Commerce Announces Five New Public-Private Partnerships Promoting the Competitiveness of U.S. Manufacturing and Services Firms

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced today that more than $1.5 million will be awarded to five non-profit industry groups who have programs designed to support and enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. manufacturing and services industries. Commerce’s Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) awards are cooperative agreements between Commerce’s International Trade Administration and recipients who foster global competitiveness. Since its inception in 1993, Commerce has made 97 awards under the MDCP initiative. In an average year, MDCP projects generate $238 million in exports.

“The Market Development Cooperator Program spurs innovation, exports, and facilities private-sector projects that create jobs and provide economic opportunity for Americans,” Secretary Locke said. “The MDCP is a good example of how public-private sector partnerships leverage limited public resources to increase U.S. exports from small- and medium-sized businesses.”

The five recipients are:

• National Electrical Manufacturers Association, Arlington, Va. – $178,031
• National Tour Association, Lexington, Ky. – $281,255
• Capital Region USA, Washington, D.C. – $339,199
• Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Denver, Colo. – $363,130
• Center for International Trade Development at El Camino Community College, Torrance, Calif. – $392,155

The Commerce Department outlay for 2009 awards will be matched by a $3.4 million investment by the non-profit trade organization recipients that pledged to pay a minimum of two-thirds of the project cost and to sustain the projects after this MDCP award period ends in 2012.

On average, MDCP projects generate $106,000 in exports for every $1,000 awarded.

For more information about the Market Development Cooperator Program, please visit www.trade.gov/mdcp.