Deputy Secretary's Speech

Deputy Commerce Secretary David A. Sampson
Westar Aerospace Groundbreaking
St. Charles, Missouri

Thank you, Rob (Topping, President & CEO, Westar) for that very kind introduction. I am honored to be here with so many distinguished community and state leaders. And I'm delighted to see key members from your team in Washington. I don't know what President Bush would do without them!!

Acknowledge:

• Senator Jim Talent, Congressman Kenny Hulshof and Congressman Todd Akin are the kind of leaders you want on your team.
• They are strong and vocal advocates for Missourians. They bring to the table a keen sense of what we need to keep our country and our economy strong. I'm talking about national policies that make sense.
• On the national security front: pursuing the war on terrorism and protecting the homeland.
• On the economic front: cutting taxes and federal spending. investing in technology and innovation, and in our schools. and creating jobs.

We have great news today on the American economy. The Labor Department reported this morning that in April, 138,000 new jobs were added to payrolls around the country. And the unemployment rate stood at 4.7 per cent.

Over 5 million jobs have been created since August 2003--over 80,000 of them right here in Missouri. And the economy is growing at a strong 4.8 percent annual rate. In fact, ours is the strongest industrial economy in the world.

In recent weeks I've been in Europe and Southeast Asia. And I'm always asked by the people I meet: How do you keep growing like that? We want in. How can we do more business with you?

Westar, as the largest defense contractor headquartered in the state, and the people of the St. Louis area, are a major part of this success story. Your willingness to invest, to take a risk, makes us more productive and creates more jobs and more opportunities.

And I can guarantee that President Bush will continue working to support you with tax relief, with incentives like the R&D tax credit, and opening new markets overseas.

I am especially impressed by how you are pulling together as a region. All you have to do is look at a map of the interstate to see how interconnected you have become.

The forces of globalization are here to stay. I see the impact everywhere I travel, both in the U.S. and abroad. And the best way to respond, the best way to protect and prepare for these forces, is to compete, as you are doing.

As this new building rises from the ground we are breaking today, the next time you drive by it think about what it symbolizes. Think of it as the new high-tech facility that it will be and what that means to the entire St. Louis region: new jobs, economic growth, prestige.

But also think of it as the latest sign that St. Louis is moving beyond its traditional reputation as the gateway to the American West. Indeed, you're becoming a gateway to the world.

So, congratulations to Westar as you begin this new chapter in your corporate history. I'm certain you'll be very happy in your new home. And I'm certain your new neighbors in St. Charles are very happy you're here.

Thank you very much.