Big Turnout in NYC Puts Spotlight on Exporting Anniversary
December 20, 2013Curt Cultice is a Senior Communications Specialist in the International Trade Administration’s Commercial Service.
An official proclamation from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg declared Dec. 16 as “NY U.S. Export Assistance Center Day,” in honor of 100 years of export assistance in the city.
The Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York City was the setting on a wintery Monday, December 16, as more than 250 businesspeople and other participants turned out for the 100th anniversary celebration of the opening of the New York U.S. Export Assistance Center. Mayor Michael Bloomberg also proclaimed December 16 as “NY U.S. Export Assistance Center Day,” further recognizing the impressive milestone.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Judy Reinke keynoted the event, saying, “New York businesses recognized 100 years ago what we know holds true today: The world is full of consumers who highly value U.S.-made products.”
Last year, the New York City metro area exported $102.3 billion in merchandise exports to world markets, making it the 2nd largest metropolitan export source in the United States.
The NYC event, hosted by the New York District Export Council, also highlighted the importance of exporting through a panel discussion moderated by Deputy Assistant Secretary for U.S. Field Operations Antwaun Griffin, with an array of award-winning exporters participating.
Many of the companies were previous Presidential “E Award” or U.S. Department of Commerce Export Achievement Certificate awardees who have benefitted from local U.S. Commercial Service Export Assistance Center services in their export endeavors.
Helene Herman, director of global marketing for Brooklyn-based Lee Spring, a manufacturer of wire springs, said at the event that the International Trade Administration’s Commercial Service as being of the “best kept secrets” in business and that more businesses should take advantage of the many export services offered. Lee Spring currently sells goods worldwide and has utilized a range of export services.
“Overseas clients often have a perception of American products as being higher quality,” she said, noting her company’s success in China as one example.
Acting Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Judy Reinke reminded New York business leaders that exporting can be an important way to increase revenues.
Among the companies represented and benefitting from export assistance was family-owned Love & Quiches Gourmet of Long Island, which has utilized export counseling and Export-Import Bank financing to sell its gourmet foods to multiple world markets; The Jump Apparel Group of Manhattan, which is marketing its innovative dress and sportswear line of clothing in more than 20 international stores and home shopping networks; and Lumi-Solair, which recently made its first international sale, supplying renewable, grid-free power equipment to India. The sale enabled the firm to sustain local NYC jobs.
Exporting is more beneficial than ever, even for the smallest businesses looking to strengthen their bottom line. This was further demonstrated by the entrepreneurial spirit at the event’s “International Trade Showcase,” where program attendees perused the products and services exhibited by 20 successful local exporters – selling everything from hop extracts and oils, to wire springs, hydraulic technology, language software, and export management services, to name a few products.
Summing up the importance of exporting, Reinke added: “We remain focused on reaching President Obama’s National Export Strategy goals because we know that in today’s global economy, if you’re not exporting, you’re falling behind.”
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