I am a strong supporter of helping businesses in the Second Congressional District export their products to other countries and creating jobs here at home. Approximately one in three jobs in Washington state are tied to foreign exports, and the pay for these jobs is about 46% more than the overall state average. As your representative in Congress, I am committed to ensuring that government is doing what it can to help our small businesses expand and prosper.
I recently introduced the Small Manufacturers Export Initiative to provide resources to build the infrastructure necessary to help American Small and Medium Sized Businesses with export opportunities around the world. The global market presents a fast and ever growing market for U.S. exports. Nearly 3.7 million manufacturing jobs are supported by exports – 27 percent of all jobs in the manufacturing sector. However, most U.S. small and medium sized manufacturers are dissuaded from or lack the confidence necessary to enter the global market place. Financial roadblocks, conflicting information, Intellectual Property Rights infringements and cultural differences are creating unnecessary barriers for American companies. The Small Manufacturers Export Initiative will build the infrastructure necessary to connect American Small and Medium Sized Businesses with export opportunities around the world and help them export their products – not their jobs.
This legislation will:
The Small Manufacturers Export Initiative legislation will complement a local program I am introducing.
From talking with manufacturers in the community, I heard what tools and resources were needed to help them grow and export. The local export program is about connecting local small and medium sized businesses with the people and resources they need to export their goods overseas. This program includes the following initiatives:
If your business is interested in connecting through this program, please call Adam LeMieux at 425.252.3188.