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Each week, we recap the latest U.S. Department of Commerce highlights spanning a wide range of issues promoting job creation and economic growth, programs, and events in one blog post.
Here are the key moments from Commerce: This Week
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross
“Today, on the anniversary of September 11, 2001, we pause to remember the grave tragedy we faced as a Nation. Nineteen years ago, we lost family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and a legion of great Americans to cowardly acts of terrorism. My heart and prayers go out to the survivors, loved ones, and families still impacted by the horrific events on September 11th that forever changed our Nation. On this day, we also remember the heroism of the first responders and everyday Americans who jumped into the chaos to save lives. Today, let us also pray for our present-day heroes – the first responders and frontline workers, whose tireless work during the COVID-19 pandemic has saved countless lives.” – Secretary Wilbur Ross on Patriot Day
On September 4, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross recognized President Trump’s leadership as the U.S. Department of Labor reported the U.S. economy added 1.4 million jobs and the unemployment rate fell to 8.4 percent in August.
[Watch] August Jobs Report: Economy Continues to Rebound As Unemployment Rate Drops
On September 8, Secretary Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.5 million grant to America’s Central Port District, formerly known as Tri-City Regional Port District, Granite City, Illinois, to make storage-based infrastructure improvements needed to increase the Port’s capacity to handle freight and boost export opportunities.
“The Trump Administration is committed to helping American businesses grow through exports,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will enhance America’s Central Port District’s ability to handle more freight and boost economic opportunities, and the project’s location in an Opportunity Zone will drive additional public and private investment to the region.”
On September 10, Secretary Ross delivered remarks at the first meeting of the newly re-constituted Investment Advisory Council.
“The Investment Advisory Council will help us further develop, adapt, and expand policies to help U.S. and international firms recognize there is no better place to do business, grow, succeed, and create jobs,” said Secretary Ross.
Also, on September 10, Secretary Ross highlighted the importance of the Export-Import Bank’s role in promoting U.S. economic and national security, and the agency’s efforts assisting in the economic recovery efforts in the wake of COVID-19 at their 2020 Annual Conference.
“The U.S. Department of Commerce fully supports EXIM in its efforts to boost exports and shift production back to the United States. By pursuing a lending strategy that is far more strategic and focused on U.S. economic and national security interests, EXIM is becoming a true force in the American economy as we work together to create a V-shaped recovery that is progressing far faster than many had anticipated,” said Secretary Ross.
Around the Bureaus
On September 8, the U.S. Census Bureau published a new America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers article, A Profile of the Retail Workforce.
On September 9, Anthony Foti, Performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary for Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs, announced $19M in CARES Act funding to capitalize Revolving Loan Funds to help small businesses in Western New York respond to COVID-19.
Also, on September 9, the United States Patent and Trademark Office announced they will host the inaugural meeting for the National Council for Expanding American Innovation on Monday, September 14, 2020. The goal of the NCEAI is to work with the USPTO in developing a comprehensive national innovation strategy that builds a diverse and inclusive ecosystem encouraging, empowering, and supporting all future innovators.
On September 10, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced two new Physical Oceanographic Real-Time Systems, also known as PORTSⓇ, are improving maritime safety near Kings Bay, Georgia, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, near two U.S. Navy installations. NOAA and the U.S. Navy partnered to install the first new PORTS in two years, the 34th and 35th in the nationwide network.
Also, on September 10, Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development announced a $2 million grant to LICAR, LLC., Greenville, South Carolina, to establish the Flex Lab One Building on the Clemson University campus to support advanced manufacturing.
2020 Census
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