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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                             Contact: Matt Braud
October 24, 2006                                                                                      202-482-3809

U.S. MANUFACTURING OFFICIAL TO ADDRESS MINNESOTA PRECISION MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION

Minneapolis, MN - U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary Al Frink will deliver the keynote address at the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association’s 2006 Annual Meeting. 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 U.S. Department of Commerce’s 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 manufacturing and service industries. The office does this by conducting economic and trade policy analysis, shaping U.S. trade policy, participating in trade negotiations, and evaluating the impact of regulatory policies on U.S. manufacturers and service industries. MAS also works with other U.S. Government agencies in developing an 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:	Wednesday, October 25, 2006 7: 00 p.m.   Keynote address by Assistant Secretary Al Frink 7: 30 p.m.   Media Availability
WHERE:	Hilton Minneapolis 1001 Marquette Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403

Background on the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association: The Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association’s mission is to elevate the contract manufacturing industry in Minnesota to a high level of endeavor and accomplishment for the mutual benefit of all concerned. MPMA is composed of 275 component manufacturers and their suppliers and has served as the voice of the precision contract manufacturing industry in Minnesota for the past fifty years. MPMA members consist of approximately 150 precision metalworking job shops; 80 associate support companies such as steel, industrial supply, and machine tool dealers; and 30 affiliate members who provide financial, banking, insurance and consulting services.

 

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