Deputy Secretary of Commerce Kicks Off Cap-To-Cap

Sacramento, Calif. – Over 320 regional business, civic and elected officials travel to Washington, D.C. this week to meet with federal representatives to advocate on behalf of the six-county Sacramento region.

Through the outreach of Congressman Ami Bera, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews will address delegates at Monday’s Welcome Breakfast and discuss efforts on behalf of the Obama administration to create economic growth and opportunities.

“As one who speaks to the needs of the U.S. business community within the President’s Cabinet, listening to Deputy Secretary Andrews prior to meetings with Congressional and federal representatives will afford delegates the chance to hear first-hand what the administration is doing to build the economic workforce for today and tomorrow,” said Peter Tateishi, Metro Chamber President and CEO.

The Department of Commerce works with businesses, universities, communities and U.S. workers to promote job creation, economic growth and sustainable development for Americans.

“The Commerce Department is committed to helping American businesses enter new markets and compete in the global marketplace,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Bruce Andrews. “Exports have been a key driver in our economic comeback, and currently support more than 11.7 million American jobs. California is already an export powerhouse, and opening up new markets will make it easier for businesses to reach the 96 percent of consumers living outside U.S. borders.”

“Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews is an accomplished leader, having served in several roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce, as General Counsel on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and as Vice President of Governmental Affairs with Ford Motor Company,” said Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-7).  “I look forward to hearing from him about opportunities for Sacramento companies to sell their products and services in new markets and how we can work together to grow our economy and create more American jobs.”

The Cap-to-Cap delegation has identified three top priority issues that demonstrate the key areas of focus for the region: water resources, transportation, and innovation & economic development. Additional policy teams will advocate for air quality, civic amenities, community development, flood protection, food & agriculture, health care, homeland security, land use & natural resources, and workforce & education.