BUSH ADMINISTRATION AND HOME BUILDERS
TEAM UP TO PROMOTE EXPORTS

Linda Conlin, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development, and Gary Garczynski, President of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a framework for a public-private partnership designed to encourage and support the growth of U.S. exports in the building industry sector.

"By working together, we will be able to help the building industry sector increase exports to global markets," said Conlin. "This is another example of the Bush Administration's commitment to expanding opportunities for trade so that businesses can create more jobs, remain competitive and grow."

"NAHB is proud to work with the Commerce Department in this outreach," said NAHB President Gary Garczynski, a builder/developer from Woodbridge, Va. "Housing is a global issue and our members look forward to leading the way."

The MOU will combine Commerce Department and NAHB resources to better promote U.S. building materials, housing, and home construction technologies and services to world markets through conferences, exhibitions, seminars, site visits, trade missions, and other related trade events.

This mutual agreement will enable the building materials industry to continue to advance American building standards and technology, better utilize the tools and assistance of the U.S. Department of Commerce and support joint U.S. and foreign economic development by establishing partnerships abroad.

The signing took place at the International Builders Show®, an annual event hosted by NAHB and assisted by the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Buyers Program. The show highlights new products and services to more than 70,000 professionals from every niche of this industry and from around world.

The Office of Trade Development (TD) at the U.S. Department of Commerce offers U.S. businesses resources and services for all stages of the exporting process. With industry-focused experts to provide strategic research and analysis, TD helps small and large U.S. businesses access the global marketplace. TD also administers 1-800-USA-TRADE, a nationwide hotline available to companies seeking government export assistance and counseling.

NAHB's International Builders' Show® is the premier event for the home building industry and is one of the largest conventions in the world. More than 1,300 manufacturers introduce their building and construction products and services to over 70,000 industry professionals from 90 countries around the world.