U.S. Department of Commerce official Ronald Lorentzen, deputy assistant secretary for Import Administration, explained how implementing sustainable manufacturing best practices can improve industry competitiveness and create a more stable environment for job growth. His presentation was part of the Sustainable American Regional Tour (SMART), held today at Shaw Industries in Dalton, Ga. More than 60 representatives from the domestic carpet industry attended the event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Import Administration (IA) and Shaw Industries Group.

“The U.S. carpet and floor covering industries are among the most progressive industries in addressing environmental and sustainable manufacturing challenges,” Lorentzen said. “The opportunities associated with these practices can be easily applied to most domestic manufacturing sectors.”

Lorentzen and Kim Glas, IA’s deputy assistant secretary for textiles and apparel, highlighted Commerce’s Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative and discussed the resources available from the Federal government. Lorentzen and Glas joined Representative Tom Graves and Vance Bell, Shaw ceo, for a round table discussion with industry representatives discussing the leadership and competitiveness of the carpet industry.

“The carpet and flooring industries lead by example,” said Bell. “Today’s presentations and tours demonstrate the substantive positive impacts we are having with sustainable manufacturing. This bodes well for the long-term success of the industry.”

For more information on the Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative and other regional tours, visitwww.manufacturing.gov/sustainability.