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Commerce at a glance [ [link removed] ]


*March 31, 2020*




Coronavirus Disease

COVID-19

Coronavirus: Resources, Updates, and What You Should Know [ [link removed] ]



Government Response to Coronavirus, COVID-19 [ [link removed] ]



Resources for Businesses and Employers [ [link removed] ]



Apple and CDC, together with the White House and FEMA, launched a new website and app with a COVID-19 screening tool and resources to help people protect their health. [ [link removed] ]





Latest News

Statement from Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on President Donald J. Trump's Signing of the CARES Act [ [link removed] ]

Thank you President Trump, Secretary Mnuchin, and our Congressional leaders of both parties for your work to pass today's historic legislation to bring much needed relief to the American people and our businesses. President Trumps signing of the CARES Act today authorizes the rapid delivery of more than $2 trillion in critical aid for American workers, families, and businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.



Department of Commerce Extends Public Comment Period for Input on Huawei Temporary General License Extensions [ [link removed] ]

The Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced an extension of the public comment period on Huawei Temporary General License Extensions through April 22, 2020. BIS is seeking input on the continuing need for, and scope of, possible future extensions of the Temporary General License (TGL) for Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and its non-U.S. affiliates on the Entity List.



Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross Announces Additions to Entity List including Iranian Nuclear Scientists and Other Suppliers of Irans and Pakistans WMD Programs [ [link removed] ]

The Bureau of Industry and Security in the Department of Commerce announced that it will add six individuals and 18 corporations to the Entity List for enabling or assisting with Irans nuclear program, Pakistans unsafeguarded nuclear and missile programs, and Russian military modernization efforts. The Entity List additions include five Iranian nuclear officials, one company in Iran, two entities in China, nine in Pakistan, and five in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) involved in assisting weapons of mass destruction (WMD) activities in Iran and Pakistan.



The 2020 Census is happening now. You can respond online, by phone, or by mail [ [link removed] ]

The 2020 Census will ask a few simple questions about you and everyone who is or will be living with you on April 1, 2020. For the first time, you can choose to complete the census online, by phone, or by mail.



NIST Funding Manufacturing Institutes to Support Pandemic Response [ [link removed] ]

The U.S. Department of Commerces National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has opened a funding opportunity for rapid, high-impact projects that support the nations response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using funds appropriated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020, NIST will award these grants through the NIST Manufacturing USA National Emergency Assistance Program with no requirements for cost matching.



USPTO Launches the Expanding Innovation Hub [ [link removed] ]

As part of Womens History Month, the United States Patent and Trademark Office has officially launched the Expanding Innovation Hub, an online platform available on the USPTO website that provides resources for inventors and practitioners to encourage greater participation in the patent system. The new platform is yet another step the USPTO has taken to broaden the innovation ecosphere, to inspire novel inventions, to accelerate growth, and to drive Americas global competitive edge. It builds on our SUCCESS Act report to Congress of 2019, as well as our Progress and Potential report on women inventors.



American Broadband Initiative Turns One [ [link removed] ]

Federal agencies have made significant progress across government to improve broadband access for Americans in the year following the launch of the American Broadband Initiative, said speakers in a recent NTIA BroadbandUSA webinar. The Trump Administration announced the launch of the initiative in February 2019 with the release of the Milestones Report, which outlined commitments made by federal agencies to improve broadband resources.



U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.5 Million to Establish New Business Incubator in Valdosta, Georgia, Opportunity Zone [ [link removed] ]

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Departments Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.5 million grant to the Valdosta and Lowndes Chamber of Commerce in Valdosta, Georgia to fund the construction of a new business incubator. The EDA grant, to be located in a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $1.7 million in local funds and is expected to help create 81 jobs and generate $9.7 million in private investment.



Minority Business and Technology Initiative [ [link removed] ]

The U.S. Department of Commerce and Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) announced an exciting new collaboration with Amazon Business, The Minority Business and Technology Initiative. The initiative will help thousands of minority entrepreneurs expand their businesses globally and increase sales exponentially through e-commerce technology.



Staying in? Keep learning with science activities that kids and families can do at home [ [link removed] ]

With lots of kids home from school, you might be looking for educational activities* that can be done without leaving the house. Heres a quick roundup of NOAAs most popular educational resources to help you safely hunker down while learning about the ocean and atmosphere.




In Case You Missed It

*U.S. Personal Income Climbs More Than Expected In February [ [link removed] ]*

The Commerce Department released a report showing personal income in the U.S. increased more than expected in the month of February, while personal spending rose in line with economist estimates. The report said personal income climbed by 0.6 percent in February, matching the increase seen in January. Economists had expected income to rise by 0.4 percent. Disposable personal income, or personal income less personal current taxes, increased by 0.5 percent, while real disposable income, which is adjusted to remove price changes, rose by 0.4 percent. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department said personal spending edged up by 0.2 percent for the second straight month, matching expectations.



*U.S. Department of Commerce investing $2 million in Kinstons health science sector [ [link removed] ]*

Lenoir Community College has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration to support the college's Floyd Health Sciences building. "The healthcare industry is advancing rapidly under the Trump Administration, and we are committed to providing American jobs that support its growth, explains Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. Lenoir Community Colleges new facility will boost the local economy by creating jobs and arming the region with better medical services. Ross says the grant will be matched with more than $5 million in state funding and $115,439 in local investment, and it is expected to create more than 500 jobs. Governor Roy Cooper says the funds will help the state prepare for its residents' needs.



*Commerce Expands Electronic Filing in Wake of New Coronavirus [ [link removed] ]*

Confidential business information submitted by company attorneys in dumping and subsidy cases before the Commerce Department can now be filed electronically. The department action relieves companies and law firms of the obligation to use messengers, express delivery, or courier services to directly deliver documents to Commerce and all parties in unfair trade cases being considered by the department. Commerce made the temporary change to reduce direct person-to-person contact in the wake of the spread of Covid-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.

















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