2020 was a difficult year, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commerce Department continued to provide American businesses and workers with the resources they need during this time. Take a look at some of the wonderful accomplishments we made across the Department: Census - 2020: A Year in Review Working in new circumstances for many, and facing unforeseen obstacles, we displayed...

As we welcome 2021, we reflect on some of the most popular stories of last year. The Department of Commerce continues to work every day to promote job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair and secure trade, providing the data necessary to support commerce, and fostering innovation by setting standards and conducting foundational research and development. The following blogs generated the...

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the 2021 SelectUSA Investment Summit, June 7-11. The Investment Summit is the #1 business investment event in the United States and this year, will be a virtual experience to remember. The first-ever virtual Investment Summit is on pace to provide opportunity for more investors from more markets and greater representation from economic developers (EDO)...

Updated December 8, 2020 Every year in the U.S., fire departments respond to an estimated 210 home fires involving Christmas trees. Even though Christmas tree fires are infrequent, when they occur, they can be dangerous and costly. These fires cause an annual average of 6 civilian deaths, 16 civilian injuries, and $16.2 million in property damage. The good news is that by keeping your Christmas...

The following is a cross-post from the U.S. Census Bureau's Facts for Features The first American Indian Day was celebrated in May 1916 in New York. The event culminated an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation who rode across the nation on horseback seeking approval from 24 state governments to have a day to honor American Indians. More than seven decades later, then-President...

The following is a cross-post from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) The Bureau of Economic Analysis released statistics measuring the outdoor recreation economy for the nation, all 50 states, and the District of Columbia. The new U.S. data show that the outdoor recreation economy accounted for 2.1 percent ($459.8 billion) of current-dollar gross domestic product (GDP) for the nation in 2019...

Small businesses are essential to our Nation’s communities in creating jobs and giving back during times of prosperity and challenge. This year, small businesses need your support now more than ever as they navigate, retool and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Please join the Small Business Administration (SBA) and organizations across the country by shopping at a small business...

Guest blog post by John Murphy, Chief Operating Officer, National Weather Service The National Weather Service (NWS) is proud to employ 1,034 U.S. military veterans -- about a quarter of our total workforce. Veterans bring a wealth of experience and extensive training in many areas to the civilian federal workforce, and we are fortunate to have them in our ranks. As Chief Operating Officer, I am...