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NOAA Announces Specialized Wind Surface Instruments Fly Onboard Nation’s Hurricane Hunter Fleet
Washington (Feb. 29)—The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced America’s entire fleet of aircraft that fly through hurricanes for the first time now have instruments that measure surface winds, giving forecasters at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center a better view of the intensity and the size of these powerful storm systems. The instrument detects radiation that is naturally emitted from foam created on the sea by winds at the surface. (More)
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Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Fourth Quarter GDP
Mexico City (Feb. 28)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the fourth quarter real gross domestic product (GDP) report, which showed that the American economy grew at a rate of 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2007, unchanged from the previous estimate: “America’s economy continues to grow, though at a slower rate than we would like. The President’s economic stimulus plan will provide a needed boost by putting money into the hands of American consumers and providing incentives for businesses to invest.” (More)
Joint Statement by Ministers Responsible for the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America
Los Cabos, Mexico (Feb. 28)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez is pictured with U.S., Canadian and Mexican counterparts at the SPP Ministerial meetings in Mexico. The leaders issued the following statement: “In preparation for our leaders’ meeting in New Orleans on April 21-22, we, the ministers responsible for the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) met in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, to review progress on the five priorities identified by leaders in Montebello and to discuss cooperative approaches to common challenges and opportunities.” (Statement)
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NTIA Acting Assistant Secretary Baker Leads Public Meeting on Mid-Term Review of ICANN
Washington (Feb. 27)—Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Meredith Baker led a public meeting with interested stakeholders regarding the mid-term review of the Joint Project Agreement (JPA) between the Department and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). The public meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ICANN's progress in the continued transition towards private sector management of the domain name and numbering system (DNS). (More)
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Secretary Gutierrez to Lead Fourth Congressional Delegation to Colombia
Mexico City (Feb. 27)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced he will lead his fourth bipartisan Congressional delegation since September 2007 to Colombia. “During our visit, the bipartisan U.S. delegation will see firsthand the progress the Uribe Administration has made in labor rights, social justice and rule of law. Colombia’s government and people have remained diligent in their efforts to advance freedom and hope in their country,” Gutierrez said. The Secretary is pictured at a press conference with Members of Congress in Colombia last fall. (More)
Gutierrez and Czech Republic Prime Minister Call Attention to Human Rights Abuses in Cuba
Washington (Feb. 26)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and Czech Republic Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek met to discuss bilateral trade. Following the meeting they held a press conference to highlight the plight of the Cuban people, with whom the Czech people stand in solidarity as a nation that has made a successful transition from what Gutierrez called the “tyranny of communism” to democracy. Gutierrez is pictured giving Topolanek a bracelet imprinted with the Spanish word for change, “cambio,” which are worn in solidarity with the Cuban people. (Transcript) (Video)
NIST Hosts International Nanotechnology Workshop
Gaithersburg, Md. (Feb. 26)—The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is hosting the International Workshop on Documentary Standards for Measurement and Characterization in Nanotechnologies February 26-28. Leaders of international standards committees and measurement laboratories from around the world will exchange information to promote the emergence of high-quality, globally relevant international standards for nanotechnology. (More)
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Secretary Gutierrez to Discuss Improving North American Trade and Security During Visit to Mexico
Washington (Feb. 25)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez will travel to Mexico this week to speak at the U.S.-Mexico: Building Partnership in Infrastructure Conference, hosted by the U.S. Commerce Department and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency in Mexico City. He will also meet with his Mexican and Canadian counterparts at the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP) Ministerial in San Jose del Cabo Feb. 27-28. (More)
Gutierrez Underlines Importance of Free Trade Agreements to Expanding Our Exports and Strengthening Our Economy
Washington (Feb. 25)—In remarks to the 2008 National Potato Council Public Policy Conference, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez highlighted the importance of exports and opening new markets in order to promote America’s economic health. He specifically noted pending free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea as immediate opportunities for growth. (Remarks)
NOAA Launches Seafood Facts Web Site
Washington (Feb. 25)—The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a new Web site for American consumers seeking information about which seafood is sustainable, safe and healthy. Visitors to the site will learn about sustainable seafood and how to distinguish science-based fact from fiction. “The American public looks to their government for information they can rely on, and we’re proud to give them FishWatch,” said retired Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, NOAA administrator. (More)