WASHINGTON, D.C. – During the Export-Import Bank Coalition’s “Exporters for Ex-Im Fly-In,” U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, today met with two Ravenna business leaders to discuss the importance of exporting and job creation to Ohio businesses. 

“Today, I heard stories from leaders across the state and their message is clear – exporting creates new jobs and opportunities in their communities,” said Brown. “The Ex-Im Bank plays a critical role in those efforts by giving Ohio’s manufacturers and small businesses the ability to get their products to the marketplace. Boosting exports by small manufacturers across the country is key to America’s competitiveness, and as we consider trade policy in the coming weeks I will seek agreements that put American manufacturers and workers first.”

The business leaders include:

  • Josh Skinner, Business Development Manager, Allen Aircraft Products, Inc., Ravenna     
  • Neil Mann Jr., President, Allen Aircraft Products, Inc., Ravenna

Thirty-eight Ohio business leaders participated in the Export-Import Bank Coalition’s ‘Exporters for Ex-Im Fly-In” this week to share personal stories about the Ex-Im Bank’s role in helping their companies boost exports and create local jobs. The Export-Import Bank Coalition represents manufacturers across the United States dedicated to ensuring that American exporters can compete globally.

The Ex-Im Bank’s charter expires on June 30, 2015. Brown is committed to finding a long-term solution for the Ex-Im Bank this Congress. The Ex-Im Bank fills gaps in private export financing. The Bank provides a variety of financing mechanisms, including working capital guarantees, export-credit insurance and financing to help foreign buyers purchase U.S. goods and services. By charging fees and interest on all loan-related transactions, Ex-Im Bank is self-sustaining and annually covers all operation and loan costs, and in recent years has contributed revenues to the U.S. Treasury.

Since 2007, more than 350 Ohio businesses, including 225 small businesses, have received critical support from the Ex-Im to support $3 billion in total export value, which help Ohio companies grow and create jobs. Ex-Im estimates it has supported 9,670 jobs in Ohio from 2009-2013.

Brown has worked with Ohio businesses to help them boost their exports. He has hosted and participated in exporter summits and seminars across Ohio to connect business owners with Ex-Im programs and other federal resources.

This week, Brown invited Ohioans to share their stories about what America’s trade policy means to them or how current policy has affected them.

###