Schott North America Inc. met with congressional leaders early last week to discuss the importance of the optics industry to the US and ways in which Congress can spur job creation in the industry and support its critical high-technology manufacturing and growth. This is Schott’s second year of involvement with SPIE, which hosts the annual “Congressional Visits Day.” Approximately 250 individuals representing the interests of more than 2 million US scientists and engineers, met with Capitol Hill leaders to raise awareness of and support for science, engineering and technology at the federal level. “Schott’s defense solutions are increasing the capabilities and protection of the lives of US servicemen and -women around the world,” said Jim Stein, vice president of government relations at Schott. “In this ever-changing fiscal environment, making the right investments in technologies that provide the best long-term value for our men and women in uniform is critical as our nation prepares for the military of the future.” Schott manufactures specialty glass, materials and advanced technologies for the optics, solar power, pharmaceutical, defense and electronics markets. For more information, visit: www.us.schott.com