Press Release

Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Tours Indiana Companies to Highlight Economy and America’s Growing Export Culture

COLUMBUS, IND.—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today visited Indiana to discuss the importance of passing the President’s economic stimulus package, as well as pending free trade agreements to create jobs and boost our economy. Gutierrez toured the facilities of Clabber Girl Corporation and Cummins, Inc. to highlight how exports and international trade have benefited Indiana’s economy, companies and workers.

Gutierrez commented on the January Employment Report, which was released earlier in the day showing that the unemployment rate dipped to 4.9 percent, remaining below the averages for the past three decades, but employment decreased by 17,000 jobs. “Indiana companies like Clabber Girl and Cummins contributed to our economy’s nearly one million jobs created over the past 12 months,” said Gutierrez. “It is clear our economy is facing strong headwinds, which is why the Senate must act quickly to pass President Bush’s economic stimulus package to boost our economy and create jobs.”

Terre Haute Visit
In Terre Haute, Secretary Gutierrez visited Clabber Girl Corporation’s headquarters where he toured the main facility, which is more than a century old and houses a restaurant, general store and a museum, in addition to touring the company’s newly renovated and expanded manufacturing plant. Gutierrez applauded the company for creating new jobs in Indiana and for efforts to export its baking powder and other products to markets from Belize to Saudi Arabia. He noted that passage of free trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea would create more export opportunities for companies like Clabber Girl.

“Trade continues to add to our economic growth,” said Gutierrez. “In 2007, it accounted for a full quarter of our economic growth, but there is always room for improvement. Opening global markets will help grow American brands like Clabber Girl and Cummins, and keep our economy strong.”

Columbus Visit
In Columbus, the Secretary visited Cummins, Inc.’s Fuel Systems Plant, which employs nearly 1,000 Indianans. Gutierrez discussed the company’s recent job creation, including the announcement of 500 new professional jobs and the positive impact these high tech jobs have on the Columbus economy. Cummins engines, fuel systems and high-tech products can be found in more than 160 countries, demonstrating the global reach of U.S. advanced manufacturing.

Background:
Bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) are one of the best ways to open up foreign markets to U.S. exporters. Today the United States has implemented FTAs with 14 countries. In 2006, trade with countries with which the United States has FTAs was significantly greater than their relative share of the global economy. Although comprising 7.5 percent of global GDP, not including the United States, those FTA countries accounted for more than 42 percent of U.S. exports.

In December, 2007, President Bush signed the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. Currently, there are FTAs with Colombia, Panama and South Korea pending before congress. These agreements would level the playing field for U.S. workers, businesses and agriculture. The FTAs will give U.S. businesses duty-free access to growing markets with a combined population of more than 100 million consumers and GDP of more than $1 trillion. Between 2002 and 2006, U.S. exports to Peru, Colombia, Panama and South Korea increased by more than 50 percent, with exports reaching $2.9, $6.7, $2.7, and $32.4 billion, respectively, in 2006.

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