As we welcome 2021, we reflect on some of the most popular stories of last year.

The Department of Commerce continues to work every day to promote job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair and secure trade, providing the data necessary to support commerce, and fostering innovation by setting standards and conducting foundational research and development.

The following blogs generated the most attention and encompass our mission to create conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all Americans:

1. Secretary Ross Announces National Grant Competition to Support America’s Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic
   U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced the opening of a national grant competition funded through the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support America’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and future pandemics through innovation and entrepreneurship. Secretary Ross announced the competition at St. Petersburg College (SPC) in St. Petersburg, Florida and was joined by SPC President Tonjua Williams,  Pinellas County Economic Development Director Mike Meidel and local entrepreneurs and innovators.
2. Commerce Honors First Anniversary of President Trump’s Executive Order Establishing the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI)
   As the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), it is my honor to serve the 22 million people who make up this important and quickly growing population of Americans. Our work has never been more critical as our nation and the AAPI community combat the health challenges of COVID-19 and its economic impact. WHIAAPI Co-Chairs, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, and Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao could not be more committed to this effort as they advise President Trump on how the federal government can best serve these vibrant American communities.
3. Secretary Ross Highlights Business Strength and American Optimism in Florida
   U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross traveled to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Friday and toured a local business that has successfully overcome many challenges of doing business in the wake of COVID-19. City Furniture continued to work through the economic downturn caused by the pandemic and became an example of a successful business that contributed to September’s strong retail sales in both Florida and across the country.
4. Secretary Ross Visits Pennsylvania-Based Company and Stresses the Importance of the Commercial Space Industry to the U.S. Economy
   U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross traveled to Pittsburgh on October 19 and attended the grand opening of Astrobotic Technology, Inc., a 47,000 square foot facility that will be the primary hub for lunar logistics in the United States. Secretary Ross emphasized the important role of the commercial space sector in the growing global space economy. He was joined by Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Astrobotic CEO John Thornton, and other state and local leaders. NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine joined the group virtually and stressed the importance of strong public-private partnerships to the future of the space industry. 
5. Commerce Playing Key Role in COVID-19 Response and Recovery
   Under the leadership of Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, the U.S. Department of Commerce is playing a key role in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts. Commerce bureaus are providing economic assistance through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to U.S. communities and businesses affected by the pandemic; trade and export assistance to U.S. businesses; real-time data on the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses and people to policymakers and the American people; and critical research to help slow the spread of the virus.