YOUNGSTOWN, OH - August 5, 2011 -- Imagine a world where businesses have access to the capital they need to drive innovation and collaboration. Additionally, an educated workforce stands ready to have companies compete for their employment, instead of the workforce competing amongst each other for jobs. And, what if this world aggressively encouraged university start-ups and on-shore manufacturing through tax credits and other rebates?

This is the world the Department of Commerice's Innovation Advisory Board is trying to create, with the help of regional business executives, nonprofits and economic development organizations from across the country. This Innovation Advisory Board is a 15-member committee who advises the Secretary of Commerice, in coordination with the National Economic Council and other federal agencies, on the development of a study focusing on America's innovative capacity global economic competitiveness. The Innovation Advisory Board was established by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, signed by President Obama in January of this year. Board members offer advice and solicit feedback from stakeholders across the country, serving until the completion of the study - required before January 4, 2012.

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