EXIM Chairman Jovanovic, SBA Administrator Loeffler, and Representative Van Duyne Host Roundtable to Hear Directly from Texas Small Business Leaders

ARLINGTON, TX. - Today, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) Chairman John Jovanovic, Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and Representative Beth Van Duyne (TX-24) held a roundtable discussion focused on boosting small businesses and creating well-paying jobs in local communities. The discussion highlighted how EXIM helps small business exporters, the Bank's Make More in America (MMIA) initiative, and supporting the region's booming aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries.

"Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy," said EXIM Chairman John Jovanovic. "EXIM is always looking to support businesses large and small, and this roundtable was an incredible opportunity to hear how President Trump's administration can continue to create well-paying jobs, boost manufacturing, and keep America competitive in the industries of the future."

"The Trump Administration is proud to advance the policies that have contributed to booming job growth and record new business formations on Main Street over the last 18 months - and today in Arlington, we saw that momentum in action," said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. "Local innovators are taking advantage of Working Families Tax Cuts, historic deregulation, and fair trade - leveraging the America First agenda to increase production, reshore supply chains, and rebuild American industrial strength. America is a nation of builders again, because President Trump is putting our workers and small businesses first."

"In North Texas, we have seen entrepreneurs build lasting companies and compete with much larger counterparts when they can get access to the capital they need," said Rep. Beth Van Duyne. "That is one of the main reasons we are here today: to promote and expand access to capital, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and support exporters across Texas."

The officials were joined by several small business leaders, including Jim Hirsch, Chairman and President of Air Tractor, Inc. Air Tractor is a longtime customer of EXIM and has successfully used EXIM financing to expand its exports to dozens of countries, directly supporting jobs and manufacturing in rural Texas.

"When I first came to Air Tractor in the early 1990s, we sold very few planes in the export market. Less than 10% of our planes were exported, as these typically required a foreign customer to pay cash or obtain local financing. Both were difficult," said Jim Hirsch, President and CEO of Air Tractor. "With help from EXIM loan guarantees and credit insurance, the program grew to the point where we now export over 70% of the planes we build. The export business has been key to our growth over the last 25 years."

ABOUT EXIM:

As the United States government's official export credit agency, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) supports American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. As an independent agency, EXIM plays a critical role in supporting economic growth, securing critical supply chains, and ensuring American businesses are given a fighting chance. To achieve this mission, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. Learn more at www.exim.gov.