by Ken Schramko, senior director, North American government relations
The chronic shortage of skilled workers is the top business challenge facing the electronics industry worldwide. Our skilled workers are aging and retiring faster than we can hire replacements. A large majority of our members report that their inability to find skilled workers is limiting their growth.
by Ken Schramko, senior director, North American Government Relations
Within the last week, U.S. President Trump released his $4.7 trillion fiscal 2020 budget plan, kicking off the annual federal budget process. IPC is watching several budget debates that could impact the electronics industry and its supply chain.
It’s important to remember that Congress has the power of the purse, and the President’s budget is merely a request.
As a longtime leader in education and training in our industry, IPC is stepping up its efforts, and we could use your input. How would you answer the following question?
Over the last year, how difficult has it been for your company to find qualified workers for roles that require technical knowledge and skills?
Click here to respond by COB Friday, March 29.
Thank you!
The electronics industry has a positive impact around the globe— this week of volunteerism is a great way to show the world the good things we do beyond the products we manufacture! From June 9-15, 2019 we are asking companies that are part of the global electronics supply chain to select a charity or cause of your organization’s choice to support through staff volunteer efforts. Take part in a local litter collection. Organize a food drive. Anything to make a difference!!
IPC will celebrate your good work through social media and other promotions!
By Chris Mitchell, vice president, global government relations
The United Kingdom’s effort to leave the European Union, known by the nickname “Brexit,” is bogged down in political uncertainty, which in turn is creating disruptions in the global economy. With a “no-deal” Brexit possible within two weeks, here’s a recap of recent developments and the possible impacts on the electronics industry.
The United Kingdom’s effort to leave the European Union, known as Brexit, is making waves in the global economy. Many companies are facing tough decisions about their operations in the UK and EU.
IPC members, how concerned are you about the impacts of Brexit on your company?
by Chris Mitchell, IPC vice president, global government relations
Ask yourself the following question: Why is it that the aerospace, defense and high performance (ADHP) electronics sectors remain reliant on lead solders and components even as the commercial sector has largely phased out their use?
The short answer is that lead-free electronics do not offer the performance and reliability assurances that the ADHP sectors require, but the longer answer is that key stakeholders, including government entities, have not invested in the science to understand how to achieve symmetry and i
By Chris Mitchell, vice president, global government relations
Monday, April 15 was the deadline for millions of Americans to file their income tax returns, so this is a good time to review the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) as well as the current tax policy landscape and how these rules are affecting the electronics industry.
TCJA Fostering Economic Growth
In passing the TCJA, Congress restructured the U.S. tax code for the first time since 1986.
https://youtu.be/IzMti0R0_xQ
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IPC Releases PCB Industry Results for March 2019
BANNOCKBURN, Ill., USA, April 29, 2019 — IPC — Association Connecting Electronics Industries® announced today the March 2019 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. Year-over-year growth in March was strong for sales but slipped into negative territory for orders, while the book-to-bill ratio retreated to parity at 1.00.
Total North American PCB shipments in March 2019 were up 19.1 percent compared to the same month last year.