Golden Joins Maine State Chamber and U.S. Chamber of Commerce at Lewiston Manufacturing Facility

LEWISTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) joined leaders from the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at Elmet Technologies, a local metal manufacturing facility in Lewiston yesterday. During the visit, the group toured Elmet’s facilities and spoke with Elmet employees, and the U.S. Chamber recognized the congressman for his work on behalf of Maine small businesses with the “Advocate for American Business” award.

“I’ve been proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the Chamber of Commerce at the local, state, and national level to put party labels aside, work together, and get things done for small businesses in Maine,” said Golden. “I’ve valued working with the chamber to get the bipartisan infrastructure bill passed, to help bring manufacturing back to America, and to help small businesses in our state grow and hire. I’m honored to receive the U.S. Chamber’s Advocate for American Business Award and look forward to continuing to work together on behalf of small businesses throughout the Second District.” 

The Advocate for American Business award is given to honor those who work on a bipartisan basis to support pro-growth and pro-business legislation aimed to strengthen businesses across the country. Presenting the award, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Eastern Region Vice President Stephen McCallister noted Golden’s work to push the bipartisan infrastructure law over the finish line last year and highlighted that legislation’s benefits for businesses large and small. 

Representatives at yesterday’s event include Stephen McCallister from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Dana Connors from the Maine State Chamber, Shanna Cox from the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline. The group was hosted at Elmet Technologies by Peter Anania, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.  

Congressman Golden has worked to promote Maine manufacturing and jobs, including those at Elmet, during his time serving in the House of Representatives. In July, the House passed the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which included a Golden-led push to authorize more funding for the Defense Department’s Weapons and Munitions Product Improvement Program. This program will boost the development of high-temperature and leading-edge materials like the ones made at Elmet for use in next-generation weapons development. 

As a member of the House Small Business Committee Golden has been a champion of small business owners and entrepreneurs. He currently chairs the Underserved, Agricultural, and Rural Business Development Subcommittee, and he has used that role to consistently advocate for resources and support for small businesses. In April, the House of Representatives passed Golden’s bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. 

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