A New Agenda to Power America’s Essential Economy
It's time to boost the productivity of the 3 million businesses that build, move and maintain our economy.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
We are honored to be invited to Ford Pro Accelerate, the inaugural summit on the Essential Economy.
All Within My Hands knows that sustainable change happens when we work together. So it is incredible to see Ford Motor Company President & CEO Jim Farley leading the charge to highlight the importance of investing in skilled tradespeople.
“I believe we’re on the cusp of an enormous Essential Economy growth cycle – but only if we pursue smart policies and make bold investments to unleash it.”
Jim Farley, President & CEO
Ford Motor Company
The September 30 summit will focus on key industries like agriculture, construction, energy, and transportation. Leaders across sectors including representatives from AT&T, FedEx, Penske Corp, Union Pacific Railroad, Siemens, Construct Capital, Pearl Edison, U-Haul, Sonoma Wine Growers, SiriusXM, Cintas, and more are scheduled to join Ford’s leadership alongside local public officials Gretchen Whitmer (Governor of Michigan, Mike Duggan (Mayor of Detroit, MI), Sharetta Smith (Mayor of Lima, OH), David Livingston (Mayor of Haywood County, TN), and Abdullah H. Hammoud (Mayor, City of Dearborn).
“If productivity in the Essential Economy had kept pace with its growth over 20 years prior, US GDP would be 10 percent higher today.”
Aspen Institute Report
Two familiar AWMH collaborators are also included: Linda Hubbard, President & COO of Carhartt, who is leading the “New Workforce Blueprint: Scaling Skills, Driving Productivity” workshop, and Mike Rowe of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, who is participating in the conference’s keynote.
We are thrilled to be joining such a powerful room of people who share our goals and vision for tomorrow’s workforce, and we can’t wait to share highlights with you!
