In his first book, The Featherbone Principle: A Declaration of Interdependence, Gus Whalen describes how severe trade deficits in most major manufacturing segments have created an outflow of wealth from the U.S., how communities and the economy suffer as manufacturing declines, and how we as a nation now consume more wealth than we create – all of which are precursors to a “dangerous” economic crisis. The fear of anything “dangerous” can cause us to miss the powerful opportunity that follows any struggle. There will always be opportunity emerging from crisis. There will always be renewal if we open ourselves to the possibility! Understanding that, The Warren Featherbone Foundation first began to address the crisis in manufacturing through a major initiative called Manufacturing Appreciation Week, which now attracts thousands of people to its annual event and encourages and educates young people about the importance of manufacturing. Through that effort, many states across the nation have followed suit and the initiative continues to expand. More recently, the Foundation has supported the creation of a business and manufacturing incubator through Lanier Technical College. It is known as the Manufacturing Development Center, located at Featherbone Communiversity, and it serves as a model for communities across the U.S.