APRIL 2004

Commerce Names Manufacturing Czar

Commerce Secretary announced the Administration's intention to nominate Al Frink for the position of Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing and Services. Once nominated and confirmed, Frink will serve as the Bush Administration's point person on manufacturing and will focus on ways to help the sector grow, create jobs, and compete in the global economy.

As the Assistant Secretary, Frink will advocate, coordinate and implement policies that will help US manufacturers compete globally. Some of the challenges he will focus on include:

1. Enhancing Government's Focus on Manufacturing Competitiveness;

2. Creating the Conditions for Economic Growth and Manufacturing Investment;

3. Promoting Open Markets and a Level Playing Field;

4. Lowering the Cost of Manufacturing in the US;

5. Investing in Innovation; and

6. Strengthening Education, Retraining and Economic Diversification.

Frink is co-founder and executive vice president of Fabrica International, a manufacturer of luxury carpets and rugs in Orange County, CA.

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