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Statement by Secretary Gutierrez on Second Quarter GDP
Washington (July 31)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the preliminary second quarter real gross domestic product (GDP), which showed that the U.S. economy grew at a rate of 1.9 percent in the second quarter of 2008: “Second quarter growth was twice the rate of the first quarter despite economic headwinds. Today’s report demonstrates that the stimulus was the right plan at the right time—and that it’s working.We are seeing signs that consumers are spending their money in ways that make sense for them.” (More)
Secretaries Gutierrez and Bodman Unveil Portrait of 34th Secretary of Commerce, Evans
Washington (July 30)—In a ceremony at the Department of Commerce, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez and U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman joined former Commerce Secretary Donald L. Evans to unveil a portrait that will hang in his honor at the Department. Evans served the country for four years and was honored with a Redfield Award, the Department’s highest honor. (More) (Remarks)
Under Secretary Mancuso Addresses Role of BIS in National Security, Trade and Prosperity
Washington (July 30)—Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Under Secretary Mario Mancuso delivered the keynote address at an event hosted by the Washington International Trade Association. Under Secretary Mancuso addressed how export controls advance national security, trade and prosperity and underscored the responsibilities, priorities, and goals of BIS for the remainder of the administration (More)
Secretary Gutierrez Meets with Pakistani Commerce Minister
Washington (July 29)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez met with Pakistani Commerce Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar during his visit to Washington. The two discussed Reconstruction Opportunity Zones legislation and other aspects of the U.S.-Pakistan bilateral commercial relationship.
NOAA Announces Offshore Aquaculture Would Benefit U.S. Economy
Washington (July 29)—Aquaculture shows significant economic potential and good prospects for success in the United States, according to a new report commissioned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The report’s authors call for clear rules to be enacted to guide the development of an offshore aquaculture industry. “We must make a commitment to the health of our citizens and our economy through safe, sustainable aquaculture,” said retired Navy Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. (More)
Commerce Official Kicks-Off National Sustainable Manufacturing Tours
St. Louis (July 28)—U.S. Commerce Assistant Secretary William G. Sutton leads the first Sustainable Manufacturing American Regional Tour (SMART) at Sunnen Products Company.“The United States is a global leader in sustainable manufacturing, improving our competitiveness in the global market,” said Sutton. “The SMART project seeks to showcase ways U.S. manufacturers can attract new clients and customers, become good corporate citizens, and boost their bottom lines through sustainable production practices.” (More)
Gutierrez Announces TV Converter Box Coupon Redemption Data
Richfield, Minn. (July 28)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released national coupon redemption data for the TV Converter Box Coupon Program and announced Minneapolis/St. Paul is among the top five markets to redeem coupons. Gutierrez was joined by a representative of U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Best Buy Senior Vice President Mike Mohan in hosting an event to increase awareness of the digital television transition. Gutierrez also authored an opinion editorial in Sunday’s Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune, and moderated a panel on innovation at The University of Minnesota. (More) (Opinion Editorial)
NIST Nanoparticle Research Points to Energy Savings
Gaithersburg, Md. (July 25)—Adding just the right dash of nanoparticles to standard mixes of lubricants and refrigerants could yield the equivalent of an energy-saving chill pill for factories, hospitals, ships, and others with large cooling systems, suggest the latest results from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) research that is pursuing promising formulations. (More)
Gutierrez Calls on Congress to Pass FTAs at “America Wins with Trade” Bus Stop
Washington (July 24)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez today welcomed the Consumer Electronics Association’s “America Wins with Trade” bus to our nation’s capital. He highlighted export growth and the need for Congress to pass FTAs with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. “In 2007, our country exported a record of $1.6 trillion dollars,” Gutierrez said. “That’s 12 percent of our economy. Free trade agreements are good for jobs, are good for exports, are good for the economy, and there’s no excuse to not pass these agreements now.” (Video) (Remarks)
U.S. Manufacturing Exports Swing from Deficit to Surplus with Free Trade Agreement Countries
Washington (July 23)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez announced new data showing that the United States is running a trade surplus in manufactured exports with our 14 free trade agreement (FTA) partners. In the first five months of 2008, the trade balance in manufactured goods rose to a $2.7 billion surplus with our FTA partners from a $12.3 billion deficit during the same period last year. “These figures show that our FTAs are succeeding and that Americans benefit from open markets,” Gutierrez said. Gutierrez is pictured at the Manufacturing Council meeting in Washington. (More) (Remarks) (Video) (Fact Sheet)