Tony Bennett, President and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers, said that after retiring and gaining experience across 15 states and Washington, D.C., he helped start the organization in 2005 to strengthen Texas' manufacturing sector, and it will celebrate its 20th year next year. Bennett was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.

“When I retired from my company after 35 years, I helped start this group in 2005 while I was still employed with a corporation," said Bennett in a recent edition of the Texas Talks Podcast. “I gained a good understanding of working in 15 states and Washington, D.C., which gave me insight into what Texas might need for a strong association to help make manufacturing what it should be in the state, that it is number one and able to compete globally with any economic sector that wants to do business in Texas.”

“We’re celebrating our 20th year at the Texas Association of Manufacturers next year," said Bennett. “The group was initially comprised of corporate government relations experts, regulatory experts, and attorneys focused on growing jobs in manufacturing.”

Bennett is the President and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers (TAM), a position he has held since 2012. TAM represents over 500 companies across sectors like energy, aerospace, and chemicals, working to improve global competitiveness and economic growth in Texas. TAM advocates for policies on energy, taxes, workforce development, and legal reforms to support a pro-growth environment and protect jobs.

Texas Talks podcast is hosted by Brad Swail. The weekly show is focused on public policy in the state of Texas, with insights from the people and organizations that influence it.

The podcast is available on Simple Cast and YouTube.