses.
  Their dedication and good work has helped to preserve our state's 
rich manufacturing history, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, 
issues and best practices among their members, and advocate for public 
policies that enhance manufacturing as a whole. Today, as they 
celebrate their centennial anniversary, I am proud to rise and join the 
many community and business leaders who have gathered in extending my 
heartfelt congratulations and very best wishes to the New Haven 
Manufacturers Association. Happy 100th Anniversary.

                          ____________________