The International Trade Administration Signs New Partnership Agreement with FirstMerit
August 18, 2015Cody Dietrich works in the Strategic Partnerships Office at the International Trade Administration
FirstMerit & ITA celebrate new partnership agreement.
The International Trade Administration (ITA) recently signed a Strategic Partnership agreement with FirstMerit Bank at FirstMerit’s headquarters in Akron, Ohio .
This agreement was made possible through ITA’s Strategic Partnership Program, designed to collaborate with private corporations, trade associations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and educational institutions to create a force multiplier effect—increasing our marketing channels, industry expertise, logistical capabilities, and, ultimately, our value in bringing more U.S. companies the assistance they need to grow their exports. Working cooperatively, ITA and partners conduct outreach activities to the U.S. small to medium sized business community and international buyers about ITA programs and services to help them grow international sales.
Here at ITA, we knew FirstMerit’s programs and services could be a crucial resource for businesses looking to go global. FirstMerit’s International Banking Division helps U.S. businesses compete in global markets by providing export financing services. These services include letters of credit, documentary collections, foreign exchange advisory and payments services and U.S. government-guaranteed working capital loan programs.
FirstMerit will work with ITA on programs covering exporting trends, geographic information and industry-specific intelligence.
The Strategic Partnership was signed at FirstMerit’s headquarters in Akron, Ohio. “We are pleased to be recognized by the Department of Commerce as a financial resource partner for Midwest businesses currently exporting or looking to export their goods around the world,” Paul G. Greig, chairman, president and CEO of FirstMerit. FirstMerit’s expertise in helping small businesses tap into export potential will further ITA’s goals of strengthening the competitiveness of U.S. industry and expand access to export financing.
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