For Immediate Release: August 20, 2010
Contact: Cory Churches (202) 482-3809
U.S. COMMERCE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY IN WASHINGTON STATE
Assistant Secretary Lamb-Hale Discusses Growing Exports to Create Jobs and Boost Economy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale addressed more than 200 aircraft suppliers attending Boeing’s annual supplier diversity aerospace symposium yesterday at the Future of Flight Museum in Everett, Wa. Lamb-Hale recognized the significant contribution of aerospace exports to achieving the goals of President Obama’s National Export Initiative, which aims to double exports in five years to support two million American jobs.
Boeing hosts the annual symposium to educate diverse small and medium-sized businesses interested in opportunities in the aerospace industry. Discussion topics ranged from growth and development opportunities to access to capital and benefits of globalization.
“The U.S. aerospace and defense industry is a strategic contributor to the economy, national security, and technological innovation in the United States,” said Lamb-Hale. “Manufacturing is the furnace that forged our middle class and remains a vital part of the U.S. economy.”
The aerospace industry employed 11.7 million American workers as of July 2010. The total value of aerospace shipments for 2009 was nearly $189 billion, an increase of 8.5 percent over 2008 levels. At $46 billion, aerospace has the largest positive trade balance of any manufacturing sector.
“Every time a Boeing 777 lands in China or India or anywhere else in the world for that matter, it lands with about 4 million parts reflecting the workmanship of some 11,000 small, medium and large suppliers, the vast majority of which are in the United States,” said Boeing Chairman and CEO Jim McNerney in a speech earlier this year. “Our goal is to increase the number of small and medium-sized businesses exporting to more than one market by 50 percent over the next five years,” said Lamb-Hale. “The markets with the highest potential, such as China, Brazil, and India, are also countries with rapidly developing aerospace and automotive capabilities. We stand ready to work with U.S. businesses to reinvigorate American manufacturing for the 21st century, increase exports, and create jobs.”
President Obama named McNerney as chairman of the President’s Export Council, the members of which he announced in July. Additionally, Kellie Johnson, of Ace Clearwater Enterprises, a supplier to Boeing, was recently reappointed to serve on the 2010 Manufacturing Council, which advises Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke on manufacturing issues and the critical challenges facing the industry.
Commerce’s International Trade Administration creates opportunities for U.S. workers and firms by promoting international trade and fostering a level playing field for American businesses.
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International Trade Administration
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