Manufacturing Outlook
PERCENTAGE OF RESPONDENTS
POSITIVE IN THEIR OWN COMPANY’S OUTLOOK
MANUFACTURING OUTLOOK INDEX
59.6%
40.5
(Down from 67.3% in September)
(Down from 45.8 in September)
Small Manufacturers: 74.3% (Up from 64.6%)
Medium-Sized Manufacturers: 54.7% (Down from 69.9%)
Large Manufacturers: 56.5% (Down from 64.8%)
Expected Growth Rate Over the Next 12 Months
1.4%
SALES
PRODUCTION
(Down from 2.0% in September)
1.4%
(Down from 2.0% in September)
0.1%
(Down from 0.7% in September)
EXPORTS
0.02%
(Up from a decline of 0.1% in
September)
CAPITAL INVESTMENT
FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT
PRICES
0.3%
(Down from 0.5% in September)
0.3%
(No change from September)
1.5%
(No change from September)
INVENTORIES
1.1%
(Down from a decline of 0.7%
in September)
HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS
8.0%
www.nam.org/Outlook
(Down from 8.7% in September)
EMPLOYEE WAGES
Summary
For much of this year, manufacturers have wrestled with softer growth in demand and output. The sector
continues to expand, but at a pace that remains weaker than desired. This slowdown can be seen in a variety
of economic indicators. Manufacturing production has decelerated from 4.3 percent on a year-over-year basis
in January to 1.9 percent in October, with employment remaining relatively flat over that time frame. Sentiment
surveys have also reflected a diminished outlook, with the Institute for Supply Management’s Manufacturing
Purchasing Managers’ Index downshifting from 57.6 in November 2014 to 48.6 in the latest survey, contracting
for the first time in three years. In addition, several of the regional Federal Reserve Banks have indicated
declining activity in recent data, including the Dallas, New York and Richmond districts.
There are a number of headwinds that have held manufacturing back year-to-date, including a stronger U.S.
dollar, economic weaknesses in key export markets and reduced commodity prices. These problems have
somewhat offset other, more encouraging signs in the macroeconomy, including rebounds in housing, modest
growth in consumer and business spending and progress in the overall labor market. The unemployment rate,
for instance, has fallen to 5.0 percent, matching its lowest level since April 2008, and real GDP is expected to
grow 2.5 percent in 2016. Such progress will likely lead the Federal Open Market Committee to raise short-term
rates at its December 15–16 meeting. Nevertheless, manufacturers have mixed opinions on this issue, as noted
later in this report, particularly in light of ongoing weaknesses in the sector.
The latest National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) quarterly survey provides more clues about these
challenges. In this survey, 59.6 percent of manufacturers were either somewhat or very positive about their own
company’s outlook, representing the fourth consecutive easing in sentiment, down from 91.2 percent one year
ago (Figure 1). That represents a significant decline in outlook over a short period of time. The current figure was
the lowest since the fourth quarter of 2012, when manufacturers were worried about the fiscal cliff. Moreover,
it remained below the historical average of roughly 73.5 percent. As a result, the NAM Manufacturing Outlook
Index dropped from 45.8 in September to 40.5 in this report (Figure 2).
Figure 1: Manufacturing Business Outlook by Quarter,
2012–2015
88.7%
86.1% 85.9%
87.3%
91.2%
88.5%
83.1%
76.1%
70.1%
69.2%
78.1%
76.3%
72.3%
67.3%
59.6%
51.8%
2012:1 2012:2 2012:3 2012:4 2013:1 2013:2 2013:3 2013:4 2014:1 2014:2 2014:3 2014:4 2015:1 2015:2 2015:3 2015:4
Percentage of respondents who characterized the current business outlook as somewhat or very positive.
www.nam.org/Outlook
Despite the decline in the headline outlook number, small manufacturers (those with fewer than 50 employees)
were more upbeat in this survey. The percentage of respondents who were positive in their outlook rose from
64.6 percent in September to 74.3 percent in December. That was an interesting finding, particularly when the
outlook decreased for both medium-sized (those with between 50 and 499 employees) and larger firms (those
with 500 or more employees). The sharpest decline in December was seen in medium-sized manufacturing
respondents, down from 69.9 percent to 54.7 percent.
One explanation for this observation would be the export intensity of those completing the survey, with
smaller respondents less likely to be engaged in trade. Of those companies that anticipated increased exports
over the next 12 months, 75.4 percent were positive in their outlook in this survey. In contrast, the percentage
of respondents who were positive fell to 61.7 percent for those expecting their exports to remain the same
and to 39.1 percent for those predicting decreased exports over the next year. Overall, respondents expect
exports to grow by just 0.02 percent over the next 12 months, essentially predicting no growth in 2016.
Along those lines, 57.9 percent said that the recent slowdown in global growth had negatively impacted their
international sales (Figure 7).
Figure 2: NAM Manufacturing Outlook Index, 2012–2015
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
Small Firms
Medium-Sized Firms
:4
15
:3
20
:2
15
20
:1
15
20
:4
15
20
14
:3
20
14
:2
20
14
:1
14
20
:4
13
20
:3
13
NAM Manufacturing Outlook Index
20
:2
13
20
:1
20
:4
13
20
:3
12
20
:2
12
20
12
20
20
12
:1
25
Large Firms
Source: National Association of Manufacturers.
www.nam.org/Outlook
Other measures have also eased significantly across the year. For instance, manufacturers expect sales to
grow 1.4 percent over the next 12 months, down significantly from the 4.5 percent pace in December 2014
(Figure 3). To illustrate the easing in the sales outlook, roughly one-quarter of respondents said they anticipate
sales growth of 5.0 percent or more over the next year, or half of the level who reported the same thing in
March. Small and medium-sized firms were more optimistic about demand over the coming year than their
larger counterparts, anticipating 1.5 percent growth in sales versus 1.0 percent, respectively. As stated earlier,
exports were likely a factor in this result. Production numbers were comparable, also expecting 1.4 percent
growth over the next 12 months, down from 2.0 percent in September’s survey.
Anxieties in the economic outlook also weighed heavily on manufacturers’ willingness to add new workers or
to invest in new capital equipment, both of which were anticipated to grow ever so slightly in 2016, according
to this latest report. Employment and capital spending are predicted to grow just 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent,
respectively, over the next 12 months, well below the 2.0 percent and 2.3 percent rates observed last year.
Forty-eight percent of all manufacturers completing the survey expect no changes in employment levels
over the next 12 months, with 28.8 percent predicting increases. These results varied widely by firm size,
with small and medium-sized entities expecting hiring growth of 0.7 percent in 2016, but large firms seeing
declines of 1.0 percent. Regarding compensation, respondents see wages increasing 1.5 percent, unchanged
from the previous report.
Figure 3: Expected Growth of Manufacturing Sales,
Investment and Employment, 2014–2015
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
0%
Q1:2014
Q2:2014
Q3:2014
Sales
Q4:2014
Investment
Q1:2015
Q2:2015
Q3:2015
Q4:2015
Employment
Note: Expected growth rates are annual averages.
www.nam.org/Outlook
The deceleration in capital spending plans echoes what we see on the hiring front. One-quarter of
respondents in this survey expect investment spending to decline in the next 12 months, up from 14.2
percent who said the same thing one year ago. Moreover, much like the employment numbers, it is the
larger firms that are pulling back the most. Large manufacturers anticipate capital spending decreases of 0.7
percent in 2016, compared to an expected gain of 0.3 percent for their small and medium-sized counterparts.
The bottom line, however, is that capital spending plans have definitely stalled overall—a development that
we hope turns around moving forward.
Meanwhile, manufacturers expect their inventories to decrease by 1.1 percent over the next 12 months,
declining for the third straight quarter. Nearly 38 percent anticipate declining inventory stocks, with 14.7
percent predicting increases. There is a silver lining from declining inventory stocks. If new orders pick up
significantly, production would have to accelerate substantially to match the increased demand.
The top business challenge was an unfavorable business climate, cited by 77.3 percent of manufacturing
respondents (Figure 4). Indeed, manufacturers continue to be frustrated with the lack of comprehensive tax
reform and with a perceived regulatory assault on their businesses. Many respondents noted their concerns
on these issues. Along those lines, 81.2 percent said the United States was on the wrong track, up from
73.4 who said the same thing six months ago, with just 6.0 percent feeling that we are headed in the right
direction. The remainder were unsure.
Figure 4: Primary Current Business Challenges,
Fourth Quarter, 2015
77.3%
Unfavorable business climate (e.g., taxes, regulations)
72.2%
Rising health care/insurance costs
56.9%
Weaker domestic economy and sales for our products
52.8%
Attracting and retaining a quality workforce
49.8%
Strengthened U.S. dollar relative to other currencies
42.1%
Weaker global growth and slower export sales
Rising raw material costs for our products
Challenges with access to capital
13.0%
4.3%
Note: Respondents were able to check more than one response. Therefore, responses exceed 100 percent.
www.nam.org/Outlook
Figure 5: Predicted Manufacturing Production
(North American Industry Classification System)
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
Prediction for Manufacturing Production Q2:2016
Essentially Flat Growth Over Next Two Quarters
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Manufacturing Production
Manufacturing Production (Predicted)
Note: Industrial production is predicted two quarters in advance by regressing NAM Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey data
as one of the independent variables, with data stretching back to Q4:1997. Other explanatory variables include current
values for housing permits, the interest rate spread, personal consumption and the S&P 500.
www.nam.org/Outlook
Rising health care and insurance costs were also a major concern, cited by 72.2 percent as a primary
challenge. Manufacturers see health insurance costs increasing 8.0 percent over the next 12 months. More
specifically, 72.4 percent expect their premiums to increase by at least 5 percent on average in the next year,
with 37.4 percent predicting costs to rise by at least 10 percent. Small and medium-sized firms anticipate
premiums to jump faster in the next year than large manufacturers do, at 8.6 percent and 6.5 percent,
respectively.
Finally, while manufacturers have very modest expectations about sales and output growth over the next
year, the current data suggest relatively flat growth in production over the next two quarters (Figure 5). This
finding comes from a regression model that explains 90 percent of the variation in manufacturing production
since the NAM Manufacturers’ Outlook Survey began in the fourth quarter of 1997. In addition to the business
outlook figure from this survey, the model includes current values for housing permits, the interest rate spread,
personal consumption and the S&P 500.
Special Questions
Monetary Policy
Conventional wisdom now holds that the Federal Reserve will begin to normalize monetary policy at its
December 15–16 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. The FOMC ended its quantitative
easing program in October 2014, and the next step will be for it to start raising short-term rates. The federal
funds rate has been essentially zero since the beginning of the financial crisis, and with improvements in the
economy, there has been increased pressure on the Federal Reserve to “take its foot off of the accelerator” a
bit to reflect that economic progress. Along those lines, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen has said that the
FOMC would like to begin the process of raising rates—likely by 25 basis points—by year’s end.
Figure 6: Which of the Following Statements Regarding the
Federal Reserve’s Possible Normalization of Rates Would
Be True for Your Firm?
12.7%
32.1%
55.2%
The FOMC’s actions stem from
improvements in the overall U.S. economy,
and it is time for the Federal Reserve to
“take its foot off of the accelerator” a little
to reflect that progress.
There are still sufficient weaknesses in the
U.S. economy, even with recent progress.
As such, the Federal Reserve should not
be in a hurry to raise rates. It should wait
until 2016 to start doing so.
I have no opinion.
www.nam.org/Outlook
For the second straight survey, we asked manufacturers what the Federal Reserve should do from their
perspective. Given the current headwinds in the economy, 55.2 percent felt that the FOMC should be patient
when it comes to raising short-term rates, with the Federal Reserve waiting until 2016 to increase the federal
funds rate. That would give the Federal Reserve more time to evaluate incoming data to ensure sufficient
progress. In contrast, 32.1 percent said it was time for the Federal Reserve to adjust rates given recent
improvements in the U.S. economy.
On the one hand, there was a slight shift in perceptions that the FOMC should act this year, up from 23.5
percent in September. Yet, the majority of respondents continue to hope for better data before the Federal
Reserve moves on short-term rates. More than anything, this likely speaks to the current concerns in the
economic outlook, as noted earlier.
International Issues
One of the larger drags in the overall economy this year has been the strength of the U.S. dollar and
sluggish growth abroad. Looking just at foreign exchange rates, for instance, the dollar has appreciated
25 percent against major currencies since June 2014, making it more difficult for companies to sell their
products overseas. With that in mind, manufacturers were asked about the impact of such headwinds on
their international demand, and 57.9 percent of respondents said the global slowdown had significantly or
somewhat negatively impacted their exports (Figure 7). Just more than one-fifth of respondents said they
do not export products, with the remainder experiencing no impact (16.9 percent) or improvements in sales
despite recent strength in the dollar (4.4 percent).
Figure 7: How Has the Recent Slowdown in Global Growth
Affected Your Company’s International Sales or Exports?
20.7%
17.6%
It has had a somewhat negative impact on
our company’s export sales.
It has had no impact on our company’s
export sales.
4.4%
16.9%
It has had a significant negative impact on
our company’s export sales.
40.3%
Our company’s export sales have improved
over the past 12 months despite strength in
the U.S. dollar.
We do not export products overseas.
Note: Respondents were able to check more than one response. Therefore, responses exceed 100 percent.
www.nam.org/Outlook
Get-Out-the-Vote Efforts
Manufacturers are looking at the various legislative positions of prospective candidates, hoping they will
embrace pro-growth policies. The NAM plans to work with our members to get them fully engaged in the
process of promoting pro-manufacturing candidates, and to accomplish this, we have set up our Election
Center. The Election Center was designed with input from our members and offers resources designed to
make it easy to participate in get-out-the-vote (GOTV) activities, with the intent of educating their workforce
on the policy issues that matter to their company’s success.
As the NAM’s political programs have grown, we are constantly looking for feedback from our members on
how they utilize our GOTV programs so that we can continue to make our resources as useful as possible.
To that end, we asked our members about these initiatives, and it is clear there is a lot of work to do to get
manufacturers to be more fully engaged in the election process with their employees. Of those answering
the survey, 36.8 percent did not participate in GOTV activities with their workforce, and 24.1 percent were
undecided (Figure 8). Of those companies that did engage, one-fifth provided flexible leave or time off to
participate in elections, with a similar percentage distributing resources such as flyers, pamphlets, e-mails
and registration information. In addition, nearly 16 percent hosted “meet and greets” with candidates, while
12.8 percent utilized the NAM Election Center and other NAM resources and tools.
Figure 8: What Are You Doing to Promote GOTV Efforts,
Education and Participation for Employees at Your Company?
36.8%
We are not participating in get-out-the-vote activities.
Giving employees flexible leave or time off to participate in
local, state and national elections.
20.7%
Providing resources such as flyers, pamphlets, e-mails and
registration information.
Hosting candidate "meet and greets," town halls or other events
to connect employees with candidates.
Connecting employees to the NAM Election Center and other
NAM resources and tools.
19.9%
15.8%
12.8%
24.1%
Undecided
Note: Respondents were able to check more than one response. Therefore, responses exceed 100 percent.
www.nam.org/Outlook
We wanted to have a little fun in this survey and asked manufacturers which presidential candidate they
would most like to have a beer with. The winner was Marco Rubio, who was cited by 24.0 percent (Figure 9).
This was followed by Donald Trump (16.3 percent), Ben Carson (13.4 percent), Chris Christie (12.6 percent),
Jeb Bush (7.3 percent), John Kasich (6.9 percent), Carly Fiorina (4.9 percent) and Ted Cruz (4.9 percent).
Figure 9: Which of the Following Presidential Candidates
Would You Most Like to Have a Beer With?
Marco Rubio
Donald Trump
Ben Carson
Chris Christie
Jeb Bush
John Kasich
Carly Fiorina
Ted Cruz
Rand Paul
Hillary Clinton
Bernie Sanders
Rick Santorum
Lindsey Graham
Martin O'Malley
Bobby Jindal
Mike Huckabee
George Pataki
Jim Gilmore
www.nam.org/Outlook
7.3%
6.9%
4.9%
4.9%
2.4%
2.4%
2.0%
0.8%
0.8%
0.4%
0.4%
0.4%
0.0%
0.0%
16.3%
13.4%
12.6%
24.0%
Note
This survey has been conducted quarterly since 1997, with the NAM membership submitting this quarter’s
responses from November 13 to November 30. In total, 301 manufacturers from all parts of the country, in a
wide variety of manufacturing sectors and in varying size classifications responded this quarter. Aggregated
survey responses appear below. The next survey is expected to be released on Wednesday, March 9, 2016.
Sample Comments on Primary
Challenges Facing Manufacturers
“American iron and steel requirements of the Clean Water Act.” (Fabricated metal products)
“Corporate taxation rates in the United States reduce our competitiveness. Lack of certainty in R&D investment tax
credits.” (Electronics equipment)
“Decreasing raw material costs and [our ability to pass along those costs in the selling price].” (Fabricated metal
products)
“Finding and keeping a good workforce is a serious problem. Hard to find employees who can pass a drug screen [and
show up on time] is also a big problem.” (Machinery)
“High levels of competitive imports.” (Primary metals)
“Hiring dependable people.” (Fabricated metal products)
“Inability for federal government to govern and excessive presidential executive orders regarding labor, work rules and
labor policy.” (Furniture and related products)
“Increase in minimum wage. New York state regulations regarding piecework for sheltered workshops.” (Paper and
paper products)
“Sequestration.” (Computer and electronic products)
“Unfair trading practices.” (Wood, plastics and rubber products)
Survey Responses
1. How would you characterize the business outlook for your firm right now?
a. a.
Very positive – 9.3%
b. b.
Somewhat positive – 50.3%
c. c.
Somewhat negative – 35.0%
d. d.
Very negative – 5.3%
Percentage that is either somewhat or very positive in their outlook = 59.6%
2. Over the next year, what do you expect to happen with your company’s overall sales?
a. Increase more than 10 percent – 7.0%
b. Increase 5 to 10 percent – 18.3%
c. Increase up to 5 percent – 23.6%
d. Stay about the same – 30.9%
e. Decrease up to 5 percent – 7.0%
f. Decrease 5 to 10 percent – 10.0%
g. Decrease more than 10 percent – 3.3%
Average expected increase in sales consistent with these responses = 1.4%
3. Over the next year, what do you expect to happen with your company’s overall production levels?
a. Increase more than 10 percent – 8.3%
b. Increase 5 to 10 percent – 16.0%
c. Increase up to 5 percent – 24.7%
d. Stay about the same – 29.3%
e. Decrease up to 5 percent – 9.7%
f. Decrease 5 to 10 percent – 8.0%
g. Decrease more than 10 percent – 4.0%
Average expected increase in production consistent with these responses = 1.4%
4. Over the next year, what do you expect to happen with the level of exports from your company?
a. Increase more than 5 percent – 9.1%
b. Increase 3 to 5 percent – 5.4%
c. Increase up to 3 percent – 8.8%
d. Stay about the same – 53.4%
e. Decrease up to 3 percent – 9.8%
f. Decrease 3 to 5 percent – 4.1%
g. Decrease more than 5 percent – 9.5%
Average expected increase in exports consistent with these responses = 0.02%
5. Over the next year, what do you expect to happen with prices on your company’s overall product line?
a. Increase more than 10 percent – 1.3%
b. Increase 5 to 10 percent – 1.7%
c. Increase up to 5 percent – 24.1%
d. Stay about the same – 58.2%
e. Decrease up to 5 percent – 11.7%
f. Decrease 5 to 10 percent – 2.0%
g. Decrease more than 10 percent – 1.0%
Average expected increase in prices consistent with these responses = 0.3%
6. Over the next year, what are your company’s capital investment plans?
a. Increase more than 10 percent – 8.0%
b. Increase 5 to 10 percent – 9.0%
c. Increase up to 5 percent – 15.4%
d. Stay about the same – 42.5%
e. Decrease up to 5 percent – 7.4%
f. Decrease 5 to 10 percent – 7.0%
g. Decrease more than 10 percent – 10.7%
Average expected increase in capital investments consistent with these responses = 0.1%
7. Over the next year, what are your inventory plans?
a. Increase more than 10 percent – 1.7%
b. Increase 5 to 10 percent – 4.3%
c. Increase up to 5 percent – 8.7%
d. Stay about the same – 47.5%
e. Decrease up to 5 percent – 23.4%
f. Decrease 5 to 10 percent – 8.7%
g. Decrease more than 10 percent – 5.7%
Average expected increase in inventories consistent with these responses = -1.1%
8. Over the next year, what do you expect in terms of full-time employment in your company?
a. Increase more than 10 percent – 2.4%
b. Increase 5 to 10 percent – 8.8%
c. Increase up to 5 percent – 17.6%
d. Stay about the same – 48.0%
e. Decrease up to 5 percent – 16.2%
f. Decrease 5 to 10 percent – 4.4%
g. Decrease more than 10 percent – 2.7%
Average expected increase in full-time employment consistent with these responses = 0.3%
9. Over the next year, what do you expect to happen to employee wages (excluding nonwage compensation,
such as benefits) in your company?
a. Increase more than 5 percent – 1.7%
b. Increase 3 to 5 percent – 14.7%
c. Increase up to 3 percent – 60.7%
d. Stay about the same – 19.3%
e. Decrease up to 3 percent – 2.3%
f. Decrease 3 to 5 percent – none
g. Decrease more than 5 percent – 1.3%
Average expected increase in employee wages consistent with these responses = 1.5%
10. Over the next year, what do you expect to happen to health insurance costs for your company?
a. Increase 15.0 percent or more – 13.7%
b. Increase 10.0 to 14.9 percent – 23.7%
c. Increase 5.0 to 9.9 percent – 35.0%
d. Increase less than 5.0 percent – 16.0%
e. No change – 6.7%
f. Decrease less than 5.0 percent – 2.0%
g. Decrease 5.0 percent or more – 0.3%
h. Uncertain – 2.7%
Average expected increase in health insurance costs consistent with these responses = 8.0%
11. Do you think the United States is headed in the right direction, or is our country on the wrong track?
a. Right direction – 6.0%
b. Wrong track – 81.2%
c. Unsure – 12.8%
12. What are the biggest challenges you are facing right now? (Check all that apply.)
a. Weaker domestic economy and sales for our products to U.S. customers – 56.9%
b. Weaker global growth and slower export sales – 42.1%
c. Strengthened U.S. dollar relative to other currencies – 49.8%
d. Challenges with access to capital or other forms of financing – 4.3%
e. Unfavorable business climate (e.g., taxes, regulations) – 77.3%
f. Increased raw material costs – 13.0%
g. Rising health care/insurance costs – 72.2%
h. Attracting and retaining a quality workforce – 52.8%
13. What is your company’s primary industrial classification?
a. Chemicals – 4.7%
b. Computer and electronic products – 2.0%
c. Electrical equipment and appliances – 4.4%
d. Fabricated metal products – 31.5%
e. Food manufacturing – 3.0%
f. Furniture and related products – 1.7%
g. Machinery – 9.1%
h. Nonmetallic mineral products – 1.7%
i.
Paper and paper products – 2.3%
j.
Petroleum and coal products – 1.3%
k. Plastics and rubber products – 9.4%
l.
Primary metals – 5.7%
m. Transportation equipment – 3.7%
n. Wood products – 2.7%
o. Other – 16.8%
14. What is your firm size (e.g., the parent company, not your establishment)?
a. Fewer than 50 employees – 22.6%
b. 50 to 499 employees – 54.2%
c. 500 or more employees – 23.2%
Special Questions
Monetary Policy
15. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve is likely to begin raising short-term
interest rates by the end of this year. Which of the following statements would be true for your firm regarding
this action?
a. The FOMC’s actions stem from improvements in the overall U.S. economy, and it is time for the Federal
Reserve to “take its foot off of the accelerator” a little to reflect that progress. – 32.1%
b. There are still sufficient weaknesses in the U.S. economy, even with recent progress. As such, the Federal
Reserve should not be in a hurry to raise rates. It should wait until 2016 to start doing so. – 55.2%
c. I have no opinion. – 12.7%
International Issues
16. How has the recent slowdown in global growth affected your company’s international sales/exports?
a. It has had a significant negative impact on our company’s export sales. – 17.6%
b. It has had a somewhat negative impact on our company’s export sales. – 40.3%
c. It has had no impact on our company’s export sales. – 16.9%
d. Our company’s export sales have improved over the past 12 months despite strength in the U.S. dollar. –
4.4%
e. We do not export products overseas. – 20.7%
Get-Out-the-Vote Efforts
17. What are you doing to promote get-out-the-vote efforts, education and participation for employees at your company? (Check all that apply.)
a. Providing resources such as flyers, pamphlets, e-mails and registration information – 19.9%
b. Connecting employees to the NAM Election Center and other NAM resources and tools – 12.8%
c. Hosting candidate “meet and greets,” town halls or other events to connect employees with candidates
– 15.8%
d. Giving employees flexible leave or time off to participate in local, state and national elections – 20.7%
e. We are not participating in get-out-the-vote activities – 36.8%
f. Undecided – 24.1%
Bonus Question
18.Which of the following presidential candidates would you most like to have a beer with? (List is alphabetical by last
name. One vote only.)
a. Jeb Bush – 7.3%
b. Ben Carson – 13.4%
c. Chris Christie – 12.6%
d. Hillary Clinton – 2.4%
e. Ted Cruz – 4.9%
f. Carly Fiorina – 4.9%
g. Jim Gilmore – none
h. Lindsey Graham – 0.8%
i.
Mike Huckabee – 0.4%
j.
Bobby Jindal – 0.4%
k. John Kasich – 6.9%
l.
Martin O’Malley – 0.4%
m. George Pataki – none
n. Rand Paul – 2.4%
o. Marco Rubio – 24.0%
p. Bernie Sanders – 2.0%
q. Rick Santorum – 0.8%
r.
Donald Trump – 16.3%
www.nam.org/Outlook