By Sam Mattison
Alabama Political Reporter
George Spottswood, a small business owner from Baldwin County, was recently named to a National Advisory Board.
Spottswood, the owner and CEO of Alabama-based business Quality Filters, Inc., will serve as a member of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NIST MEP) Advisory Board.
“I’m looking forward to serving on the MEP Advisory Board in helping to make a difference with the critical mission of sustaining and growing manufacturing jobs in the USA,” Spottswood said in a statement. “Having been involved with Alabama’s own MEP ‘ATN’ since 2005, I’m very well aware of what a powerful job creating difference the skills, drive and dedication of a properly organized and directed MEP management team and field staff can make in American industry.”
Spottswood was also a member of the Alabama Technology Network’s, Alabama’s NIST MEP affiliate since 1995, Advisory Board.
The move was met with praise by US Representative Bradley Bryne (R-AL) who said that George understands the importance of skills training “better than anyone.”
“Given his work with the Alabama Technology Network and in the manufacturing industry, George Spottswood is a perfect choice to serve on the NIST MEP Advisory Board,” Byrne said in a statement. “George understands the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturers today, and he will bring an important perspective to the National Board.”
Another who praised the decision was US Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) who said small businesses are important to creating good paying jobs for Alabamians.
“I am pleased that George Spottswood, a small business owner from Baldwin County, has been named to the Advisory Board of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program,” Shelby said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing him continue to promote Alabama’s growing manufacturing industry in this national leadership position.”
The NISTMEP was created in 1988 when Congress passed the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act to promote manufacturing in the United States. It serves as a public-private partnership between the Federal government and private and public entities, such as university, state and non-profit organizations.
They work to serve as advisors to small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses.
The organization has centers in all 50 states and in the US Territory of Puerto Rico.
