FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Government Trade Promotion agency Recognizes Congressman Phil English for his efforts in Trade

AUGUST 1, 2006 – Congressman Phil English (R-Pa.) will receive the U.S. Commercial Service Certificate of Appreciation for Achievement in Trade on Tuesday, August 1, 2006, at his annual Business Development Conference and Expo at Gannon University, Erie, PA.

Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing and Services, Al Frink, will present the award to the Congressman during the morning opening remarks of the Congressman’s annual event. This will mark the first time the award is presented to a Member of Congress in its four year history.

“We are thrilled to have Congressman English receive this honor,” said, Lyn Doverspike, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service Pittsburgh office, “His annual trade development event is aimed at the small to medium sized businesses that have the greatest misconceptions, but the largest potential, in growing their business through exporting. “

Established in 2003, English’s annual business development conference has devoted the majority of its focus on exporting topics and foreign markets and has attracted such headline speakers as Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services, Al Frink; First Vice President The Export Import Bank of the United States April Foley; and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Commercial Domestic Operations, Bruce Blakeman. Each year, participants can choose from 12 informative sessions, ranging from specific market research, international finance issues, and practical export know how among others. Some of the market focus subjects in the past have been Central Europe, the Middle East, and Brazil. These sessions have included speakers from the U.S. Commercial Trade Information Center, CEEBIC, Senior Commercial Officers, and District Export Council members.

“Exporting helps companies grow and compete, and those that think beyond our borders have a competitive advantage in today’s global market,” said English a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee. “Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers live outside the United States, and more Pennsylvania companies are looking to increase their bottom line by making new sales abroad.”

Now in its 4th year, this year’s program will focus on opportunities in Central and South America. By popular demand, this year’s featured guest will once again be Al Frink, the Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing and Services. Business and technical experts from the federal government will be on hand to answer questions ranging from how to locate an agent to how to advance products in a foreign market and obtain finances to strengthen and expand companies.

“Whether it is educating constituents, organizing trade events or leveraging trade expertise to address constituent needs or questions, Congressman English plays a vital role in helping his constituent companies reach overseas markets” remarked Doverspike.