Hoeven Marks Launch of Rural Export Center in Fargo

Press Release

Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement marking the official launch of the Rural Export Center (REC), which is based out of the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) office in Fargo. The REC provides customized market research, analysis and planning to assist rural businesses across the country in offering their products and services internationally.

Through his role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven secured $500,000 in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 funding legislation to expand the USCS's rural export capabilities and worked to ensure the funds benefitted the existing Rural America Intelligence Service for Exporters (RAISE) program in Fargo. This enabled the Fargo USCS office to establish the REC, which now houses the RAISE program, hire more workers and increase its output. Hoeven previously sponsored bipartisan legislation directing the USCS to establish this center in a non-metropolitan area, and he continues advancing the bill to formally authorize appropriations for the REC and help secure funding in future years.

"The REC builds on the good work of the Fargo USCS office, and we funded this expansion to ensure more rural businesses across the country can benefit from this team's expertise and access opportunities in foreign markets," said Hoeven. "That means more opportunities for investment and growth in rural America, further supporting our international leadership in sectors like agriculture, energy and manufacturing, among others."

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