U.S. Chamber Joins Governor Riley to Promote Benefits of Trade in Alabama

"Exports are the lifeline keeping the economy above water," McInerney Says

WASHINGTON, DC—At a press conference in the state capitol today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce joined Alabama Governor Bob Riley and Colombia's Ambassador to the U.S. Carolina Barco to highlight the opportunities for the state's businesses and workers from expanding trade.

"Right now, exports are the lifeline keeping the economy above water," said Kathleen McInerney, manager for the U.S. Chamber's TradeRoots division, at the event. "However, exports will remain hamstrung from stronger growth until Congress passes the pending trade agreement with Colombia."

The press conference is part of the U.S. Chamber's and Ambassador Barco's three-day, four-city tour through Alabama to promote the benefits of trade to the state's businesses and workers. Exports from Alabama to Colombia have shot up by over 260% since 2002. Alabama is now Colombia's 16th largest trading partner, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

"Alabama has long been a key ally in our campaign for open markets abroad and greater opportunities for American workers at home," McInerney said. "Governor Riley is a great friend to TradeRoots and the U.S. Chamber. He continues to support our work to educate small and medium sized Alabama businesses about trade but also to ensure that Alabama workers get a fair shake in the world market."

More facts about the benefits of trade in Alabama are at http://www.traderoots.org/?page_id=284.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

# # #