Loss of Ex-Im Hurting US Companies
Read About Negative Consequences of Ex-Im Lapse On Small Businesses Nationwide Below.
Small Business Leaders On The Negative Impact Of Ex-Im Bank Closure
ALABAMA
Michael McSweeney, Managing Partner, McSweeney Holdings
- Without Ex-Im, “McSweeny Holdings Will Lose Out To Foreign Companies.” “Many of our competitors are based in countries that provide aggressive export credit financing to their businesses (in fact more than 60 other countries have export credit agencies), meaning that if Ex-Im isn’t around, we can’t provide competitive financing on our exports and McSweeney Holdings will lose out to foreign companies in countries like China, Germany, and Brazil.” (Michael C. McSweeney,”You’ve Not Heard Much About Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, but gary palmer needs to protect it,” COM, 12/27/14)
ALASKA
Rachel Petro, CEO, The Alaska Chamber
- “Ex-Im Has Helped Create Jobs And Boosted Our Economy.” “It has allowed companies such as Salamatof Seafoods of Kenai sell their salmon and other seafood overseas. It has allowed Lynden Air Cargo of Anchorage to thrive. And it has allowed Gunderboom sell its Alaskan-made Subsurface Oil Control System around the globe. In short, Ex-Im has helped create jobs and boosted our economy. Over 65 percent of the Alaska Chamber’s members are small businesses and deserve a chance to compete globally.” (Rachel Petro, “Alaska, U.S. Small Businesses Deserve Better On Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Alaska Star, 10/28/15)
ARIZONA
Dave Wudel, President, Nanci’s Frozen Yogurt
- Arizona Exporter: “If The Bank Is Not Reauthorized, We’ll Be At A Disadvantage.” “‘We’ve got distributors in Australia, South Africa and Europe that rely on the credit that the EXIM Bank allows us to provide,’ Wudel said. ‘I think it’s become overly politicized, and it’s something when you step back and look at it, it makes all the sense in the world to support,’ Wudel said. ‘If the bank is not reauthorized, we’ll be at a disadvantage to other countries that offer the same kind of financing services.’” (Joe Dana, “Threat Looms For AZ Frozen Yogurt International Exporter,” 12 News NBC, 8/3/15)
Lea Marquez Peterson, President, Tucson Hispanic
- Ex-Im Has Helped Support High-Paying Jobs In Arizona. “It has supported over 5,000 jobs in Arizona between 2007-2014. And several of the 1,300 companies the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce represents have used it as a way to create high-paying jobs.” (Lea Marquez Peterson, Right Vote By McSally To Renew Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Arizona Daily Star, 11/7/15)
John Wudel, CEO, Wudel International
- Private Banks Will Not Fill The Gap For Small Businesses. “Wudel International of Gilbert, Ariz., makes Nanci’s Frozen Yogurt and exports it to 40 countries. Its CEO, John Wudel, said he had been approached recently by a company that owned 400 stores in China and wanted to sell Nanci’s Frozen Yogurt in them. He said the company asked for credit, but Wudel International was too small to offer it. Ordinarily, he would have referred the company to the Ex-Im Bank, but it’s shut down. ‘So, that ended the deal,’ he said. Wudel said he had attended a recent business roundtable with the heads of about 50 businesses in the Phoenix area. Someone suggested that private banks would pick up Ex-Im’s loan portfolio. ‘But there were some bankers in the room and they said that’s not going to happen. . . No bankers are going to take that kind of risk.’” (John Brinkley, “Ex-Im Bank’s Closure Is Sending Jobs Overseas, Hurting Small Firms,” Forbes, 9/15/14)
ARKANSAS
Randy Zook, President And Chief Executive Officer, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Has Created A Void And Some Exporters Cannot Receive Loan Guarantees. “The bank is also a careful, prudent lender, with decades of experience in international markets that many private lenders simply cannot match. That is why Ex-Im can handle deals involving far-flung nations with minimal risk-and a default rate that is just one fifth of most commercial banks. As BCH Trading, a Hot Springs lumber exporter, explained, the company’s private bank simply ‘will not make the loan guarantees that enable it to ship American lumber to countries like Greece and Egypt.’” (Randy Zook, “Leading From The Front On Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Democrat Gazette, 11/6/15)
Randy Barsalou, President, BCH Trading Company
- BCH Trading CEO: Ex-Im Bank “Is Absolutely Vital To Our Existence Given That 100% Of Our Sales Are Exports.” “Randy Barsalou, who owns BCH Trading Co. in Hot Springs, Ark., said he was in ‘disbelief’ that Congress was leaving for summer break without a reauthorization vote. ‘We use the program daily in tandem with our commercial bank, and it is absolutely vital to our existence given that 100% of our sales are exports,’ he said.” (Jim Puzzanghera and Lisa Mascaro, “Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank is dealt a blow as it is excluded from highway bill,” Los Angeles Times, 7/29/15)
- Ex-Im “Unlocks New Markets For Small Businesses.” “Ex-Im is important because it unlocks new markets for small businesses like mine. My company, BCH Trading, distributes American lumber to places all over the globe, in large part due to the help of Ex-Im.” (Randy Barsalou, “An Encouraging Sign,” Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette, 11/5/15)
CALIFORNIA
Gary Mendell, President, Meridian Financial Group
- Trade Financier Says Ex-Im Demise Could Help Other Countries Lure Away U.S. Business. “Gary Mendell, president of trade financier Meridian Finance Group, said export credit agencies in other countries are already taking advantage of Ex-Im’s expiration to lure away business from U.S. companies. ‘They’re gleeful about it, and I don’t blame them,’ Mendell said. ‘Those foreign competitors are going to customers in other countries and saying, ‘Hey, you don’t know if your U.S. supplier is even going to be able to ship to you and give you the payment terms they’re promising in their quote, because look what’s happening with Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank.”” (Victoria Guida, “Businesses Fume As Congress Lets Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank stay dead,” POLITICO, 7/30/15)
- Mendell: Many Of My “Clients Are Having To Cut Back Sales” Due To Loss Of Ex-Im Bank. “‘We don’t have any alternative in the private sector to bring them to,’ said Mendell, whose company provides export credit insurance for around 1,000 companies, of which 550 have insurance policies through Ex-Im…The insurance allows the U.S. exporter to give the foreign buyer payment terms, so it can take 30, 60 or 90 days to pay for the shipment. But if the exporter is selling something like medical equipment that will take 90 days to manufacture, Mendell said, then the insurance wouldn’t be available when it’s ready to ship. ‘If you’ve got customers for Christmas season, you’re shipping in September/October,’ he said, so many of his clients are having to cut back sales.” (Victoria Guida, “Businesses Fume As Congress Lets Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank stay dead,” POLITICO, 7/30/15)
Steve Wilburn, Chief Executive Officer, FirmGreen Inc.
- California Small Businessman Says His Company Has No Alternative To Ex-Im’s Support. “They complain that Boeing and other big companies, which receive the largest share of the total funds, use small exporters simply to provide a more sympathetic front. ‘Nobody uses me,’ countered Steven Wilburn, chief executive of FirmGreen Inc., a renewable energy company based in Newport Beach, Calif., with 11 employees. He said he, not Boeing, paid for his three trips to Washington to try to persuade Republicans to support the bank. ‘I’ve begged them,’ Mr. Wilburn said. ”If you have alternative sources of financing, please put them through to my doorstep.”” (Jackie Calmes, “Outlook For The Ex-Im Bank Dims As Congress Departs,” The New York Times, 7/29/15)
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Forces Small Business To Source Goods From Abroad. “But without the Ex-Im Bank, I am forced to either go abroad for my material or lose business. As a business owner, I have to think about my own employees, so reluctantly until we have Ex-Im back, I am having to source goods from abroad for some of these projects.” (Steve Wilburn, Exporters For Ex-Im, 10/27/15)
Kusum Kavia, President, Combustion Associates Inc.
- California Power Plant Manufacturer Says Demise Of Ex-Im Bank Will Put Company “In Jeopardy Of Cutting Down On Our Staff And Projects.” “‘I think we would seriously be in jeopardy of cutting down on our staff and projects’ without Ex-Im Bank financing, said company president Kusum Kavia, who added that many of the manufacturer’s materials come from other companies in Riverside County, so there would be a ripple effect. ‘We are just shocked that this could ever happen to the United States, where small businesses like myself are not able to compete in the global economy.’” (Ben Bergman, “How Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank shutdown could affect socal businesses,” Southern California Public Radio, 7/715)
- Company President: Without Ex-Im, Our Competitors Have A Great Advantage. “I’m very embarrassed when I say to my client that Ex-Im is still pending reauthorization…Now, we really don’t know when it will be back….We never thought the day would come that a first-world nation like the U.S. would not have an export credit agency…Here you have China, whose export credit agency has been very bullish, and Korea with their two export credit agencies; it puts us at a real disadvantage.” (J.D. Harrison, “Her Small Business was Ready to Hire 100 More People. Then, Ex-Im Expired,” Above The Fold, 8/19/15)
- Without Ex-Im, “We’ll Be Forced To Consider Layoffs.” “There’s definitely a threat to our current employees, too…If we don’t finalize these contracts, and if we are held back from winning more in the months ahead, and next year starts to look too sparse, we’ll be forced to consider layoffs. I would have to let some of these highly skilled, highly trained individuals go, because there just won’t be enough work…I wish Congress members would come to my office and see what it’s like to have these contracts depending on Ex-Im, to have our employees depending on Ex-Im…Ex-Im is extremely important for our growth, and really, for our survival, and I wish they could see that.” (J.D. Harrison, “Her Small Business was Ready to Hire 100 More People. Then, Ex-Im Expired,” Above The Fold, 8/19/15)
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Potentially Costs Company Two Deals. “She said she might soon lose two bids for power generation projects in sub-Saharan Africa without Ex-Im financing. ‘As a small business who doesn’t have the GE balance sheet, who doesn’t have the GE cash flow, can you imagine how difficult it is for us to keep our doors open?’ she said. ‘… Why is there this push to close Ex-Im bank which actually brings back money to the Treasury? It just doesn’t make sense.’ Kavia said if the projects went through, she could easily double her company, and most of them would be high-paying jobs like engineers and technicians.’” (Victoria Guida, “GE Moves Opponents Scoff As GE Moves Jobs Overseas,” Politico, 9/15/14)
Daniel E. Friedmann, President and Chief Executive Officer, MDA Corporation
- Ex-Im Bank Shutdown Has Contributed To Reduced Number Of Satellite Orders. “Canadian space hardware and services provider MDA Corp. said the shutdown of the U.S. Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank…[has] contributed to a reduced number of telecommunications satellite orders booked industry-wide in 2015… [mda chief executive daniel e. friedmann said] there are headwinds that did not exist in 2014. first is the u.s. congress’ decision not to reauthorize the u.s. export-import bank, which with france’s coface has been the lead export-credit agency in terms of satellite and satellite-launch financings in the past few years. friedmann said ex-im’s july 1 closure, even if it is reversed by u.s. congressional decision in the autumn, is bad news for the entire telecommunications satellite industry.” (Peter B. de Selding, “MDA Corp. Explains Drop In Satellite Orders, Says Move Out Of U.S. Possible,” Space News, 8/3/15)
- Satellite Producer’s Executive Says There Is No Substitute To “Fill The Gap Left By Ex-Im.” “Even if Canada’s Export Development Canada gets more satellite business in Ex-Im’s absence — the Canadian agency in the past has financed SSL-built satellites despite the California address — neither the Canadian nor the French agency can fill the gap left by Ex-Im, he said. ‘Without Ex-Im, there is not enough money in the market to finance all the satellites,’ Friedmann said. And it is not just satellite builders. Numerous customers of launch service provider SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, have benefited from Ex-Im backing.” (Peter B. de Selding, “MDA Corp. Explains Drop In Satellite Orders, Says Move Out Of U.S. Possible,” Space News, 8/3/15)
Don Nelson, Chief Executive Officer, ProGauge Technologies Inc.
- California Small Business Owner Says Without Ex-Im, His Firm Will No Longer Have Export Capabilities. “‘It’s going to be devastating for us,’ said Don Nelson, chief executive of ProGauge Technologies Inc., a Bakersfield manufacturer of oil industry equipment. ‘Basically, we just won’t be able to export anymore.’” (Jim Puzzanghera, “Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank’s cloudy future raises worries of job losses,” Los Angeles Times, 6/26/15)
- Ex-Im Lapse Means Outsourcing Jobs. “ProGauge Technologies Inc., a small Bakersfield manufacturer of oil industry equipment, is awaiting word on a bid for a multiyear project in the Middle East worth as much as $40 million… [Chief Executive Don Nelson] estimated the new project would create 30 jobs — but only five of those would be in the U.S. ‘It’s pretty sad to not be able to keep the jobs here,’ Nelson said.” (Jim Puzzanghera, “Bid To Revive Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank gets boost,” Los Angeles Times, 9/29/15)
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Impacts A Small Business’ Ability To Create U.S. Jobs. “ProGauge Technologies, Inc., a manufacturing company based in Bakersfield, California, is bidding on a project that could lead to 30 new jobs, but only five are staying here in the United States. The rest will be created abroad. It didn’t have to be that way. ProGauge is one of countless manufacturers in the United States, large and small, losing out on foreign sales and international deals because of Congress’ failure to stand up for American jobs. ‘It’s pretty sad not to be able to keep the jobs here,’ said ProGauge president Don Nelson.” (Jay Timmons, “Ex-Im Is An Easy Yes,” S. News And World Report, 10/13/15)
Howard Kimberley, Chief Executive, Shimtech Industries
- Boeing Subcontractors Say They “Will Suffer” Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “Boeing subcontractor says ExIm’s lapse will impact the aerospace industry negatively. ‘The reinstatement of the Ex-Im bank is absolutely crucial to the health of the aerospace industry, especially in California,’ said Howard Kimberley, chief executive at British firm Shimtech Industries, which owns Lamsco West Inc., a Santa Clarita supplier of shims for Boeing. ‘Boeing is an absolutely crucial part of our business.’ Kimberley said the satellite division layoffs would not affect his firm’s work with Boeing, which is on the commercial aircraft side, but he said the two companies are closely tied. ‘If Boeing’s business starts to suffer because they’re selling fewer airplanes, inevitably, we will suffer with them,’ he said.” (Samantha Masunga, “Boeing’s Southern California Layoffs Could Affect Subcontractors,” Los Angeles Times, 8/27/15)
Boeing
- Second Satellite Deal Lost As Ex-Im Lapse Drags On. “Boeing Co. on Tuesday said Singapore-based satellite operator Kacific had decided it would not consider a bid on a satellite contract from Boeing without financing from the U.S. Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, whose charter expired in june. this marks the second signed or potential satellite deal boeing has forfeited due to the congressional wrangling over ex-im’s future, following a decision by privately held abs, based in bermuda and hong kong, to cancel an order in july.” (“Boeing Loses Second Potential Satellite Deal Over Ex-Im Lapse,” Reuters, 9/15/15)\
- Boeing Set To Lay Off ‘Several Hundred’ Workers In Its Satellite Business. “The Boeing announcement marks the latest fallout from the ongoing debate about the future of EXIM, the U.S. government’s export credit agency, which can no longer write new loans and trade guarantees. U.S. government officials have said they are growing more concerned about the impact of the bank’s forced shutdown on a wide range of U.S. companies, including many small businesses.” (Andrea Shalal, “Exclusive: Boeing Eyes ‘Several Hundred’ Layoffs In Satellite Division,” Reuters, 8/24
CONNECTICUT
Larry Sussman, Vice President Of Finance, Beauty Enterprises Inc.
- Business For Small Business Will Go Down Without Ex-Im. “If the bank isn’t reauthorized, ‘it’s going to reduce the amount of shipments we can make to particular customers and that’s why we’re going to be looking in the secondary markets’ for insurance, he said.” (John Stearns, “Ex-Im Bank Freeze Creates Trade Barriers For CT Firms,” Hartford Business Journal, 10/5/14)
John Pfeifer, Founder, Apollo Solar
- Ex-Im Would “Quadruple” Sales And Create Jobs For Connecticut Solar Energy Company. “[Apollo Solar founder John] Pfeifer said if the Ex-Im Bank’s charter were to be reauthorized, he could quadruple his sales in the next year. ‘We would be hiring another 20 people,’ he said, starting with hiring back the three he let go this month. Those three workers had been with him for three years, since Apollo moved into the cell tower power business. He said it was painful having to lay them off.” (Mara Lee, “A Small Connecticut Exporter Suffers As Giant Companies Fight Congress Over Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Hartford Courant, 10/19/15)
- Connecticut-Based Small Business Could Quadruple Sales If Ex-Im Is Reauthorized. “One is Apollo Solar in Bethel, CT. The company makes electronic controls for solar power systems. Some 90 percent of the company’s products are used to power cell towers in developing countries in South America, Central America and Africa. John Pfeifer, the company’s founder, says if the Ex-Im Bank were to be reauthorized, he could quadruple sales in 2016. As it is, he laid off three of his nine employees in October because projects couldn’t get financing.” (John Sprovieri, “Failure To Renew Ex-Im Bank Charter Leads To Loss Of US Manufacturing Jobs,” Assembly Magazine, 11/3/15)
Richard Laurenzi, President, Prospect Machine Products Inc.
- Business Loses A Tool That It Uses Every Month Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “Richard Laurenzi, president of Prospect Machine Products Inc. in Prospect, which makes metal stampings for markets that include automotive, medical device, sealing technologies and bearings, also uses the insurance for products shipped outside the U.S. ‘We’re using it every month because of our shipments to Mexico, Brazil and Italy,’ he said.” (John Stearns, “Ex-Im Bank Freeze Creates Trade Barriers For CT Firms,” Hartford Business Journal, 10/5/14)
Paul Seaton, Vice President Of Marketing, APS Technology Inc.
- Without Ex-Im, Small Business Looks For Alternative Ways To Finance Deals. “The deals — one involving a former Soviet country, another with a large national oil company in the Americas — had received preliminary approval for EX-IM financing, said Paul Seaton, vice president of marketing. The export sales could be prejudiced by the lack of EX-IM support, he said, noting that the financing environment now is more challenging with the oil industry downturn. ‘In the good days, when we were flying high, we could finance a smaller purchase,’ Seaton said. ‘But we’d rather be doing that at the moment with the help of EX-IM.’” (John Stearns, “Ex-Im Bank Freeze Creates Trade Barriers For CT Firms,” Hartford Business Journal, 10/5/14)
FLORIDA
Luis Vidal, President, Yavid Corp.
- Yavid Corp., A Florida-Based Small-Business, Has Seen Business Slow Down Without Ex-Im. “But since June, when Ex-Im was allowed to expire, our business has slowed. Our customers are unable to close deals and sell their goods abroad.” (Luis Vidal, “Ex-Im Bank Is Vital To Florida’s Economy,” Miami Herald, 10/25/15)
Rick Barkett, Chief Operating Officer, Amalie Oil
- Ex-Im Needs To Be A “Viable Option” For Florida Exporters. “‘In America, any company that manufactures and has a means to distribute to another country, that needs to be a viable option for them because it is helping us grow businesses here.’” (Yvette C. Hammett, “Congress’ Failure To Reauthorize Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank could hinder local exporters,” The Tampa Tribune, 10/24/15)
Francois Petot, Owner, Buffalo International, Inc.
- Without Ex-Im, A Florida Small Business Will Have To Reduce How Much It Sells Abroad. “Since Ex-Im stopped offering credit assistance, we have been forced to convert all of our customers from offering them credit to requiring letters of credit, and we do not get paid until we ship. This is not sustainable for us. If Ex-Im remains closed, we will have to reduce the amount that we sell abroad, reducing manufacturing at home.” (Francois Petot, “Closing The Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank benefits no one,” The Tampa Tribune, 11/5/15)
- Not Reauthorizing Ex-Im “Is Monumentally Stupid” Says A Small Business Owner In Florida. “‘Closing Ex-Im is monumentally stupid. And I’m a conservative Republican,’ Petot said, noting that he has done business frequently with Ex-Im through the years.” (Yvette C. Hammett, “Congress’ Failure To Reauthorize Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank could hinder local exporters,” The Tampa Tribune, 10/24/15)
ILLINOIS
Tom Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Check
- Illinois Business Anticipates Losing Over $500,000 In Export Deals Without Ex-Im. “Tom Anderson, chief executive of Digital Check, said the firm anticipates losing $300,000 in revenue in the Indian market and $250,000 in the British market, because it cannot access new lines of credit from Ex-Im…’Our concern is our ability to stay competitive in the global markets and avoid any impact on our exports and even our workforce and employees,’ Anderson said.” (David Heberling, “llinois Exporters Upset As Ex-Im Bank Suspends Lending,” Chicago Tribune, 8/14/15)
Frank Gogliotti, Project Engineer, Weldy Lamont
- Engineering Firm May Be Unable To Move Forward With New Solar Project in Senegal. “Weldy Lamont officials said the planned rollout of the solar project in Senegal is in limbo. The company had planned on securing loans and insurance from Ex-Im. ‘It’s a setback. We have to re-evaluate everything now…If we go to the other Ex-Im banks, we’ll be subject to other regulations, and they require us to buy equipment from their countries.’” (David Heberling, “llinois Exporters Upset As Ex-Im Bank Suspends Lending,” Chicago Tribune, 8/14/15)
Jim Emme, Chief Executive Officer, Now Health Group
- Natural Foods Company Says Without Ex-Im, Consumer Costs Will Rise “Private insurance is too expensive and, honestly, the terms are pretty bad… It is going to be challenging. Our (operating) costs are up between 8 and 9 percent on average.” (David Heberling, “llinois Exporters Upset As Ex-Im Bank Suspends Lending,” Chicago Tribune, 8/14/15)
Peter Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer, Vector Packaging
- Illinois Packaging Company Says Ex-Im Lapse Will Hurt U.S. Small Businesses’ Competitiveness. “Vector Packaging termed the lapse at Ex-Im as ‘an unnecessary hurdle’ for smaller companies…We primarily compete against EU and East Bloc enterprises, who support businesses with such insurance.” (David Heberling, “llinois Exporters Upset As Ex-Im Bank Suspends Lending,” Chicago Tribune, 8/14/15)
Rick Moore, Decatur Facility Manager, Caterpillar Inc., And David Rathje, President, Bodine Electric
- Local Businesses Need Ex-Im To Compete Globally. “We know that eliminating the U.S. Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank would mean fewer exports. fewer exports mean less business for american suppliers and subcontractors.” (Rick Moore and Davide Rathje, “Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank is vital to local companies,” Herald Review, 9/15/15)
Peter Darley, Chief Operating Officer, W.S. Darley & Co.
- Small Business Loses A 7 Million-Dollar Contract Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “For example, W.S. Darley & Co.’s export loan contract was put on holdafter Ex-Im’s expiration. A firetruck manufacturer based in Illinois, W.S. Darley has already lost a $7 million contract because it couldn’t access Ex-Im financing, and it expects to lose several more before Ex-Im’s charter is renewed. Until then, Peter Darley, the company’s chief operating officer, says his employees are worried about their jobs.” (“U.S. Chamber of Commerce : Costs of Closing Ex-Im Mount as House Vote Nears,” 4-Traders, 10/21/15)
Paul Darley, CEO, W.S. Darley & Co.
- Small Business Is Losing Out To Foreign Competitors. “At a recent event hosted by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s International Business Council, Darley CEO Paul Darley said, ‘Every time our company loses a contract overseas, we are permanently locked out of that market because choosing another country’s competitor means committing to a particular country’s technology and design that can’t be reversed easily or any time soon.’ With the global middle class projected to grow by 200 million people per year, do we want to risk missing out on those new potential customers? While the U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved Ex-Im on numerous accounts, the House has refused to consider, leaving W.S. Darley and hundreds of other Illinois companies high and dry. Inaction will be ruthlessly exploited by our foreign competitors.’” (Laura Ortega and Paul Darley, “Save Ex-Im Bank – And Save Illinois Jobs,” Crain’s Chicago Business, 9/16/15)
- Ex-Im’s Lapse “Hurts” Small Business. “Meanwhile, small U.S. companies, which can’t relocate or move jobs overseas, are feeling the brunt of the bank’s closure. W.S. Darley & Co., a maker of firetrucks and related gear, said the shutdown already has cost it a contract worth about $7 million. The customer’s loan didn’t get final Ex-Im Bank approval, and since W.S. Darley’s contract was contingent on that financing, ‘that sale could just be gone,’ said Chief Operating Officer Peter Darley. With projects falling out of the pipeline, employees at the Itasca, Ill., company are worried about their jobs, he said. ‘It hurts us. We had a lot of good momentum,’ he said, referring to building firetrucks for foreign cities and towns.” (Kimberly Johnson, “Shutdown Of U.S. Ex-Im Bank Puts Companies In A Financing Bind,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/5/15)
Tom Welge, Vice President Of Technical Sales And General Counsel, Glister-Mary Lee Corp.
- In Illinois, Ex-Im Has Supported $5 Billion In Exports Over The Past 5 Years. “The Ex-Im Bank makes export business possible for thousands of small and medium sized business all across the country, including several of our customers which export our products. Over 90% of its transactions support these local and regional companies that are so vital to long economic growth. In Illinois, the Bank has supported more than $5 billion in exports in the last five years alone.” (Tom Welge, “Towards A More Functional Congress,” The Telegraph, 11/12/15)
Max Good, Vice President, Black Swan BBQ
- “Small guys rely on it too. Max Good, who runs Black Swan BBQ from a home office in suburban Dundee, exports his sauce to Brazil and Costa Rica. He’s worried because a foreign customer who wants to pay on delivery represents a cash-flow risk he covers through insurance. The Ex-Im Bank handles that business at such a bargain rate Good couldn’t even remember the premium cost. With the bank sidelined, he got a quote for commercial insurance: $10,000 a year. ‘I get frustrated with this situation,’ he told us. ‘It seems to me the very people who are causing this, the anti-government people who want smaller government, they tend to also be the ones who say, ‘We want to support local business.’ The Ex-Im Bank, he said, ‘is how we create jobs.’” (Editorial Board, “Secret To The Ex-Im Bank? It’s The Sauce,” Chicago Tribune, 10/01/15)
Mary Howe, Owner, Howe Corp.
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Reduces Working Capital For Small Business “For small business owners such as Mary Howe, the potential closure could reduce her access to working capital. Howe’s family business, Howe Corp. in Chicago, exports up to 40 percent of its industrial refrigeration equipment to places including Central America and Canada. And if the Ex-Im Bank’s funding isn’t renewed? ‘Our backup plan is to self-fund; it’s going to get tight,’ Howe said.” (Kate Rogers, “Main Street Awaits Fate Of Ex-Im Bank, Key Lender,” CNBC, 9/23/15)
INDIANA
Bruce McFee, Chief Executive Officer, Sullivan-Palatek
- Failure To Reauthorize Ex-Im Means That It “Soon Will Be Impossible” For Company To Export. “‘We could never work with these companies without the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,’ mcfee said. ‘Before we could not find a private creditor to help us with this’…Soon it will be impossible, McFee said, to get new foreign business, which is typically the company’s largest orders.” (Lincoln Wright, “Loss of Ex-Im Bank Could Affect Local Manufacturers,” South Bend Tribune, 6/28/150
- Without Ex-Im, Indiana-Based Small Business Has Been Unable To Make Any New Deals. “Since the bank lost its charter, though, McFee has been unable to make any new foreign deals. ‘We can’t take the risk to work with foreign businesses to fund them on large accounts, so we don’t get the business,’ he said.” (Lincoln Wright, “Ex-Im Bank Gets Chance At Rebirth,” South Bend Tribune, 11/6/15)
- “It’s Going To Substantially Put Us Back In Our Ability To Hire.” “While Ex-Im makes some loans, much of its business focuses on loan guarantees and insurance programs. Sullivan-Palatek Inc., a maker of industrial portable air compressors in Michigan City, Ind., has boosted export sales over the past four years by using Ex-Im for receivables insurance, a policy that ensures the company is paid for goods sold to foreign customers. The policy expires on Oct. 1, chief executive Bruce McFee said, putting in jeopardy about half of the company’s export sales, which represent about one fifth of total sales. ‘It’s going to substantially put us back in our ability to hire,’ he said.”(Nick Timiraos, “GE Move Rekindles Partisan Fight Over Ex-Im Bank Closure,” Wall Street Journal, 9/15/15)
Michael Parlin, President, Damping Technologies Inc.
- Small Business Employees Face Uncertain Employment Future Because Of Ex-Im Lapse. “Our company, Damping Technologies, is a modern high-tech integrated design, engineering and manufacturing company operating here in Indiana. We provide custom-manufactured products that damp vibrating structures. Aircraft, spacecraft and heavy equipment use our products to limit excessive motion, extend component life and reduce noise levels. Most of our products end up incorporated into larger products that are major export items. Our company provides 44 Indiana families with stable employment and growth opportunities. The elimination of Ex-Im would needlessly subject these families to the agony stemming from the uncertainties during the time required for customers to find acceptable alternatives to fulfill Ex-Im’s historic functions.” (Michael Parin, “Short-Sighted Opposition Ignores Ex-Im’s Benefits,” The Journal Gazette, 9/03/2015)
KANSAS
Debbie Gann, Vice President, Spirit AeroSystems
- By Failing To Reauthorize Ex-Im, Congress Chose To Make U.S. Workers “The Losers.” “By failing to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank, Congress is picking winners and losers. Regrettably, Congress has decided to choose foreign producers as the winners and U.S. workers as the losers.” (Debbie Gann, “Supporting Ex-Im Equals Promoting U.S. Jobs,” The Journal Record, 10/22/15)
- Ex-Im Financing Supports Company’s Ability To Export. “‘Our 11,000 Kansas employees and hundreds of suppliers depend on strong sales of aircraft in foreign markets, many of which are facilitated by the Ex-Im Bank,’ Gann said.” (Daniel McCoy, “Ex-Im Fire Stokes In Wichita,” Wichita Business Journal, 10/28/15)
Don McGinty, President, McGinty Machine
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Makes It Tougher For Small Business “To Grow.” “If Congress restores the Ex-Im Bank charter, such exporting forays will be easier to finance, McGinty says. ‘Right now, that’s causing some problems for small business because it’s not renewed,’ he says.’Boeing, GE, companies in every state rely on them to get financing. Unless you’re supported by the Ex-Im Bank overseas, you can’t borrow on accounts receivable. That hurts our ability to grow and pay our bills.’” (Bill Wilson, “2015 Manufacturing Awards: McGinty Machine Co. Inc.; Competing for export business tough for small firms,” Wichita Business Journal, 10/15/15)
MAINE
Connie Justice, President, Planson International
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Means Planson International Cannot Expand. “However, she has been speaking out recently in support of the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank of the united states, or ex-im bank, which finances and insures foreign purchases of u.s. goods. the bank has helped planson expand its business recently by providing both financing and insurance, but the bank’s charter expired in june (with a six-month grace period) and congress has yet to renew it. without reauthorization, the bank will be unable to issue new loans and guarantees as of oct. 1, which is thursday.” (J. Craig Anderson, “Maine Quietly Plays Troubleshooter For Developing World,” Portland Press Herald, 9/28/15)
U.S. To Lose Up to 500 Jobs Because of Lack of Ex-Im Funding
- “General Electric Co. on Tuesday revealed plans to shift up to 500 U.S. manufacturing jobs to Europe and China because it can no longer access EXIM financing. The largest U.S. industrial conglomerate said it will move production of some heavy duty gas turbines and 400 jobs to Belfort, France, in exchange for a credit line from France’s COFACE export agency. The deal will support GE bids for international power projects. U.S. plants in Greenville, South Carolina; Schenectady, New York; and Bangor, Maine, will lose out on those jobs if GE wins the power bids, a GE spokeswoman said.” (David Lawder and Lewis Krauskopf, “GE To Move U.S. Jobs Overseas In Fight Over Export Credits,” Reuters, 9/15/15)
MARYLAND
Marjorie Cota, Chief Marketing Officer, International Green Structures
- International Green Structures Loses A $5 Million Project Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “But IGS lost a $5-million project in Nigeria because it couldn’t get financing from this country’s now-lapsed Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, according to marjorie cota, the company’s chief marketing officer. ‘It’s pretty frustrating when a small business is not getting the support we need to expand,’ Cota said.” (Marilyn Geewax, “Export-Import Bank Debate: ‘Retreat From Sanity’ Or End of Corporate Welfare?,” NPR, 10/29/15)
Bill Britt, Chief Operating Officer, International Green Structures
- Small Business Let’s Go 25 Workers Because Without Ex-Im. “International Green Structures, for example, has shut down its manufacturing plant in Fort Worth, Texas, and laid off 25 workers because its orders have stalled due to lack of Ex-Im Bank financing.” (Kent Hoover, “As Vote On Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank nears, manufacturers assess the damage caused by agency’s lapse,” Washington Business Journal, 10/22/15)
- Maryland-Based Small-Business Is At A “Competitive Disadvantage” Without Ex-Im. “Much of this is already happening. For instance, International Green Structures has shut down its manufacturing plant in Fort Worth and laid off workers because its orders have stalled because of a lack of Ex-Im Bank financing. Chief Operating Officer Bill Britt says his company’s affordable housing product is superior to those offered by Chinese and South Korean competitors, but it’s at a competitive disadvantage since it can’t provide financing to potential buyers in Africa and the South Pacific without the Ex-Im Bank. Several thousand small and mid-sized businesses face similar problems.” (Cindy Lewis, “Tea-Party Zealots Fast Crippling U.S. Business Efforts Abroad,” Waco Tribune, 10/25/2015)
Richard China, President, International Green Structures
- Maryland Exporter: Ex-Im Loss Forced Us To Put Current Deals On Hold. “Headquartered in Maryland, with a manufacturing plant in Texas, IGS builds sustainable materials that go into structures including affordable houses for low income populations in developing countries. IGS uses the Ex-Im Bank’s export credit insurance to help back contracts for these housing projects. Since Congress let the Bank lapse on June 30 and left Washington for the August recess without passing a reauthorization, China says his most current project — a contract to build housing in Kano, Nigeria, remains in a ‘holding pattern’ until the Bank can fulfill pending and new orders again.” (National Association Of Manufacturers, “Ex-Im Lapse Leaves Humanitarian Efforts For Small Manufacturer In A Lurch,” Medium, 8/7/15)
MINNESOTA
Wendell Maddox, Chief Executive Officer, ION Corporation
- Minnesota Manufacturer Calls Ex-Im Demise A “Poison That Will Kill Jobs.” “Abolishing the bank could devastate U.S. exports of Boeing large commercial aircraft, which support 10,000 high-skill workers in Minnesota. Across America, Boeing relies on over 15,000 subcontractors and suppliers in 49 states. Each of those companies prove that even when Ex-Im helps a big company like Boeing close a sale, thousands of small companies reap the benefits. And even though my company isn’t directly impacted, because we don’t use the Ex-Im Bank, we know anything that hurts the larger aerospace industry hurts us… They say they want to cure our economy, but the medicine they prescribe is actually poison that will kill jobs.” (Wendell Maddox, “Don’t Abolish US Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Cloud Times, 6/29/15)
Douglas Frame, President, Phoenix Solutions Company
- The Loss of Ex-Im Will Impact Employees, Suppliers, And Export Capabilities. “Killing Ex-Im, as the bank is known, would not kill Frame’s company. ‘But it would certainly put a dent in our capabilities and would have a ripple effect on people here and backward through our machine shops and material suppliers,’ he said…This will come as bad news to a number of large and small businesses in Minnesota. Since 2007, Ex-Im Bank has helped 217 companies in the state secure $3 billion in foreign sales, the government said.” (Jim Spencer, “Congress Plans No Votes On Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank as authorization set to run out,” Star Tribune, 6/27/15)
MISSOURI
Al Moresi, Controller, Semi-Bulk Systems
- “It Will Be Problematic If They Never Approve The Ex-Im Bank Again.” “Al Moresi, Semi-Bulk’s controller, said the company hasn’t had any export transactions since July. ‘It will be problematic if they never approve the Ex-Im Bank again, because we would have to go to somebody who charges higher fees,’ he said.” (David Nicklaus, “Loss Of Ex-Im Bank Is Starting To Cost U.S. Jobs,” St. Louis Post Dispatch, 10/4/15)
Thom Wellington, Owner, Wellington Environmental
- Without Access To Ex-Im, Suppliers “Lose Business — And Jobs.” “When those exporters of any size are unable to complete a sale because they don’t have access to Ex-Im financing, we lose business — and jobs.” (Thom Wellington, “Impact Of Ex-Im Bank Noticeable,” Springfield News-Leader, 10/15/15)
Kim Inman, CEO, Missouri Association Of Manufacturers
- Missouri-Based Small Business Has Not Been Able To Close An Export Deal Since Ex-Im Lapsed. “They said should Ex-Im expire, American jobs would be lost and American companies would be put at a disadvantage. Now, we see these predictions are coming true. Semi-Bulk Systems, a Missouri company that makes equipment used in food processing, as well as machinery used to make health and beauty products, hasn’t been able to close any export transactions since July.” (Kim Inman, “Congress Must Stand Up For Jobs By Standing Up For Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Louis Business Journal, 11/4/15)
Dan Korte, Chief Executive, LMI Aerospace
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Will Lead Aerospace Business To Lose Business. “‘If we hadn’t had Ex-Im Bank during the financial crisis, exports would have fallen much more than they did,’ Freund said. ‘That’s the most important function they serve, as a countercyclical smoother.’” (David Nicklaus, “Loss Of Ex-Im Bank Is Starting To Cost U.S. Jobs,” St. Louis Post Dispatch, 10/4/15)
MONTANA
Mike Robins, Chairman Of The Board, Montana Precision Products
- Small Business’ Growth Could Be “Stifled” Without Ex-Im. “I can attest to this firsthand, because my business is one of the Montana success stories that has grown thanks to the Ex-Im Bank. At Montana Precision Products, we produce jet engine components such as tubes, ducts and small structural castings for GE jet engines. So when customers overseas use the Ex-Im Bank to buy GE engines, it not only helps GE, it helps small businesses like ours, too. We have about 115 employees and are expecting to grow over the next four years. This growth could be stifled if Ex-Im is not reauthorized.” (Mike Robins, “Montana Will Benefit From Export Bank Renewal,” Billings Gazette, 12/4/15)
NEBRASKA
Mike Lewis, Vice President, Chief Industries
- Jobs And Business Could Go To Other Countries If Congress Does Not Reauthorize Ex-Im. “It’s time for Congress to act. Doing business in the real world means having access to the tools that Ex-Im provided. Without them, more business and more jobs are going to go to other countries.” (Mike Lewis, “Exporters At Disadvantage,” Kearney Hub, 10/24/15)
- Exporter Loses Business Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “During the lull, the Chief division that manufactures massive grain bins and related products had to stay on the sidelines in the bidding process for some recent projects as a result of Ex-Im’s inability to provide insurance or financing for new international work. He wouldn’t disclose details about specific projects, but he did say the company knew it couldn’t support some without Ex-Im behind it.” (Cole Epley, “Everything Isn’t ‘Now Magically Perfect’: Firms Take Stock After Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank’s revival,” Omaha World Herald, 12/8/15)
David Ostdiek, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Industries
- “We’ve Lost Business” Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse Says A Nebraska Company’s CFO. “Ostdiek said Wednesday that the interruption in Ex-Im services his company has relied on for years has given Chief’s international competitors a leg up when it comes to selling agricultural products like grain bins and grain elevators made by Chief’s Agri/Industrial Division in Kearney. ‘We’ve lost business, that’s the easiest way to put it. We can’t get that business back,’ Ostdiek said. Other Chief business concerns include an ethanol division, a trucking division and divisions that build pre-fabricated homes and other buildings.” (Cole Epley, “Nebraska Businesses Push For Revival of Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Omaha World Herald, 9/03/2015)
NEVADA
Mehul Mehta, Plant Manager, GE Engine Service
- GE Plant Manager: A Permanent Ex-Im Demise Will Jeopardize “Good Manufacturing Jobs.” “My plant has 70 employees. Last year, Ex-Im financed more than $720 million in locomotive orders from GE’s U.S. factories to railroads in South Africa, Indonesia and Australia. These Ex-Im financed sales help drive GE’s continued investment in our North Las Vegas plant, which services the Western U.S. rail network. If exports drop because of a lack of Ex-Im financing, our U.S. customer railroads will see their traffic go down, too. That will mean fewer wheel and traction motors for our plant to rebuild — jeopardizing good manufacturing jobs that our local economy can’t afford to lose.” (Mehul Mehta, “Nevada’s Congressional Delegation Must Support Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Las Vegas Review-Journal, 7/29/15)
Karl Hutter, President And CEO, Click Bond Inc.
- Boeing Supplier: Without Ex-Im, Job Creation Will Diminish. “Because Click Bond is a direct supplier to Boeing, the airplane sale creates demand for our parts, creating jobs in Nevada. Not only does it create jobs, it also allows Click Bond to invest profits to improve its plants and products and train its workforce so that we, and Boeing, can remain strong in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. In short: when they fly, we fly.” (Karl Hutter, “Ex-Im Helps Our Business Fly,” The Hill, 8/5/15)
Craig Wiseman, President And CIO, Spacecraft Components Corp.
- President Of Nevada Business Sees Productivity And Job Loss Due To Ex-Im’s Lapse. “My company, Spacecraft Components Corp., designs and builds electrical connectors used in commercial and military airplanes, trains and spacecraft. We employ more than 125 highly skilled engineers and technicians who take pride in making parts Boeing uses to build its airplanes. Whenever we see the airplanes landing at McCarran bringing the tourists to our state, we know our company played a small role in building that plane. Every airplane that doesn’t get built due to the attack on the Ex-Im Bank means lost jobs at every company that supplies wiring, valves, airframe components, engines, electronics, hydraulics, all the way down to the last seat cushion and folding tray table.” (Craig Wiseman, “Ending Ex-Im Bank Would Be Too Risky For State Businesses,” The Las Vegas Sun, 9/15/15)
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Mike Boyle, President, Boyle Energy Services And Technology
- Ex-Im Is Critical To Helping Companies Expand And Hire More New Hampshire Residents. “Boyle agreed, saying reauthorization of the bank is critical to helping his company expand and hire more New Hampshire residents…’Our entire strategy for growth, jobs, everything, is now in jeopardy,’ Boyle said. ‘As we sit today, I can’t go to Chevron and the largest projects in the world that we’ve now created a product to compete with and say, ‘well, we want to do a project that’s two and a half times our revenue.”” (Ella Nilsen, “On Small Business Tour, Ayotte Affirms Her Support For Resurrecting Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Concord Monitor, 8/3/15)
- Without Ex-Im Small Business Struggles To Find Financing. “But Michael Boyle, president of the Manchester, N.H., company, said he is now uncertain how fast and how much he will be able to expand, given the recent demise — and increasingly unsure resurrection — of the US Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, which provides the insurance and lines of credit his firm needs to sell and compete in foreign markets. ‘Anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of our business is overseas, and we’re severely challenged by this infighting over the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,’ said boyle, noting he is finding it hard to line up larger overseas transactions. ‘It’s hard finding private-sector alternatives to what the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank offers. it’s going to hurt our plans for growth if something isn’t done.’” (Jay Fitzgerald, “New England Firms Fear Of Loss Of International Sales,” Boston Globe, 9/25/15)
Michael Frotier, President, Mikrolar
- President Of Business In New Hampshire Stresses That Ex-Im’s Lapse Has Caused Problems For His Company. “Fortier said Mikrolar is the only company in the United States that creates robots for moving massive industrial parts, and it’s only competition is in Japan. The company has also worked with NASA, he said. While Mikrolar has its niche, Fortier said the bank’s reauthorization means one less problem for Boeing and other American companies that generate business for it, Fortier said, ‘If you’re dealing with a company like Boeing, you want the company not to be impeded in business,’ Fortier said.” (Max Sullivan, “Hampton Company, Sen. Ayotte Urge Reauthorization of Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Seacoast News, 8/28/2015)
Leanne Spees, Manager of International Trade Finance, Goss International
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Hurts Suppliers And Small Firms. “In fact, there are over 100 suppliers in New Hampshire, according to the state Office of International Commerce, and 19 exporters from 2014-2015, according to Ex-Im’s website. Thirteen of those 19 are small businesses. ‘One of their [opponents’] main points is that government should not be supporting business, but there are 60 other ECFs [export credit facilities] in countries all around the world that provide financing,’ argued Leanne Spees, manager of international trade finance at Goss International. If the Ex-Im Bank is not reauthorized, it will push more companies overseas, seeking support from international export credit agencies, and hurt the long supply chain that New Hampshire small firms benefit from.” (Liisa Rajala, “Ex-Im Delays Blasted,” New Hampshire Business Review, 9/18/15)
Bruce Steinberg, President, Relyco
- Ex-Im Allows Relyco To Expand To International Markets. “Relyco, a specialty paper company based in Dover, has expanded aggressively in recent years to international markets. The company has reached major agreements with the Norway post office and other customers in Scandinavia, and Relyco is now looking to expand into Germany, France and other large European economies. As the 40-person company solidifies new relationships thousands of miles away, insurance programs offered through the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank make sure they get paid, according to president bruce steinberg.” (Casey Conley, “Shaheen Touts Import-https://exportersforexim.org/files/export bank at relyco,” Fosters, 11/23/15)
Robert Janowski, Director of Finance, Goss International
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Makes Companies Think Of Moving Jobs Overseas. “‘There’s always a presumption that the private market can take the place of the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, and that’s just not the case at all,’ said robert janowski, director of finance at goss international. ‘Particularly with our circumstances at Goss, where we’re looking at needing a term of five to seven years, it’s simply not available in private markets in these particular countries, so it really does compel companies who are manufacturing in the U.S. today, who are competing with other countries that have this ECF, to really consider moving those jobs offshore.’” (Liisa Rajala, “Ex-Im Delays Blasted,” New Hampshire Business Review, 9/18/15)
NEW YORK
U.S. To Lose Up to 500 Jobs Because of Lack of Ex-Im Funding
- “General Electric Co. on Tuesday revealed plans to shift up to 500 U.S. manufacturing jobs to Europe and China because it can no longer access EXIM financing. The largest U.S. industrial conglomerate said it will move production of some heavy duty gas turbines and 400 jobs to Belfort, France, in exchange for a credit line from France’s COFACE export agency. The deal will support GE bids for international power projects. U.S. plants in Greenville, South Carolina; Schenectady, New York; and Bangor, Maine, will lose out on those jobs if GE wins the power bids, a GE spokeswoman said.” (David Lawder and Lewis Krauskopf, “GE To Move U.S. Jobs Overseas In Fight Over Export Credits,” Reuters, 9/15/15)
Susan Axelrod, Owner, Love & Quiches Gourmet
- New York Business Owner Says U.S. Is Going To “Lose Exporting Power” Without Ex-Im. “Susan Axelrod admittedly got into business by accident. The Long Island, New York, housewife began making quiches in her home kitchen in 1973, and grew her company, Love & Quiches Gourmet, in part by exporting her products to places such as Qatar and Japan…If the bank’s charter is not reauthorized, ‘the U.S. is going to lose our exporting power,’ Axelrod said. ‘China and other exporting countries are chomping at the bit to take that business.’ She said as much as 30 percent of her business comes from international markets.” (Kate Rogers, “Entrepreneurs Who Do Biz Overseas Await Bank’s Future,” CNBC, 6/29/15)
- Ex-Im Allowed Love & Quiches Gourmet To Export Goods. “I’ve never had a credit insurance claim with Ex-Im – all of my buyers have paid me – but without Ex-Im credit insurance, I would have never been able to export in the first place.” (Susan Axelrod, Exporters For Ex-Im, 10/27/15)
Chris Collins, U.S. Representative (NY-27) and Former Small Business Owner/Operator, Audubon Machinery
- “Ex-Im Helps Fill A Gap In The Market.” “For businesses like Audubon that export overseas, finding financial products in the private sector can be difficult, if not impossible. Many banks are often unable to provide services for foreign buyers, particularly those in the developing world. Ex-Im helps fill a gap in the market by arming U.S. manufacturers with the financing they need to compete for contracts overseas. Ex-Im is a complement, not a competitor to financing from the private sector. In fact, it is forbidden by law to compete head to head with commercial lenders.” (Chris Collins, “For The Sake of Jobs, Include Ex-Im In CR,” The Hill, 9/28/15)
NORTH CAROLINA
Christopher Bean, Alltec
- Exporter Says It Has Lost Business Without Access To Ex-Im. “For example, we were heavily involved in an infrastructure project in Ethiopia, but a Chinese company ended up winning the contract. It wasn’t a question of price — ours was actually better — but the Chinese company had the backing of China’s export credit agency. How could we compete against a foreign company with the backing of their government when ours won’t reauthorize Ex-Im? Congress should support exporters by reauthorizing Ex-Im.” (Christopher Bean, “Ex-Im Bank Vital For U.S. Jobs,” Asheville Citizen-Times, 10/9/15)
Steve Janz, Vice President, Flow Sciences
- Wilmington Area Business: Loss Of Ex-Im “Costing Jobs.” “Since the bank’s charter expired July 1, however, Janz has seen some potential opportunities vanish, since deals are now harder to negotiate and require much more paperwork without the credit insurance. ‘It’s costing jobs because we’re not getting as many orders as quickly,’ Janz said.” (Jenny Callison, “Two Area Companies Actively Lobby For Ex-Im Bank Reauthorization,” Greater Wilmington Business Journal, 10/19/15)
Tom Welsh, President, Revware Inc.
- Ex-Im Programs Could Support “Future Growth” For North Carolina Small Business. “Ex-Im helped to give us peace of mind when selling overseas, thanks to its insurance programs, and held promise for our future growth in its other development programs.” (Tom Welsh, “Loss Of Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank hurts small businesses,” News & Observer, 10/27/15)
Jenny Fulton, Owner, Miss Jenny’s Pickles
- Because Of Ex-Im, A Small Business Was Able To Export Ten Thousand Items. “‘Thanks to support from the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,’ fulton said, ‘we’ve exported more than 10,000 jars of Miss Jenny’s Pickles to Canada, China and Germany. These exports are crucial to keeping our business afloat. Without the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, i’d lose 10 to 15 percent of my business, and i’d be forced to layoff one of my five full-time employees as a result. and it’s not just my employees that would be impacted; this would have a trickle down effect to the company we hire to pack our jars as well, which has 200 employees.’” (John Arensmeyer, “How the House Is Giving Key Relief to Entrepreneurs Selling Abroad,” INC., 10/29/15)
James Wind, CFO, Flow Sciences Inc.
- North Carolina Small Business Will Have To Layoff Workers If Ex-Im Is Not Reauthorized.” ”Ex-Im Bank is an integral part of our financing picture. Thirty percent of our revenue is represented with export sales; I can’t keep all these people employed if I have a 30 percent whack in my revenue’ said James Wind, CFO of Flow Sciences Inc., a small business manufacturer in Wilmington.” (Exporters For Ex-Im, “Ex-Im For North Carolina,” Ex-Im For North Carolina, 10/13/15)
Tod Skinner, President, American Engineering Group
- Reauthorizing Ex-Im Would Allow Small Business To Add Jobs. “‘Some of the transactions we’re looking at where Ex-Im could help us are upwards of a half a million dollars’ said Tod Skinner, President of American Engineering Group in Charlotte. ‘Getting an order like that because of Ex-Im would allow us to add one, two, three more jobs than we would have otherwise.’” (Exporters For Ex-Im, “Ex-Im For North Carolina,” Ex-Im For North Carolina, 10/13/15)
NORTH DAKOTA
Kristin Hedger, Owner, Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing
- Small North Dakota Manufacturer Says Loss Of Ex-Im Will Make It Difficult To Compete “Against The Whole International Scale.” “Hedger’s Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing (KMM), headquartered in a town with a population of 751 people, makes parts for airplanes…Some of Boeing’s foreign customers, in turn, use the Ex-Im Bank to finance the purchase of planes. And with the aid of those low-interest loans, Boeing – and by extension Hedger’s company – remain more competitive in the global aircraft market against the likes France’s Airbus. ‘These are small, heartland towns, and generally we’re the biggest employer in our towns,’ says Hedger, who runs four manufacturing facilities in the state. ‘It’s important that while we recognize we’re heartland communities, we’re competing against the whole international competition scale.’” (Ginger Gibson, “Who Killed The Ex-Im Bank? How Conservatives And The Koch Network Brought Down An Agency,” International Business Times, 7/2/15)
- Without Ex-Im Business Climate Becomes Uncertain For Small Businesses. “To Kristin Hedger, the business climate has become more uncertain. Hedger is the vice president of business development for Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing, a Tier 1 manufacturing company with four southwest North Dakota locations.” (Andrew Wernette, “Local Companies Worry About Consequences Of Authority Lapse In National Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” The Dickinson Press, 10/2/15)
Justin Flaten, President, JM Grain
- Ex-Im Is A “Key Tool” For Small Businesses To Export. “‘It’s definitely a key tool that allows us to do exports,’ he said. Flaten said the company uses the Ex-Im Bank credit insurance programs and receivables finance as a way of effectively trading with foreign buyers and being competitive among international agricultural companies. ‘It really helps us get into Tier 1 buyers overseas,’ he said. Now that the Ex-Im Bank is unauthorized, Flaten said his company is ‘a little more conservative in going after business.’” (Andrew Wernette, “Local Companies Worry About Consequences Of Authority Lapse In National Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” The Dickinson Press, 10/2/15)
OHIO
Graham Hill, Owner And President, Anglo American Hardwoods
- Private Banks Will Not Extend Credit Lines Without Ex-Im. “Anglo-American Hardwoods of Mason, Ohio, exports lumber to countries ‘literally around the world,’ said its president, Graham Hill. ‘We’re very dependent’ on Ex-Im financing. Hill said he borrowed money from a private bank, which only agrees to lend it because the Ex-Im Bank underwrites the loans. ‘They (the private bank) would not extend the credit lines’ without Ex-Im support, he said. ‘Without the line of credit, they (overseas customers) would look elsewhere’ for lumber.” (John Brinkley, “Ex-Im Bank’s Closure Is Sending Jobs Overseas, Hurting Small Firms,” Forbes, 9/15/14)
- Ohio Lumber Exporter Says He Needs Ex-Im In Order To Export. “Graham Hill is owner and president of Mason’s Anglo American Hardwoods, a lumber exporter. An American citizen and a native of the United Kingdom, Hill started his company to trade temperate North American hardwoods. He buys wood from U.S. sawmills and exports it overseas, much of it to the U.K., the Middle East and to Asia. His sawmill suppliers typically want to be paid in 10 days, but Hill is sometimes forced to extend 60- to 90-day credit terms to customers overseas. He sometimes needs the Ex-Im bank to support those transactions. ‘I pay for that,’ Hill said. ‘It’s not a freebie. It really hacks me off when I hear ‘corporate welfare.’” (Thomas Gnau, “Ohio Firms Impacted By Export Bank Fight In Congress,” Springfield News-Sun, 8/13/15)
Rick Little, President, Starwin Industries
- Ohio Small Business Owner Concerned That Ex-Im Loss Will “Affect Jobs Directly.” “Smaller companies are also concerned. Rick Little, president of Starwin Industries, and chairman of the Dayton Regional Manufacturers Association Board, says his relatively small Kettering company does not directly export. He has about 35 employees, and his customers include automotive producers, government and research facilities and others. But he is concerned about the companies his business serves who are direct exporters. GE Aviation, for example, spends $1.2 billion a year with suppliers in Ohio. ‘It got my attention when Boeing and GE both, in the course of like two weeks, said this was going to affect jobs directly,’ Little said. ‘That got my attention.’” (Thomas Gnau, “Ohio Firms Impacted By Export Bank Fight In Congress,” Springfield News-Sun, 8/13/15)
Leah Simoes, Owner, Davenport Aviation
- Ex-Im Is “Important For The Country And Businesses Like Ours.” “Leah Simoes, owner of Davenport Aviation, which exports spare aircraft parts, said the bank has ‘really helped us grow our business. We definitely don’t want to see it go away. It’s important for the country and businesses like ours.’” (Jack Torry, “Debate Blazing Over Role Of U.S. Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Columbus Dispatch, 9/27/15)
- Small Business Owner: Ex-Im has “Really Helped Us Grow Business.” “Leah Simoes, owner of Davenport Aviation, a small 10-person firm in Columbus that exports aircraft spare parts, said the bank has ‘really helped us grow our business. We definitely don’t want to see it go away. It’s important for the country and businesses like ours.’” (Jack Torry, “Showdown Looms Over Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Dayton Daily News, 9/26/15)
Dan Stott, President And Owner, Port Clinton Manufacturing
- If Port Clinton Manufacturing’s Customers Lose Out Access To Ex-Im, It Would Lead To “Fewer Jobs.” “‘Without the bank, Port Clinton Manufacturing’s business would surely suffer and that could mean fewer jobs and less opportunity in our community.’” (Beacon Staff, “Rep. Kaptur Ex-Im Lake Erie Coastal Tour Highlights Northern Ohio Jobs, Growth,” The Beacon, 10/24/2015)
Alan Favicchio, Oil & Gas Director, UTC Overseas
- Ex-Im Is A Vital Tool In Closing Export Deals In The Highly Competitive Global Marketplace. “‘Outstanding,’ was the reaction from Alan Favicchio, Oil & Gas Director for UTC Overseas, who has actively supported the Bank in one-on-one meetings with members of Congress. ‘The strong vote in support of reauthorization demonstrates that both chambers recognize the importance of the Bank in simulating export sales of U.S. goods, the American economy and jobs growth. They clearly got the strong message from American businesses that Ex-Im is a vital tool in closing export deals in the highly competitive global marketplace.’” (AJOT Administrator, “UTC Praises Congressional Ex-Im Bank Action,” American Journal Of Transportation, 11/10/15)
Lutz Richter, Vice President And Chief Financial Officer, Dayton Superior
- Vice President Of Small Business Urges Congress To “Allow The Ex-Im To Take On New Business Again.” “‘The bank serves an important purpose, especially if you are in the export business,’ said Lutz Richter, vice president and chief financial officer of Dayton Superior. ‘We would very much welcome if the politicians in Washington could agree to a solution to allow the Ex-Im to take on new business again.’” (Jack Torry, “Showdown Looms Over Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Dayton Daily News, 9/26/15)
OKLAHOMA
Chuck Mills, President, Mills Machine Company
- Without Ex-Im, “Small Businesses Lose Sales. Large Companies Move Jobs Overseas. Employees Are Laid Off.” “Since June, when Ex-Im was sidelined, we have seen first hand what happens when they are not there to level the playing field. Small businesses lose sales. Large companies move jobs overseas. Employees are laid off. And economic growth, both here in the Sooner State and across America, is slowed.” (Chuck Mills, “Now’s The Time To Revive Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” NewsOK, 11/25/15)
Fred Morgan, President And CEO, State Chamber of Oklahoma.
- Ex-Im Supports Seven Thousand Jobs In Oklahoma. “An estimated 7,000 jobs at Oklahoma companies that use the bank are potentially at risk if its charter isn’t extended. That doesn’t include the suppliers and distributors that work with those exporters. This is an important issue for Oklahoma’s business community and the state’s economic future.” (Fred Morgan, “Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank nears reauthorization,” Tulsa World, 11/12/15)
OREGON
Trey Winthrop, Vice President Of Finance, Bob’s Red Mill
- Small Oregon Exporter: “Without The Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, our business will suffer.” “Whereas Bob’s has exported its goods since 20-plus years, its export revenue has grown by 35 percent since it started working with the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank in 2012. export sales account for 10 percent of bob’s annual revenue. ‘Without the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, our business will suffer because our customers demand credit terms and there are no private solutions available,’ winthrop said to obama and others. ‘Another problem this shut down will create if it becomes long term is that Bob’s Red Mill has been discussing adding an export packing line that will create 10 jobs. This production line will accommodate the many facets of label requirements. As you can imagine, keeping up with nutritional labels in 80 countries is challenging. As long as the fate of the bank is uncertain, we are not sure if we should proceed with our capital investment.’” (Andy Giegerich, “What A Bob Red’s Mill Exec Told President Obama About Exports And Oatmeal,” Portland Business Journal, 7/24/15)
PENNSYLVANIA
James Stouch, Vice President Of Business Development, Precision Custom Components
- Manufacturer In U.S. Nuclear Industry Says It Has “Over 100 Jobs At Stake” If Ex-Im Bank Is Not Reauthorized. “For Stouch, who works at the Pennsylvania company that makes nuclear parts and employs 260 people, it’s shocking that Congress would let the bank’s charter lapse – and he’s a self-identified fiscal conservative. ‘Potentially we’ve got over 100 jobs at stake, linked to either our or our customers’ ability to export these products,’ Stouch says, listing instances where his company was able to seal deals only with backing from the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank.” (Jared Gilmour, “Why The U.S. Nuclear Industry Is Eager To Save This Obscure, Government-Run https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” The Christian Science Monitor, 7/2/15)
- “100 Jobs At Stake” Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “That deal was for gas turbines, but a similar story could unfold in the nuclear industry if the bank is not reauthorized. For example, the bank’s closing threatens jobs at Precision Custom Components, a York, Pennsylvania-based manufacturer that makes parts for nuclear power plants. ‘Potentially we’ve got over 100 jobs at stake, linked to either our or our customers’ ability to export these products,’ said James Stouch, vice president of business development at PCC.” (Nuclear Energy Institute, “Without Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, jobs and deals start to drift overseas,” Nuclear Energy Institute, 9/24/15)
Venkee Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Aquatech
- Millions Of Dollars In Revenue And Dozens Of Jobs At Risk If Deals Lost Without Ex-Im Backing. “Some oil and gas projects being built in the Middle East and Asia could mean $100 million in revenue and dozens more jobs for Aquatech. CEO Venkee Sharma is confident that the Canonsburg company could win that business to supply water purification equipment, but not without financial backing from U.S. Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank…’this has the potential to take us out of growth mode as a company,’ sharma said, referring to the bank’s uncertain future. (craig fleisher, “Small Business Hangs On Fate Of Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” TribLive, 8/1/15)
- Small Business CEO: Losing Ex-Im “Will Dampen Our Ability” To Grow Business. “Exports are critical to Aquatech’s business, accounting for 40 percent of its annual revenue, which is between $150 million and $200 million, Sharma said. Aquatech, which has 250 employees in Western Pennsylvania and 600 worldwide, planned to seek additional Ex-Im backing later this year for projects to get started in the third or fourth quarter. ‘If the charter has not been reauthorized then, at that point, we’re sort of dead in the water with any type of expansion,’ Sharma said. ‘It will dampen our ability to take that business.’” (Craig Fleisher, “Small Business Hangs On Fate Of Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” TribLive, 8/1/15)
- Small Pennsylvania Business Suggests Possibility Of Losing U.S. Jobs, Moving Employees To Canada In Order To Obtain Necessary Export Credit Assistance. “Aquatech could turn to the export bank in Canada, where it has a subsidiary, to support new projects, Sharma said. But it would be a difficult decision, he said, forcing them to question whether the required adjustments would be worth it. It would be easier to have those project and engineering employees in Pennsylvania.” (Craig Fleisher, “Small Business Hangs On Fate Of Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” TribLive, 8/1/15)
Michael Strange, Owner, Bassetts Ice Cream
- Business Owner In Pennsylvania Will Lose International Sales Without Ex-Im, Hurting Hiring And Growth. “Strange said his overseas business depends on the credit guarantees he receives from the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank of the united states — a federal bank that financially backs U.S. companies that export overseas. Even though the bank’s charter has lapsed, Strange said, his credit line will last a couple more months. But he’s worried Republicans in Congress are going to kill the bank once and for all. ‘It’s not going to put us out of business, but it’s certainly going to affect our volume, it’s going to affect our hiring plans in the coming years, it will affect our growth,’ Strange said. “The effects are going to be manyfold on this.’” (Matt Laslo, “Bassetts Ice Cream Sales To China Could Melt Without Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Newsworks, 9/3/2015)
Jay Sperandio, Sales Director, EcoTech Marine Inc.
- Small Business Says Ex-Im Has Been “Fairly Instrumental In Allowing Us To Grow Our Export Business.” “Area businesses say the bank is an important tool for obtaining letters of credit or insuring the cash for merchandise reaches them when dealing with foreign clients. ‘They’ve been fairly instrumental in allowing us to grow our export business,’ said Jay Sperandio, sales director of EcoTech Marine Inc. in Hanover Township, Lehigh County. ‘It’s been a very valuable service, that’s for sure.’” (Anthony Salamone, “Casey Renews Call To Restore Federal https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” The Morning Call, 10/8/15)
Karl Brown, President, SB Global Foods
- Small Business Is Having Trouble Exporting Without Ex-Im Financing. “Brown said he has relied on the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank to provide export insurance. while his policy doesn’t expire until may, he’s working with another company in chicago whose policy ran out last month. he said that company is having trouble exporting marshmallows to denmark, because its export partner has been unable to obtain commercial insurance despite having a strong financial track record.” (Crissa Shoemaker DeBree, “Locals Weigh In On Continuation Of Talks About Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank reauthorization,” Bucks County Courier Times, 10/21/15)
- Ex-Im Supports Pennsylvania Businesses Of All Sizes. “Reauthorization of the bank is critical for GE Transportation to be able to arrange financing to sell locomotives overseas, but other Pennsylvania companies also rely on loans for customers or insurance on loans for their businesses. Karl Brown, owner of SB Global Foods in Montgomery County, told the Intelligencer newspaper that his company is having trouble exporting marshmallows to Denmark because its export partner can’t get commercial insurance.” (Staff, “Our View: Thumbs Up For Ex-Im Bank Vote, Finally,” Erie Times-News, 10/24/2015)
- Ex-Im Gives Small Business Owner Piece Of Mind That Its Risks Are Covered. “I use Ex-Im because it helps me sleep at night knowing my financial risks overseas are covered. As a small business owner, I have been startled by the backlash against the Ex-Im. The reality is that Ex-Im’s default rate is significantly lower than that of commercial banks, and it is one of very few government agencies to actually return money to the taxpayers.” (Karl Brown, “Ex-Im Bank Valuable For Small Business,” The Morning Call, 11/24/15)
Jack Collins, Vice President, Wallquest
- Ex-Im Allowed Small Business To Expand And Hire More Workers. “When Wallquest began using Ex-Im, we were an 80-employee enterprise. Now that we have expanded our markets, in part through the support of Ex-Im, we are 185 employees strong.But the benefits of Ex-Im do not stop there. Our international deals are good for everyone in our supply chain.” (Jack Collins, “Put Jobs Above Politics By Voting On Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Philadelphia Daily News, 10/23/15)
Barb Geiger, Owner, Conestoga USA
- A Pennsylvania-Based Small Business Has Been Able To Reach New Markets With Ex-Im. “My company, Conestoga USA, a Pottstown-based company, has felt the impact. We are a four-employee enterprise that specializes in selling lubrication test specimens, packing glands and hydraulic oil pumps. With the support of Ex-Im our scope far exceeds our size, and we ship our products to oil fields and labs all over the world.” (Barb Geiger, “Congress Should Reauthorize Ex-Im,” The Potts Mercury, 10/22/15)
Corning F. Painter, Vice President, Air Products
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Has Made Supplier’s Job “Even Harder.” “As companies like Air Products search abroad for new customers, fighting for revenue in a sluggish global economy, Washington has just made our job — creating economic opportunity here in the United States and ensuring resources for future investment — even harder.” (Corning Painter, “Reauthorize Ex-Im Bank To Create Economic Opportunity,” The Morning Call, 10/19/15)
Carlos Turcios, International Sales Manager, Hormann Flexon
- Pennsylvania Small Business Forced To Compete With One Hand Tied Behind It’s Back Without Ex-Im. “These could and should be opportunities for U.S. firms, but because Ex-Im has lapsed, we are forced to compete against other firms with one hand tied behind our back.” (Carlos Turcios, “Reauthorize Ex-Im For Pennsylvania Jobs,” Exporters For Ex-Im, 10/27/15)
Jim Rutkowski Jr., General Manager, Industrial Sales & Manufacturing
- 13 To 15 Percent Of Industrial Sales & Manufacturing Business Goes Towards Supplying Exporters That Use Ex-Im. “Jim Rutkowski Jr., general manager of Industrial Sales & Manufacturing, is concerned about the status of the Ex-Im Bank because 13 to 15 percent of his company’s business involves building engine components for GE Transportation. In late July, he joined other small business owners to meet with President Barack Obama and members of Congress to push for reauthorization.” (Erie Times News Editorial Board, “Our View: Failure to Restart Ex-Im Hurts Erie,” Erie Times News, 8/27/15)
- “We Would Not Have Been Able To Expand Globally Without The Help Of Ex-Im.” “Industrial Sales & Manufacturing is a family-owned and operated business, and we have been providing services from machining through finishing since our humble beginnings in my father’s garage more than 50 years ago. Now, ISM’s manufacturing parts can be found in machines around the world. We would not have been able to expand globally without the help of Ex-Im.” (Jim Rutkowski Jr, “Toomey Wrong On Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Go Erie, 10/4/15)
Leo Eger, Director Of Technical Sales And Marketing, Fulmer Company
- Ex-Im Has Helped Fulmer Company Sell Its American-Made Goods Overseas. “As a longtime Pennsylvania manufacturer, I have seen firsthand how the Ex-Im Bank helps my business by making it easier to sell American-made goods overseas.” (Leo Eger, “Ex-Im Bank Aids Businesses,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 11/4/15)
Joseph G. Cremonese, Chairman, Scientific Industries Inc.
- Ex-Im Is A Tool For Small Business That Allowed It To Hire More Workers. “Without a doubt, Scientific Industries Inc. would have lost a very large order from Sinopec (China) if it were not for the assistance of some very helpful people at First National Bank in Pittsburgh with the cooperation of the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank. scientific industries has added employees at its pittsburgh subsidiary (altamira instruments) and at its new york location because 60 percent of its american-made products, as of 2015, are delivered to offshore destinations.” (Joseph G. Cremonese, “Jobs Added Due To Ex-Im,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 10/19/15)
Dave Tullio, President, Custom Engineering
- Pennsylvania-Based Company Relies On International Business That Ex-Im Allows It To Access. “‘I’m a fiscal conservative myself, but companies like ours rely on this international business,’ said Dave Tullio, president of Custom Engineering, a 155-employee Erie fabrication firm that numbers GE among its top clients. ‘Of all the things to choose as the standard bearer of reduced government, this doesn’t make sense to me.’” (Chris Potter, “Export-Import Bank: An Obscure Institution That’s Generated Big Controversy,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 11/11/15)
Kevin Jones, Chief Executive, Cardinal Resources
- Jobs Are Lost Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “Cardinal Resources, a maker of solar-powered systems to clean drinking water, had an application pending for a $29 million deal with the government of Cameroon that has been in limbo since the bank shutdown. ‘We had hiring scheduled that we weren’t able to do,’ said Kevin Jones, chief executive of the Pittsburgh-based manufacturer. Mr. Jones said he hasn’t been able to find private financing yet for the project. Instead, he said, he was approached by a major Chinese bank last month, a deal that would require purchasing raw materials in China.” (Nick Timiraos, “GE Move Rekindles Partisan Fight Over Ex-Im Bank Closure,” Wall Street Journal, 9/15/15)
RHODE ISLAND
Dan Dwight, Chief Executive, Cooley Group Holdings Inc.
- Small Business Chief Executive: Ex-Im’s Lapse Is “Putting Us At A Competitive Disadvantage Against Our Rivals.” “Normally, Cooley Group Holdings Inc., Rhode Island’s third-largest merchandise exporter, wouldn’t think of asking foreign buyers to pay up front for its rolls of polymer materials. But the Pawtucket company, whose products are used in everything from roadside billboards to membrane liners of fuel tanks in Formula One race cars, can no longer get insurance from the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank that guarantees it will get reimbursed should an overseas customer fail to pay its bills. so now it’s asking foreign customers to pay some, or all, in advance. some customers are balking at the request — and company officials fear they may opt to do business elsewhere. ‘It’s putting us at a competitive disadvantage against our rivals,’ said Dan Dwight, chief executive of the company, which employs about 200. ‘We’ve had a slowdown in sales with our international customers. It’s slowing our business.’” (Jay Fitzgerald, “New England Firms Fear Of Loss Of International Sales,” Boston Globe, 9/25/15)
SOUTH CAROLINA
U.S. To Lose Up to 500 Jobs Because of Lack of Ex-Im Funding
- “General Electric Co. on Tuesday revealed plans to shift up to 500 U.S. manufacturing jobs to Europe and China because it can no longer access EXIM financing. The largest U.S. industrial conglomerate said it will move production of some heavy duty gas turbines and 400 jobs to Belfort, France, in exchange for a credit line from France’s COFACE export agency. The deal will support GE bids for international power projects. U.S. plants in Greenville, South Carolina; Schenectady, New York; and Bangor, Maine, will lose out on those jobs if GE wins the power bids, a GE spokeswoman said.” (David Lawder and Lewis Krauskopf, “GE To Move U.S. Jobs Overseas In Fight Over Export Credits,” Reuters, 9/15/15)
Cherod Webber, President And CEO, Innovative Global Supply LLC
- South Carolina-Based Small Business At Risk If Congress Does Not Reauthorize Ex-Im. “My all-export business, Innovative Global Supply in Greenville, S.C., has relied on Ex-Im credit arrangements to ship our wellness and nutritional products to emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East since 2008 — and if Congress doesn’t reauthorize the bank soon, it is small, minority-owned businesses like mine that will be most at risk.” (Cherod Webber, “Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank a boon for black small businesses,” The Hill, 10/27/15)
Dirk Pieper, Chief Executive Officer, Sage Automotive Interiors
- South Carolina Exporter: Loss Of Ex-Im “Would Result In A Loss Of Several Hundred Jobs.” “Sage CEO Dirk Pieper said the company’s $300 million in sales and $42 million United States payroll would not be possible without Ex-Im. The company employs about 1,000 people in South Carolina, and a loss of Ex-Im funding would result in a loss of several hundred jobs, he said.” (Benjamin Jeffers, “Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank president tours sc while congress debates bank’s future,” Upstate Business Journal, 9/22/14)
Jay White, President, Morrison Textile Machinery Co.
- President Of Small Business: “This Overseas Credit Support Is Very Important To My Business.” “Still, the future of the bank is a ‘huge issue’ for small companies, according to Morrison Textile Machinery Co. in Fort Lawn, South Carolina. President Jay White says Ex-Im allows the company, which designs, manufactures and installs textile machinery globally, to insure its overseas business on a rolling basis. ‘If I can’t get Ex-Im insurance, I am taking on credit risk myself—the profit on my job would be eaten up if I get commercial credit insurance,’ White says. ‘This overseas credit support is very important to my business,’ he says.” (Kate Rogers, “Main Street Awaits Fate Of Ex-Im Bank, Key Lender,” CNBC,
TEXAS
Tyler Schroeder, Financial Analyst, Air Tractor Inc.
- Schroeder: Air Tractor Could Lose Up To 25 Percent Of Sales Without Ex-Im credit Insurance. “Similarly, Schroeder’s Texas crop-dusting manufacturer could lose up to one-fourth of its sales after losing the bank’s credit insurance, he said Wednesday. ‘We’re scrambling now, trying to find a way to facilitate our sales throughout the rest of this year,’ he said…Schroeder added: ‘We can only do this for so long…When it comes to next year’s export season, we don’t know. We don’t have an answer for how we’re going to fill the gap that’s been left by Congress’ blatant disrespect for business, in my opinion.’” (Victoria Guida, “Businesses Fume As Congress Lets Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank stay dead,” POLITICO, 7/30/15)
- Ex-Im Is The Tool A Texas-Based Small Business Uses To “Create Jobs.” “‘Air Tractor is a small business in a very small town of three thousand people who has been able to create jobs through exports. Nobody sees Olney, Texas as a place where that happens,’ said Tyler Schroeder, financial analyst for Air Tractor. ‘But indeed it does. It does in small town America. We can do this and Ex-Im Bank is the tool that allows us to do this. Please let us continue to do this.’” (Michael Lindenberger, “Despite Pleas From Hensarling, Sessions, 62 GOP House Members Join Dems To Clear Path For Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” The Dallas Morning News, 10/26/15)
Cindy Lewis, President And CEO, AirBorn Inc.
- Mid-Size Company CEO Says Businesses Like Hers Cannot Weather Ex-Im Shutdown. “Every time Boeing exports a 747, for example, that plane includes electronics made by my company, AirBorn Inc., which is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, along with other parts and components made on a vast, nationwide supply chain made up of 15,000 small and mid-sized firms. Maybe Boeing can weather a shutdown of the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank, but the small businesses that make up nearly 90 percent of its transactions cannot… airborn is a mid-sized employee owned company. shutting down the ex-im bank greatly limits our ability to continue our growth and job creation.” (Cindy Lewis, “COMMENTARY: US Businesses Need Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” The Monitor, 9/8/15)
- AirBorn CEO: Shutting Down Ex-Im Is “Playing With Fire.” “Congress is playing with fire when it attacks the export economy by shutting down the federal Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank. the bank has been a vital cog in our export system, providing loans and insurance to help american companies sell their products overseas. despite its importance to the economy — the bank supported nearly $30 billion in exports last year — it remains under assault from tea-party leaders.” (Cindy Lewis, “Tea-Party Zealots Fast Crippling U.S. Business Efforts Abroad,” Waco Tribune, 10/25/2015)
Rami Touma, President, CECA Supply & Services
- Oil Equipment Exporter Says That Without Ex-Im, It Will Lose 30-40 Percent Of Sales “Right Off The Bat.” “But Rami Touma, president of Houston-based oil equipment exporter CECA Supply & Services, said Ex-Im’s services are critical to his business’s ability to sell products to Algeria, its major source of income…’We do not have the ability to just not have $6 million accessible to us,’ Touma said. ‘So Ex-Im, they put the money in for us, and we pay a fee’…For smaller companies, ‘in any given year, our projects in North Africa represent 30 to 50 percent of their yearly sales,’ he said. His policy with Ex-Im is locked in for roughly the next year, but if the agency stays dead, CECA would lose 30 to 40 percent of its sales ‘right off the bat.’” (Victoria Guida, “Businesses Fume As Congress Lets Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank stay dead,” POLITICO, 7/30/15)
David Ickert, Chief Financial Officer, Air Tractor
- Chief Financial Officer Says Air Tractor Does “Not Have The Ability” To Export Without The Ex-Im Bank. “Now those export sales, worth 25% of their business, are at risk. ‘We do not have the ability right now to access the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank to facilitate our export sales.’” (Jack Carney, “Tough Landing,” Newschannel6, 8/1/15)
- Air Tractor Executive: Losing Ex-Im Means Losing Jobs. “In summary, it’s nearly like the House [of Representatives] wants to export jobs now and not export American products, because that’s exactly the impact that will be felt.” (Jack Carney, “Tough Landing,” Newschannel6, 8/1/15)
- Facing Tough Business Conditions Already, Ex-Im’s Lapse Creates A “Double Whammy” For Small Business. “Declining exports, combined with a lack of U.S. Ex-Im Bank funding, is ‘a double-whammy,’ said David Ickert, finance chief of Air Tractor Inc., which makes small aircraft for the agriculture industry. Softer prices for crops such as soybeans have growers in places like Brazil and Argentina ordering less equipment, he said. Air Tractor, based in Olney, Texas, typically uses export-credit insurance from the U.S. Ex-Im Bank. Foreign customers typically account for over half of the company’s sales, but Mr. Ickert expects that figure to drop to 30% this year. ‘There are definitely some multiple headwinds we’re facing right now,’ he said.” (Kimberly Johnson, “Shutdown Of U.S. Ex-Im Bank Puts Companies In A Financing Bind,” The Wall Street Journal, 10/5/15)
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Makes It More Difficult For Small Business To Export. “Declining exports, combined with a lack of U.S. Ex-Im Bank funding, is ‘a double-whammy,’ says David Ickert, finance chief of Air Tractor Inc., which makes small aircraft for the agriculture industry.” (Don Brunell, “Time To Reauthorize The Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” kitsap peninsula business journal,” 10/9/15)
- Exporter Loses Business Because Of Ex-Im‘s Lapse. “At Air Tractor, which makes planes for crop dusting and fire fighting, officials say the bank was a lifeline for foreign business and jobs in the employee-owned company. ‘We were able to survive short-term by extending our own credit, but we would not have been able to to next season,’ said David Ickert, Air Tractor’s vice president of finance. ‘There was some lost business.’” (Maria Recio, “Congress Ready To Resuscitate Ex-Im Bank To Help Exporters,” McClatchy DC, 12/2/15)
Jaime Martinez, Senior Project Manager, International Trade Center
- New Small Business Loan Program Aimed To Grow Export Capabilities Halted After Ex-Im Bank Lapse. “A new small business loan program that was ready to roll out at the University of Texas at San Antonio’s International Trade Center has been put on hold as Congress squabbles over reauthorization of the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank…the program would allow the center to make loans for under $500,000 to businesses looking to export products to other countries. “unfortunately, right when we were approved the ex-im bank was not reauthorized,” martinez said…martinez said the u.s. small business administration has a similar loan program called export express that is still available to small business owners. but they will not be able to get the export credit insurance to protect them against various types of loss.” (Mike W. Thomas, ” Ex-Im Bank Fight In Congress Puts Dampers On Local Loan Program,” San Antonio Business Journal, 8/3/15)
Will Gonzalez, Director Of International Sales, Summit Electric Supply
- Small Business Gets Fewer Orders Without Ex-Im. “Others among the 12,000-plus companies that export from the Houston area are delaying business or can’t pursue new contracts. But the full effect might not be realized for years, they say. ‘At this point, it’s a cloud on the horizon. It’s not right over our head yet,’ said Will Gonzalez, director of international sales for Summit Electric Supply. But he said the company already is getting fewer orders from customers whose work largely depends on Export Bank backing.” (Sarah Scully, “Local Businesses Seeing Effects Of Ex-Im Bank Impasse,” Houston Chronicle, 9/25/15)
Javier Palomarez, President & CEO, United States Hispanic Chamber Of Commerce
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Puts 164,000 U.S. Jobs At Risk. “The inability of Congress to authorize and fund Ex-Im also puts more than 164,000 American jobs at risk. Ex-Im is especially important to small and medium-sized businesses, which account for more than 90 percent of Ex-Im’s transactions, and risk is minimal with Ex-Im loans because they are backed by the collateral of the goods being exported.” (Javier Palomarez, Exporters For Ex-Im, 10/22/15)
James Brooks and Bernie Bernard, Owners, TDI-Brooks International Inc.
- Ex-Im Allows Texas-Based Small Business To Employ 100 People. “The Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank has been an essential supporter of our international growth — and even our existence — since 2007. our loan supported more than $15 million in exports last year alone. thanks to that support, we were able to employ more than 100 people. but not anymore. no commercial bank will issue a revolving line of credit on export trade amounts owed us even by world-class oil companies.” (James Brooks and Bernie Bernard, “Reauthorize Ex-Im Bank And Its Lifeline For Small Texas Business,” Star Telegram, 10/30/15)
- TX-Based TDI-Brooks International Inc. Loses Loans And Forced To Lay Off Workers Because Of Ex-Im Lapse. “At the same time, our government told banks in Texas to mark all oil and gas loans as ‘distressed’ due to the market downturn, so a 20-year-old company like ours, with a perfect credit record, cannot borrow — simply because we are in the oil and gas industry at the wrong time. We have laid off several of our staff so that we could service our debt.” (James Brooks And Bernie Bernard, “Commentary: Renew Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank and help small businesses,” The Monitor, 11/9/15
- “The Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank has been an essential supporter of our international growth.” “And the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank has been an essential supporter of our international growth — and even our existence — since 2007. our export loan supported over $15 million in exports last year alone. thanks to that support, we were able to employ over 100 people. but not anymore.” (James Brooks, Bernie Bernanrd, “Ex-Im Bank Foes Killing Off Area Jobs,” Waco Tribune, 11/19/15)
Steve Drugan, Vice President For The Americas, Deugro
- Small Business Will Feel Negative Impacts Of Ex-Im’s Lapse At The End Of The Year. “At Deugro, a logistics company that also works on shipping for large international projects, regional vice president for the Americas Steve Drugan said the company would probably begin to feel the effects of lost business toward the end of this year.” (Sarah Scully, “Local Businesses Seeing Effects Of Ex-Im Bank Impasse,” Houston Chronicle, 9/25/15)
- Without Ex-Im, Deurgo Would Lose Out On Exporting Opportunities In The Future. “Where deugro (USA) will feel the pain is in the way of lost opportunities in the future. Without Ex-Im Bank, these types of capital projects would be financed by banks and export credit agencies in foreign countries. Instead of 85% of the materials, equipment and services being sourced from the USA, only a small fraction of the required goods and services will be purchased and shipped from the USA.” (Steve Drugan, “Congress Must Finish The Job By Reauthorizing Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank.” Houston Business Journal, 11/25/15)
Maher Touma, CEO, Ceca Supply & Services
- CEO Of Small Business: Without Ex-Im He Will “Have To Cut His Staff In Half And Shrink The Business To Survive.” “Maher Touma, CEO of Ceca Supply & Services, said his company has about a year’s worth of financing before it will have to turn away business. The company sources oil rig equipment from its 11-person office in southwest Houston and relies on the Export Bank for 95 percent of its sales. Touma had planned to open an office in Dubai, which is now on hold, in addition to its two international offices in Algeria and Tunisia. Without Export Bank financing – their current agreements expire in June 2017 – Touma said he would have to cut his staff in half and shrink the business to survive. Though politicians argue that private financing would adapt in the absence of federal support, Touma says private credit would be too expensive. He would have to cut back and post all of his profits as collateral for loans, he said. ‘For us, it’s not a cheaper source of financing. We’re either in business or we’re not,’ Touma said. ‘For us it’s the only financing option.’ Ceca’s suppliers, he said, could go under if Ceca can’t sign more contracts. Some of its suppliers have fewer than a dozen employees here, and Ceca is their biggest buyer.” (Sarah Scully, “Local Businesses Seeing Effects Of Ex-Im Bank Impasse,” Houston Chronicle, 9/25/15)
Tony Bennett, President, Texas Association of Manufacturers
- Small Businesses Across Texas Are Being Negatively Impacted By Ex-Im’s Lapse. The lapse in Ex-Im Bank financing is especially troubling in Houston, the top metropolitan exporter in the nation with some $119 billion in exported merchandise in 2014. Ex-Im Bank is essential for Houston-area exporters like Gaumer Process and Bishop Lifting Products, whose representatives recently traveled to Washington, D.C., in attempt to break through the political din and discuss real-world consequences of allowing the Bank’s authorization to expire. Likewise, according to news reports, Houston’s CECA Supply and Services said it will likely lose 30 to 40 percent of its sales if Ex-Im Bank is not renewed. Olney-based Air Tractor, which manufactures agriculture and fire suppression airplanes, recently testified before a congressional hearing that the company already has lost sales due to the lack of Ex-Im financing. Rockwall-based Special Products and Manufacturing said that the lapse of Ex-Im is one reason the company put a planned expansion on hold. (Tony Bennett, “End Political Games Using Ex-Im Bank As Pawn,” Houston Chronicle, 11/9/15)
Susan Jamie, Owner, Ferra Coffee Roaster
- Small Business Expansion On Hold Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “Jaime’s coffee-roasting company is an example of a company with orders on hold and with a planned expansion stalled. Now based in Boerne, Ferra Coffee Roaster has plans to move its headquarters, training, research and roasting operations to south of downtown San Antonio, expanding employment to 12 from four now. Ferra Coffee Roaster also reached a tentative agreement in August with a Chinese importer https://exportersforexim.org/files/that wants to buy 3 to 4 metric tons of coffee products per month. but the expansion and the china deal are on hold until the ex-im bank can provide services again.” (David Hendricks, “Small-Business Owner Continues To Press For Ex-Im Bank’s Return,” San Antonio Express News, 9/15/15)
TENNESSEE
Editorial Staff, Knoxville News Sentinel
- Small Businesses Across Tennessee Used Ex-Im Financing To Complete International Deals. “Consolidated Inventory Supply in Alcoa leveraged $3.78 million in Ex-Im financing to sell $15 million worth of Caterpillar and Komatsu equipment. Perceptics, a Knoxville company that makes technology that reads license plates, U.S. Department of Transportation numbers and container codes, has sold $10 million worth of its products to overseas customers with $1.8 million of assistance from the bank. Ex-Im helped Gridsmart Technologies, which combines cameras and software to produce equipment that improves traffic flow on busy roadways, export products worth $2.9 million. Smoky Mountain Coal has exported close to $100 million worth of coal to Europe, Asia and South America using the bank’s financing.” (Editorial Staff, “Praise Deserved For Ex-Im Bank’s Reauthorization,” Knoxville News Sentinel, 11/9/15)
VIRGINIA
Reza Hashampour, Chairman & CEO, Polaris Asset Corp.
- Ex-Im Allows Virginia Businesses To Compete In Global Markets. “To realize our full potential, we need partners across the globe. We compete with companies from other countries that offer credit financing. Without Ex-Im, we are simply unable to compete in many markets. And we are not alone in our support for Ex-Im. Since 2009, Ex-Im has been used by more than 100 Virginia businesses, supporting more than 11,000 jobs.” (Reza Hashampour, “Bring Back The Tool That Helps Export Our Products,” The Virginian Pilot, 10/18/15)
Amer Khouri, Vice President, Orbital ATK
- A 500 Million Dollars In Business Could Be Lost For Orbital ATK Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “The company estimates it could lose up to $500 million in business by the end of the year if the agency’s charter isn’t renewed. An increasing number of emerging countries are in the market for new satellites, and they are requiring financing as part of their deals, says Amer Khouri, vice president of business development at Orbital ATK’s Commercial Satellite Division. ‘About 30 percent of our customers require financing as part of the overall project,’ Khouri says. ‘So the expiration of the Ex-Im Bank has definitely and will continue to negatively impact our ability to offer a competitive financing package. Ex-Im Bank is a priority in our primary funding solution for those customers who require Ex-Im Bank financing.’” (Jessica Sabbath, “A Comeback For Ex-Im Bank?” Virginia Business, 10/21/15)
Scott Harris, Founder And General Manager, Catoctin Creek
- Catoctin Creek’s Ability To Grow Will Be Tampered Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “Harris at Catoctin Creek says the expiration of the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank likely will tamper his ability to grow his export business. currently, exports make up around 10 percent of the distillery’s sales, while he’d like to increase that to 30 percent, particularly since export sales aren’t as heavily taxed as u.s. sales. ‘It would affect our ability to export to new partners, to new companies and new countries,’ Harris says if the Ex-Im Bank is not reauthorized.” (Jessica Sabbath, “A Comeback For Ex-Im Bank?” Virginia Business, 10/21/15)
Zachary Mottl, Chief Alignment Officer, Atlas Tool Works
- “American Jobs Will Be Lost” If Congress Does Not Reauthorize Ex-Im. “But if the anti-bank extremists prevail in Washington, U.S. businesses will have a harder time selling products overseas, American jobs will be lost and real people will suffer. That’s not a talking point. It’s reality.” (Zachary Mottl, “Why America Needs The Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” The Roanoke Times, 7/23/15)
Ted McFarland, Senior Director, Orbital ATK
- Orbital ATK Becomes Second Satellite Manufacturer To Lose Business Because Of Ex-Im’s Lapse. “At a Sept. 21 Washington Space Business Roundtable panel session here, Ted McFarland, senior director for GEOComm at Orbital ATK, said his company lost a competition for the Azerspace-2 satellite with the government of Azerbaijan because Ex-Im could not provide financing after its authorization lapsed July 1. ‘At the end of the competition, we were left without a key component in our win strategy,’ he said of the loss of Ex-Im financing. ‘We got in the door and had an indicative letter from Azerbaijan, and then we lost it.’” (Jeff Foust, “Orbital Blames Lost Satellite Deal On Ex-Im Closure,” Spacenews, 9/22/15)
- Without Ex-Im Orbital Can Not Secure Business Deal. “A third satellite deal with a U.S. manufacturer has fallen through after the lapse of Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank authorization. orbital atk regional vp for business development and global communications ted mcfarland said sept. 21 that the company had a contract underway with azercosmos, the national satellite operator of azerbaijan, but that the agreement collapsed when ex-im bank support could not be secured. ‘We just recently lost a deal because of lack of Ex-Im on Azerbaijan’s second satellite,’ McFarland said during a Washington Space Business Roundtable (WSBR) event.” (Caleb Henry, “Orbital ATK Loses Satellite Deal Deal Over Ex-Im Bank Lapse,” Satellite Today, 9/22/15)
WASHINGTON
Terry Cochran, President, Norwest Ingredients
- If Ex-Im Permanently Lapsed, It Would “Tie The Hands Of Small Businesses Behind Their Backs.” “At a time when companies are competing globally, it does not make sense to tie the hands of small businesses behind their backs by taking away one of the best tools they have to broaden their business horizons.” (Terry Cochran, “Reauthorize Ex-Im Charter,” Yakima Herald, 10/20/15)
- Without Ex-Im Small Business cannot compete overseas. “‘Without Ex-Im’s insurance program,’ Norwest Ingredients President Terry Cochran says, ‘we simply couldn’t enter overseas markets.’ Indeed, buyers overseas increasingly demand that exporters offer financing. Without Ex-Im, many U.S. small businesses are unable to extend terms to foreign buyers and have to ask for cash-in-advance. In these cases, sales will most likely go to a firm from another country that can count on the backing of an official export credit agency (ECA) like Ex-Im. These realities explain why small businesses account for nearly 90 percent of Ex-Im’s transactions. In addition to these direct beneficiaries, tens of thousands of smaller companies that supply goods and services to large exporters also benefit from Ex-Im’s activities.” (Thomas Donohue, “Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank’s huge benefits should spur congressional action,” Bradenton Herald, 9/17/15)
Boeing
- Ex-Im’s Lapse Jeopardizes Boeing Orders. “South African airline Comair Ltd. has told Boeing Co that the loss of U.S. Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank financing could jeopardize a $1.1 billion order it had placed for boeing jetliners, leading the carrier to turn to europe’s airbus.” (Andrea Shalal, “U.S. Export Bank’s Loss Jeopardizes Boeing Orders, Airline Says,” Reuters, 9/30/15)
Editorial Board, The Seattle Times
- Washington-Based Small Businesses Has International Deals On Hold Without Ex-Im. “Hilliard’s Beer is gaining popularity in Sweden, where the Seattle-based brewery planned to expand sales this year. It has also received interest from distributors in Toronto and London. Those opportunities are now on hold since Congress failed to reauthorize the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank last summer.” (Editorial Staff, “Businesses Languishing Without Ex-Im Bank; Congress, Reauthorize It,” The Seattle Times, 11/4/15)
Jim Harris, President, Burke Industrial Coatings
- Ex-Im’s Closure Has Left Ridgefield Business Owner “Scrambling.” “But with the demise of the Ex-Im Bank, Harris is scrambling to make sure he can craft a transaction that won’t go awry. As part of its foray into foreign markets, his company had won approval to buy Ex-Im Bank insurance just before the bank lost its charter.” (Columbian Business Editor, “Ex-Im Bank Fight A Blow To Ridgefield Business,” The Columbian, 10/14/15)
Suzanne Dale Estey, President and CEO, Economic Development Council Of Seattle And King County
- Numerous Small Businesses In Washington Are Able To Export With The Support Of Ex-Im. “Ellensburg-based Calaway Trading has relied on the Ex-Im Bank to export hay and agricultural commodity products. Oneonta Trading Corporation of Wenatchee, the first exporters of Washington apples, uses the Ex-Im Bank to export its fruit crops. Maple Valley’s Enertechnix utilizes the Ex-Im Bank to facilitate global sales of infrared cameras and gas-temperature-measurement tools used in power plants.” (Suzanne Estey, “Congress, Time To Reauthorize The Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” The Seattle Times, 10/30/15)
Ted Mischaikov, Healthy Pet
- Ex-Im Levels The Playing Field For Small Businesses In Washington. “‘The Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank levels the playing field for u.s. companies involved in international trade by creating predictability and ensuring that emerging market risk is reasonably mitigated,’ said ted mischaikov of healthy pet in ferndale.” (Joel Connelly, “House Votes Decisively To Renew Export-Import Bank: Can It Survive In The Senate?,” Seattle Post Intelligencer, 10/28/15)
Ryan Hilliard, Owner, Hilliard’s Beer
- Small Business Owner: “The Ex-Im Bank is doing really great, valuable things for our economy on the global stage.” “While Boeing is certainly the biggest Ex-Im beneficiary, small companies also benefit. Hilliard’s Beer in Seattle now sells about half its craft brew in Sweden. The Ex-Im Bank allowed them to get paid faster so they could grow their business. ‘The Ex-Im Bank is doing really great, valuable things for our economy on the global stage,’ said owner Ryan Hilliard.” (Dan Springer, “Boeing Threatens To Move Jobs out of U.S. amid ‘Ex-Im Bank’ Impasse,” Fox News, 9/21/15).
Yakima Herald Editorial Board
- Yakima Valley Company Has Secured Business With Over 20 Countries With The Help Of Ex-Im. ” Manhasset Specialty Co., which has credited the Ex-Im Bank for securing business with customers in more than 20 countries, including China. Manhasset is far from alone; more than a dozen Yakima Valley companies have used the bank — and employed local workers in the process.” (Yakima Herald Editorial Board, “Ex-Im Bank Finally Clears Congressional Obstructions,” Yakima Herald, 12/10/15)
WISCONSIN
Jody Schuenke, President, Waukesha Engine Division
- Small Business Will Feel The “Hit” Without Ex-Im. “Jody Schuenke runs a small business near the plant and said she’ll feel the hit. ‘It certainly does impact my business when good paying jobs leave Wisconsin,’ Schuenke said. The end of the line could come within the next 18 months. The company was founded in 1906 as the Waukesha Motor Co. It moved to its current location in 1910. The name was changed to Waukesha Engine Division in 1974, and it was purchased by GE in 2010.” (Kent Wainscott, “GE To Stop Manufacturing Gas Engines In Waukesha,” WISN Milwaukee, 9/28/15)
Charlie Szews, Chief Executive Officer, Oshkosh Corporation
- Ex-Im Helps Level The Playing Field For Wisconsin Exporter. “‘The Ex-Im Bank helps Oshkosh compete on a more level playing field and increases our chances to secure international business,’ the company said in a statement. ‘We have multi-million dollar opportunities in Vietnam involving our Pierce fire apparatus that could be derailed.’” (Nate Beck, “House Votes To Renew Ex-Im https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Oshkosh Northwestern, 10/29/15)
Wisconsin Will Lose 350 Jobs Because of Ex-Im Demise
- “General Electric Co. plans to move 350 U.S. jobs to Canada and build a manufacturing plant there as the company campaigns for congressional renewal of the Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank. gas-engine work currently done in waukesha, wisconsin, will be shifted to a $265 million facility that could open in less than two years, ge said monday. the move will support access to canada’s export credit agency after congress halted the ex-im bank’s ability to offer new financing, ge said. ‘We had no specific plans to do something with this facility, but it became clear as we saw the difficulty that Congress was going to have in reauthorizing Ex-Im’ that the decision was necessary, Vice Chairman John Rice said in a telephone interview. ‘In many respects Ex-Im was the tipping point. We had to do some things to give ourselves more access to export credit financing.’” (Rick Clough, “GE To Move 350 U.S. Jobs To Canada As Ex-Im Fight Drags On,” Bloomberg, 9/28/15)Jane Dauffenbach, President, D&D Products Inc.
- With Ex-Im’s Lapse, U.S. Small Businesses Do Not Have The Same Tools Foreign Competitors Utilize, Which Is Problematic. “D&D Products Inc., a North Prairie manufacturer, faces global competition in its markets that include aquatic weed removal equipment. ‘When our small company does business overseas, we naturally run up against foreign competitors. It becomes a problem when they bring something to the table that American companies cannot, which is the backing of their government,’ said D&D President Jane Dauffenbach. ‘Sometimes the only way to counter this is to obtain financing for the prequalified buyer from the Ex-Im Bank, to make it easier to buy from us,’ Dauffenbach said.” (Rick Barrett, “Tim Sullivan’s Inside Take On The U.S. Export-Import https://exportersforexim.org/files/bank,” Journal Sentinal, 10/10/15)