Made in Rural America Regional Export and International Investment Forum: Cortland, New YorkSeptember 2014 |
 Made in Rural AmericaRegional Export and International Investment Forum
September 5, 2014 As part of the White House Rural Council's Made in Rural America export and investment initiative, ARC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Commerce co-hosted a regional forum in Cortland, New York, on September 5 on expanding international market opportunities for rural businesses and value-added agricultural producers. One of a series of events taking place across the country to help boost exports and rural economies, the Cortland forum helped upstate New York firms learn ways to grow their business by finding new customers abroad and expanding sales to their existing international customers. It also helped rural community leaders learn how to position their regions to attract and prepare for foreign investment. Held at the invitation of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the forum featured addresses from Gillibrand and U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Bruce H. Andrews and remarks from ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl F. Gohl. New York Deputy Secretary of State for Local Government Dierdre Scozzafava provided closing remarks. Attendees also heard from experienced exporters and from local, state, and federal organizations about resources and opportunities that can help rural businesses and community leaders access new markets and customers abroad. Speakers included international business professionals from Empire State Development, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, the Central New York International Business Alliance, the New York Small Business Development Center network, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Department of Commerce. Forum events included panel discussions with successful exporters and community leaders on overcoming barriers to exporting and the opportunities exporting presents for community and economic growth; as well as sessions on trade financing and foreign investment. Business attendees had the option of participating in one-on-one introductory meetings with export-assistance providers. Forum agenda (PDF: 147 KB) For more information about the forum, please contact ARC at exportnewyork@arc.gov . |