President Barack Obama appointment of Leo Gerard, USW international president, as well as 18 others to the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP) Steering Committee "2.0."

"I look forward to working with this diverse group of leaders to shape our nation’s manufacturing policy and make sure we are all focused on putting Americans back to work in good, sustainable, family-supporting jobs," Gerard said. "We must support the president’s vision of strengthening our economy by focusing on investments in cutting-edge technologies, education and innovation."

Launched in 2011, AMP encourages leaders in industry, education, government and labor to collaborate in an effort to revitalize American manufacturing.

Building on the work of the previous AMP steering committee, the group will work with the White House’s National Economic Council and Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Department of Commerce. They will work to implement previous recommendations as well as identify new strategies for continued progress. 

Additionally, AMP will host regional forums and work sessions to address a broader manufacturing community.