Roundtable discussion addresses exporting opportunities
Exports near $230 million

Reynolds

The Amherst Chamber of Commerce and World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara met recently with U.S. Rep. Thomas Reynolds at a roundtable discussion about ways to enhance opportunities for local companies to export their various goods and services.

According to World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara, businesses in the Town of Amherst and surrounding areas currently export approximately $230 million in goods and services annually.

"We are in a global economy, and we need to give our workers, companies and country the ability to compete in this economy," Reynolds said. "The more opportunities we create for Western New York companies to export throughout the world, the more opportunities for creating jobs will become a reality here."

The roundtable discussion comes at a time when the Amherst Chamber and World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara are discussing the creation of an "Export Ready" certification program where companies could participate in various forums on topics related to strategic development and planning; export market analysis and selection; market research and assessment; finding, contacting and qualifying potential export trading partners; assessing trade partner qualifications; and, navigating negotiations with potential trade partners, among others.

"There is a significantly increasing number of companies in Western New York that are competing in a global economy, but this creates opportunities for many of these companies to export their goods and services," Colleen DiPirro, Chamber president and CEO, said. "Fortunately the business community has partners to help capitalize on these opportunities through the expertise at World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara as well as the congressman's determination to fight to bring new jobs to the region."

The Trade Center estimates that in the 61st Senatorial District, which includes the Town of Amherst, there are companies that export various goods and services that employ approximately 2,668 people and generate almost $900 million in national sales and approximately $300 million in international sales.

"The weakening dollar in the global marketplace brings a global competitive advantage to our regional manufacturers. Now we need to capitalize on this advantage and strengthen our area's economic competitiveness through international trade," said Chris Johnston, president of the World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara.