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 On May 4th, when the White House announced the nomination of William G. “Woody” Sutton for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Manufacturing and Services, the response from officials and the manufacturing sector was almost immediate. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez responded by saying, "Our manufacturers are the best in the world. The manufacturing and services sectors need practical experience and a strong voice in Washington . . . . Woody Sutton understands the challenges facing both sectors and knows what it will take to help them grow and create jobs."
The National Association of Manufacturers’ President John Engler, in a statement released May 4, praised the nomination saying, "Woody has been a longtime advocate and friend to manufacturers, recognizing industry's importance to the economy and millions of American jobs, If confirmed, his experience within the industry will allow him to expand this position, helping manufacturers create jobs and compete globally."
What Sutton could bring to the position is a fairly impressive list of accomplishments and education relevant to the position. A highly decorated former U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, Sutton served as Naval Aide to President Ronald Reagan and Director of Programs in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, in addition to numerous operational at-sea assignments including ship, squadron and group commands. During his five-year tenure as President of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) representing manufacturers of more than 90 percent of North American-produced central air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment, Sutton served as an officer of the National Association of Manufacturers’ Council of Manufacturing Associations, and he served on the Boards of Directors for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Institute (ARTI), the Clifford H. "Ted" Rees Scholarship Foundation, and was an active member of the U.S. Chamber’s Committee of 100.
Sutton, who holds a Master of Science Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Engineering from the United States Naval Academy, certainly should understand the challenges facing American manufacturing. As Engler (NAM) puts it, "Manufacturers face great challenges, from structural costs at home and global competition abroad. Having worked directly with the industry, Woody Sutton understands these challenges and the means necessary to developing growth to keep American manufacturing strong. . . . Standing alone, U.S. manufacturing would be the eighth largest economy in the world. America remains the world's top manufacturing country and despite suggestions to the contrary, more products than ever are now 'Made in America.' Woody is an exceptional nominee to become the President's point person for the industry to continue this trend."
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