An Old American Company Sets Sights on a New Independence with a Dynamic Campaign Aimed at Saving U.S. Jobs

Adamstown, PA, July 08, 2009 --(PR.com)-- What can you do for your country? Ask one renowned American company that’s been manufacturing hats for more than 140 years and the answer is “plenty.” The Bollman Hat Company in Adamstown, PA announced the launch of SaveAnAmericanJob™ (SAAJ), a unique initiative with a noble and patriotic mission. The newly-formed organization will create a powerful, unified branding and message targeted at consumers who care about U.S. jobs and purchasing American-made products that are more durable and lasting. Its website, which debuted on July 4th, is designed to be a virtual gathering place for like-minded American manufacturers to unify their brands and tell their individual stories with a common voice. Together they will focus on raising awareness of the breadth and quality of American-made products. And most importantly, they will be broadcasting the never-as-urgent-as-right-now message that “buying American” is the one thing that every American can do to help save jobs and stimulate our struggling economy.

Across the nation, companies have been forced to downsize domestic manufacturing operations dramatically in recent years due to the ever-increasing flood of imports from Asia. When wholesalers or retailers import inexpensive goods to sell at lower prices, their competitors often follow in order to stay competitive. Unemployment has nearly doubled over the last two years to a high of 9.5%, higher than the peak unemployment rates in all but the 1983 recession, which was the worst since World War II.

“It’s time to say ‘enough’” says Don Rongione, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bollman Hat Company. “Now more than ever, we need to buy American. We need to stop the rapid decline of manufacturing in America, and the thousands and thousands of lost jobs. We have become too dependent on foreign manufacturing for what we use and what we wear, and we need to start regaining our independence. A solid, thriving manufacturing base in America is the promise of a secure tomorrow for our children and our grandchildren.”

The basis of the SAAJ initiative and the core of its message, says Rongione, is that American consumers need to be more aware of the exceptional brands that have roots right here in the U.S. These are companies that offer world-class products and services that are safer, more reliable, more innovative, and more environmentally friendly; these are companies wholly committed to superior craftsmanship and the highest quality standards.

Collectively, these companies will have the power to influence the nation, as they have in the past, but they will need to work together. “I believe that there is renewed interest among Americans to purchase products made here at home,” says Rongione. “We must use this to our advantage, by connecting to the heritage, the power, and the strength of the American people and their patriotism. Support ‘Made in the USA’ products, and you support our workers and our economy. Increased sales mean increased jobs, and more people at work means that “the American dream” will be back within reach for thousands of Americans.”

One of the goals of the SAAJ will be to promote the inherent benefits of buying products made here on our own turf. Domestic manufacturers generally offer products that are superior to comparable imports, and can provide quicker speed to market. What this means to retailers, is that they’ll have less returns of defective merchandise, and with the fast shipping response provided by local providers, can maintain a tighter control of inventory. Of course, changing consumer thinking about perceived value will also be very important to the campaign. Educating consumers about why they may pay a bit more when they purchase U.S.-made goods, and why the assurance of quality, performance, styling, safety, and durability make it well worth the cost. And, of course, there is that slightly less tangible benefit—the satisfaction that comes from knowing that their purchase may have just saved the job of a fellow American.

SaveAnAmericanJob™ will act as a “consortium” of U.S. manufacturers committed to the cause, and as a public forum for consumers to obtain information on high quality, American-made products. Two levels of participation will be offered, each with an accompanying set of perks provided by SAAJ. Benefits may include a members-only virtual trade show, networking and partnering opportunities, media exposure, access to blog posting, a branded link to members’ websites, and participation in regular promotional campaigns designed to heighten awareness of U.S.-made products. Members will receive merchandising support through customized SAAJ product hangtags, carton labels, business cards, and window and point-of-sale displays. This distinctive SAAJ branding will, in fact, be a unique (and highly identifiable) source of differentiation for its member companies. “We want every consumer in America to recognize our logo,” says Rongione. “We want them to look for the SaveAnAmericanJob™ branding when shopping, and be highly motivated to purchase products bearing its logo.”

More information is available at www.SaveAnAmericanJob.com; companies interested in membership should contact Don Rongione, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bollman Hat Company, at 717-484-6249, or email drongione@bollmanhats.com.

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