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Wednesday, June 12, 2002
 
U.S. Chamber, Texas Governor Highlight Benefits of Open Markets in State Trade Tour -- Stops in Lufkin, Marshall, Tyler, and Ft. Worth

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The United States Chamber of Commerce joined Texas Governor Rick Perry and local business leaders in Lufkin, Marshall, Tyler, and Ft. Worth to highlight the importance of free trade to Texas' economic development during the "Building Trade Through Generations" East Texas tour -- a part of the governor's trade education agenda.

"Greater trade opportunities mean more opportunities for high-tech and small-business growth in East Texas -- and in other communities across the country," said Leslie Schweitzer, the U.S. Chamber's Senior Trade Advisor. "Working with Governor Perry to develop a long-term strategy with a local approach will ensure that the state of Texas continues to be a strong player in the international business arena."

Local political and business leaders and members of the U.S. Chamber's TradeRoots team accompanied the governor, who stressed how crucial access to international markets is for the state's small and medium-sized businesses.

The tour, part of the overall TradeRoots trade education program in Texas, is designed to combat anti-trade protectionism and show that international trade means jobs and increased economic and business development for local communities.

East Texas companies Lufkin Industries, Marshall Pottery, and Hebb Industries were featured stops on the tour, which is one of several trade-related events in the U.S. Chamber's national grassroots program and its push for trade promotion authority (TPA). Building support for the passage of TPA, which Congress has granted to every president since 1974, is one of the Chamber's top priorities.

"The renewal of Trade Promotion Authority is critical to U.S. leadership and negotiating credibility in world economic affairs," said Schweitzer. "Failure to renew will rob American companies, workers, and families of the chance to compete on a level playing field in the global marketplace."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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