The Department of Commerce is currently seeking applications for appointment of 25 members of the Manufacturing Council (Council) for a two-year term to begin in fall 2012. The purpose of the Council is to advise the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and to provide regular communication between Government and the manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing and Services division of the International Trade Administration oversees the administration of the Council and collaborates with Congress and other stakeholders to increase the global competitiveness of the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Members will be selected in accordance with applicable Department of Commerce guidelines based on his or her ability to advise the Secretary of Commerce on matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing sector, to act as a liaison among the stakeholders represented by the membership, and to provide a forum for those stakeholders on current and emerging issues in the manufacturing sector. In assessing this ability, the Department will consider such factors as, but not limited to, the candidate's proven experience in promoting, developing and marketing programs in support of manufacturing industries, job creation in the manufacturing sector, or the candidate's proven abilities to manage manufacturing organizations.
Given the duties and objectives of the Council, the Department particularly seeks applicants who are active manufacturing executives (Chief Executive Officer, President, or a comparable level of responsibility) that are leaders within their local manufacturing communities and industry sectors. The Council's membership shall reflect the diversity of American manufacturing by representing a balanced cross-section of the U.S. manufacturing industry in terms of industry sectors, geographic locations, demographics, and company size, particularly seeking the representation of small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The Secretary of Commerce appoints all Council members. All Council members serve at the discretion of the Secretary of Commerce. Council members shall serve in a representative capacity, representing the views and interests of a U.S. entity in the manufacturing industry and its particular sector. For the purposes of eligibility, a U.S. entity is defined as a firm incorporated in the United States (or an unincorporated firm with its principal place of business in the United States) that is controlled by U.S. citizens or by another U.S. entity. An entity is not a U.S. entity if 50 percent plus one share of its stock (if a corporation, or a similar ownership interest of an unincorporated entity) is controlled, directly or indirectly, by non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. entities.
As noted above, Council members serve in a representative capacity, expressing the views and interests of a U.S. entity; they are, therefore, not Special Government Employees. Council members receive no compensation for their participation in Council activities. Members participating in Council meetings and events are responsible for their travel, living and other personal expenses. Meetings are held regularly and not less than annually, usually in Washington, DC. Members are required to attend a majority of the Council's meetings.
To be considered for membership, please provide the following:
1. Name and title of the individual requesting consideration.
2. A sponsor letter from the applicant on his or her entity's letterhead or, if the applicant is to represent an entity other than his or her employer, a letter from the entity to be represented, containing a brief statement of why the applicant should be considered for membership on the Council. This sponsor letter should also address the applicant's manufacturing-related experience, including any manufacturing trade policy experience.
3. The applicant's personal resume.
4. An affirmative statement that the applicant meets all eligibility criteria.
5. An affirmative statement that the applicant is not required to register as a foreign agent under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended.
6. An affirmative statement that the applicant is not a federally registered lobbyist, and that the applicant understands that, if appointed, the applicant will not be allowed to continue to serve as a Council member if the applicant becomes a federally registered lobbyist.
7. Information regarding the control of the entity to be represented, including the governing structure and stock holdings, as appropriate, demonstrating compliance with the criteria set forth above.
8. The entity's size, place of incorporation or principal place of business, ownership, product or service line and major markets in which the entity operates.
9. Please include all relevant contact information such as mailing address, fax, email, phone number, and support staff information where relevant.
10. Please indicate if the applicant has an interest in serving on the Economic Security Commission subcommittee, if appointed, and highlight any experience relevant to the work of the subcommittee.
All applications must be received by the Office of Advisory Committees by close of business on Friday, November 16, 2012. After that date, ITA will continue to accept applications under this notice for a period of up to two years from the deadline to fill any vacancies that may arise.
Please submit application information via email to oacie@trade.gov or by mail to Jennifer Pilat, Office of Advisory Committees, Manufacturing Council Executive Secretariat, U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 4043, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230.
If you are interested in becoming a member to the Manufacturing Council, please review the Federal Register Notice for membership eligibility and criteria.
