SHAHEEN: EXPORTING CREATES NEW HAMPSHIRE JOBS
(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today met with Nashua-area business owners to discuss the rewards and challenges of exporting New Hampshire-made products overseas. The discussion took place at Sky-Skan, Inc., a manufacturer of digital planetarium and digital theater instruments that has successfully expanded its business and workforce by tapping into overseas markets.
"Exporting products and services to international markets will help New Hampshire's economy grow during the economic crisis," said Shaheen. "Small and medium sized businesses will benefit greatly from exporting their products overseas, and we must continue to help these businesses access the resources and financing necessary for them to succeed."
"Sky-Skan has customers in dozens of countries around the world. We're seeing a majority of our growth in international markets where price is the primary deciding factor," said Steven T. Savage, president of Sky-Skan.
"Due to the nature of fluctuating economies worldwide, exporting and importing products and services is a very significant aspect to the success of many New Hampshire businesses. Conducting business internationally provides companies the opportunity to interact and network, which in turn gives a competitive advantage in a global environment," said Michelle Ouellette, president of the New Hampshire International Trade Association.
Since joining the Senate, Shaheen has cosponsored legislation to strengthen SBA programs that assist small exporters. Among other things, this legislation will improve access to capital by raising the loan limits and guarantees on the SBA export loan programs. Shaheen has also cosponsored legislation to strengthen the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and ensure OPIC is dedicating resources to help small companies export.
Shaheen was the first New Hampshire Governor to lead a trade mission overseas. The four trade missions she led during her six years as Governor resulted in $500 million in projected sales for New Hampshire businesses. As Governor, Shaheen significantly increased the State's investment in the International Trade Resource Center, which offers New Hampshire companies one-stop shopping for a wide range of services to help them develop new markets for their products and services.
