Presidential Award Recognizes American Export Excellence
Washington (May 20)—President George W. Bush and Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez at the White House recognized 19 American organizations with ‘E’ and ‘E-Star’ Awards for their outstanding commitment to strengthening America’s global competitiveness. These organizations have helped with the creation of jobs and opportunities for American workers and families by expanding their export success. “These award recipients are helping to keep America competitive in the global marketplace,” said Gutierrez. (More)
NIST Celebrates World Metrology Day
Gaithersburg, Md. (May 20)—The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) joins the world in celebrating Metrology Day, marking the 133rd anniversary of the signing of the Meter Convention, an international treaty on metric standards. As part of the day's festivities, NIST will host a symposium, "Metrology for the Olympic Games," which will feature speakers discussing this year’s theme—the importance of measurements in sports. (More)
NOAA Model Projects Fewer, But More Intense Hurricanes Late This Century
Washington (May 19)—A new model simulation of Atlantic hurricane activity for the last two decades of this century projects fewer hurricanes overall, but a slight increase in intensity for hurricanes that do occur. Hurricanes are also projected to have more intense rainfall, on average, in the future. The findings are reported in a study by scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. (More)
Gutierrez Discusses Economy and Innovation at Cable Industry Show
New Orleans (May 19)—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez gave the keynote address at the National Cable and Telecommunication Association’s (NCTA) The Cable Show ’08, discussing the U.S. economy and innovation as a key economic driver. “Innovation keeps our nation on the leading edge, creating economic growth, high-paying jobs and an ever-expanding array of new products and services,” he said. He also laid out the core principles of the Bush Administration’s network management polices. (Remarks)
Gutierrez Calls on 2008 Graduates to be “International Citizens,” Encouraging Openness and Engagement
Washington (May 17)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez delivered the commencement address at the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business undergraduate graduation. He said, “To the Class of 2008, I wish you well. I call on you to be great leaders, to be international citizens, to encourage openness and engagement, to cry out against injustice wherever you find it and to find a set of principles that will guide you as you transform the world.” (Remarks)
EDA Presents $3.2 Million Investment to California
Corcoran, Calif. (May 16)—Economic and Development Administration (EDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary for External Affairs and Communications Matt Crow (far right) and U.S. Representative Jim Costa (far left) presented a $3.2 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) investment to the Corcoran Joint Unified School District and city of Corcoran, Calif. The investment will help build the Technology Learning Center adjacent to Corcoran High School and is expected to create 750 jobs within six years and generate more than $62 million in private investment. (More)
Gutierrez Greets U.S. Soldiers at DMZ; Meets with Korean Counterparts to Discuss FTA
South Korea (May 16)—U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez visited the Demilitarized Zone in between North and South Korea, taking time to meet with American armed forces stationed there. He visited the DMZ after giving keynote remarks to Korean business leaders in Seoul and conducting bilateral meetings with Korean leaders to discuss the pending free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea. (Keynote Remarks)
Gutierrez Statement on Senate Vote Overturning FCC Rule on Broadcast Media Ownership
Seoul, South Korea (May 15)—While traveling in Korea, Commerce Secretary Gutierrez issued the following statement regarding the Senate’s vote on S.J. Resolution 28, legislation that will overturn the FCC rule on broadcast media ownership. “I am disappointed with the Senate’s action overturning the FCC rule allowing cross ownership of newspapers and broadcast stations in the nation’s top 20 media markets. The FCC’s approach modernizes a 30-year-old rule in a way that improves the financial viability of the newspaper industry, which faces an increasingly competitive media market.” (More)
Chinese Group Leisure Travel to the United States to Begin in June 2008
Beijing (May 15)—The China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that starting on June 17, 2008, Chinese leisure travelers may travel to the United States in group tours under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by both countries. CNTA Chairman Shao Qiwei will lead the inaugural Chinese tour group on June 17 to Washington, D.C. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez said, “This MOU opens China’s growing market to U.S. travel and tourism industries. Now, more Chinese visitors can experience America’s hospitality, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.” (More)
Under Secretary Mancuso Addresses Export and Technology Strategies to Enhance National Security
Washington (May 15)—Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Mario Mancuso delivered the keynote address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Mancuso highlighted how changes in the economic and political landscape compel the United States to develop new strategies and utilize new instruments to enhance our national security. (Remarks)