Costa Welcomes Secretary Pritzker to the San Joaquin Valley

Fresno, CA – Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement regarding U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker’s visit to California’s San Joaquin Valley. Rep. Costa and Secretary Pritzker met with individuals in the community to discuss the California drought, trade, and economic opportunities for Valley residents and businesses.

“Secretary Pritzker’s visit to our Valley was productive, and I think she had the opportunity to learn from business leaders about some of the economic challenges we face as well as the opportunities we have for growth,” said Rep. Costa. “As one of the most productive agriculture regions in the world, Secretary Pritzker shared her desire to boost trade and commerce in the San Joaquin Valley. Additionally, Secretary Pritzker met with water district managers and farmers in the Valley who deal with drought and water challenges every single day. Educating government leaders about the devastating impacts of drought and California’s water history is vital to fixing our broken water system, and for that reason, Secretary Pritzker’s visit was very valuable.”

“I am grateful to have been invited by Representative Costa to hear directly from some of the San Joaquin Valley's thriving businesses about a topic of great importance to all of us: creating economic opportunity for all Americans,” said Secretary Pritzker. “At the Department of Commerce, it is our job to help set the conditions for businesses and workers in all of America’s diverse industries, including the Valley's agriculture industry, to succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy. Today's discussion allowed me to learn how the Department of Commerce can best serve as a partner to companies in the Valley looking to take advantage of new opportunities at home and around the world."