At 5:30 a.m. one morning, a loud siren jolted us awake. It wasn’t a drill—it was a real tornado warning. Tornadoes are rare here, but the damage they can do is no joke. We jumped into action, grabbing blankets and heading to our safe spot. The storm hit with high winds and thunder, but we were lucky. The worst passed just south of us.
That morning was a reminder that being ready matters. Thanks to a louder siren and quick alerts from local emergency services, we had a chance to act. Our local fire department had learned from other communities—and changed how they responded to nighttime tornado threats. That change made all the difference.
It got me thinking. Change often starts with a wake-up call—whether it’s a siren or a serious talk with your doctor. Maybe it’s about losing weight, quitting smoking, or finally exercising. We all have good intentions, but old habits are hard to break. It often takes something big to push us toward real change.
There’s a quote that fits well: “If we do what we’ve always done, we’ll get what we’ve always got.” You can’t expect a different outcome if you never change your approach. That’s not just true for personal health—it applies to our economy, our industries, and our future.
Take the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in 2019, 10% of all U.S. imports were related to healthcare. When the pandemic hit, the country realized how dangerous it was to rely so heavily on foreign-made medical supplies. Hospitals didn’t have enough respirators or protective gear. Nurses like my wife, Lynnda, had to make their own masks. We were importing everything—even hand sanitizer.
Americans were shocked. Radio shows and news outlets started asking: Why don’t we make these things here anymore? People were angry. They wanted U.S. manufacturing back.
Fast forward to today—2024. Despite the lessons from the pandemic, we still import over $41 billion in medical supplies, mostly from China. That’s risky. Remember the boat that got stuck in the Suez Canal? Or port worker strikes? All these things delay goods and drive up prices.
Some businesses learned their lesson. One friend cut ties with his Chinese supplier and found a cheaper, local solution. It wasn’t just about cost—it was about control and stability.
Tariffs are another hot topic. Critics say tariffs raise prices, especially for cars. But smart manufacturers who adapted after COVID-19 are prepared. They’ve changed how they operate and created an advantage by producing things locally.
That’s what’s happening in the Shale Crescent USA region. Groups like JobsOhio, Team PA, and the West Virginia Development Office are attracting new industries and building strong, local supply chains. We’re talking about new jobs and essential products being made in places like Columbus, Bryan, Ashland, Clarksburg, and Morgantown.
Just a few examples:
- Ohio is making masks, respirators, hand sanitizer, and nitrile gloves using local raw materials.
- Pennsylvania is producing respiratory gear.
- West Virginia is manufacturing biohazard bags and diabetic equipment.
- Intel is building a microchip facility in Columbus, with all suppliers within a 500-mile radius.
These companies aren’t afraid of tariffs. They’re winning by making things in America, with American energy and materials. And they’re creating jobs while securing our healthcare future.
Foreign companies are noticing, too. At SELECTUSA, Shale Crescent talked to companies from France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. They’re planning to open U.S. factories—not just to avoid tariffs, but to access America’s growing market and affordable energy. One executive said, “Avoiding tariffs by manufacturing in the U.S. is the icing on the cake.”
Some still doubt that the U.S. can bring manufacturing back. But successful companies have already shown it’s possible. They stopped making excuses. They found a way. They changed—and that’s why they’re thriving.
Change isn’t easy. Whether it’s about personal health, community safety, or the strength of our economy, success depends on action. If we’ve learned anything from storms and pandemics, it’s this: waiting for disaster isn’t an option. When we change with purpose and courage, we don’t just survive—we thrive.
