Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association, issued a statement following the confirmation of Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo as the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“The Auto Care Association congratulates Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo on her confirmation as the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Through Auto Care Association’s Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) awards’ activities, we have developed a strong relationship with the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration and U.S. Commercial Service offices across the globe. Our partnership has enabled us to grow our international program and resources to help our members identify new business opportunities and expand our data standards in key export markets,” said Hanvey.

“On behalf of the over $400 billion auto care industry, we look forward to working with Secretary Raimondo on policies that strengthen competitiveness of American businesses and U.S. exports in the global marketplace, support a robust framework to protect U.S. assets, and identify and resolve trade barriers in foreign markets.”