Thank you for that kind introduction, Tom, and thank you to the Space Foundation for inviting me to speak today. I also want to thank Jodi Slattery and her great team for putting together this event and extend my gratitude to Macy Miller and the team at The Broadmoor for hosting us and putting together such a great show. Before I dive into the meat of my speech, I want to remind folks of the...

By Deborah Stephens, Deputy Chief Information Officer, United States Patent and Trademark Office My name is Debbie Stephens, and I am the Deputy Chief Information Officer (DCIO) for the Commerce Department’s U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). I have served at the USPTO for over 30 years in multiple leadership roles, during which I have worked to improve the automated tools and informational...

Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Black Americans and recognize their contributions to our country. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on our work here at the Department to ensure economic growth and opportunity for all communities. The Biden-Harris Administration remains committed to using the power of the Federal Government to address the long...

By James O. Wilson, Assistant Regional Director of the Midwest Regional U.S. Patent and Trademark Office I entered the Department of Commerce’s United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in January of 1989. I was hired and inspired by one of the first African American female examiners in the examining corps, Mrs. Johnnie Brown. I have loved the ability to engage, support, and nurture...

By Iris Fan, Intern, Office of the Secretary, Office of Public Affairs Today marks the 120th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce was originally the U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor, originating on February 14, 1903. Two days after its creation, President Roosevelt nominated his personal Secretary, George B. Cortelyou, as the first...

As we welcome 2023, we reflect on some of the most popular stories, issues, and accomplishment from 2022. This past year, the Commerce Department remained at the forefront of many critical issues like no other time in history. Commerce played a central role in enacting President Biden's economic, trade, and innovation agenda to build a better America. One of the most important accomplishments of...

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo issued the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations for the U.S. Department of Commerce after President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 into law. “Once again, President Biden is showing that the United States government is capable of delivering on its promises to the American people and I congratulate...

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and honor the rich history and heritage of Native Americans and recognize their vast contributions to our country’s progress and to our economy. The Commerce Department is committed to ensuring that Tribal communities have the resources they need for economic growth. That commitment starts with high-speed internet. For too long, Tribal...

Joint blog by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Economic Development Administration This month, the U.S. Department of Commerce is celebrating Native American innovators and entrepreneurs. Agencies across the Department of Commerce, including the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and Economic Development Administration (EDA), offer a number of tools and resources to support all...

As Secretary of Commerce, I have one overarching goal: improving America’s competitiveness so all our workers and companies can succeed in the global economy. And equity is at the core of our mission and underpins everything we do at the Commerce Department. This pursuit of equity is not just the right thing to do – it’s the right thing to do for our economy. America has over 4.7 million Latino...