This week, Ambassador Kirk will travel to Atlanta and meet with small business leaders about President Obama’s plan to win the future for Georgia families, workers, and businesses of all sizes.
Many Georgia companies of all sizes are selling abroad and hiring local workers. Last year, Georgia exported almost $29 billion worth of goods, nearly double the amount exported ten years ago. Georgia’s small businesses are responsible for 30 percent of the state’s total exports of merchandise (2008). In fact, goods exports in 2008 supported more than 194,000 jobs in Georgia, and many of those jobs were with one of the 8,812 small- and medium-sized Georgia businesses who proudly sell their Peach State products overseas.
The Langdale Company in Valdosta is just one example of an American small business poised to win the future. Langdale currently exports their industrial wood products such as utility poles, marine pilings, lumber, and pre-hung doors from ten manufacturing facilities in Georgia to Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and Mexico. Exporting for over 35 years to different markets around the world has spread Langdale’s reputation for exceptional service, competitive prices, and an extensive product line. In addition, Langdale has plans to expand into yet even more global markets.
Trade enables local businesses to sell their goods and services more competitively abroad while supporting jobs in Georgia. Georgia’s small businesses are a major exporting force for the state and are ready to take on the demands for American products from overseas markets. That’s why USTR is working to open markets and enable more Georgia businesses to compete internationally, increasing their exports in support of local jobs for Georgians.
During Ambassador Kirk’s visit to Atlanta, he will sit down with Mayor Kasim Reed to discuss how small business leaders of Atlanta can win the future with the help of President Obama’s National Export Initiative. Ambassador Kirk will also share with Atlanta business leaders of how trade is a central key to this comprehensive plan to double U.S. exports by 2014.
