Romney, widely known and praised for his leadership as a public servant and businessman, was a featured speaker at the association’s Annual Meeting. He shared insights on the current political environment and shifting global trends and their impact on the pressing issues affecting the metals industry during a “fireside chat” hosted by MSCI President and CEO M. Robert Weidner, III. 

Romney said, “Innovation, investment and growth are necessary for our country to grow and thrive. One of our challenges is the ability of the American economy to perform better than 2 to 2.5%. To see wages rise, we need business growth; we are not seeing policies conducive to business growth.” 

Gov. Bruce Rauner, Illinois’ 42nd governor, is a self-made businessman who successfully built and grew investment company Golder, Thoma, Cressey and Rauner. Rauner talked about his proposals to rebalance the state’s budget and create a vibrant Illinois manufacturing sector. He also spoke about the importance of manufacturing to the overall economic health of the entire United States. “Manufacturing is an extremely important part of Illinois’ past, and I am working to make sure it’s an important part of its future,” Rauner said. “My Turnaround Agenda works to make Illinois more welcoming to manufacturing firms so they can grow and thrive, which will help make Illinois the most competitive state in America." 

“Governors Romney and Rauner are highly successful business leaders who chose to participate in our nation’s political system to help make our country more prosperous. It’s important for our members to hear first-hand these leaders’ perspectives on the nexus between business and politics,” said Weidner. “Now, more than ever, politics and policy are directly linked; the success of our member companies depends on seemingly incremental policy changes in Washington. Our industry continues to do our part to create jobs and fuel economic growth, and we intend be at the table to give a voice to the millions of employees whose jobs depend on a strong and secure U.S. manufacturing industry.” 
 

Founded in 1909, the Metals Service Center Institute is a non-profit association based in Rolling Meadows, Ill., serving the metals industry. It has more than 375 members operating from more than 1,500 locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and throughout the world. A recent study shows the American metals industry accounts for nearly 2.5 million jobs and contributes more than $552 billion or over 3.5% of the nation’s gross domestic product.