News

Dan Renberg, member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank), addressed members of the Hispanic Chamber of Orange County (HCOC) today during a breakfast at the Airport Doubletree in Santa Ana, CA.

Founded in 1986, the HCOC promotes economic programs to strengthen and expand the economic potential of Hispanic businesses in Orange County. HCOC, led by Chamber President Manuel J. Ramirez, also serves to create a better image, understanding and appreciation of the importance of the emerging Hispanic business market.

Director Renberg (middle), with HCOC President
Manual J. Ramirez (right) and K.Y. Cheng of
East-West Bank (left).

I want to thank Manuel Ramirez for this wonderful opportunity, said Renberg, With more than 24,000 Hispanic-owned businesses in Orange County, members of the Hispanic Chamber represent the who's who in the local business community.

Renberg's visit to the area comes during an economic period when many Orange County small businesses are searching for new and larger markets offered in the global marketplace.

In Orange County alone, almost $10 billion in goods and services are exported abroad each year. Ex-Im Bank serves to assist such companies throughout the U.S., especially those exporting to emerging markets, such as Latin America and Southeast Asia.

Following the breakfast, Director Renberg joined Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido on a tour of the International Business Center (IBC) in downtown Santa Ana. IBC, opened last year, houses a vast array of international trade-related services and resources, serving as a one-stop shop for businesses looking to expand their participation in the global economy.

Ex-Im Bank (www.exim.gov) is an independent U.S. government agency that helps finance the sale of U.S. exports primarily to emerging markets throughout the world by providing loans, guarantees and insurance.

Director Renberg (second from right) and Mayor Pulido (third from right) with principals at IBC in Santa Ana, CA

In fiscal year 2001, Ex-Im Bank supported $12.5 billion for U.S. exports worldwide. In the past five years, Ex-Im Bank has helped 632 California companies export more than $7.3 billion in goods and services.