The Advocate

The Trade Association for the Greater Philadelphia Region

April 2024

Feature Story

Nearshoring and China's Four 'Ds'

China’s economy began to enter a structural slowdown even before the pandemic. Its seemingly unstoppable growth model proved less sustainable than originally thought. The 4D’s—demographics, debt, drought and decoupling—weigh heavily on China’s economy. See special report: China’s Economy after the Pandemic 

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Government Affairs

R&D Incentive Changes Are Hurting Manufacturers

American manufacturers are closely monitoring Congressional attempts to reverse recent adverse changes to IRS Section 174, which is preventing American businesses from fully deducting their R&D costs in a timely fashion. Section 174 is the code section that dictates how certain research expenditures are treated for tax purposes.

VIDEO

Production Pulse: EPA Regulatory Actions Hit Overdrive in April

So far in April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued three major rulings on chemical producers that could have far-reaching impacts for manufacturers, food packaging and water infrastructure. And, more regulations are likely coming soon. 

Business News

Tough New EPA Rules Would Force Coal-Fired Power Plants to Capture Emissions


WASHINGTON (AP) — Coal-fired power plants would be forced to capture smokestack emissions or shut down under a rule issued Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Manufacturing News

Reviving Manufacturing Is the Only Way to Economic Growth

There is a general assumption by many economists that the erosion of American manufacturing is an acceptable premise in a changing economy. They say that just as the economy progressed from an agricultural economy in the early 20th century to an industrial manufacturing economy, it is now changing to a service economy.

Accounting & Finance

Why Your Business Should Practice Continuous Accounting: How CFOs Can Make the Switch


Advances in technology have enabled businesses of all sizes to become more competitive in their processes. Cloud computing and automation in particular have transformed the way financial teams manage their day-to-day operations, and savvy accounting practitioners are slowly shifting away from the report-to-record (R2R) model and into continuous accounting.

CCP Offers Welding Technology Program - classes starting in April 2024

Community College of Philadelphia's Welding Technology Program is one of the advanced manufacturing programs offered at the College's newest facility, the Career and Advanced Technology Center (CATC) located at 48th and Market Streets. This program is accepting registrations for our next Welding class set to begin on 5/13/24.  This program combines classroom and hands-on training to provide students with the fundamental skills needed to begin a high-paying career as a welder. Students will learn Stick, TIG and MIG Welding along with SMAW and OFC. Program content has been developed to meet the welding standards established by the NCCER. 

 For more information and to register visitHERE

Industrial Safety

A Comprehensive Exploration of the Role Safety Plays in Manufacturing and Industrial Organizations

Despite advancements, workplace safety remains secondary in many firms, highlighting the need for a cultural shift and dedicated roles to prioritize it based on historical and research insights.

Enhancing Safety Practices for Essential Workers in Food Production

Essential safety measures for workers in the food production industry must focus on risks, compliance and strategies—from physical hazards to mental health support—to foster a safer workplace.

Unprecedented Increases in Gas & Electric Costs are Here!
Our Group buying power has saved companies over $3 million dollars when compared with energy costs before joining the program. How did we accomplish this? Find out how HERE

For more information on this program contact: Steve Jurash at MAP Mobile: 215.779.0059 stevej@manufacturingonline.org


Energy Update

April 25, 2024


This Week's Energy News:

  • The 12- and 24- month natural gas strip prices took a slight uptick from last week, settling at $2.802 (up 1.19%) and $3.276/Dth (up 1.11%) respectively. 
  • On-peak power prices for next-day delivery in both the New England and New York ISO declined amid pressure from rebounding solar supply. Stronger supply-side fundamentals helped the power pricing downturn, as well as an expected ease on the peak load demand in the NYISO. 
  • The EIA reported a 92 Bcf injection, which is higher than expectations of a 79 Bcf injection. Inventory continues to climb to 439 Bcf above last year and 655 Bcf above the 5-year average. 

Click HERE for full report. MAP's Energy Partner

The average cost of hiring a $35K per year employee is $8,500!

MAP can help you reduce your hiring costs and get you the employee you need.

We do all the placements, screenings and preliminary interviews. It's an efficient approach that quickly searches a talent pool to deliver qualified candidates to you. Candidates that our recruiters have personally evaluated for the skills and cultural fit you're looking for. As a result, you get the right person working for you without the hassle and added expense of sorting through resumes, screening, and conducting non-productive interviews.




Try MAP's Recruiting Service Today

Contact Teri Taylor for more information: Terri@manufacturingonline.org or visit our web page.

MAP Recruiting

A Satisfied Recruting Client / Member

"We have filled 6 positions with MAP. I have nothing but good things to say about working with MAP. They are extremely communicative, have pivoted and changed directions with recruiting immediately when asked, and the care and time they put into each candidate their working with is evident in each conversation we have. Filling positions for us has not been an easy task as I tend to place the really hard to fill positions with MAP and they have delivered each time."

 Alyson Picione, Recruiter - Philly Shipyard, Inc.

Operations

How Changes to 'Noncompete' Agreements, Overtime Pay Affect Workers


NEW YORK (AP) — For millions of American workers, the federal government took two actions this week that could bestow potentially far-reaching benefits.

SLIDESHOW

Eight Mistakes Leaders Make That Kill Employee Trust


Trust must permeate the workforce culture. As companies must be fast, adaptable, agile, and courageous to compete, one of the most important elements is the ability to trust.

Employees /HR

Employees and Managers Are Burned Out and Checked Out

The stress level for both managers and employees is not improving. On April 16 a Harris Poll surveyed 2,086 employees and found that 75% of employees and 63% of managers’ report feeling burned out or ambivalent in their current position.

MAP Sponsors

Kreischer Miller | Blank Rome LLP | PECO |

 Premier Energy Group, LLC

The Manufacturing Alliance of Philadelphia is a non-profit trade organization created to give voice to the owners and employees of this important sector in the Philadelphia region. The Alliance addresses issues of policy, legislation, economic development, job training and other topics relevant to the growth and economic well-being of the industry. Its members are manufacturing and allied industry groups who work in collaboration with government and other agencies to resolve challenges that might harm the sector and the region at large.

PO Box 36
Effort, PA 18330
Phone: (215) 948-9285

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