In a reprieve from the campaign trail, U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack stopped by Vermeer during Manufacturing Day in Pella. Loebsack tells KNIA/KRLS News the industry remains pivotal to the growth of the economy.

“In Iowa, manufacturing is right up there with agriculture in terms of the largest sectors of our economy,” he says. “We can never forget about it, we got to make sure we enhance it, and we got to make sure we build the workforce they need as well.”

He met with Chair Mary Andringa and CEO Jason Andringa during the visit, and also toured various educational booths students were engaged with prior to his stop. Loebsack says congress needs to continue to foster strength in the manufacturing sector.

“We have got to set the policies right, make sure that we incentivize companies to keep the jobs here,” he says. “Also, to make sure we make the kinds of investments we need in our educational institutions.”

Loebsack is running against Dr. Christopher Peters in the U.S. House of Representatives District 2.