Quigley Hears from Small Businesses on Exports, Trade

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) joined Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to tour Howe Corporation, a leading manufacturer of Energy Star certified refrigeration equipment. The visit provided an opportunity to hear how trade and exports impact small businesses in Chicago. Rep. Quigley and Administrator Contreras-Sweet were joined by Mary Howe, owner of the Howe Corporation, and several Howe Corporation suppliers.

"When people think about a global economy, they often focus on the large corporations that do billions of dollars in exports each year. But today's global marketplace isn't just about Wall Street or Main Street; it's also about businesses on the side streets -- like Elston Avenue right here in Chicago. Local small businesses, like the Howe Corporation, have proven they have what it takes to compete globally," said Rep. Quigley. "Today's tour provided a chance to hear what small businesses, workers, and suppliers need from Congress to remain competitive, and that includes expanded export opportunities and a level playing field."

"Right now, 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside our borders, but only one percent of our businesses sell to them," said Administrator Contreras-Sweet. "Our small businesses know that the economy is increasingly global, and they're counting on Washington to help them rise to the challenge. At the SBA, we stand ready to help American small businesses in the Chicago area take full advantage of new market opportunities through our counseling services, loan guarantees and export promotion programs."

"Small businesses that compete overseas are more resilient to economic downturns. Being able to export allowed my business to weather the recession. In fact, we even added jobs to the payroll," said Mrs. Howe. "Trade negotiations have the potential to create even more opportunity and growth for my business. I"m grateful for the assistance SBA provides, which helps my company and employees compete to our full potential, and I appreciate Rep. Quigley taking the time to understand the impact trade has on small businesses like mine."

Also attending today's tour:

Pam McDonough, Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing

Craig Shields, Graymills Corporation

Lilla Bresnahan, Midwest Manufacturing

Mark Brumund, Brumund Foundry

The Howe Corporation is a 102 year-old woman owned small business. It is one of the leading manufacturers of Energy Star certified refrigeration equipment worldwide. Howe Corporation is one of more than 15,000 exporters in the Chicago area that together exported almost $45 billion worth of goods in 2013.

Rep. Quigley is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of House members that supports our nation's manufacturers with policies that foster growth, innovation and entrepreneurship. He is committed to efforts policy initiatives that protect American workers and support American jobs while promoting our interests and values abroad.

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