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Secretary Highlights Importance of Pro-Growth Economic Policies at NALEO Conference
Washington (June 27)—Speaking to the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez noted that, in spite of the unprecedented challenges faced by our nation over the last seven years, our economy has grown by 20 percent in real terms, and spoke of the need to meet the latest challenge—high prices at the gas pump—by expanding domestic oil production.
New High-Tech Research Ship to Serve NOAA’s Flower Garden Banks Sanctuary
Galveston, Texas (June 27)—Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) christened a new, state-of-the-art research vessel that will enhance the study and protection of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico. “This technologically advanced research vessel is a vital addition to our fleet,” said Daniel J. Basta, director of NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “The Manta will open new windows onto the marine life and habitats of the Flower Garden Banks sanctuary while helping us protect this special place for future generations.” (More)
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Statement by Secretary Gutierrez on Revised First Quarter GDP
Washington (June 26)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement on the final first quarter real gross domestic product (GDP), which showed that the American economy grew at a rate of 1.0 percent in the first quarter of 2008. “The latest revision of the first quarter gross domestic product report shows that our economy is still growing slower than we would like. The President’s bipartisan economic stimulus plan is taking effect and more than 85 million checks have already been sent out to American families and consumers.” (More)
Commerce Deputy Secretary Brings American Companies to Northern Iraq
Washington (June 26)—U.S. Commerce Deputy Secretary John J. Sullivan led the first official U.S. government business development mission of nine American companies to Northern Iraq, June 22-25. This mission is a strong indication that the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is open for business and that American firms are increasingly interested in trading with and investing in this region. “It’s clear that Kurdistan is a place that is changing, growing and looking towards the future,” said Sullivan. (More)
NIST Sets Standards for Energy-Conserving LED Lighting
Gaithersburg, Md. (June 26)—Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in cooperation with national standards organizations, have taken the lead in developing the first two standards for solid-state lighting in the United States. This new generation lighting technology uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of incandescent filaments or fluorescent tubes to produce illumination that cuts energy consumption significantly. (More)
Under Secretary Padilla Hosts Boeing and Bangladesh Airlines Contract Signing
Washington (June 25)—Under Secretary for International Trade Christopher A. Padilla (pictured fourth from right) hosted a contract signing ceremony between the Boeing Company and Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Limited. The contract for the purchase of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft, plus purchase rights for two additional 737s, is valued at more than $320 million, with $288 million in U.S. export content. “This signing highlights the important trade relationship between the United States and Bangladesh and is a positive step toward a stronger commercial relationship,” said Padilla. (More)
Secretary Gutierrez Witnesses Contract Signings Between U.S. and Vietnamese Companies
Washington (June 24)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung presided over the signing of contracts and other agreements that represent expanded access for U.S. companies to Vietnam’s growing market. These commercial agreements highlight the strengthening economic relationship between the United States and Vietnam. The new deals support jobs in the United States and further increase U.S. exports to Vietnam, which grew almost 73 percent in 2007 and more than 133 percent year to date April 2008. (More)
Gutierrez Announces Commerce Science and Technology Fellows
Washington (June 24)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced that 17 individuals have been selected to participate in the Commerce Science and Technology Fellowship (ComSci) Program, a 10-month policy study and leadership program that is open to career senior federal employees from any government agency. “The insights that ComSci Fellows pass on have and will continue to ensure that the technical and scientific leadership of the United States will endure,” said Gutierrez. (More)
EDA Presents $1 Million Investment to Arkansas
North Little Rock, Ark. (June 23)—Economic and Development Administration (EDA) Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Patty Sheetz (second from right) and U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (second from left) presented a $1 million EDA investment check to the city of North Little Rock and Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock, Ark. The investment will help build an aviation technology facility that will train workers to compete for higher-skill, higher-wage jobs in the aviation sector. (More)
Secretary Gutierrez Welcomes First Chinese Leisure Tour Group to the United States
Washington (June 19)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today will welcome the inaugural Chinese leisure tour group of more than 200 Chinese visitors to the United States as result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by both countries at the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in December of 2007. The MOU will boost the U.S. travel and tourism industry, an engine of economic growth in the United States. (More)