Commerce Director: "Government doesn't create jobs, businesses do"

The headline is a quote from the relatively new director for the Department of Commerce, Rogers Weed. He goes on to say, "About 80 percent of our state's economy comes from private sector activity, so we must have a strong, mutually beneficial relationship between government and the business community if we are to succeed in our mission to grow and improve jobs throughout the state." Since the Legislature changed the name and focus of the somewhat amorphous Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development to simply the Department of Commerce, the department has gone through a metamorphosis of sorts. The legislation passed earlier this year not only changed the name of the department but directed the new staff to deliver a plan to better serve the needs of businesses and narrow its focus on economic development. The department is preparing to release its formal plan next week . . . READ MORE