Message From Acting Assistant Secretary Matt S. Erskine
December 2013 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
In all of our work at the Economic Development Administration, we seek to promote innovation and competitiveness in our global economy. With this in mind, we look forward to playing an active role in the implementation of the Commerce Department's “Open for Business Agenda,” recently unveiled by Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, which focuses on trade and investment, innovation, and data.
Our Q&A with Secretary Pritzker provides our readers with her leadership perspective on the “Open for Business Agenda.” We explore with her how state of the art infrastructure development, a skilled workforce, and accurate data drives competitive advantages for U.S. businesses.
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Penny Pritzker was sworn in as the 38th Secretary of Commerce on June 26, 2013. She is a civic and business leader with more than 25 years of experience in the real estate, hospitality, senior living, and financial services industries. Ms. Pritzker founded and served as CEO of PSP Capital Partners, and previously developed such diverse companies as Vi (formerly Classic Residence by Hyatt), a leader in luxury living for older adults; The Parking Spot, a large U.S. network of off-site airport parking facilities; and Pritzker Realty Group. On November 14, Secretary Pritzker unveiled the Commerce Department’s “Open for Business Agenda,” a bold new policy agenda that reflects the Department’s role as the voice of business.
An EDA public works grant investment to the Port of Hood River in Oregon’s Hood River County has provided a remarkable return in the form of local business and job growth.