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The Stamford Chamber of Commerce formally forged a partnership with the Export-Import Bank of the United States on Thursday, joining a program designed to encourage and support Stamford small businesses with exporting opportunities.
"Stamford has a long history of exporting our goods around the world. This new program will help smaller companies be more competitive by offering them additional resources and support," said chamber President Jack Condlin, who signed the agreement with Diane Farrell of the Export-Import Bank and Paul Edelberg, chairman of the chamber's International Trade Council.
Through the program, called SITREP, or the Stamford International Trade Resource Program, businesses will enter into partnerships with the Export-Import Bank, U.S. Department of Commerce, federal Small Business Administration, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development and the Connecticut Development Authority. The city of Stamford's Economic Development Office will advise companies on how to best to use federal, state and private assistance programs to increase business.
Mayor Michael Pavia, who opened the luncheon chamber meeting at the Holiday Inn Downtown, said, "Increasing exports creates jobs and promotes the competitiveness of Stamford companies."
The keynote speaker at the announcement was Farrell, the former first selectman of Westport who gave an overview of the export business in the U.S. and the potential that sector holds.
"Despite the common perception, the U.S. is still the No. 1 manufacturing country in the world," she said. "Our exports continue to rise each year, but they're not anywhere near where they can be."
The Stamford Chamber of Commerce formed the International Trade Council in 2001 to provide a forum for members with interests in international trade and to offer international educational programs and networking opportunities.
The Export-Import Bank, an independent federal agency, seeks to maintain U.S. jobs by filling gaps in export financing and strengthening U.S. export competitiveness.
The Daily Stamford is interested in what you have to say about international trade, the global economy and other related issues. You can add a comment to this article or contact me directly at jlupton@mainstreetconnect.us.
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