CNBC Meeting of The Minds with Maria Bartiromo filmed at CMU airs Wednesday at 8pm

Maria Bartiromo
CNBC

CNBC Assembles Some of the Biggest Names In Manufacturing and Government To Explore The Big Issues Affecting Americans In This Economic Crisis

Maria Bartiromo to Lead Unprecedented One-Hour CNBC Special Event From Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. – November 20, 2009 - Manufacturing led the United States to become the richest nation in the world and has been the backbone of this country. But times have changed and today's economy values innovation and design over manual labor -- emphasizing mind over matter. This sea change has spurred many questions: Are the manufacturing jobs in the U.S. gone forever? Does an economy that doesn't produce anything have any real value and has 'Made in the USA' died, taking with it the soul of our country?

On Wednesday, December 2nd at 8PM ET, in a CNBC special, "Meeting of the Minds: Rebuilding America," hosted by CNBC's Maria Bartiromo from Carnegie Mellon University, a world-leading research university in Pittsburgh, PA, CNBC assembles some of the most influential leaders in the manufacturing industry and government to answer those questions and chart a path forward.  At right, panelist Hilda L. Solis U.S. Secretary of Labor.

Broadcast in the heart of the nation, from the pride of steel country, and surrounded by the hope of this nation from students to steel workers to the local business leaders who make up the fabric of our economy, CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, addresses one of the toughest and home-felt issues raised by this new economic reality.

"Manufacturing companies have traditionally been a growth engine in the United States, but with unemployment at double digits, there is a growing concern whether or not that will continue to be true, said Bartiromo. "Americans are at a critical time wondering what their future looks like and it's vital we bring this issue front and center."  At left, panelist Jeff Immelt Chairman & CEO, GE.  At left, panelist John Engler
President and CEO National Association of Manufacturers

"CNBC's 'Meeting of the Minds' series has explored some of the biggest issues raised by this new economic reality including capitalism and healthcare," said Susan Krakower, Senior Vice President, Strategic Programming and Development, CNBC. "And now, CNBC gathers some of the country's most influential leaders to take on manufacturing¾ an industry that is a prized part of our economic history whose future is now in question."  At right, panelist Leo W. Gerard International President, United Steelworkers.

In an unprecedented one-hour special event, CNBC brings together a panel of thinkers, visionaries and the people charged with rebuilding this nation's future including Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company; Daniel R. DiMicco, Chairman, President & CEO, Nucor Corporation; Leo W. Gerard, International President, United Steelworkers; Jeff Immelt, Chairman & CEO, General Electric; John Engler, President & CEO, National Association of Manufacturers; and Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor; for a qualitative discussion on the future of manufacturing.  At left, panelist Bill Ford Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company.  At right, panalist Daniel R. DiMicco Chairman, President & CEO, Nucor Corporation.

CNBC's Maria Bartiromo is the anchor of CNBC's "Closing Bell with Maria Bartiromo" (3-5 PM ET), and host and managing editor of the nationally syndicated "Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo."

CNBC's "Meeting of the Minds: Rebuilding America" airs on Wednesday, December 2nd at 8PM ET on CNBC.

CNBC Press Release