NAM cuts staff in anticipation of ‘tough year’

The National Manufacturers Association will cut 17 staff
positions in light of what it expects to be a “tough year,” said spokeswoman
Maureen Davenport.

{mosads}The association would also freeze salaries and cut back
on travel and other operating expenses to save money, Davenport said.

The manufacturing sector has been particularly hard hit
by the economic downturn, but Davenport said the cutbacks are not due to a decline
in membership. She did not list the positions cut. Some are open slots that will
now not be filled. The cuts do not include any senior government relations
staff, Davenport said. Around 140 people now work at NAM.

The group is projecting that revenues will remain flat in
2009. Davenport said that contrasts to recent years where NAM saw steady
revenue growth. 

“The economic realities facing our members are
impacting our budget and projections for the coming year,” NAM President and
CEO John Engler said in a statement.