REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY SANDY K. BARUAH ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - BBK PERFORMANCE INC. GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY - DELAND CROSSING INDUSTRIAL PARK - DELAND, FLORIDA

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2008

AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY

Introduced by Congressman John Mica (R)

Thank you, Congressman Mica, for that kind introduction.

Congressman, I know that you share the President’s commitment to creating higher-skill, higher-wage jobs for Florida and the nation, and I appreciate the key role that you play as the Ranking Member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in ensuring that communities in Florida and across the nation have the infrastructure needed for successful economic development.

Thank you for your leadership, Congressman.

It’s a pleasure to be here with you on this special occasion to celebrate Volusia County’s economic future, and I thank you for the invitation.

I want to congratulate BBK Performance for their continued success and their decision to expand their operation to Florida.

While the economy is slowing, it is still growing, with GDP increasing 2.2% last year. One of the reasons for this continued economic strength is our success in exporting American goods and services. International trade has always been important to economic development, it is becoming increasingly important in the 21st century, which is why it’s such a key element of President Bush’s pro-growth agenda.

In 2007, American companies and workers scored a record-breaking $1.6 trillion in goods and services exports, 12% over the record in 2006. This is more than any country at any time in history.

Here in Florida exports in 2007 totaled $45 billion, up 80% from 2003. Florida companies are selling their goods and services in 222 countries.

A great example of American success in exports is BBK, and this new BBK facility in Florida will help expand BBK’s exports of their world-class products across the globe.

Exports support millions of U.S. jobs, which on average pay a higher wage than non-export related jobs. And with 95% of the world’s customers living outside the U.S., there is plenty of room to further strengthen U.S. exports and create more higher-wage jobs.

And a key tool to grow exports is Free Trade Agreements – FTAs.

When President Bush took office, we had Free Trade Agreements with just 3 countries – Israel, Canada and Mexico. Today, we have free trade agreements with 15 countries with 3 more pending Congressional approval.

FTAs help our companies, farmers, manufacturers and workers sell American goods and services to new markets around the world.

The critical role exports play in Florida’s economy highlights the importance of the Free Trade Agreements the President is pursuing.

These FTAs will provide U.S. companies, farmers, manufacturers and workers access to 75 million consumers in emerging markets across the globe.

This is important not just for the nation, but for the Central Florida region as well – because a strong and resilient national economy provides the folks here in Central Florida a better opportunity to realize economic growth right here at home. It takes both smart national policies and forward looking regional initiatives to ensure that the American dream reaches all parts of our great nation – and we are celebrating both here today.

Of course, a little help from the Federal government can’t hurt. And today, we have the distinct pleasure to witness the establishment of new industry right here in Volusia County at the Deland Crossings Industrial Park, and EDA is proud to be a partner with you in this effort.

Congratulations to BBK Performance, to Volusia County, and to the Central Florida region on the impressive accomplishment we celebrate today, and thank you again for the invitation to be here.

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