Commerce Blog
November 19, 2014
Today, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Economic Development Administration teamed up to launch the Tribal Economic Development Webinar Series. Beginning on November 19, 2014, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will host five webinars over the course of one year. This series is designed to help tribal leaders, tribal administrators, Native American-owned enterprises, and tribal advocacy organizations understand federal resources available for tribal economic development.
The Department of Commerce is focused on bolstering its working relationships with tribal communities. Through the work of its diverse set of bureaus, the Department is committed to fostering a more innovative economy – one that is better at addressing the needs of Indian Country by improving and creating the conditions for economic success, higher productivity and competitiveness.
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November 18, 2014
This week marks Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators, who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. It’s a great opportunity to really look at the ways in which entrepreneurs shape our current world while looking forward toward the next big thing.
This year, I celebrated GEW by visiting flourishing centers of innovation in Pennsylvania. Along with Julie Lenzer, Director of EDA’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, we met with local entrepreneurs at Philadelphia’s University City Science Center and in Doylestown at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center of Bucks County.
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November 14, 2014
Are you ready to join us?
Through the “Accelerating Industry-Led Regional Partnerships for Talent Development” Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO) published today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is now accepting proposals for a national partner to help develop and implement a new learning exchange program that will focus on building critical public-private partnerships to accelerate job skills development across America.
The availability of a skilled workforce is often cited as a primary factor considered by businesses in their investment decision process. The learning exchanges created through this initiative will help meet the skills needs of businesses by identifying, promoting, and expanding on successful industry-driven regional partnerships for talent development. By encouraging such partnerships, the program will help build regional pools of workers with the skills that are in demand by employers in their communities, leading to job creation and increased business investment.
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November 7, 2014
When you want something done, give it to a busy person. In the case of the newly appointed members of theNational Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE), the Department of Commerce has tapped a group of busy, innovative folks who are passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce issues to advise the Secretary on compelling challenges and opportunities in these fields.
With the “Open for Business” agenda, Secretary Pritzker made it clear that Commerce’s role is to be the voice of business to support the Obama Administration’s focus on economic growth and job creation. Additionally, this new vision recognizes the demands of a globally competitive economy. With the new members of NACIE hailing from companies small and large as well as nonprofits and academia, the new NACIE will be a conduit for that voice of business. As it begins its work on December 5, 2014, the Council will be focused on the theme of “creating globally competitive regions.”
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November 2014 Newsletter
The USA is the premier location for new business investment, top among all countries. According to Department of Commerce data released in Spring 2014, foreign direct investment flows into the United States and its territories rose from $160 billion in 2012 to $187.5 billion in 2013.
In Tennessee, an EDA investment is having a tremendous impact by helping to attract a premier Italian tile manufacturer.
Earlier this year, Del Conca USA (DCUSA) celebrated the opening of its new $50 million facility in the Sugarlimb Industrial Park in Louden. The company forecasts the production of 30-million-square-feet of tile per year.
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Commerce Blog
November 2014 Newsletter
By Nancy McLernon
Nancy McLernon is president and CEO of the Organization for International Investment (www.OFII.org). A non-profit association, OFII represents the U.S. operations of many of the world's leading global companies, which insource millions of American jobs. OFII works to ensure the United States remains the top location for global investment.
A year ago, President Obama made the welcome announcement that attracting global investment must be a top priority for the federal government. It was part of the Administration’s continued effort to pursue aggressively foreign direct investment (FDI) through its SelectUSA program.
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Commerce Blog
November 2014 Newsletter
Great news: Registration will open soon for the 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit to be held on March 23-24, 2015. As those who attended last year can attest, the first SelectUSA Investment Summit was a tremendous success, and next year’s will be even bigger and better. While the team at SelectUSA works closely with economic development organizations (EDOs) every day of the year, the 2015 Investment Summit will pull out all the stops and bring investors from around the world to meet with U.S. EDOs under one roof.
When you register for the Summit, you’ll get access to our robust matchmaking system where you can arrange one-on-one meetings with potential investors. You'll learn about the latest trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) and reshoring from high-profile speakers, as well as practical resources to help you more effectively attract investment. You'll also be able to connect with other economic developers, service providers, and government officials who can share tools and information to help you bring more jobs home.
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