The Peru Gazette

More than 50 local business leaders and economic developers filled a room at SUNY Adirondack this morning for “New Markets, New Jobs: Practical Steps for Small Businesses to Grow through Exports,” an export forum organized and hosted by Congressman Bill Owens. Discussion focused on how to make the most of available government and private sector services, as well as practical advice on working with export and trade service providers and foreign buyers.

“As companies expand into new markets, they are able to hire more staff to manage the increased business activity,” said Congressman Owens. “This has a ripple effect, creating jobs for manufacturers, distributors, freight carriers, community banks, and customs and logistics service providers. I hope that the conversations we started today will be ongoing and help local businesses bring their products and services to markets in Canada and around the world.”

The U.S. population represents approximately 5% of the total world population, meaning that 95% of potential customers for U.S. goods and services live outside the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. economy added 1.2 million more jobs between 2009 and 2011 due to record-breaking export levels. The U.S. exported $193.3 billion in April of this year with a trade in services surplus that increased by $200 million from March to April to reach $18.6 billion.