The Commerce Blog

Jan132017

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Earlier this week, President Obama named 102 scientists and researchers as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers.

Jan102017

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Semiconductors are the cornerstone of economic prosperity, innovation, and U.S. global leadership. Any time an American uses their smart phone, orders online, travels on an airplane, or drives their car – they are enjoying the benefits of semiconductor technology.

Jan052017

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In 2014, President Obama launched the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and to ensure that all young people can reach their full potential.

Dec222016

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One important aspect about U.S. companies going global is that they aren’t just looking for profits. In my work, I’ve seen broad commitment from global companies to make positive impact in the markets in which they sell. That definitely adds a sense of reward for me; as I help companies grow through global sales, I see these companies making a positive impact in the world.

Dec202016

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If you were asked to draw a picture of the U.S. economy, what color would you use? Perhaps green, the color of money? How about the portion of the economy that is supported by our ocean and coasts? BLUE!  Now think about what it feels like to be surrounded by blue seas – perhaps while casting out a line and peacefully waiting to feel the tug of a fish.

Dec162016

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Obama administration has taken unprecedented steps to support workforce development and green initiatives and is deeply committed to strengthening America’s workforce and protecting the environment. One such example of this is the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) recent investment in the Composite Recycling Technology Center (CRTR) based in Port Angeles, Washington.  

Dec152016

Today, members of the Digital Economy Board of Advisors sent a series of recommendations to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker that identified key actions the U.S. Department of Commerce can take to support the digital economy, encourage growth and increase opportunity. The recommendations were issued by three working groups, established by the Board last spring, that focused on areas...

Dec092016

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Today we recognize International Anti-Corruption Day, December 9, 2016. As Deputy Secretary of Commerce, part of my job has been to level the playing field and improve the operating environment for American companies and workers competing internationally. I know from my discussions with U.S.

Dec072016

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They’re the backbone of the U.S. economy and an elite group of risk takers, innovators, and job creators. Entrepreneurs are the key drivers of the U.S. economy, particularly minority business enterprises (MBEs).  According to the U.S. Census Survey of Business Owners, there are 8 million MBEs in the U.S. who generate total gross revenues exceeding $1.4 trillion.

Dec062016

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Domestic workers — nannies, care workers and housekeepers — support families in providing the most basic physical, emotional, and social care needs for their children, elders, and home. They are overwhelmingly women, and predominantly women of color and immigrants, many of whom are undocumented. Despite being critical to the U.S.

Dec062016

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When I became the Secretary of Commerce three years ago, I immediately recognized that, in order to carry out the Department of Commerce’s mission of creating the conditions for economic growth, we needed to play an active role in 21st century skills development.

Dec022016

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Stormwater runoff is becoming the primary source of new pollution entering the Washington, DC area rivers and streams. Without better control, sediments and the nutrients they carry could undo much of the water quality improvements from controlling combined sewer overflows, and cleaning up toxics in the Anacostia River.

Dec012016

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A U.S. Air National Guard veteran, a high school dropout, a person with a background in sales and a family man who hadn’t been in a classroom for twenty years; four men on very different paths that ultimately led to one destination…the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s (MassMEP) Accelerated CNC Program.

Dec012016

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As key trading partners and the world’s two largest economies, the United States and China share a mutual interest in promoting economic prosperity, both nationally and globally. Last week, the 27th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Washington D.C. provided both countries a forum for a cooperative and constructive bilateral engagement.

Nov302016

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Without question, the nature of jobs and work is changing.  New digital technologies are reshaping the tasks that make up our daily work.  Jobs themselves increasingly reflect new alternative arrangements, including contract, freelance, and so-called “gig economy” work for digital intermediaries such as Uber, Lyft, and Handy.  On the one hand, Yogi Berra clearly got it right when he said that “it’

Nov292016

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Last month, we celebrated National Seafood Month, which highlights the contributions of America’s fishermen, fish farmers, and fishing communities to our economy each and every day. Our commercial fishing and seafood industries have been essential to our economy since the founding of our nation, and they remain vital to the livelihood of many American communities and families today.

Nov292016

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Arizona has emerged as one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the United States. For this reason, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) was honored to lead the Greater Phoenix regional team – one of only seven regions nationally – along with our partners, the Arizona Technology Council and Cox Communications, in this groundbreaking workforce program aimed at closing the IT talent gap.

Nov282016

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As the economy becomes increasingly dependent on complex technology, automation and reorganization, the nation will face new workforce and economic development challenges. One prominent challenge is the need to provide the skills for tomorrow’s workforce.

Nov232016

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U.S. companies may understand how to handle their intellectual property (IP) interests within the United States, but selling products and being competitive in foreign markets with varied and unfamiliar local IP laws is a different ball game. Independent inventors and small and medium-sized entities may lack the in-house resources and expertise they need to deal with foreign IP regulations.

Nov222016

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In a keynote address and wide-ranging discussion with the Council on Foreign Relations last week, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker discussed the need for government and industry leaders to work together to build trust in the digital economy.

Nov212016

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Recent advances in technology have changed how workers and employers interact in the 21st century labor market.  Companies such as Uber, TaskRabbit, Airbnb, and others are cited as examples of new non-traditional modes of employment and income generation.  Although the press has been full of stories premised on the idea that the share of U.S.

Nov182016

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U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker participated in an armchair discussion at the World Affairs Council of America annual conference titled “Shaping the American Competitiveness Agenda for the 21st Century.” During the discussion, the Secretary highlighted policies that America must pursue in order to stay competitive, grow the economy, and generate opportunity for working families.

Nov182016

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This week, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker met with employees of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in Alexandria, Va. During a townhall meeting with employees, she recognized the USPTO’s efforts to help inventors and small businesses with limited resources apply for patents through the Patent Pro Bono Program.

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