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A Message from Carlos Gutierrez Talent Development Is a Key Ingredient for Economic Development What Economic Developers Should Know About Workforce Development and Community Colleges Workforce Development: A Region’s Key Business Retention and Expansion Tool New Governance Structures for Aligning Local Economic and Workforce Development Putting Inner Cities To Work  The Career Readiness Certificate – An Idea Whose Time Has Come
Manufacturing Skills Certification: A New Fast Track for Regional Innovation
Preparing Middle and High School Students for Careers in Science and Health Help Wanted: Smyth County, Virginia Subscribe
About Economic Development America
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A Message from Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez
As we continue with reconstruction of the Gulf Coast following hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Department of Commerce has announced the Hurricane Contracting Information Center (HCIC). The HCIC provides a centralized location for information and services available throughout the government, specifically geared to help in the contracting process. The government contracting process can often be cumbersome – especially for small businesses. The HCIC is designed to assist U.S. businesses interested in helping with the rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast region, especially minority- and women-owned and small- and medium-size businesses. It is important to note that the HCIC does not award contracts, but is getting the information in the hands of the business men and women who are leading the rebuilding efforts. The HCIC can be reached through a hotline (1-888-4USA-DOC) or the Internet (www.RebuildingTheGulfCoast.gov), and puts businesses in touch with government procurement experts from 12 agencies who help navigate the contracting process. Since we announced the center on October 11, we have received more than 3,400 phone calls and more than 56,000 visits to our Web site. As the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast progresses, we must also move forward in fulfilling the President’s pro-growth agenda so that American businesses and workers can continue to compete and prosper. These policies will help build a 21st century, world-class workforce, which will be essential for the economic security of our nation and is a major priority for President Bush and the Department of Commerce. I hope that the best practices and articles from workforce development thought leaders featured in this issue of Economic Development America will be helpful in your efforts to help us get there. Thank you for your commitment and service to our country. Carlos M. Gutierrez |
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