WASHINGTON (Dec. 14, 2006) — Al Frink, assistant secretary of commerce for manufacturing and services—the U.S. government's so-called “manufacturing czar”—has resigned his position effective Jan. 31.
Mr. Frink, a California carpet manufacturer, was appointed to the newly created position in April 2004 after President Bush promised to create a “manufacturing czar” specifically to aid U.S. manufacturers in a time of declining jobs. In his resignation letter, Mr. Frink said he wanted to spend more time with his family.
During his tenure, Mr. Frink played a role in the accomplishment of several initiatives to help U.S. manufacturing, such as creation of a Commerce Department office to promote domestic manufacturing competitiveness and the founding of an industry-government advisory manufacturing council.
The Bush administration plans to name a successor to Mr. Frink, but has not yet done so.