This presentation was recorded at the 2008 IW Best Plants Conference (www.iwbestplants.com) Rear Admiral William G. Sutton CAE, U.S. Navy (Ret.) is the U.S. Commerce Department Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services (MAS). Appointed by President Bush in May 2007, Sutton was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in August 2007. As a unit of Commerce's International Trade Administration, MAS serves as the federal government's lead advocate for U.S. industry. Its distinctive sector expertise enables MAS to be the government's primary source for evaluating and analyzing industry policy. Admiral Sutton understands that American industries can successfully compete in the global economy, given a level playing field. As Assistant Secretary, he provides the support U.S. companies need to help them compete both at home and abroad. This is accomplished by working alongside other federal agencies, industry partners, and Congress to ensure that policies, regulations and laws, are evaluated with an eye towards competitiveness. Prior to this position, Sutton served as the president of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) from December 2001 to February 2007. ARI is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning and commercial refrigeration equipment in North America. It is a leader in standards and certification programs for its member's products while also serving as a key advocate for the U.S. manufacturing industry at home and abroad. Sutton brought to ARI extensive experience in leadership, change management, and government affairs, having completed a highly successful 30-year career in the United States Navy. His unique background includes six CEO/COO-equivalent assignments and expertise in inter-agency relations, legislative affairs, and international relations. Sutton also served as the Naval Aide to President Ronald Reagan and Director of Programs in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, in addition to numerous operational at-sea assignments including ship, squadron and group commands. He holds a master's in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor's in Naval Engineering from the United States Naval Academy.

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