WASHINGTON – U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. will visit Orlando, Fla., tomorrow for a town hall meeting to hear directly from local leaders working to strengthen and diversify the Space Coast economy. Locke will also discuss the Obama administration’s continued commitment to job creation and strengthening of the economy.

The Obama administration is committed to taking steps to help Florida’s Space Coast adapt and thrive in the years ahead. President Obama recently launched the Presidential Task Force on Space Industry Work Force and Economic Development, a $40 million, multi-agency initiative for regional and economic growth to assist the Space Coast as the country’s space exploration efforts expand and transform. The Task Force, co-chaired by Locke and Bolden, is leading the initiative to coordinate and implement a plan to grow the region’s economy and prepare its workers for the opportunities of tomorrow. The interagency effort will build on and complement ongoing local and federal economic and workforce development efforts.

WHO:

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke
NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez
NASA Associate Administrator for Mission Support Woodrow Whitlow, Jr.
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24)
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (FL-8)

WHAT:

Town Hall Meeting on Space Coast Economy and Discussion of Administration’s Commitment to Job Creation and Strengthening the Economy

WHEN:

Friday, June 4, 2010
Press arrival time: 10:00 a.m.
Program begins: 10:15 a.m.

WHERE:

Orlando Airport Hyatt Regency Hotel Intercontinental Ballroom – Section 5 9300 Airport Blvd. Orlando, Fla.

Media Coverage: This event is open to the press. To RSVP, please contact Shira Kramer at skramer@doc.gov. For additional information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at 202-482-4883.