On Friday, AAM wrapped up the 2010 "Keep it Made in America" Town Hall Tour in Wausau, Wisconsin just in time for the November elections.  The tour hit 12 cities in 10 states over the course of 17 days.  That's right, we traveled 6,023 miles to bring the candidates to the voters and to talk about the tough issues revolving around reviving American manufacturing, lowering unemployment, and getting the U.S. economy back on track.

Meeting attendees heard from dozens of elected officials and candidates for both state and national offices and were presented with panel discussions from leading business and labor leaders on the subject of revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. 

We kicked off the first week of the tour in Hartford, Connecticut, and then stopped in Jackson, Michigan, where we heard from gubenatorial candidate Virg Bernero. Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) spoke in Lorain, Ohio and in Wheeling, West Virginia, many candidates and policymakers came out to deliver remarks to an eager audience.  

In the jam-packed second week, the tour traveled to Erie, Pennsylvania, and Canton, Ohio, where Rep. John Boccieri (D-OH) said "We can make it, build it, grow it here."  In Merrillville, Indiana, White House Senior Advisor on Manufacturing Policy Ron Bloom addressed those at the event with words of encouragement about the future of American manufacturing while candidates from both parties turned out on the same night at our town hall meeting in Wayne, Pennsylvania. 

Last week, the tour stopped in St Louis, Missouri, where we heard heartbreaking stories from workers who had lost their jobs at a nearby Chrysler plant while remarks from panelists and political candidates inspired hope for the future of manufacturing in the United States.

Our last two events took place in Concord, New Hampshire and Wausau, Wisconsin, where we learned that now, more than ever, consumers want American-made goods.

Election Day is tomorrow, and it's time to cast a ballot for American manufacturing and good, sustainable jobs that will provide a brighter future for the American economy.

Couldn't make it to any of our events? Watch archived videos of the meetings here.