June 17, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Congressman Tom Petri reports that Coating Excellence International, LLC Chairman and CEO Michael Nowak will serve as a key member of the Bush Administration's Manufacturing Council. Nowak is a Hilbert resident while his company is in Wrightstown.

The 13-member organization consists of manufacturing leaders that will serve as a strong voice for policies which will help U.S. manufacturers succeed worldwide.

Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans said that Nowak's appointment "gives Wisconsin manufacturing workers a louder voice that will provide manufacturing workers with greater job security. Mike's first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by manufacturers will help address problems head on and develop recommendations to strengthen the industry."

Petri said that the council gives manufacturers "a permanent seat at the table. This strengthens Wisconsin's and manufacturers' input to help create pro-growth and pro-jobs policies."

The council will focus on enhancing the government's focus on manufacturing competitiveness; creating the conditions for economic growth and manufacturing investment; promoting open markets and level playing fields; lowering the cost of manufacturing in the United States; investing in innovation; and strengthening education, retraining and economic diversification.