Top News
Census Bureau Director Reaffirms Strong Commitment to Counting Native Americans in 2010 Census
Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 22)—Census Bureau Director Steve Murdock (pictured at podium) joined President of the National Congress of American Indians Joe Garcia (third from left) and its Executive Board in signing the Census Bureau's first American Indian and Alaska Native Policy. With the 2010 Census approaching, the policy reaffirms the Census Bureau’s strong commitment to working with American Indian and Alaska Natives through this government-to-government relationship. (More)
NTIA’s Baker Encourages Industry Engagement on Internet Security and Domain
Washington (Oct. 21)—Meredith Baker (right), Commerce’s Acting Assistant Secretary for Communication and Information, speaking before some of the nation’s leading high tech companies at the Digital Dialogue Forum, called on the private sector to comment on proposals to preserve the security and stability of the Internet’s Domain Name System (DNS), including the authoritative root zone. Emphasizing the importance of private sector leadership in DNS policymaking, Baker encouraged industry's ongoing active participation in other DNS issues. Assistant Secretary Baker was introduced by Marie Royce, Managing Director, Alcatel-Lucent (left.) (More)
Minority-Owned Businesses Face Critical Challenges in Accessing Capital
Washington (Oct. 21)—Today’s current economic crisis presents a heightened challenge to the more than 4.1 million minority-owned businesses, the fastest growing business sector of the U.S. economy. According to the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) reports, many minority entrepreneurs rely on short-term debt to finance their business—for example, revolving credit lines or business and personal credit cards. In the current economic environment, not only is it more difficult to receive loans and services from financial institutions, but the price of borrowing is too high. (More)
NOAA Lists Cook Inlet Beluga Whales as Endangered
Washington (Oct. 17)—The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that the Cook Inlet beluga whale population near Anchorage is in danger of extinction, and has been listed as an endangered species. Listing the Cook Inlet beluga whales means any federal agency that funds, authorizes, or carries out new projects or activities that may affect the whales in the area must first consult with NOAA’s Fisheries Service to determine the potential effects on the whales. A federal action must not jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species. (More)
White House Photo by Joyce Boghosian
Secretary Gutierrez Joins First Lady in Addressing Cuban Ladies in White
Washington (Oct. 16)—Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined First Lady Laura Bush in addressing members of the Ladies in White in Cuba by digital video conference. “These women show a courage and determination that is deeply moving, and their stories are an important reminder that dictatorship cannot crush the spirit of freedom,” First Lady Laura Bush said. “The United States will continue to shine a light on the abuses of the Castro regime, which has imprisoned the husbands, sons, and brothers of the Ladies in White, as well as other Cubans who attempt to exercise their fundamental human rights.” Secretary Gutierrez authored an opinion editorial that appeared in the Sacramento Bee. (More) (Opinion Editorial)
White House Photo
President Bush Signs Andean Trade Preference Act Extension
Washington (Oct. 16)—President George W. Bush signed H.R. 7222, the Andean Trade Preference Act Extension in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The bill will extend the Generalized Systems of Preferences (GSP), designed to help developing countries expand their market presence and strengthen their economies, and the Andean Trade Pact, which waives duties on imports from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru in accordance with a 1991 law. Looking on are Ambassador Susan Schwab, the U.S. Trade Representative, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. (President’s Remarks)
NTIA’s Baker Urges Public to Apply to TV Converter Box Coupon Program in Preparation for 2009 Transition to DTV
Austin, Texas (Oct. 15)—Meredith Baker, Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Administrator, met with the media and RadioShack staff to urge consumers to apply for a TV Converter Box Coupon before the end of the year and to discuss the "apply, buy and try" campaign to reduce consumers’ chances of being unprepared for the digital television transition in 2009. (More)
Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Applauds New Opportunities for Clean Energy Partnerships at U.S.-India Business Council “Green India” Summit
Washington (Oct. 15)—“India has the potential to be one of the world’s largest clean energy markets,” said U.S. Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez, noting that clean energy technologies have moved to the forefront of India’s energy infrastructure and investment opportunities. U.S. companies produce world-class clean energy technologies, Gutierrez said, and the United States is committed to being India’s partner in providing clean, sustainable energy. (More)
EDA Presents $1.9 Million Investment Check to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Prescott, Ariz. (Oct. 14)—Economic and Development Administration (EDA) Deputy Assistant Secretary for External Affairs and Communications Matthew Crow (pictured second from right) presented a $1.9 million EDA investment check to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to help build the Applied Technology Building to house an incubator and the initial laboratories, offices, and services areas as phase one development of the Embry-Riddle Business and Research Park. (More)
Deputy Secretary Sullivan Addresses Palestinian Business and Investment Forum
Washington (Oct. 14)—Deputy Secretary of Commerce John J. Sullivan today spoke at the Palestinian Business and Investment Forum at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce where he said, “A secure and stable environment promotes business investment and development … [and] in the United States government you have a committed partner.” Economic development and trade in the Palestinian Territories are part of the Bush Administration’s commitment to promote Middle East peace. Commerce initiatives include a commercial law development program and placing a trade promotion coordinator in Ramallah. (Remarks)