Chicago—The Power Transmission Distributors Assn. has joined the Coalition for the Future of Manufacturing and is encouraging its members to take an active part in the group's mission.

The Coalition for the Future of Manufacturing says it is dedicated to raising awareness of the critical importance of a strong manufacturing base to American prosperity and the challenges facing U.S. manufacturers today, and to seeking pro-growth public policy changes to ensure a vibrant manufacturing base in the future.

The Coalition, led by the National Assn. of Manufacturers, strives to enact policies that reduce the cost of producing in America, leveling the international playing field, and promoting innovation and investment in the country.

"The Coalition just formed in the fall of 2003, and we joined onto it very quickly, after a vote at our convention," said Mary Sue Lyon, executive vice president of PTDA. "The future and health of manufacturing is of a critical nature to our members. Without the manufacturers to serve, our members have no role to play."

PTDA is encouraging its members to join the Coalition by lending their names to, "a broader national effort to create a better environment for manufacturing," according to a PTDA notice. "Nearly 200 associations and companies have signed on to the Coalition. Our goal is to assemble 1,000 participants."

"We are hoping that our members will become more proactive in working with legislators and regulators, and especially with members of Congress on educating them on the impact some regulations have on manufacturers, and what those regulations do to the cost of doing business," Lyon said.

By joining, Coalition members will add their voice to the movement; involve employees in its programs; conduct tours of plants; mediate congressional dialogs and town hall meetings; facilitate editorial board meetings; be available for letters, op-eds and media interviews; give speeches to civic and community organizations; and take part in Washington Fly-Ins—group meetings with elected officials.

Registering for the Coalition is free. To register, visit its Web site, www.nam.org/coalition.