Atlanta Firm Seeks to Certify Goods ‘America First’

An Atlanta firm has launched a new certification program to rate American companies on how they hire, buy, and source American. Those that meet certain requirements will be able to label their products and services “America First.”

Charlie Bross, America First Certification’s founder and principal, has over twenty years experience certifying human resources employees, was inspired to launch the program based on feedback from his non-partisan political discussion site, allaboutpolitics.com, where polls showed users overwhelmingly supported President Donald Trump’s “buy American, hire American” message. “The new site, AmericafirstCertification.com, grew out of being on and developing … the All About Politics site,” Bross told Breitbart News.

In a press release accompanying the launch, Bross said:

Until now, patriotic American businesses had no way of letting their customers know that they were buying and hiring American, and adding value to the U.S. economy and local communities. This third-party certification program is a credible way to show that commitment and belief in America.

The Federal Trade Commission already labels products as being “Made in U.S.A.,” but this new program aims to sell companies a way to verify more than mere point of manufacture. Manufacturers and other businesses applying for the certification will be rated on five criteria, according to the press release:

• People: What percentage of employees are American?
• Products: Are products or services made, assembled, or provided in America?
• Places: Are offices, plants, and other facilities located in America?
• Sourcing: Are parts, materials, and services sourced from other American businesses?
• Taxation: Are federal, state, property, and other taxes paid to America?

Applicants are graded on a scale of 1-100 points, with the most weight going to the hiring of Americans. Firms garnering 70 or more points will be eligible for the “Bronze” level certification, with the Silver, Gold, and Platinum certifications requiring 80, 90, and 100 points respectively. Enrollment fees vary by the number of employees and start at $395 per year. Members will be able use the “America First” sticker on their products and incorporate the logo into their advertising and websites.

Bross hopes to work both directly with American companies and through sales affiliate programs. Describing his pitch to affiliate organizations, he said, “Look, this would be a nice member benefit. If your members are buying American, hiring American and sourcing America, let’s get them an advantage.” This July, his firm hopes to launch a directory of certified firms to encourage “America First” companies to work together.

Bross anticipated his program will add hundreds of companies to its rolls over the next few months.