U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker will be in Orlando on Thursday, part of her nationwide listening tour to meet with businesses, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and Department of Commerce employees.
Pritzker will speak at Walmart’s first-ever U.S. Manufacturing Summit, jointly hosted by the mega-retailer and the National Retail Federation, at the Orange County Convention Center. The Summit, which is expected to draw 1,500 people, aims to give state officials the opportunity to connect with hundreds of manufacturers ready to create American jobs and allow supplier companies to present potential projects and learn about the resources available in different areas.
Walmart, the world’s third largest retailer and top low-wage employer, recently made a commitment to buy $50 billion more in American made, sourced or grown products over the next 10 years.
“As Secretary of Commerce, my goal is to serve as a bridge to the business community – both domestically and abroad – so that we can work together to strengthen the economy and create jobs and opportunities for all Americans,” said Pritzker, in a statement. “I intend to leverage the sum of my experiences as an entrepreneur, a business leader, and a citizen deeply committed to American competitiveness to help strengthen the Department and the government-wide leadership it provides in areas such as manufacturing, attracting business investment, innovation, and exporting.”
Pritzker will also tour Universal Studios during her visit to Orlando and hold a roundtable discussion with local business leaders on the travel and tourism industry.
Pritzlker kicked off her listening tour in July in Colorado and has already visited Albany, New York, Hartford, Conn., Nashville, Tenn., and Des Moines, Iowa.
Perhaps Ms. Pritzker should also visit some of the economically depressed areas like Parramore to see what kind of economic impact could be implemented where it is sorely needed. It’s a no-brainer to go where the Chamber wants you to go. It’s another thing to think outside the box. Walmart doesn’t need more business and neither does Universal. Parramore does and we’re not talking about soccer.