Roxbury Technology’s President Beth Williams named to Manufacturing Council

Roxbury Technology Corporation’s President Beth Williams is one of five new members appointed to the 2014 Manufacturing Council by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, according to an announcement from the department. The council, established in 2004, advises the Secretary of Commerce on challenges facing U.S. manufacturers and recommends programs and policies to help manufacturers maintain global competitiveness.

Williams has led Roxbury Technology since 2003. The company specializes in manufactured toner cartridges and imaging products.

“As the federal agency responsible for leading the government’s manufacturing policy, the Commerce Department is committed to doing everything we can to support this critical sector of our nation’s economy,” said Secretary Pritzker. “Our ‘Open for Business Agenda’ includes a strong focus on initiatives that will strengthen the manufacturing sector. The new members of our Manufacturing Council have unique expertise and perspective that will be integral to our efforts to shape policies that support American businesses and workers, boost our economic growth, and create jobs.”

The council, which is directed by the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, is comprised of up to 30 members that represent a diverse and balanced cross-section of the manufacturing industry according to sector, geographic location, demographics, and company size. The Secretaries of Labor, Energy, and Treasury serve as ex-officio members of the Council to better collaborate on cross-cutting issues the Council will address.

At the inaugural SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit in November, Secretary Pritzker announced her approval to revisions to the eligibility requirements for the Manufacturing Council. The change allows for the appointment of representatives of U.S. subsidiaries of foreign-owned or foreign-controlled manufacturers to the council. The adjustment supports President Obama’s SelectUSA initiative that aims to increase foreign direct investment in the U.S.

One of the council’s main efforts is working to ensure that the United States remains the preeminent destination for investment in manufacturing throughout the world. The council also provides a forum for proposing solutions to industry-related problems and helps ensure that there is regular communication between the U.S. government and the manufacturing sector.

The council recently held its first meeting for 2014 on Jan. 14.