Businesses Nationwide: ‘We Must Pass TPA Now’

Small Businessman: ‘It Is Critical That Congress Pass TPA To Help U.S. Exports Flourish In Markets Abroad’

‘There Is Really Only One Option For America: Lead. … Congress Must Pass TPA’

HOWARD ICE, Ice Industries: “We live in a globalized world, and the U.S. can either take the lead or stand on the sidelines as the trade agenda for the 21st century is set. As an Army Veteran, and a business owner, there is really only one option for America: lead. In order to lead however, Congress must pass TPA.” (Howard Ice, Op-Ed, “Don’t Forget The Real Faces Of U.S. Trade,” The Hill, 3/4/15)

“Trade has also been a boon for Ice Industries. When I founded the company in 1999 with our first acquisition, my goal was to create a positive work environment that fostered respect and empowered employees in a way that would make them eager to come to work and give their all. I’m proud to say, that with hard work and dedication over the past 15 years, that goal has become a reality. Today, Ice Industries employs 450 workers throughout its four U.S. facilities, who work hard to deliver complex metal stampings, weldments, machined parts, and assemblies for a multitude of markets including HVAC, appliance, automotive, heavy truck, and alternative energy. At Ice Industries, we not only export our products directly to other countries, we also supply six Fortune 50 companies who also export. All this exporting allows us to reach new consumers in markets around the globe, and it enables us to reinvest in our employees and grow our operations right here at home.” (Howard Ice, Op-Ed, “Don’t Forget The Real Faces Of U.S. Trade,” The Hill, 3/4/15)

DYKE MESSINGER, Power Curbers Inc.: ‘We must pass TPA now’ “Our equipment can be found in more than 90 countries, helping create safer, more efficient infrastructure. Despite our success, we continue to face substantial barriers in international markets that make it difficult to compete globally. Without these barriers, American industry succeeds. Trade Promotion Authority is a key negotiating tool that gives our negotiators maximum leverage to secure the best deal in trade agreements. We must pass TPA now...” (Letters To The Editor, Salisbury Post, 5/4/15)

WENDY MASCIO, Medical Equipment Source LLC: “…pass Trade Promotion Authority, or TPA.” (“Business Forum: Small Businesses Need Trade Partnerships,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 5/12/15)

“Trade has been an integral part of our company’s story. We started in Pittsburgh in 2002 and now sell our products in 28 countries…Unfortunately, small businesses like mine face serious risks and challenges when trying to export in the current trade environment. Exporting to our key markets often means tariffs and complicated regulations that make it difficult to sell our goods beyond our borders…There is a solution to the challenges of exporting: passing new trade agreements. New agreements would help eliminate or reduce many of the barriers to exporting and make it easier for companies like mine to expand abroad and create quality jobs here at home.” (“Business Forum: Small Businesses Need Trade Partnerships,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 5/12/15)

TOM LINEBARGER, Cummins Inc.: “The first step toward strengthening the U.S. economy through trade is for Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) legislation…” (Tom Linebarger, Op-Ed, “Time To Act,” The Republic, 2/28/15)

“International trade has been the most important driver of growth and hiring at Cummins for more than a decade. Cummins exported approximately $3 billion in U.S.-made engines, generators and related products in 2014, and nearly half of our sales were to customers outside the U.S. We export products from plants in Columbus and Seymour, Indiana; Nashville, Tennessee; Charleston, South Carolina; Fridley, Minnesota; and Jamestown, New York. And, like most other companies with international business, as we grow globally, we add more high quality jobs at home. Creating opportunities for American companies like Cummins to reach more customers through new, and 21st century free-trade agreements can help get our economy on track and keep our nation globally competitive. This means more jobs for American workers and stronger communities in the United States.” (Tom Linebarger, Op-Ed, “Time To Act,” The Republic, 2/28/15)

STEVEN KASE, ASK Power: “To make sure we play a leading part in the future of international trade, we need Congress to step up and pass Trade Promotion Authority legislation, or fast track legislation.” (Steven Kase, Op-Ed, “Trade Promotion Authority Would Help Aurora Area Businesses,” Chicago Tribune, 3/6/15)

DREW GREENBLATT, Marlin Steel: “… Congress needs to pass an updated TPA bill. It offers the U.S. the chance to make headway on trade agreements that would bring jobs and growth to exporting businesses here in Baltimore City, Maryland, and across the U.S.” (Drew Greenblatt, “Congress: Don’t Miss Opportunity For TPA,” Inc., 2/12/15)

“My business, Marlin Steel, manufactures custom steel wire baskets and sheet metal fabrications here in Baltimore City. Our products have a wide variety of uses, from the automotive, aerospace, medical and pharmaceutical industries. These products, stamped with the marker ‘Made in the USA,’ are exported to our clients in markets across the world such as China and Japan. Today, we owe 20 percent of our jobs to our exports at Marlin Steel.” (Drew Greenblatt, “Congress: Don’t Miss Opportunity For TPA,” Inc., 2/12/15)

PAUL HLETKO, Few Spirits: “It is critical that Congress pass TPA to help U.S. exports flourish in markets abroad. We are proud of our American made spirits products and know that the world is ready and willing to buy them. All we need is access – and TPA can make that happen.” (“Trade Deal Critical To Illinois Business,” Chicago Sun Times, 5/15/15)

GARY RIDGE, WD-40 Co.: “Washington must help companies like ours do business smarter, not harder. The first step is for Congress to pass trade promotion authority, sometimes referred to as ‘fast-track authority.’” (Gary Ridge, “Two Trade Pacts Would Help Firms Sell Abroad, Support U.S. Jobs,” LA Times, 3/9/15)

“Since our blue-and-yellow can first hit store shelves in San Diego in 1958, WD-40 Multi-Use Product has become a household item around the globe. Our company now supports thousands of jobs in the United States. But we weren't always the size we are today. When I was appointed WD-40 Co.'s chief executive in 1997, the company was just a quarter of its current size. We knew then that a crucial driver of our future growth would be expanding to markets around the world. Today, our products are available in 176 countries and territories. Although we have facilities and employees in other countries, we are based primarily in the United States and manufacture more products here than anywhere else. The revenue gained from selling our products abroad ultimately comes back to benefit our company in California, where we are headquartered. That means we have been able to create more jobs and pay higher wages. About 65% of our customers live outside America's borders. If we had not decided to export years ago, we would have missed a huge growth opportunity. Business is booming, but we face unnecessary challenges selling American-made products in foreign markets.” (Gary Ridge, “Two Trade Pacts Would Help Firms Sell Abroad, Support U.S. Jobs,” LA Times, 3/9/15)

JEFF DARLEY, W.S. Darley & Co.: “If you want other countries to open their markets to U.S. products and help put in place stronger rules that will help American producers such as Darley compete on a level playing field, it’s important to tell Congress to pass TPA so that your voice is heard. ... I know what trade has done for my business. I'm excited to see Wisconsin business compete on a level playing field, in a more open, connected global economy with millions of consumers interested in what we have to offer.” (Jeff Darley, Op-Ed, “Export Business Vital To Wisconsin Firms,” Leader Telegram, 4/7/15)

EVAN GREENBERG, ACE Group: “Congress must pass TPA. Doing so will help ensure that we unlock more opportunities for Delaware and the rest of America.” (Evan Greenberg, “Trade Deal Will Unlock Opportunities For Delaware,” Delaware Voice, 4/24/15)

“The company I lead is a case study in the positive impact of fair and open trade. In 1985, ACE was created by a group of U.S. entrepreneurs looking to solve an insurance crisis. Over the course of 30 years, we’ve evolved from a small company primarily focused on the U.S. market to one of the world’s largest multiline property and casualty insurers with half of our business in 53 other countries. Along the way, we acquired and grew major U.S. businesses so that today we are a significant U.S. taxpayer and an employer of over 10,000 Americans – 3,000 of whom are based here in the Delaware Valley. Half of those employees support our international operations. To put it simply: as our company has grown outside the U.S. – and that’s where more than 95 percent of the world’s population and business opportunity is – we’ve hired more people here at home.” (Evan Greenberg, “Trade Deal Will Unlock Opportunities For Delaware,” Delaware Voice, 4/24/15)

FRED DUCKWALL, Duckwall Fruit: ‘We need Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority’ “For our business to continue to grow and thrive, we need to continue selling our agriculture products overseas. That means we need new trade deals that open up markets to Oregon businesses. I applaud Senator Wyden for the work he has done to date supporting Trade Promotion. Duckwall Fruit has been trading with countries for almost one hundred years. We want to continue selling our great produce for another one hundred, and that is why we need Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority.” (“Pass Trade Act,” Hood River News, 5/2/15)

SCOTT HARRIS, Catoctin Creek Distillery: “Our family business has benefited greatly from access to foreign markets — and expanding that access is not only good for the country as a whole, it has a direct and significant impact right here in Virginia. It is critical that Congress pass TPA to help U.S. exports flourish in markets abroad.” (“International Trade Helps Virginia, Local Community,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4/20/15)

“We established our distillery Catoctin Creek in Purcellville in 2009, where we produce small batch handcrafted whiskey, gin and brandy. … We are a small family-run business that sources local and organic grains and fruits, so purchasing our distilled products is supporting our community at several levels. Our business has grown significantly since my wife and I started this adventure six years ago, and we are seeing firsthand how international trade and access to foreign markets can grow our small business. We will soon launch Catoctin Creek products in Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium and several other European countries. Foreign sales represent 10 percent of our business — and we have increased sales by 50 percent and hired 10 more employees since we entered foreign markets.” (“International Trade Helps Virginia, Local Community,” Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4/20/15)

RICHARD ADKERSON, Freeport-McMoRan: “Today, the United States has an ambitious trade agenda to help American companies, farmers and workers compete and succeed in international markets. Passage of trade promotion authority is critical to advancing this agenda.” (Richard Adkerson, Op-Ed, “Invest In Free Trade And It Will Invest In Us,” Arizona Republic, 4/20/15)

“Freeport-McMoRan's businesses, including our operations in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, are highly dependent on international trade and a strong global economy. In Arizona, we employ approximately 8,500 people at five copper mining operations, supporting facilities in Tucson and the corporate headquarters in Phoenix. Our activity in Arizona creates a more than $3 billion economic impact annually, which is estimated to equate to approximately 33,000 jobs. Recently, we completed an expansion of our world-class Morenci copper mine in eastern Arizona, making it one of the top five copper producers in the world. Our commitment to invest $1.6 billion for this project was directly influenced by a growing global economy that requires copper for critical needs such as power generation (including power from renewable energy sources), electrical transmission and wiring for buildings, homes, computers and automobiles. We have the opportunity for further growth in our Arizona operations if supported by strong growth in the world economies.” (Richard Adkerson, Op-Ed, “Invest In Free Trade And It Will Invest In Us,” Arizona Republic, 4/20/15)

PATRICK KRUSE, Ruffwear: “International trade allows small U.S. businesses like ours to think big. … From our standpoint, it's critical that Congress embrace trade, empowering millions of American businesses to expand abroad, as well as domestically, and create jobs here at home. … Congress must act now to level the playing field for U.S. businesses. It is time to open the doors to trade so that small businesses like ours can develop new customers abroad while generating economic growth at home.” (Patrick Kruse, Op-Ed, “Trade Legislation Will Help Business Underdogs,” The Oregonian, 4/20/15)

“Like many small businesses, ours began with an idea and turned into product line that is appreciated around the globe and has few boundaries. We created a collapsible bowl allowing dogs to easily eat and hydrate while recreating outdoors with their human companions. Now, 20 years later, we design, develop and bring to market a line of bowls and a full offering of innovative performance gear for dogs, including packs, harnesses, apparel, boots and life jackets. Many of these products have assisted service dogs during world events such as after the World Trade Center bombing on September 11 and Hurricane Katrina. They have also helped guide dogs, and canine search and rescue teams, along with literally thousands of family dogs out for a run, swim, hike or game of fetch with their humans. Technology and open borders have allowed our Bend, Oregon-based business to connect with like-minded customers around the world. International sales have grown to account for 25 percent of our business, enabling us to hire more U.S. employees while expanding our customer base in Europe, Japan and Korea. As a result of these more global opportunities, we've set our sights on becoming the worldwide brand of choice for performance dog products.” (Patrick Kruse, Op-Ed, “Trade Legislation Will Help Business Underdogs,” The Oregonian, 4/20/15)

CRAIG SHIELDS, Graymills Co.: “The sooner Congress moves forward with TPA, the sooner companies like ours can open the front door and welcome new customers both domestically and abroad.” (Craig Shields, Op-Ed, “Free Trade Works For My Company And Chicago,” Chicago Sun-Times, 4/20/15)

“I understand the importance of reaching global costumers firsthand. My company, Graymills, is a small manufacturing firm located in Chicago. We build specialized parts for printing presses. You can see the products these pumps help print just by going to the grocery store – wine labels, candy bar wrappers, bread bags, and thousands of other examples. There is a high demand for these pumps around the world, especially in the European Union. We currently export to more than 80 countries. Trade has allowed our company to grow here in Chicago, and it is critical for Illinois’ economy.” (Craig Shields, Op-Ed, “Free Trade Works For My Company And Chicago,” Chicago Sun-Times, 4/20/15)

ROY PAULSON, Paulson Manufacturing: “…congressional debate over Trade Promotion Authority gives our elected officials in Washington the chance to create new opportunities and open new markets for American small businesses around the world. I, along with millions of other small-business owners, hope they succeed and pass this critical legislation.” (Roy Paulson, Op-Ed, “Time To Pass Trade Promotion Authority,” The Press Enterprise [CA], 4/13/15)

“I am a believer in trade. I have seen the reduction in tariffs and regulations improve my sales in other countries, helping me to expand and create jobs here at home. Thanks in large part to our global sales, Paulson Manufacturing, my family-owned business that began providing safety goggles for the motor sports industry, has now become a “world class organization,” distributing a range of protective products to the entire world. In fact, our international sales contribute about 25 percent of our sales and jobs.” (Roy Paulson, Op-Ed, “Time To Pass Trade Promotion Authority,” The Press Enterprise [CA], 4/13/15)

JACK CANNON, Cannon Industries: “From where I'm sitting, it's clear that trade is beneficial to my business and to workers across New York. It's also clear that trade agreements help deliver better outcomes for U.S. exports. That is why we need Congress to pass Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) to help finalize any new trade agreements.” (“Free Trade Could Bring Investment, Jobs To Businesses Like Mine,” The Hill, 5/14/15)

“The success of Cannon Industries has also been driven by international trade, as our largest clients, such as Cummins Inc., use our manufactured parts to build products that are exported to customers around the world. When our customers can reach new markets abroad, my company and its employees benefit here at home. International trade has enabled us to diversify product capabilities, share in cost reduction initiatives, and, perhaps most importantly, create jobs in the United States.” (“Free Trade Could Bring Investment, Jobs To Businesses Like Mine,” The Hill, 5/14/15)

TOM LIX, Cleveland Whiskey: “Our small but growing business has just started to benefit from access to foreign markets – and expanding that access is not only good for the country as a whole, it also has a direct and significant impact right here in Ohio. It is critical that Congress pass TPA to help U.S. exports flourish in markets abroad.” (“International Trade Helps Ohio And Cleveland: Tom Lix (Opinion),” Cleveland Plain-Dealer, 5/1/15)

“We shipped our first bottles of bourbon within the United States on March 1, 2013, and we now have distribution in 11 states, with two more expected in the near future. Using advanced technology, the company is well positioned in the rapidly growing multibillion-dollar worldwide spirits industry. Importantly, exports are expected to play a significant role going forward as we expand into both Europe and Asia. The company started exporting in early 2015, with its first shipments to Germany, and we are expecting to finalize a deal to expand European exports shortly and to be on shelves in Japan before the end of the year.” (“International Trade Helps Ohio And Cleveland: Tom Lix (Opinion),” Cleveland Plain-Dealer, 5/1/15)

ROY PAULSON, Paulson Manufacturing: “I am a believer in trade. I have seen the reduction in tariffs and regulations improve my sales in other countries, helping me to expand and create jobs here at home. Thanks in large part to our global sales, Paulson Manufacturing, my family-owned business that began providing safety goggles for the motor sports industry, has now become a “world class organization,” distributing a range of protective products to the entire world. In fact, our international sales contribute about 25 percent of our sales and jobs…The results are clear: trade opens doors abroad and creates jobs in the U.S. The time for action is now. It is time for Congress to make small business a priority and pass Trade Promotion Authority.” (“ROY PAULSON: Time To Pass Trade Promotion Authority,” The Press Enterprise, 4/13/15)

MARK MARIANI, Mariani Packing Co.: “We have seen first-hand how access to new global markets can do incredible things for our business. Increased trade has helped our mission to support local agriculture, as Mariani is now the second-largest supplier of California dried plums in the country. It has also enabled us to continue to invest in our company, our 600 employees, and our sustainability efforts.” (Mark Mariani, Letter To The Editor, “Trade Promotion Authority Passage Vital For Businesses,” The Reporter [CA], 3/28/15)

“Trade is not just about numbers — it is also about stories, and trade has had a significant impact on my family’s story. My grandfather, Paul A. Mariani, emigrated from Yugoslavia to California in 1906 with a passion for agriculture. He purchased four acres of land and planted fruit trees. Today, more than a century later, my family’s company — Mariani — packs dried fruit in California and Wisconsin, and is now one of the largest independently–owned producers of dried fruit in the world. I am part of the third generation working to help our family business continue to grow — and one reason our future looks bright is because of trade.” (Mark Mariani, Letter To The Editor, “Trade Promotion Authority Passage Vital For Businesses,” The Reporter [CA], 3/28/15)

JIM CORKERY, ACS: “The passage of TPA is critical for the completion of future trade agreements. ... For U.S. businesses and suppliers affected by trade, this will mean a significant boost in business and jobs.” (Jim Corkery, Op-Ed, “Free Trade Agreements Benefit Wisconsin Businesses,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/30/15)

“Trade is a key player in the Wisconsin economy… Suppliers such as my business, ACS, based in Madison, also profit. ACS manufactures specialty test equipment and constructs facilities for manufacturing and research and development for clients around the world. Cummins recently contracted ACS to deliver a research and design facility in Indiana that now serves as the headquarters for the design and manufacture of Cummins' new high horsepower engine. Exports of this product are forecast to account for 80% of overall sales of Cummins' high horsepower engines, mostly designed and manufactured in facilities delivered by ACS.” (Jim Corkery, Op-Ed, “Free Trade Agreements Benefit Wisconsin Businesses,” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/30/15)

ANIL AMLANI, FUJIFILM SonoSite, Inc.: “Trade Promotion Authority and the international trade it would facilitate would create more opportunities for our business and all Puget Sound businesses, big and small. This is a win-win.” (Anil Amlani, Op-Ed, “Why Trade Barriers Must Come Down,” Puget Sound Business Journal, 3/27/15)

“Take our company, SonoSite, a manufacturer of ultrasound systems. Since the day we were founded in 1998, we have steadily grown our business abroad. Our increased international business has allowed us to create more jobs here in the Puget Sound region, where our products are manufactured. Every product we sell overseas helps us hire more Washington-state workers and pay them competitive wages. But Washington must improve international trade policies so that we can continue reaching health care providers and patients all over the world.” (Anil Amlani, Op-Ed, “Why Trade Barriers Must Come Down,” Puget Sound Business Journal, 3/27/15)

ANDREW NUFFER, Thompson Mahogany Co.: “The bottom line is that trade is good for Philadelphia. TPA opens the door to more trade. So to get more trade, we need to pass TPA.” (Andrew Nuffer, Op-Ed, “Increased Trade Brings Jobs, Benefits To State, Phila.” Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/6/15)

“Thompson Mahogany Co. has been in the import business and has been creating good jobs for Philadelphians since 1843. We are one of the nation's largest direct importers of luxury hardwood lumber from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Our lumber is used in furniture, musical instruments, and homes, as well as decks and boardwalks for industrial and municipal projects. Thompson's lumber has also been used in the construction of many of the iconic buildings in Philadelphia. Trade agreements are critical to ensuring not only that we can continue to import the finest hardwood lumber, but also that the cost of doing so isn't prohibitive.” (Andrew Nuffer, Op-Ed, “Increased Trade Brings Jobs, Benefits To State, Phila.” Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/6/15)

MICHAEL MORROW, Nutcase, Inc.: “Our company, Nutcase helmets, is one of thousands in Oregon that rely on overseas customers for growth. With support from local economic development agencies and improvements in technology, accessing global markets is becoming less burdensome for small companies. But we need modern trading rules to ensure a more level playing field. ... Trade has been good for our company. It's fueled our growth and allowed us to hire more Oregonians who share a passion for our products. We hope that the members of our congressional delegation embrace the opportunity to deepen our relationship with Oregon's most important trading partners in the Pacific Rim.” (Letters To The Editor, The Oregonian, 3/15/15)

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SENATE REPUBLICAN COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

Related Issues: Middle Class, Jobs, Trade Promotion Authority, Economy, Free Trade

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