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Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Visits Fresh-Cut Flower Farm in Colombia to Discuss Exports, Job Creation and the Pending Free Trade Agreement with Colombia
Medellin, Colombia (Nov. 19)—During the final stop on a three-day visit to Colombia, Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez brought the bipartisan delegation to a fresh-cut flower farm on the outskirts of Medellin. The fresh-cut flower industry in Colombia has emerged as a sustainable alternative to drug crop production, creating jobs and industry in Colombia and an estimated 230,000 U.S. jobs, according to the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters. (More)
Bipartisan Congressional Delegation Sees Progress in Colombia
Medellin, Colombia (Nov. 19)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez concluded his third bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation visit to Colombia in recent months to highlight the significant progress that the country has made toward increased economic prosperity and strong democratic governance. He also highlighted growing export opportunities for U.S. companies. Earlier during the visit, the Secretary and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe (right of the Secretary) met with members of the delegation and local officials at an open-air town hall meeting in Perimetral, an area the government is helping to revitalize. (More)
Gutierrez Applauds Record Summer for International Visitation and Spending
Medellin, Colombia (Nov. 19)—The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that the summer of 2007 was a record-breaking season for international travel to the United States, with total international visitation and visitor spending surpassing previous records. Gutierrez is in Colombia leading a Congressional delegation to see the social and economic progress being made and to discuss the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. “These robust summer travel numbers highlight the vitality of the American travel industry. Travel and tourism produces a healthy trade surplus for the industry, strengthens the economy, and expands job growth,” said Gutierrez. (More) (Fact Sheet)
Gutierrez Leads His Third Congressional Delegation to See First-Hand the Progress and Opportunity in Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia (Nov. 17)—Secretary Gutierrez led his third Congressional delegation to Colombia this fall, where Members of Congress met with Colombian military forces supported by Plan Colombia, a U.S.-supported effort to fight narco-terrorism. Pictured from left to right: Rep. Watt (D-NC), Rep. Chandler (D-KY), U.S. Ambassador to Colombia Brownfield, Rep. Conaway (R-TX), Rep. Tubbs Jones (D-OH), Secretary Gutierrez, Rep. Clarke (D-NY), Colombian Minister of Trade Plata, Sen. Smith (R-OR), Rep. Meeks (D-NY), Rep. Salazar (D-CO) and Rep. Herger (R-CA). (More)
Patent and Trademark 2007 Fiscal Year-End Results Demonstrate Trend of Improved Patent and Trademark Quality
Alexandria, Va. (Nov. 15)—The U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) released record breaking year-end numbers that reveal historic improvement in the quality of patent and trademark reviews and subsequently the quality of issued patents and registered trademarks. The quality numbers are part of the agency’s FY 2007 Performance and Accountability Report. "The sustained trend of quality improvements are a tribute to the internal quality initiatives of our managers and employees," said USPTO Director Jon Dudas. (More)
NOAA Issues Final Winter Weather Outlook for 2007-2008 Season
Washington (Nov. 15)—In the final forecast update to the U.S. winter outlook, the Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center forecasters remain confident in predicting above average temperatures for much of the country – including southern sections of the Northeast – and below normal precipitation for the southern tier of the nation. Above average precipitation is still anticipated for the Pacific Northwest, and in the Great Lakes and Tennessee Valley. (More)
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Gutierrez: U.S. Welcomes and Encourages Foreign Investment
Washington (Nov. 13)—At the annual dinner of the Organization for International Investment, Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez acknowledged the critical role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in our economy. The United States attracted $175 billion in FDI last year—more than any other country. The Secretary also released a report by the Commerce Department aimed at furthering America’s economic competitiveness by facilitating international travel. (Remarks) (Report)
Commerce’s EDA Presents $1.5 Million Investment to Tennessee
Rutledge, Tenn. (Nov. 13)—U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Sandy K. Baruah (far left) presented a $1.5 million EDA investment check to Grainger County, Tenn. The investment will help expand the East Grainger County Regional Wastewater System to support industrial and commercial growth and development. The investment is expected to create 395 jobs and generate $83.2 million in private investment. (More)
Gutierrez Encourages Expansion of Trade with Afghanistan to Create Jobs and Grow Opportunities in Both Countries
Washington (Nov. 13)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez addressed the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce at their third business matchmaking conference. The Secretary highlighted the growing commercial relationship between our two nations and the opportunities that exist for increased trade and commerce. In 2006, bilateral trade was up 40 percent over 2005 to $463 million. The Secretary encouraged further growth saying, “Trade and investment builds businesses and creates jobs and opportunities in the countries of both partners.” (Remarks)
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Secretary Gutierrez to Bring Fourth Administration Led Congressional Delegation to Colombia
Washington (Nov. 13)—Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez announced today he will bring a fourth Administration led U.S. Congressional delegation to Colombia, Nov 17-19 to continue the push to advance the U.S.-Colombia trade deal by showing Members of Congress the remarkable transformation taking place in Colombia. “Congress has already given Colombian exporters free access to the U.S. market. With this trade agreement, Congress can give U.S. farmers, workers and businesses similar access to the Colombian market,” said Gutierrez. (More)