U.S. Chamber Pledges to Work with Commerce Secretary Richardson to Rebuild the Economy, Promote Trade

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Chamber President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue issued the following statement on President-elect Barack Obama's selection of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce:

"The U.S. Chamber welcomes the selection of Bill Richardson as Commerce Secretary and shares his commitment to reviving the U.S. economy and creating jobs for American workers.

"Secretary Richardson's significant foreign policy experience and his work with international leaders will be especially important in helping to open new markets for U.S. goods as he leads U.S. trade missions.

"Today's economic challenges are unprecedented and America's business community wants to be – and must be – part of a successful and sustainable economic recovery. The Chamber and the business community are ready to get to work with Secretary Richardson and President-elect Obama's economic team to create jobs, restore economic growth, and ensure that America's businesses and workers can compete around the world."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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