U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez has announced that Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services Al Frink, the first to hold that position and who has provided leadership towards helping to unleash American business competitiveness, will resign his office effective Jan. 31, 2007.
"Al Frink has blazed a new trail in helping increase the competitiveness and health of America’s manufacturing and services industries. American manufacturers and service providers are continuing to expand their competitiveness, and in Al Frink, they’ve had a 'go to' advocate who helped to advance their agenda. His thirty years of direct manufacturing business experience provided us all with invaluable insight, and the team he’s helped build will continue his good work,” said Gutierrez. "We at the Department of Commerce will miss Al’s leadership and we salute his public service."
Frink oversaw the implementation of 35 of the 57 recommendations from the Manufacturing in America Report in April of 2004, including the development of the Manufacturing Council.
"I’ve been honored to serve President Bush and to work with two great Secretaries of Commerce, helping to advance America’s manufacturing and services competitiveness. As a public servant, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to try to give back to my country," said Frink. "I’m proud of the accomplishments we’ve made and where we’re headed. American manufacturing is strong, competitive and driven to succeed."
John Engler, President of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) said he was saddened to hear of Frink’s resignation.
“As our ‘Manufacturing Czar’ he was a stalwart advocate for the industry,” Engler said.