Secretary's Speech

Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez
Remarks at Former Secretary of Commerce Donald L. Evans Portrait Unveiling
Washington, D.C.

Good evening. Welcome to the Department of Commerce. Thank you for being with us on this special occasion. I’d like to welcome the Evans family, former Secretary Donald L. Evans and his wife, Susie, and their daughter and her husband, Lisa and Shan Moon.

I’d also like to recognize a few of our distinguished guests:

• Mrs. Laura Bush
• Secretary of Energy, Samuel Bodman
• White House Chief of Staff, The Honorable Josh Bolten
• Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
• Senator and Mrs. Judd Gregg
• Mrs. Ted Stevens
• Deputy Secretary John Sullivan
• Ambassador Nancy Brinker
• Former Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld
• Former Secretary of Commerce and Mrs. Robert Mosbacher
• Former Secretary of Commerce, Barbara Franklin
• Former Secretary of the Navy, Will Ball

Distinguished guests, friends of Don Evans, thank you all for being here.

In the private sector people used to say that a new leader should never follow a star. I’ve learned in the past three and a half years that this is just another myth. I’ve been most fortunate to follow Don Evans as Secretary of Commerce.

Don is liked and respected all around the world. As his successor I soon realized that people were willing to give me the benefit of the doubt, readily extending feelings of esteem and warmth to the “new team.”

It’s as if business and government leaders were saying: “If you are associated with Don Evans then you too are probably a good guy. If you are a friend of Don Evans, then you are our friend as well.”

Following Don has allowed me to build on his accomplishments. For example, Don worked passionately… intensely to pass Trade Promotion Authority in 2002. That enabled the signing and passage of important agreements such as DR-CAFTA.

In fact, President Bush has signed implementing legislation for eight FTAs since then, more than any other Administration.

Our country’s trade surplus with FTA countries passed during this administration has gone from $3.8 billion in 2000, to $21.0 billion in 2007, proving that FTAs benefit our country.

Importantly, Don Evans showed the world the very best of our country. He stressed results while building lasting relationships. He focused on business while demonstrating our country’s compassion and desire to help those who are less fortunate.

On Don’s portrait there are papers on his table displaying Mandarin and Braille characters. These are depictions of letters he received from two young, blind boys in a small village outside of Xi’an, China.

Don befriended these young men on one of his trips and still has frequent communications with them. Senior Chinese officials from President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice Premier Wu Yi still talk about this incredible display of humanity.

The portrait which will be unveiled today will serve as a lasting reminder to future Secretaries of Commerce and other officials of the example set by this remarkable man.

I am fortunate to have followed Don Evans. And I am proud to be here to honor the 34^th Secretary of Commerce, a good friend, and a great American.

It is now my honor to present Secretary Evans with the Department’s highest honor, the Redfield Award, named after the first Secretary of Commerce, William Redfield. This award is given for outstanding performance, leadership, distinguished public service and a tireless dedication to serving the American people.

The text of Don’s award reads as follows:

Donald L. Evans served President George W. Bush and the American people as U.S. Secretary of Commerce from 2001 to 2005 with great distinction, honor and dedication during a critical time in our nation’s history.

He was a key member of the President’s economic team, a trusted advisor on trade, energy and economic policy, and a proud advocate for the American values of free markets, opportunity, corporate responsibility and entrepreneurship.

Secretary Evans successfully led efforts to win Congressional support for Trade Promotion Authority. This opened the way for the President to conclude trade agreements that continue to expand opportunities in global markets for U.S. businesses and workers, contributing to America’s economic growth and prosperity.

To promote commercial partnerships and enhance America’s global ties, Secretary Evans built critical relationships with leaders around the world, particularly in China and Russia. He also played a key role in securing Congressional approval of the President’s jobs and growth package in 2003.

Secretary Evans’ principled and decisive leadership of the U.S. Department of Commerce strengthened our nation’s welfare and security through advances in international trade, statistical analysis, technology, telecommunications, export licensing, patent and trademark, minority business and environmental programs and policies.

A patriot with a strong belief in public service, the “can-do American spirit,” and the triumph of freedom, Secretary Evans leaves a legacy of achievement for generations to come.

Don, if you’ll come forward to receive your Redfield Award.

And now, for the portrait unveiling.