9
EXPORT
| Issue #20
EDA Office of Foreign Trade • Riverside County, California • USA
On March 18, 2014, in
the City of Indio at the Riverside
County Workforce Center, Fred
P. Hochberg, Chairman and
President of Export-Import Bank
collaborated with Congressman
Raul Ruiz to present the
“
Exporter Forum”.
The Exporter
Forum was
created to help
companies get
information to
increase their
International
sales. The
event was
tailored to
address the
needs of
small and
medium-sized
businesses
with 500
or fewer
employees.
An
enthusiastic
“
Made In The U.S.A.” The
Strongest Brand We Have &
We Should Export It Globally!
By: Earl Richards
crowd of over 50 companies
listened to welcoming remarks
from Congressman Raul Ruiz as
he introduced Fred Hochberg.
Fred is Chairman and President
of the Export-Import Bank of the
United States and one of the
highest ranking business leaders
in the Obama Administration.
He is responsible for the fourth
straight year, setting export
finance records in key areas.
Overall financing for the first
time exceeded $35.7 billion and
supported $50 billion in exports
and approximately 255,000
exports related American jobs at
more than 3,400 U.S. companies.
Small business financing rose
over 70% from $3.3 billion in FY
2008
to $6.1 billion in FY 2012.
Fred’s message was clear, “there
is not a stronger brand we have
than made in the USA…. This is
our competitive edge” he said. He
went on to say “Riverside County
is the fastest growing county and
we want to make sure exports are
an integral part of that growth.”
Following Fred’s keynote address
was a panel discussion by key
agencies that help companies
with their international trade
strategies. The Small Business
Administration, the Department
of Commerce as well as the
regional representative from
EX-IM Bank were on the panel.
Congressman Ruiz expressed his
support and belief that exporting
to the rest of the world was
an opportunity for businesses
in the Coachella Valley. He
pointed out that the agricultural
products in the region could
also find markets overseas.
One company in attendance
mentioned that the networking
that took place during the
conference not only with the
agencies, but with the other
attending companies in the room,
was a valuable opportunity.
Riverside County declares Fred Hochberg
Day as Congressman Ruiz looks on.
Businesses from the Coachella
Valley listen intently.
Urge your congressman to
reauthorize EX-IM Bank
