Export-Import Bank of the United States President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis Tours Charleston Boeing Facility with Congressman James Clyburn
WASHINGTON – Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis toured an aviation manufacturing facility in South Carolina today with Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives, James E. Clyburn. The tour took place at the North Charleston Boeing Manufacturing Facility and was hosted by Tim Myers, President and CEO of Boeing Capital. Throughout the state of South Carolina, aviation manufacturing plays a critical role in creating jobs, with approximately 170 suppliers statewide and an annual spend of approximately $250 million.
Following the site tour, Chair Lewis and Rep. Clyburn participated in a roundtable with South Carolina small businesses and key state public sector partners, including President and CEO of South Carolina Ports, Barbara Melvin and South Carolina Department of Commerce Director of Government Affairs Mark Hendrick. Also in attendance was Anita Patel, Director of the Charleston office of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service.
Chair Lewis highlighted EXIM’s efforts to strengthen supply chains and U.S. manufacturing through the new Make More in America Initiative. She also discussed EXIM’s deep commitment to supporting small businesses, especially minority- and women-owned businesses, as they look to expand to new markets and grow their sales.
“I thank Congressman Clyburn for inviting me to Charleston to discuss the support EXIM provides for businesses here in South Carolina and across the country,” said Chair Lewis. “To be successful in this new chapter, EXIM must be the bank for every business, and we are more dedicated than ever to leveraging new tools like Make More in America to help ensure America’s exporters, large and small, have the financing tools they need to thrive.”
“I am thankful to have been joined by Chair Lewis for this critical discussion on how we can continue to bolster domestic manufacturing,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn. “We will continue to elevate the President’s mission to ‘Make More in America’ and grow the national and local economy.”
ABOUT EXIM:
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) is the nation’s official export credit agency with the mission of supporting American jobs by facilitating U.S. exports. To advance American competitiveness and assist U.S. businesses as they compete for global sales, EXIM offers financing including export credit insurance, working capital guarantees, loan guarantees, and direct loans. As an independent federal agency, EXIM contributes to U.S. economic growth by supporting tens of thousands of jobs in exporting businesses and their supply chains across the United States. Since 1992, EXIM has generated more than $9 billion for the U.S. Treasury for repayment of U.S. debt. Learn more at www.exim.gov.