Date: Feb 18, 2014 Author: Sue Helper Source: ESA (
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While it is always nice to go home, my return to Cleveland was especially significant in the context of my current role as the Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The itinerary centered around discussions on the overall economy, manufacturing trends at both the national and regional levels, and Administration initiatives to continue promoting economic growth.
On the day I arrived, my first stop was a local Cleveland radio station where I joined Rebecca Bagley, CEO of NorTech, and Mel Kurtz, President of Quasar Energy, on a panel for The Sound of Ideas program. I spoke about national economic trends and the role of manufacturing during our economy's most recent recovery. It was fascinating to hear the other panel members' input about how these same trends are affecting their local operations. Speaking to the benefits of manufacturing in established domestic infrastructures, Mel Kurtz pointed out "we can make money, but we can't make time."
From the radio station I headed over to NorTech for the first of two roundtable discussions with local business leaders. The first session focused on the value of clusters. Specifically, we considered the important role intermediary institutions play in providing resources and opportunities -- their vital contribution to business leaders' success. The next roundtable was hosted by Hiroyuki Fujita, President and CEO of Quality Electrodynamics and a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council. Business leaders expressed their concerns about the impact of the skills gap on industry operations. We at the Department of Commerce recognize the importance of addressing this; indeed, it has been highlighted as a key priority in our "Open for Business Agenda."
Lastly, I was honored to be the featured speaker at The City Club of Cleveland to discuss the importance of the manufacturing economy. My remarks focused on the spillover benefits of manufacturing, and the ways that policy and programs can serve to promote and implement those benefits.
Sue Helper, Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Commerce
