Today we’re live blogging from our Washington Forum. We’re pleased to share the excitement that’s in the air when representatives from the government and the consumer electronics industry come together, here in Washington.

First up at 10:00am: Opening Keynote Address from The Honorable Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary of Commerce, US Department of Commerce.

We’re here at the first address! The room is packed with CEA members and members of the press.

Introducing Secretary Gutierrez is Gary Shapiro, CEO and president and CEA. After the applause, the Secretary takes the stage.

Quick Fact: This is the first time a standing cabinet secretary has addressed a CEA Washington Forum.

The scene: Two large screens flank Secretary Gutierrez, live-casting as he speaks. He has a notable presence and the audience is attentive.

A Bright Future: The Secretary talks about the bright future for the industry and how free trade is important to: the CE industry, the economy and to the country. He says we currently have three FTAs with Mexico, Canada and Israel but there are current 14, almost 15 pending, including ones with Columbia and Peru. He mentions that the European Union and Canada are currently negotiating their FTAs.

Fast track growth in exports – and the stats: The Secretary reported that the U.S had $1.6 trillion in exports last year, with the last four consecutive years showing growth above 10 percent up until January 2008. And that export 20 percent of what we manufacture in the U.S and 12 percent of our economy is driven by exports.

“We’re growing as if we were a small, aggressive market.”

“We should be looking at pending trade agreements with a sense of urgency”.

The pending trade agreement with Columbia is critical. With no trade agreement in place we current pay tariffs when we export to Columbia but collect none on our imports from them. Part of our goal is to help Columbia become a different society. Today, after investing $6 billion in the Columbia government, they’ve turned the country around in a way “I haven’t seen before.”

Continuing to build a close relationship with Columbia is key for security reasons in the region too. Regarding Columbia, we cannot waste time. The Secretary thanked the audience for their support of free trade and encouraged them “to let your voice be known on Columbia”.

Protecting the economy and the economic stimulus package. The average U.S. unemployment rate has been 5.1 percent for the past five years Although the economy is suffering “we will get through this as well”. The economic stimulus act which was passed has two key provisions:

1. Tax rebate checks being sent to 130 million households beginning in May.
2. Incentives for businesses to invest in capital equipment.

Help for Homeowners: The Hope Now Alliance has been formed to help with mortgage issues.

Economic forecasts: Most forecasters agree that the first quarter of 2008 will be the toughest and we should start to see turnaround in the second half of the year.

Wireless Spectrum Auction: Secretary Gutierrez reported on the successful conclusion to the auction which had raised almost $14 billion in revenues. The 700 mhz spectrum alone had raised $20 billion and will free up spectrum for the DTV transition in February 2009.

DTV transition and its impact: The Secretary said he “appreciates CEA getting out the message” about the transition to make sure people know what will happen next February and be prepared for it. The spectrum auction and transition will:

1. Free up our wireless spectrum for first responder use.
2. Help consumers.
3. Free up spectrum to allow new innovation.

The three options for consumers who use over-the-air TV are:

1. Purchase a converter box (utilizing the $40 government coupons).
2. Use cable or satellite services.
3. Purchase a digital television (DTV).

9 Million: is the number of requests for converter box coupons that the government has received so far.

‘You’ are what makes this economy: Secretary Gutierrez concluded by thanking the audience “for all you do for the economy”. “You are clearly leading the way exposing consumers to innovation and making life better for people.”

Q & A: The Secretary answered audience questions.

The Secretary’s sound byte:

Trade starts when you have geographic proximity.

Learn more about us: Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

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This entry was posted on Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 at 6:44 am and is filed under CEA Events, DTV Transition, Economics, Free Trade, Washington Forum, Wireless Communications. Reply to this post, or trackback from your own site. Follow responses to this entry through the comments RSS feed.