Made in America: Survey highlights C-suite execs search for business growth

Editor’s note: Each Sunday, Talk Business & Politics provides “Made In America,” a round-up of state and global manufacturing news.

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C-SUITE EXECS SAY ‘INNOVATE, LEAD AND ATTRACT’ KEY FOR BUSINESS GROWTH
As rapid technological advancements and an uncertain economy shape the business landscape, America’s top executives continue to have a high level of confidence that their organizations can compete. However, America’s top executives also report doubts on how to transform their business effectively for future success.

The Deloitte business confidence report 2016 identified three core areas at the crossroads of transformation and confidence: innovation and its relationship with technology; the increasing pressure to find, develop, and keep the right talent; and the need for bold leadership. To see the full report, click here.

FAILURE TO ACT ON INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS FAMILIES $3,400 A YEAR
A new report by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) estimates that continued underinvestment in infrastructure will cost each U.S. family $3,400 a year over the next decade. The analysis shows that in the years since the earlier reports, various state actions along with some federal funding measures have helped stabilize the infrastructure gap, but the overall picture remains – underinvestment is negatively affecting the nation’s economy.

The most significant gap, according to the report, is in the transportation sector, where an estimated additional $1 trillion is needed across the network (including roads, bridges, and rail) during the next decade. For businesses, this can mean increased production costs, increased cost of travel, and decreased consumer spending. See more here.

TSA UNION CALLS FOR 6,000 NEW OFFICERS TO ALLEVIATE AIRPORT SECURITY LINES
The union representing Transportation Security Officers at U.S. airports is calling on Congress to pass emergency legislation funding the hiring of 6,000 additional full-time screeners to alleviate long airport security lines. The American Federation of Government Employees sent a letter to House and Senate leaders on May 12 calling on emergency legislation to fund the additional employees.

The Transportation Security Administration currently has about 42,000 officers on the job, down from 47,000 in 2013. At the same time, the volume of passengers has risen 15% from 643 million to 740 million. A proposal to shift $34 million in Homeland Security funding so TSA can hire about 800 additional officers next year and cover overtime for current officers does not address the long-term critical funding shortfalls facing the agency, AFGEN President David Cox said.