City of Murrieta, U.S. Dept. of Commerce Sign Agreement

An agreement was signed on May 14, 2012 by the City of Murrieta and the Foreign Commercial Service, International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce to promote export awareness in small- and medium-sized businesses and to ensure public awareness of the economic benefits of exporting, building public support for job creation and growth through exporting.

"Exporting is an integral part of our economic growth and prosperity," said Fred Latuperissa, Director of the Foreign Commercial Service, International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce. "We need to embrace this opportunity and let our businesses be aware of the exporting needs that exist globally."

Murrieta and the Department of Commerce have been working in unison for several years, promoting each other's events as they pertain to exporting and business expansion. This agreement is the formal "road map" that will allow both entities to promote exporting and business growth in a more public capacity.

"We greatly appreciate our partnership with the Department of Commerce," said Murrieta's Mayor Douglas McAllister. "Fred and his group have been instrumental in helping us with business attraction and expansion in Murrieta. We recognize the importance of helping our companies to grow by expanding the market for their goods and services internationally."

Murrieta has a strong focus on economic development and a key component of the City's strategy is to promote increased exports and additional foreign direct investment to help attract and grow business in the region.

—Submitted by Bruce Coleman, Economic Development Director, city of Murrieta