Press Release
U.S. EDA, NIST MEP, and NGA Partner to Launch Policy Academy to Promote Manufacturing and Economic Growth
October 6, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085
The U.S. Commerce Department's Economic Development Administration (EDA) and National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program (MEP) have partnered with the National Governors Association (NGA) to launch a Policy Academy that will encourage the growth of advanced manufacturing industries to create American jobs. Seven states - Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania - have been selected to participate.
"EDA is pleased to partner with the National Governors Association and the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Program to convene this Policy Academy to promote thought leadership," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez. "The Academy is an excellent opportunity to collaborate and share best practices to advance manufacturing in the U.S. and spur innovation and entrepreneurship to accelerate economic and job growth."
The Policy Academy is structured to be a highly interactive forum for helping the seven states to connect, develop and implement strategic action plans to address complex public policy issues. The states will receive guidance and technical assistance from NGA staff, experts from MEP, EDA and the State Science and Technology Institute, as well as consultants from the private sector, research organizations and academia. The strategies and policies developed are intended to benefit all states.
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About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov):
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.