ELGIN, IL - Congresswoman Melissa Bean (D-IL), who represents the 8th District of Illinois, toured the facilities of leading street sweeper manufacturer Elgin Sweeper on Aug. 6. The congresswoman's visit was sparked by the continued efforts of Elgin Sweeper in providing innovative cleaning solutions and a full line of environmental maintenance sweepers. Currently serving her second term, Bean has taken an active role in environmental legislation, including the Green Innovation Initiative, which promotes economic growth, energy preservation and environmental protection.

During the visit to Elgin Sweeper, Bean toured the manufacturing plant and viewed the assembly of the company's street sweepers, commenting that it brought back childhood memories of spending time with her father, who owned a company that manufactured conveyor belts in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge. Before entering Congress, Bean held sales management positions at leading technology companies. Throughout the tour, Congresswoman Bean met with Elgin Sweeper employees and asked questions about their jobs and their duties at the company.

After touring and learning about Elgin Sweeper's history, Bean spoke directly to the employees in a spontaneous town hall-style setting. The congresswoman fielded questions on a number of subjects, from the rising cost of fuel and the state of the economy, to the upcoming presidential election. She also expressed concerns that young adults are showing less interest in particular skills and trades, such as welding, and said more needs to be done to get the next generation of workers interested in those skills in order to support local manufacturing.

Bean complimented Elgin Sweeper's success domestically and internationally and applauded the company's 94-year history.