Press Release

Sacramento, CA – Twelve local CEOs and business leaders joined Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to discuss how to strengthen the region's agriculture, technology, manufacturing and health sectors.

"As our region grows, we need to focus on making our region a destination for young people and businesses," Bera said. "Part of that includes increasing access to international markets, it also includes workforce training and collaborating with our universities and businesses about the kind of skills needed to propel us into the 21^st century economy."

"As I visit businesses all over the country, I am told repeatedly that the shortage of workers with the necessary training to meet businesses demands is a critical problem. We must address skills training and workforce development to remain globally competitive," Secretary Pritzker said. "Also central to the success of businesses across the country and in Sacramento is trade. Today we heard from several local businesses that will significantly benefit from the Trans Pacific Partnership."

Business leaders from Blue Diamond, VSP Global, and Siemens emphasized how the increased access to international markets will help their businesses continue to grow and hire more workers.

The roundtable was held at the joint facilities of California Pavement Maintenance Company (CPM) and Rayner Equipment Systems. The veteran-owned business was founded by Gordon Rayner and his brother Richard. They make pavement maintenance trucks that are shipped all over the world to developing countries that are working to improve their infrastructure.

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