Eric Kelly Appointed to U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing

Overland Storage, Inc. announced that U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank appointed its president and CEO Eric Kelly to the 2013 US Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council.

The Council, established in 2004 and directed by the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, ensures regular communication between the U.S. government and the manufacturing sector.

"Keeping our manufacturing sector strong is critical to job growth in the United States," Blank said. "The Department of Commerce is focused on supporting U.S. manufacturers as they build things here, so they can sell them everywhere. The Council has an important role to play in shaping the direction of our nation’s manufacturing strategy and supporting American businesses and workers."

The selected Council members represent a diverse cross section of the manufacturing industry, including steel, textile, technology, and medical manufacturers. Their products support a wide range of industries such as the auto, aerospace, technology and energy efficiency sectors.

"It is an honor to have been chosen to be part of this important committee. I have shared my experiences as the president and CEO of Overland Storage, and our commitment to US manufacturing, with the leaders of government and business at every level. I am now eager to contribute my perspective on an even broader scale through the Manufacturing Council," said, Kelly. "Additionally, I look forward to working with the Department of Commerce and presenting the U.S. government with new ideas to strengthen American manufacturing and global competitiveness."

The Council advises the Secretary of Commerce on government policies and programs that affect U.S. manufacturing and provides a forum for proposing solutions to industry-related challenges. The Council also works to ensure that the United States remains the preeminent destination for investment in manufacturing throughout the world. The Secretaries of Labor, Energy, and Treasury serve as ex officio members of the Council to better collaborate on issues the Council will address.