Top News
President Bush Honors Colombian Independence Day, Highlights Shared Democratic Values and the Need to Pass Free Trade Agreements
Washington (July 22)—In remarks at the White House in observance of Colombia’s 199th anniversary of independence, President George W. Bush highlighted the strong historical bonds of freedom and democracy shared by our two nations. He also called upon the U.S. Congress to quickly approve the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement as a crucial national security priority, in addition to making good economic sense, as well as pending trade agreements with Panama and Korea. (Remarks) (Fact Sheet)
Under Secretary Mancuso Addresses the Challenges of Iran
Washington (July 22)—Commerce Under Secretary for Industry and Security Mario Mancuso delivers the keynote address at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. In his remarks, Mancuso underscored the threats posed by Iran, BIS’s role in addressing these threats, and export control policies related to Iran. (More)
NOAA’s National Hurricane Center: Dolly Nearing Hurricane Strength
Washington (July 22)—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center is tracking Hurricane Dolly off the coast of south Texas. A hurricane warning is now in effect for the coast of Texas from Brownsville to Corpus Christi and for the northeast coast of Mexico from Rio San Fernando northward to the border between Mexico and the United States. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion. (Advisory) (Hurricane Preparedness)
Gutierrez Tours the Port of Savannah to Highlight Pending Free Trade Agreements and American Export Growth
Savannah, Ga. (July 21)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today visited the Georgia Ports Authority to tour the port and highlight its role in transporting American goods for export. “Booming exports underscore the strength of American workers and American companies in the world marketplace,” said Secretary Gutierrez. “Exports continue to support American jobs and stimulate our economy in communities across the country.” The Secretary also authored an opinion editorial on trade and the need to pass pending free trade agreements in the Savannah Morning News. (Opinion Editorial)
Commerce’s EDA Presents Excellence Award in Florida
Marianna, Fla. (July 21)—Economic Development Administration (EDA) Director of Public Affairs Kelly O’Brien and Representative F. Allen Boyd, Jr. (D-Fla.) present the 2008 EDA Excellence in Economic Development Award Excellence in Rural Economic Development to Jackson County Development Council, Inc. for Green Circle BioEnergy, Inc.’s Pellet Plant Project in Marianna. Pictured (L-R) are Chuck Lockey, Chairman, Jackson County Board of County Commission; Kelly O'Brien, Director of Public Affairs, U.S. Economic Development Administration; Congressman Allen Boyd (D-Fla.); and James Elmore, Mayor of Cottondale, Fla. (More)
Gutierrez on Colombia’s Independence Day: The Time to Vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement is Now
Washington (July 20)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement on the occasion of Colombia’s Independence Day with a call to Congress to schedule a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement: “Freedom and democracy go hand in hand. As our nation celebrates with our Colombian friends and allies on their independence day, we reflect on the remarkable progress that they have made toward stability, social justice and peace. These are developments that all Americans should be proud to support. When Colombia is strong, secure and prosperous, so is the Western Hemisphere.” (More)
EDA Assistant Secretary Baruah Presents Excellence Award in Minnesota
Duluth, Minn. (July 18)—Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Sandy K. Baruah and Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Representative James Oberstar (D-Minn.) present the 2008 EDA Excellence in Economic Development Award to the City of Duluth Economic Development Authority. Pictured (L-R) are Rep. Oberstar, Roger Reinhert, President, Duluth City Council; Assistant Secretary Baruah; and Tom Cotruvo, Executive Director, Duluth Economic Development Augthority. (More)
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USPTO Director Among Managing Intellectual Property Magazine’s “Top 50”
Alexandria, Va. (July 18)—Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Jon Dudas has been named among the “Top 50 Most Influential People in IP” by Managing Intellectual Property magazine. The list is compiled annually, and the 2008 list includes government officials, legislators, judges, industry leaders and others who helped shape intellectual property policy during the previous year. (More)
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Gutierrez Praises LULAC Support for Colombia FTA
Washington (July 17)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez issued the following statement praising the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) for calling on Congress to schedule a vote on the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement: “I congratulate the leadership and membership of LULAC for recognizing the significance of the U.S.-Colombia FTA. Colombia is a staunch defender of democracy, and an important American ally and friend. As one of the nation’s leading Hispanic organizations, LULAC has sent an important signal that this agreement is right for Americans and right for Colombians. (Release)
77 U.S. Cities Boast Billion Dollar Export Markets
Detroit (July 14)—The U.S. Commerce Department today announced new data that shows through the first half of 2007, 77 metropolitan areas across the nation recorded U.S. product sales of $1 billion or more to markets around the world, illustrating the economic value of open markets. “Booming exports underscore the strength of American workers and American companies in the world marketplace,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez said. The Secretary, who is in Detroit, also authored an opinion editorial in today’s Detroit News and spoke at the Detroit Economic Club. (Release) (Opinion Editorial) (Remarks)