The Department of Commerce has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to working with the private sector to strengthen the U.S. manufacturing industry and create jobs. Today, Secretary Bryson took another opportunity to do so as host of his first meeting of the Manufacturing Council, a committee that advises the Department on programs impacting U.S. manufacturers.

Along with Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco J. Sánchez, Bryson reiterated the Administration’s priorities for helping American businesses “build it here and sell it everywhere,” which means doing more to support manufacturing; helping more business export to the 95 percent of the world’s consumers who live outside our borders; and encouraging more foreign and domestic firms to invest in the U.S. and build or expand their operations here.

During the meeting, Bryson thanked members for their service on the council and explained how crucial it is for policymakers in Washington to hear directly from businesses to understand what they are going through, especially during these challenging economic times. He also elaborated on the responsibility that both businesses and government leaders have to focus on practical and achievable results in Washington to boost the vital manufacturing sector.

Bryson also highlighted the Department’s recent efforts to strengthen manufacturing, including investing millions in projects to support advanced manufacturing nationwide. And those efforts seem to be paying off – recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that employment in the manufacturing sector increased by 225,000 in 2011—the fastest year-over-year growth since 1997.

The Council is made up of 19 private sector members, as well as administration officials who serve as ex officio members. In December, President Obama named Bryson co-chair of his White House Manufacturing Policy Office. To learn more about the Manufacturing Council, visit www.manufacturing.gov.