JONESBORO- On Thursday, January 12th, Congressman Rick Crawford will bring together policy and business leaders to discuss how Arkansans can grow their businesses in new markets. Recently passed trade agreements have opened doors for American businesses to grow. Crawford’s goal in hosting the export discussion is to give Arkansas businesses the knowledge and tools they need to grow their companies through export markets.

“New export markets have great potential to grow businesses and put Arkansans to work. I am proud to partner with the Arkansas U.S. Export Assistance Center and the Delta Center for Economic Development at Arkansas State University to provide business leaders with valuable export market information,” said Crawford. “We are eager to welcome Arkansas native Larry Walther to Jonesboro. Larry’s experience as former head of Arkansas’s Economic Development Commission, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and his current leadership on the Export-Import Bank’s Board of Directors will give roundtable members essential information for expanding business markets.”

Who: Congressman Rick Crawford, business and policy leaders
What: First Congressional District Export Leadership Roundtable hosted by Congressman Rick Crawford
When: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 9:30AM-11:30AM
Where: Delta Center for Economic Development, Arkansas State University, 5501 Krueger Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas

Members of the media are invited to the entire roundtable discussion. Congressman Crawford, as well as policy and business leaders, will be available for interview.

Export Leadership Roundtable Agenda

9:30 AM Opening remarks from Dr. Len Frey, Arkansas State University
9:35 AM Welcome from Congressman Rick Crawford
9:45 AM Remarks from Larry Walther, EX-IM Bank
10:15 AM Remarks from Graham Catlett, Arkansas District Export Council
10:35AM Business Leader Panel Discussion
11:15 AM Export Assistance Discussion, Patricia Gonzalez, Arkansas U.S. Export Assistance Center
11:30 AM Closing remarks from Congressman Rick Crawford