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Since 1947, the International Standards Organization (ISO) has published over 19,500 standards that cover a range of industries. Adherence to ISO standards is voluntary, but many manufacturers prize ISO 9001:2008 certification. Most mention it in their marketing materials and on their websites. Some even fly ISO flags or hang ISO banners to demonstrate their commitment to the Quality Management System (QMS).

It’s no secret that American manufacturing bled jobs during the Great Recession. During 26 trying months, from December 2007 to February 2010, manufacturing’s misfortune accounted for half the decline in U.S. GDP. Now that that the nation is experiencing a manufacturing revival, does the patient deserve a clean bill of health?
Some vital signs are improving. For example, from February 2010 to May 2014, the manufacturing sector added 646,000 jobs. That wasn’t the only good news for hourly employees. During this same period, the average length of their work week climbed from 39.3 to 42.1 hours. While earning regular paychecks and overtime pay, American manufacturing workers boosted total output and added-value production.

In an effort to stimulate economic growth in the startup and emerging business sectors, Congress is working on new rules and regulations that will make it easier for businesses to raise capital directly from the public. To raise awareness of this initiative, the Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT), NYSTAR, Sensor CAT, and the Center for Biotechnology presented a Crowdfunding Workshop earlier this year to discuss the latest economic growth and fundraising tool.