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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact: Matt Braud
October 19, 2006                                                                                      202-482-3809

U.S. Commerce Official to Address Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association

Minneapolis, MN - U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Al Frink will deliver the keynote address at the Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association’s 2006 Fall Conference. His remarks will highlight the strength of the U.S. economy, the current state of manufacturing, and how manufacturers can compete in the global economy.

Frink serves as the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Manufacturing and Services, or MAS. He will give association members an update on the achievements, policies, and priorities of MAS since its establishment in 2004.

MAS is responsible for promoting and strengthening competitiveness for America’s industries. The office also conducts economic and trade policy analysis, shapes U.S. trade policy, participates in trade negotiations, organizes trade capacity building programs, and evaluates the impact of regulatory policies on U.S. manufacturers and service industries. MAS also works with other U.S. Government agencies in developing a public policy environment that advances U.S. competitiveness at home and abroad.

WHO:	U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Al Frink
WHAT:	Remarks on manufacturing and the global economy
WHEN:	Friday, October 20, 2006 8: 00 a.m.   Keynote address by Assistant Secretary Al Frink 9: 00 a.m.   Media Availability
WHERE:	The Marquette Hotel and IDS Conference Center 710 Marquette Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55402 (612) 333-4545

Background on the Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association: The Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association (PPMA) is comprised of manufacturing companies that produce pulp and paper products, as well as convert paper products. Since 1936, the Pulp and Paper Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has provided human resource services to the industry. Originally serving member companies in the geographic areas around the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, PPMA has expanded to provide these same services to companies throughout Canada and the United States.

 

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