{"id":1154,"date":"2011-09-29T18:37:35","date_gmt":"2011-09-29T22:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/info.usa-c.com\/?p=1154"},"modified":"2011-09-29T18:37:35","modified_gmt":"2011-09-29T22:37:35","slug":"can-you-believe-that-made-in-america-label","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/?p=1154","title":{"rendered":"Can You Believe That ‘Made In America’ Label?"},"content":{"rendered":"
Brenda Krueger Huffman<\/a>,\u00a0AXcess News<\/a>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/h6>\n

\"\"Axcess News (Chicago) \u2013 Does a product being made in America influence your purchasing decisions?\u00a0 Most Americans would answer \u201cyes\u201d to this question.\u00a0 Companies producing foreign made products know it too.\u00a0 That\u2019s why some non-American made products will be packaged in red, white, and blue color schemes or include an American flag.<\/p>\n

Do you know the difference between labeling that reflects \u201cAssembled in USA\u201d and \u201cMade in USA?\u201d\u00a0 It\u2019s getting harder now days to discern whether products are made in America coming from even some of the most identifiable U.S. companies like General Electric Company and General Motors Corporation.<\/p>\n

With product marketers, big business, and even politicians not always being completely forthright, how do we know what is truly made in America when purchasing?<\/p>\n

http:\/\/USA-C.com\/<\/a> Trust But Certify\u00a0\u2122 – Made in USA Certified\u00ae is the leading non-partisan, independent third party, certification company for the \u201cMade in USA\u201d, \u201cProduct of USA\u201d and \u201cService in USA\u201d claims. \u00a0The USA-C\u2122 Seals\u00a0show that a company bearing these trust marks has gone through a rigorous supply chain audit to verify compliance withU.S. laws and regulations.<\/p>\n

Consumers know that when they see theses seals, the claim has been verified, tested and true.\u00a0 http:\/\/USA-c.com\/<\/a> Made in USA Certified\u00ae provides the certifications Made in USA Certified\u00ae, Product of USA Certified<\/strong>\u2122, <\/strong>or <\/strong>Serrvice in USA Certifed\u2122.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>An interview with <\/em><\/strong>http:\/\/www.twitter.com\/usacertified<\/a> President & Co-Founder of Made in USA Certified, Inc., Julie Reiser:<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What led you to start Made in USA Certified, Inc.?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>My husband and I were publishing a high glossy, national magazine called Made in USA Magazine<\/em>.\u00a0 The idea of the magazine was to tell the stories, challenges and triumphs of the American manufacturer.<\/p>\n

As many entrepreneurs will tell you, it is not always the first business idea that is successful.\u00a0 The first process can sometimes breed better ideas and businesses though.\u00a0 As we interviewed countless manufacturers for the magazine, we found a common theme being repeated over and over.<\/p>\n

All these U.S. manufacturers were upset there was no regulation when it came to claiming a product was made in the USA.\u00a0 They complained many of their competitors were actually importing products and a large percentage of their components and then \u201cclaiming\u201d them \u201cMade in the USA\u201d.<\/p>\n

There was no regulator or anyone checking this claim, so, these companies were able to falsely make the made in the USA claim and underpricing the true made in the USA manufacturers.\u00a0\u00a0 We thought this was something important, and we should come up with a system to help protect the truthful claims from the mis-leading ones or as we like to say\u2026the bold faced lies.<\/p>\n

BKH<\/strong>:\u00a0 What is your certification company\u2019s definition of Made in USA Certified\u00ae? <\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>We have a proprietary supply chain audit system we use to identify percentage of U.S. components within a product.\u00a0 In general, all or virtually all of the components need to be of U.S. origin, and a product needs to be substantially transformed or manufactured here in the U.S.\u00a0 Our audit process gives us a very clear view of a products supply chain.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What is being certified exactly?<\/p>\n

JR:\u00a0 <\/strong>To be Made in USA Certified\u00ae means you have met our standards for making the claim \u201cMade in USA.\u201d\u00a0 It reflects you have undergone a rigorous supply chain audit verifying percentage of U.S. components as well as last place of substantial transformation.<\/p>\n

Certified companies have proved to a third party, independent group that their claim is true and verifiable.\u00a0 They have shown 100% transparency with their supply chain and have rightfully earned our coveted certification to brand their products.<\/p>\n

These companies don\u2019t just \u201csay\u201d they are \u201cMade in USA\u201d or \u201cProduct of USA\u201d or \u201cService in USA\u201d- they have proved it to an independent third party.\u00a0 That is huge.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What are the certifications received?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>We have three different certifications that we grant companies.\u00a0 \u201cMade in USA Certification\u201d is for most consumer manufactured goods.\u00a0 \u201cProduct of USA Certification\u201d is for food products that are grown, raised or produced.\u00a0 \u201cService in USA Certification\u201d is for service based businesses in the U. S., like call centers, customer support, software developers, and accounting, etc.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>How does a company, product, or service qualify to be certified?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>\u00a0They qualify through a full supply chain audit using our internal audit structure.\u00a0 Once this process is complete, our company determines if a company, product or service qualifies for certification.\u00a0 Companies that qualify are issued a unique identifying number and all logos, seals and licensed wordage.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What is the process to obtain certification?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>If a company wishes to obtain certification, they first contact us via the web and request a free, no-obligation quote on-line.\u00a0 This form asks a series of questions that give our company a general idea of the type of business, their size, products and number of components.<\/p>\n

From there we are able to generate a basic quote.\u00a0 If the company accepts this quote and wishes to proceed, we issue initial documents that include a nondisclosure agreement and an understanding of our licensing agreement.<\/p>\n

We also issue a request for a complete list of the company\u2019s supply chain for each product to be certified.\u00a0 All this documentation is done electronically with a highly efficient digital signature and notary program.<\/p>\n

Once our company receives all the completed documentation and payment, our team begins the process of verifying the country of origin for each component and supplier.\u00a0 This process can take anywhere from three hours to eight weeks depending on a variety of factors.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>BKH:<\/strong>\u00a0 Manufacturing logistics and resource supply can be fluid.\u00a0 How do you take this into account once a made inUSA certification has been given?<\/p>\n

JR:<\/strong> We recognize these ongoing factors.\u00a0 We address this issue clearly in writing in our initial documentation requesting supply chain information.<\/p>\n

Each certified company signs an agreement that if for any reason their vendors should change, it is their obligation and sole\u00a0responsibility\u00a0to immediately notify us with the information. \u00a0If a company does not update us on a supplier change, they risk having their\u00a0certification\u00a0temporarily or even permanently revoked.<\/p>\n

There is a clear understanding of this with all our certified companies from the onset, and we get this in writing. \u00a0All of our certified companies have done an excellent job of keeping this information accurate and current.\u00a0 So far, no company\u2019s certification has been revoked for this reason.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>Do companies seek out this certification?<\/p>\n

JR: \u00a0<\/strong>Yes. \u00a0\u00a0Many companies are looking for government contracts and need to prove they are made in the USA. \u00a0\u00a0Our certification does that.<\/p>\n

Many companies also recognize the powerful marketing tool our seal is for their brand and product line.\u00a0 We lend third party instant credibility to the verification and certification of being \u201cMade in USA\u201d, \u201cProduct of USA\u201d, and \u201cService in USA\u201d claims.<\/p>\n

BKH:<\/strong>\u00a0 Does your compnay seek out U.S. products for certification?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>Yes, our company is always looking for passionate companies that manufacture here in the U.S. with products that qualify for certification.\u00a0 The more products we have certified out in the marketplace, the better it is for our company, but, most importantly for our country and consumers.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>Why is a \u201cMade in USA\u201dcertification important?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>Our certification is important because currently we are the only company that helps consumers to determine if a product truly is made in the U.S.\u00a0 There is no real regulation in the use of the made in the U.S. claim.\u00a0 Many companies either outright falsely use the claim or just mistakenly use it.<\/p>\n

There is still a lot of confusion around what it means to make the claim \u201cMade in USA\u201d or \u201cMade in America.\u201d\u00a0 The confusion is both on the part of some companies as well as consumers.\u00a0 Our certification cuts through the confusion.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What benefits do companies receive by being certified?<\/p>\n

JR:<\/strong> Companies that become certified have a powerful marketing and branding tool at their disposal.\u00a0 Made in USA Certified\u00ae works to actively support our member companies with marketing, branding, and PR resources to leverage the authentic \u201cMade inUSA\u201d equity they have as a brand.<\/p>\n

Additionally, certified companies have a community of likeminded business owners as additional resources and support.\u00a0 The benefits are endless really, and just like with anything- you get out of it, what you put into it.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What benefits do consumers receive by knowing what products are certified?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>Consumers that see the \u201cMade in USA Certified\u201d, \u201cProduct of USA\u201d, or \u201cService in USA\u201d seals or logos instantly know an independent, third party verified the claims to be true.\u00a0 This gives consumers\u2019 a recognizable symbol to identify products have been certified, and it gives them added assurance the claim is truthful.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>Do you believe the majority of Americans look for products and services made in the U.S. as a part of their purchasing decision?<\/p>\n

JR:\u00a0 <\/strong>Yes, absolutely.\u00a0 For example, a recent <\/strong>http:\/\/www.harrisinteractive.com\/NewsRoom\/HarrisPolls\/tabid\/447\/ctl\/ReadCustom%20Default\/mid\/1508\/ArticleId\/580\/Default.aspx<\/a> Harris Adweek Poll noted, \u201cThree in five Americans (61%) say they are more likely to purchase something when the ad touts it is \u2018Made in America.\u201d<\/p>\n

Also, in the latest shopper research survey conducted by http:\/\/www.prsresearch.com\/prs-insights\/article\/made-in-the-usa-matters-to-shoppers\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0Perception Research Services International (PRS), results indicate that most shoppers (80%) have seen a \u201cMade in the USA\u201d claim when shopping, and many (60%) say the claim influences their purchase decisions.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>Especially in today\u2019s world of prices increasing weekly it seems on many staples, do you believe most Americans will put aside the preference, if one, for products made in the U.S. for a lower price point for products made in other countries?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>Now more than ever consumers see the connection between U.S. jobs and buying American.\u00a0 There is this false notion that if it is made in the U.S., it must be more expensive. \u00a0That is just not always the case.<\/p>\n

I believe there is a rise in \u201cconscious consumerism\u201d resulting in consumers making less but more thoughtful purchases. \u00a0\u00a0We all have seen what the flood of cheap goods has done to our jobs and our economy.\u00a0 I believe we are all consciously moving away from that consumer behavior.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What impact do you see on U.S. consumers coming from the World Trade Organization\u2019s (WTO) recent preliminary ruling against the use of the U.S. mandatory http:\/\/www.ams.usda.gov\/AMSv1.0\/COOL<\/a> Country of Origin Labeling (COOL Act) on agruicultural products like meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>I have been very outspoken in regards to this preliminary ruling and have written several http:\/\/info.usa-c.com\/2011\/07\/10\/wto-ruling-against-country-of-origin-labeling-threatens-u-s-sovereignty\/<\/a> articles addressing my concerns.\u00a0 The consensus from consumers on this is outrage.\u00a0 Country of Origin Labeling (COOL Act) was a hard fought law that was only instituted in 2009.<\/p>\n

My belief is that consumers have the right to know where their products are made and the components that go into those products.\u00a0 But, I believe this is even more important when it comes to the food that we eat and provide to our families.\u00a0 This is a safety issue that has huge implications across the board.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What would you say to those that would point out we are all in a global economy and marketplace now?<\/p>\n

JR:<\/strong> Yes, we are in a global economy and marketplace right now, and that is why it is very important that our manufacturing base is strong and vibrant.\u00a0 There are entire industries that have left our shores that may never return.<\/p>\n

The manufacturing of computers and televisions is an entire industry that we once dominated, and now it is gone and will most likely never return here.\u00a0 If you look at current trends with solar panels and wind turbines and alternative sources for energy, we are quickly being outpaced, underpriced, and pushed out of this market as well.<\/p>\n

The fact of the matter is that in the current reality of our global world and economy, the U.S. will not be able to \u201cout compete, out innovate, and out build\u201d the rest of the world as we have done for centuries if we are not manufacturing and making things here in America.<\/p>\n

To be competitive globally, we are going to have to up our game not only with our education system, but also in creating a pipeline of new innovation and business that can compete on a global scale.\u00a0 There is no reason why the U.S. should not be the leader in alternative energy right now.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>What would you say to those that might view Americans seeking out produdcts made in the U.S. as an isolationist or unrealistic view?<\/p>\n

JR: <\/strong>When someone says this to me, I have to direct them to the very successful protectionist society of China.\u00a0 China is very protectionist and has the world\u2019s fastest growing industrial economy.<\/p>\n

Yes, we live in a global society, and we all share this planet together.\u00a0 However, this earth is divided into countries that for now, have the right to create their own government, monetary systems and laws.\u00a0 The U.S. \u00a0for a long time, as the world\u2019s most powerful country, has taken on the role as the world savior.\u00a0 We have depleted a lot of our countriy\u2019s resources and many times looked to the wellbeing of other countries before our own.<\/p>\n

So much so, I believe that for us as country to grow strong again, we must re-build our manufacturing base.\u00a0 We cannot compete on a world stage as a service based country.\u00a0 We must have laws that protect our manufacturers from unfair trade and currency manipulation.\u00a0 We must protect our own.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Our country has more people on government assistance right now than ever before.\u00a0 Additionally, a recent report from the http:\/\/www.epi.org\/publication\/bp260\/<\/a> Economic Policy Institute found the http:\/\/www.epi.org\/publication\/bp219\/<\/a> U.S. lost 2.8 million jobs to China over the past decade.<\/p>\n

The current administration, along with the support of many groups including the United States Chamber of Commerce, is urging for the passage of more Free Trade Acts.\u00a0 In theory Free Trade should work, but in practice it has not.\u00a0 We have a decade of millions of outsourced jobs and an economy in the toilet as proof.<\/p>\n

These free trade agreements have not been free or fair, and it has hurt our country.\u00a0 We need to stop the passage of more free trade acts and focus on the re-building of our own manufacturing base.\u00a0 It is time to start taking care of our own and providing jobs for our citizens.\u00a0 Manufacturing in the U.S. does just that.<\/p>\n

BKH:<\/strong>\u00a0 It is notable that the Made inUSA certification would allow\u00a0valuable branding and marketing for a\u00a0consumer direct product.\u00a0Do you work with companies that produce more industrial or non-consumer products also?<\/p>\n

JR:<\/strong> Our certification clearly has a valuable effect at the point of purchase with consumers; it really is a powerful marketing tool for products and companies. \u00a0We do work with a few industrial, non-consumer\u00a0based manufacturers, and what we have seen across the board is just receiving the \u201cMade in USA Certified\u201d is not enough.<\/p>\n

There has to be an active commitment on the part of the company to use the seals, logos and messaging as a part of their brand strategy. \u00a0That is where we see the most benefit with all our clients. \u00a0A good example of this is with our client,\u00a0http:\/\/aeronauticawind.com\/aw\/index.html<\/a> Aeronautica Windpower.<\/p>\n

Aeronautica makes wind turbines domestically in theU.S.which is not a consumer product, but they will be the first to tell you our \u201cMade in USA Certified\u201d seal was the deciding factor on an export contract they won with theCape VerdeIslandsfor a $22 Million project. \u00a0They are an example of a company that did not see the value at first of a \u201cMade in USA Certification\u201d or the seal, yet after less than six months of being certified, they were granted this huge export contract.<\/p>\n

It should be noted Aeronautica had the seal engraved on the actual blades of their turbines. \u00a0So, the moral of this story is just getting certified is not enough for anyone.\u00a0 Certification, marketing, and branding are not passive exercises. \u00a0The certified company needs to fully embrace the marketing and branding aspect of what we do and be actively engaged in promoting it. \u00a0Time and time again, we see that it pays off and pays off big time.<\/p>\n

BKH:\u00a0 <\/strong>Thanks Julie.\u00a0 <\/strong>You can follow Made in USA Certified on http:\/\/twitter.com\/madeinusacert<\/a> Twitter and https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/madeinusacertified<\/a> Facebook.<\/p>\n

We are living in a time when the http:\/\/www.whitehouse.gov\/administration\/advisory-boards\/jobs-council<\/a> President\u2019s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness (PCJC) is headed by the CEO of a company outsourcing thousands of jobs and intellectual property paid for by American taxpayers to China, Jeffrey Immelt of GE.<\/p>\n

Many find this outragious, and it certainly speaks volumes about Free Trade policies actually resulting in \u00a0Fair Trade policies for America.\u00a0 It also speaks to the politics of true competitiveness.<\/p>\n

http:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.com\/2011\/01\/21\/jeffrey-immelt-council-on-jobs-and-competitiveness_n_812005.html<\/a> The objection of over 50% of Americans to Mr. Immelt heading the PCJC has fallen on deaf ears inWashington.\u00a0 Americans can vote with their pocketbooks though.\u00a0 Certifications allow us to know what products are truly made in America when purchasing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/h6>\n
\n
\n

Brenda Krueger Huffman<\/a>\u00a0is an internationally syndicated political commentary and business writer and a talk radio co-host<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Brenda Krueger Huffman,\u00a0AXcess News Axcess News (Chicago) \u2013 Does a product being made in America influence your purchasing decisions?\u00a0 Most Americans would answer \u201cyes\u201d to this question.\u00a0 Companies producing foreign made products know it too.\u00a0 That\u2019s why some non-American made products will be packaged in red, white, and blue color schemes or include an American […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[159,219,361,370,371,466,507,520,522,622,625,704,705,767,768,892],"class_list":["post-1154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-brenda-krueger-huffman","tag-company-news","tag-g-e","tag-general-electric-company","tag-general-motors-corporation","tag-julie-reiser","tag-made-in-america","tag-made-in-usa","tag-made-in-usa-certified","tag-news-releases","tag-newspaper","tag-product-of-usa","tag-product-of-usa-certified","tag-service-in-usa","tag-service-in-usa-certified","tag-usa-c"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1154"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1154\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/madeinusanews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}