U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Gina Raimondo spoke to DOC employees at an in-person and virtual discussion to launch Public Service Recognition Week, the DOC announced last week.
Sec. Raimondo discussed the DOC's strategic plan, released in March, which covers the DOC's strategy for progress in five areas, the DOC reported May 3. Raimondo said career staff expertise will drive the plan's progress.
“Our strategic plan will be our North Star in all we do going forward for the American people,” Raimondo said at the event, according to the statement. “Commerce is at the center of so much that matters and this effort starts from the ground up with the expertise and experience of the Department’s career staff.”
DOC Deputy Secretary Don Graves also attended the forum, the DOC reports. In his remarks, Graves stated equity is both the core and the forefront of the strategic plan.
“Equity underpins all aspects of the plan, Graves said according to the statement. "Economic prosperity must be evenly shared among the American people, and everyone should be able to participate in our economy both domestically and globally,” he stated.
Raimondo the companies with the best performance are the ones that welcome equity and diversity.
“Our diversity is our advantage in this country," she said at the event, the DOC reports.
The strategic plan's foundation is in the DOC's core values of "service, respect, equity and passion," according to the statement.
“Service is why we are all here and we cannot lose sight of the forest from the trees,” Raimondo said at the event. “This isn’t just a job, and the American people are counting on us.”
Sec. Raimondo concluded her remarks by saying the DOC "must delivery on all of these new responsibilities."
“It is my honor to be your leader and our work matters now more than ever," Raimondo said, according to the DOC. "I am proud of the people, the talent and skill of each person that represents the Department of Commerce.”
