Thanksgiving is a day reserved to gather with loved ones and give thanks for our many blessings. As we do, let us also remember the men and women serving our country overseas, who will be away from their families this holiday. Their service allows us to celebrate this holiday in peace.
From my family to yours, I wish you all the best this Thanksgiving.
Today, I was proud to support the passage of a House bill to approve construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
Building this pipeline would create tens of thousands of jobs, including jobs in Cincinnati, where a Siemens facility would manufacture electric motors for the project.
Unfortunately, approval of the pipeline has been pending at the White House for more than 2000 days.
This bill will now go to the Senate, where I hope it will be swiftly sent to the President's desk for enactment. It is past time to build this project and create American jobs. #Time2Build
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sergeant David Sprague, an 8-year veteran of the Cincinnati Police Department. Sgt. Sprague is currently a student in the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC).
Each individual in the class needed to interview 5 community leaders for a project and I was honored to be one of them.
It was great visiting with you, Sergeant Sprague. Keep up the good work and thank you for your service in our community!
This week, I had the opportunity to speak with Ohio's credit unions about their efforts to support small business growth.
Small businesses account for nearly half of our GDP, employ one out of every two American workers, and are responsible for two-thirds of new jobs. But these entities are facing more challenges accessing capital than ever before.
Growing our economy starts with growing small businesses and expanding free enterprise, and that strategy hinges on the ability to access funds to grow and create jobs.
Members of Ohio Credit Union League
I thank all those entities that aid in the mission to grow our economy and make stronger, more vibrant communities.
This week, I had the opportunity to meet some outstanding individuals at the Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI). Most recognize the CABVI as a community resource for this population, but some would be surprised to learn that they also manufacture everyday products, such as dining packets, tape and paper supplies, and other kitchen gadgets.
This work program, which is part of the AbilityOne program, provides visually impaired individuals with safe and steady work opportunities that allow them to live successful, independent lives.
I want to thank the CABVI for hosting me and for all of their positive service in our community.
Last week, I had the opportunity to tour the Manufactory -- a Cincinnati "Makerspace" that is part of the growing Maker Movement, which is fueling a resurgence in American manufacturing.
So, what exactly is a Makerspace? Makerspaces are community-based facilities that provide access to manufacturing equipment and technology, such as 3-D printers, laser cutters, design software, and machine tools, that allow entrepreneurs and hobbyists to design, prototype and create manufactured works. The Manufactory is a family-run facility started by the Krieg Family (pictured below) several years ago.
During the tour, the President of the Manufactory, Lee Krieg, demonstrated the many types of equipment that members of the Manufactory can utilize.
Members of the Manufactory include small businesses, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, tinkerers, and just about anyone who has a passion to learn and create. During my tour, I even met a father and son who were using a 3-D printer to prototype new styles of mouth guards for their own small business. The pair said that without the Manufactory, it would be incredibly difficult for them to access the tools necessary to grow their business.
Makerspaces are quickly becoming community hubs for innovation. We are fortunate to have the Manufactory in our community. It is creating exciting new opportunities for small businesses and making it possible for entrepreneurs to innovate and create manufactured works.
