Commerce Secretary Returns to Michigan to Chair Manufacturing Council Meeting

Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez visited his home state to chair his first meeting of the Manufacturing Council today at Ford Motor Company’s Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Mich. The Manufacturing Council was created in 2004 to allow an opportunity for private-sector manufacturers to advise the Secretary of Commerce on what they and their employees need to compete and win at home and abroad.

Gutierrez returns to Michigan for the first time since being named Commerce Secretary by President Bush. Prior to his appointment, Gutierrez was chairman of the board and CEO of Kellogg Company in Battle Creek, Mich. The Manufacturing Council meeting is his first domestic trip outside of Washington since being sworn in February 7.

“For U.S. manufacturers to compete and win in a global economy, government must listen to the concerns of the private sector and take action,” said Gutierrez. “I look forward to working closely with the council to ensure that the U.S. manufacturing sector is competing on a level playing field and the United States is the best place in the world to do business.”

Members on the council are manufacturers from throughout the nation who know the challenges manufacturers and their employees face daily. The Manufacturing Council is helping the Bush Administration pursue policies that will make it easier for American businesses, specifically the manufacturing sector, to succeed and create jobs.

Michigan representatives on the Manufacturing Council include Ford Motor Company President and Chief Operating Officer Jim Padilla of Dearborn, and Cascade Engineering Chairman and CEO Fred P. Keller of Grand Rapids.

In 2003, the Commerce Department reviewed the manufacturing sector from top to bottom. Officials hosted 27 public roundtables with manufactures from around the country and all manufacturing sectors. Manufacturers were asked what they needed to successfully compete domestically and internationally. To view the complete Manufacturing Report and an itinerary of the Manufacturing Council’s meeting, please visit www.manufacturing.gov.