All month long, Commerce.gov highlighted programs, resources and efforts made to help American manufacturers grow faster and become more competitive. Why? Because the manufacturing sector has been a main driver of the economic recovery over the past two years, with over 230,000 jobs added since the beginning of 2010. The manufacturing sector currently employs over 11 million Americans, providing good-paying jobs for millions of families and serving as the backbone of communities across the country – a brighter future for American manufacturers will mean a brighter future for the American economy.

If you missed any of our posts, here is a quick digest:

• We found experts from successful companies to offer advice on exporting American-made products.


• We highlighted key statistics for manufacturers and exporters.


• Jennifer Pilat, Deputy Director for the Office of Advisory Committees within the International Trade Administration, opened the doors to the many resources for manufacturers at Manufacturing.gov


• Morgan Barr, an International Economist for the Department of Commerce, explained how sustainable manufacturing makes businesses more competitive.


• Laura Bamby, Program Officer for the President’s "E" Awards, wrote about several of the manufacturers who received a Presidential award for their export efforts.


• Secretary Locke proudly launched the SelectUSA initiative to help foreign firms looking to expand, domestic firms looking to expand, and foreign and domestic firms looking to reorganize or return their operations to the United States.


• Richard Bogert, President and CEO of The Bogert Group, recorded a video about the impact of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership in unleashing American innovation.


• On the heels of the Paris Air Show, we noted the resources for aerospace manufacturers and their suppliers the Department offers.


• Under Secretary Francisco Sanchez guest posted about his experience at the Paris Air Show, where he witnessed a $2.1 billion deal between Boeing and Aeroflot that will support approximately 14,000 jobs in the United States.


• Jay Timmons, president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, explained how easy it is to grow exports with the Department of Commerce’s New Market Exporter Initiative.


• Assistant Secretary John Fernandez told the National Conference of Black Mayors 2011 Legislative Policy Summit that "Manufacturing Goes Hand-in-Hand with Innovation."


• Representative Steny Hoyer penned a guest post about the many programs available to manufacturers through the Make It In America legislation passed by Congress.


• Scott Paul, Executive Director of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, extolled the virtues of the “Made in America” brand and several programs that exist to help American manufacturers.


• The Manufacturing Extension Partnership announced an effort to find domestic manufacturing capacity for steel girder rails, like those used in light rail and trolley systems in 60 U.S. cities.


• Assistant Secretary Suresh Kumar spotlighted the U.S. Commercial Service’s ability to help U.S. manufacturers expand their exports.


• The Manufacturing Extension Partnership wrote about cross-agency cooperation that resulted in manufacturers hiring additional staff due to additional efficiencies and energy savings.


• Assistant Secretary Nicole Lamb-Hale joined the President’s Export Council in Detroit, Michigan to discuss border trade opportunities and challenges facing American and Canadian companies.