Letter on S. 2862, the "Small Business Export Enhancement and International Trade Act of 2009"

December 10, 2009

The Honorable Mary Landrieu
Chairwoman
Committee on Small Business
and Entrepreneurship
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Olympia J. Snowe
Ranking Member
Committee on Small Business
and Entrepreneurship
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairwoman Landrieu and Ranking Member Snowe:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, applauds your introduction of S. 2862, the "Small Business Export Enhancement and International Trade Act of 2009."

This bill would increase the resources available to small and medium-sized businesses that are interested in engaging in international trade. In particular this bill would:

• It would create an export promotion pilot grant program targeted at small businesses, including rural and women-owned small businesses, that are just beginning to export to China, lending direct assistance as they work to overcome market access barriers.
• It would ensure that each Small Business Administration (SBA) office is staffed by a full time Export Development Specialist and would add ten additional regional representatives.
• It would establish an Associate Administrator position to head SBA's proposed Office of Export Development and Promotion and have that position report directly to the Administrator.
• It would develop reference materials for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program and technical assistance for small businesses facing commercial disputes.

Ninety-six percent of the Chamber's members are small businesses with 100 employees or less. The Chamber looks forward to working with you to pass this important legislation.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten

Cc: The Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship