On May 11, 2011, Mike Rowe — yay, Mike! — testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation about "Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy."
Mike and Discovery Communications also announced a new multimedia initiative, Discover Your Skills, that will provide unemployed and underemployed Americans with access to resources for obtaining marketable job skills while also raising the awareness of employment opportunities.
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Joining Mike Rowe as witnesses were Leo W. Gerard, International President, The United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union (United Steelworkers), and Dr. Stephanie Burns, Chairman, Dow Corning Corporation.
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Have you ever seen Mike Rowe wearing a suit and tie before?
Us either.
But doesn't he look awesome?
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Our favorite quote: "As the host of a TV show about hard work, people often assume I speak for tradesmen and skilled workers. In reality, I don't. I can only speak for myself and anyone else who shares my addiction to paved roads, reliable bridges, heating, air conditioning, and indoor plumbing.
"The tradesmen I know don't need a spokesman. It's the rest of us who need to worry. Because a civilization without skilled labor is not a civilization at all."
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Mike Rowe with committee chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV post-hearing. (You didn't know Mike was wearing jeans, did you?)
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Mike makes a point to Senator Rockefeller.
Incidentally, Mike's proud parents attended the hearing, along with various Discovery Channel colleagues.
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At dinner the night before the hearing, Mike asked his Discovery Channel colleagues, "Is someone bringing me a tie tomorrow?"
The answer: Yes, and apparently, a great choice of tie.
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As he mentioned during the hearing, Senator Rockefeller's wife loves Dirty Jobs. And now her husband understands why.
Incidentally, if you haven't already, check out Mike's mikeroweWORKS Web site for his mission statement, information about his foundation and more.
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