Tester’s Export Seminar offers tools to Montana businesses for new jobs, new markets

Senator brings together Montanans, Google, Export-Import Bank to forge new opportunities, boost business

(BILLINGS, Mont.) – Calling the export market a “goldmine of opportunity” for small businesses, Senator Jon Tester today hosted his Treasure State Export Seminar to create jobs and boost Montana’s economy.

The daylong event in Billings drew Montana manufacturers, service providers, and farmers and ranchers to learn about opportunities to sell their products and services to customers overseas.

Internet giant Google and the Export-Import Bank of the United States both attended today’s event and discussed ways for Montanans to market and sell abroad.

“Opportunity is what this day is all about,” Tester told participants.  “Opportunities to create more jobs—and boost Montana’s economy—by doing more business overseas.”

Tester said the idea for the seminar came from Montanans.

“After putting hundreds of miles on my pickup over the past year, after listening to small business owners across the state, I realized Montana has a huge potential to tap into brand new markets,” Tester said.  “I’m talking about manufacturers, whether you brew beer or build bikes, bridges, or highways.  I’m talking about service providers, whether you design new neighborhoods or engineer buildings.  And I’m talking about farmers and ranchers, whether you raise beef or sell wool or grow value-added crops.”

Tester noted that 95 percent of the world’s customers do not live in the United States, but only one percent of U.S. businesses export to other countries.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States is an independent, self-sustaining federal agency that provides loan guarantees and insurance for businesses interested in exporting goods and services to other countries.

Tester plans to post highlights of the Treasure State Export Seminar on his website, tester.senate.gov/export, for Montanans who were unable to attend the event.