Secretary Locke and Tim Brant Highlight Commerce's Kickoff

Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, announced their goal of $3.8 million	ABC7 Sports Director, Tim Brant, provided the event's keynote address

The U.S. Department of Commerce officially started their 2009 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) on November 2, with a kickoff in their Hoover Building.  Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke, provided remarks that encouraged his fellow employees to support the CFC this year.  "Due to the economy charitable giving is down, that's why it is so critical to talk to your colleagues about the importance of the campaign," said Secretary Locke.  "Our support means more than ever," he said.

ABC7 Sports Director, Tim Brant, provided the event's keynote address.  Mr. Brant talked about how it was his dream to get into the sports journalism business.  "There are a lot of others out there with a dream that you are making come true when you support the CFC," he said.

Other event highlights included:

• Remarks from Under Secretary for Intellectual Property, Director United States Patent and Trademark Office, David Kappos
• A welcome from Commerce's Campaign Manager, Joseph McKane
• Entertainment by the St. John's College High School Honors Choir
• Speeches from two CFC-supported charities
• The presentation of Colors by the Armed Forces Color Guard
• A Charity Fair that followed the program

"The decisions you make will change lives," said David Kappos	The St. John's College High School Honors Choir entertained the audience
The Armed Forces Color Guard presented the Colors	DC Central Kitchen's Chief Development Officer, Brian MacNair, spoke about his organization
Tim Brant drew doorprize tickets	A large Charity Fair followed the kickoff