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Blog Entries from February 2010

Secretary Locke Encourages San Francisco's Participation in 2010 Census

Submitted on February 27, 2010 - 7:24pm
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2010 Census Web site marquee. Click to go to Web site.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke hosted a 2010 Census event in San Francisco to raise awareness of the census just weeks before questionnaires begin arriving in mailboxes March 15-17. Locke stressed the importance of a complete count, as the census is the basis for critical decisions, including congressional representation and the allocation of more than $400 billion annually in federal funds. The 2010 Census form is the shortest in history—only 10 questions that take about 10 minutes. (2010 Census Web site)

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Under Secretary Blank Statement on Second Estimate of GDP in the Fourth Quarter 2009

Submitted on February 26, 2010 - 11:16am
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Portrait of Blank.

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis today released the second estimate of gross domestic product (GDP) for the fourth quarter of 2009. Real GDP was revised up slightly from 5.7 percent at an annual rate to 5.9 percent, primarily reflecting a smaller drawdown of inventories. (More) (Release)

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Secretary Locke Urges Formation of Regional Innovation Clusters to Create Jobs, Encourage Growth

Submitted on February 25, 2010 - 11:00pm
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Secretary Locke gesturing from podium.

File photo

U. S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke delivered the keynote address at the “Clustering for 21st Century Prosperity” forum hosted by the National Academy of Sciences. Locke’s remarks focused on the importance of advancing regional innovation clusters to create 21st century jobs. Regional Innovation Clusters (RICs) are a proven way to create jobs and grow the economy. They are geographic concentrations of businesses, government, academic and non-profit institutions that have common needs for talent, technology and infrastructure. (Remarks) (Podcast)

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Secretary Locke Promotes National Export Initiative During Tour of Local Manufacturing Facility

Submitted on February 25, 2010 - 5:05pm
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Locke talking to facility works while touring. Click for larger image.

Following on the heels of President Obama’s State of the Union pledge to double U.S. exports in the next five years, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke visited Ellicott Dredges in Baltimore, Md., to discuss export strategy and toured the company’s manufacturing facility. During his visit, Locke, joined by Congressman John Sarbanes, met with local businesses and discussed the National Export Initiative (NEI) and highlighted the role the Commerce Department continues to play in supporting U.S. businesses like Ellicott Dredges. (More) (Remarks)

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NIST Launches New Competition for Research Facility Construction Grants

Submitted on February 25, 2010 - 3:52pm
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NIST logo. Click to go to NIST Web site.

The Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced a new competition for grants for the construction of new or expanded scientific research buildings at institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations. NIST has $50 million available for the cost-sharing grants and anticipates funding three to five projects with grants of $10 to $15 million each. The NIST grants will fund new or expanded facilities for scientific research in fields related to measurement science, oceanography, atmospheric research or telecommunications, the research fields of the Commerce Department’s three science agencies. (More)

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Secretary Locke Hosts Forum on Speeding University Research from Lab to Marketplace

Submitted on February 24, 2010 - 3:33pm
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Secretary Locke at podium.

File photo

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke hosted a forum today with university leaders, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists on “Catalyzing University Research for a Stronger Economy” to address the critical importance of technology commercialization for America’s economic competitiveness and job creation. Joining Locke at the event were the presidents of several premiere universities, including Stanford, Nebraska, Akron and Kentucky. Locke and participating White House officials listened for suggestions that can improve and accelerate commercialization of federal R&D in university labs. (Remarks)

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National and Local Organizations Help Increase Awareness as 2010 Census Partnerships Grow to 200,000

Submitted on February 23, 2010 - 4:12pm
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Marquee of 2010census.gov Web site. Click to go to Web site.

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians has become the 200,000th partner for the 2010 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. The number of partners supporting the 2010 Census exceeds the 140,000 that signed on to support the 2000 Census. To date, partners have donated 35,088 training locations, saving taxpayers an estimated $338.5 million in rent. The Red Lake Nation, based in Red Lake, Minn., joins a long list of local and national organizations and corporations, as well as other American Indian-Alaska Native nations, working to promote participation in the 2010 Census. (More)

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Secretary Locke Announces Expanded Commerce-UPS Partnership to Boost U.S. Exports, Support Job Creation

Submitted on February 19, 2010 - 1:15pm
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Secretary Locke with UPS vehicles. Click for larger image.

On the heels of President Obama’s State of the Union pledge to double U.S. exports in the next five years, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and UPS CEO and Chairman Scott Davis announced new steps in an expanded partnership between UPS and the Department of Commerce that is designed to increase U.S. exports among small- and medium-sized businesses. Locke and Davis also met with local business leaders to discuss the President’s National Export Initiative (NEI) and how it will help American companies become more competitive while supporting job creation here at home. (More) (Remarks)

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Secretary Locke Announces ARRA Grants to Expand Broadband Internet Access and Expand Economic Growth

Submitted on February 18, 2010 - 4:58pm
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Recovery Act logo. Click to go to Commerce Department Recovery Web site.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced 10 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) investments to help bridge the technological divide, boost economic growth, create jobs and improve education and health care cross the country. The grants will increase broadband access and adoption in California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. (More) (Remarks)

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President Obama Records Message Urging Participation in 2010 Census

Submitted on February 18, 2010 - 3:15pm
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2010 Census logo. Click to go to Web site.

Continuing a White House tradition of strong support for the census dating back to 1790, President Barack Obama recorded a public service announcement (PSA) encouraging national participation in the 2010 Census. The 30-second PSA released today by the U.S. Census Bureau asks every household to take 10 minutes to answer the 10 questions on the 2010 Census form and to mail it back. (More) (President’s PSA) (2010 Census Web site)

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