Phoenix, AZ - February 4, 2010 - The International Import-Export Institute (IIEI) at Dunlap-Stone University (DSU) is uniquely positioned to support President Barrak Obama's challenge to U.S. businesses to increase exports announced in the State of the Union address," said Dr. Donald Burton, founder and president of DSU, at a recent meeting of the Arizona International Growth Group.
In the State of the Union address, President Obama said, "We set a new goal: We will double our exports over the next five years, an increase that will support 2 million jobs in America. To help meet this goal, we're launching a National Export Initiative that will help farmers and small businesses increase their exports and reform export controls consistent with national security. We have to seek new markets aggressively, just as our competitors are. If America sits on the sidelines while other nations sign trade deals, we will lose the chance to create jobs on our shores. But realizing those benefits also means enforcing those agreements so our trading partners play by the rules." Dr. Burton explained that the IIEI's education and training programs support the president's objectives and are already enrolling students from across the country because of the convenient online format. He said IIEI provides a wide range of accredited college classes that focus on the practical, hands-on skills and knowledge needed to achieve the President's export mandate. Burton stressed that IIEI is distinctively qualified to assist our nation in achieving the President's goal of enforcing export controls as it offers over 40 accredited college courses that pertain to U.S. export controls and trade regulatory issues.
Burton noted that IIEI's courses meet global, unifying certification standards and how this will strengthen our nation's ability to conduct international trade. IIEI serves as the global certification authority, recognized in more than 140 countries. The development and acceptance of global standards is critical to the safe and efficient flow of goods across borders. In the State of the Union, President Obama discussed the importance of international agreements and collaboration, noting "...we'll continue to shape a Doha trade agreement that opens global markets and why we will strengthen our trade relations in Asia and with key partners like South Korea, and Panama, and Colombia." Working from a common lexicon and with a shared baseline knowledge of exporting, Burton explained, is crucial to achieving the President's goal.
Small companies stand to gain the most from Obama's directive, Burton believes. Many emerging markets were not impacted directly by the current financial crisis; therefore they are prime customers for smaller companies and their smaller export volume. The export potential in sheer dollar volume may not be as impressive as large multi-national corporations (MNC), Dr. Burton said, but those companies represent a faster path to employment because small businesses represent 90% of America's jobs. A small business can quickly grow into new export markets, filling the small gaps in demand from emerging markets that could not sustain MNCs.
"The more small businesses that get involved in exporting, the more American jobs will be created, creating many more than the President's target of two million jobs," continued Dr. Burton. Small companies generally do not outsource to overseas markets because the volume they produce does not make it cost effective, Burton explained. As a result, small companies generate manufacturing jobs in communities all across the country, creating opportunities for sustainable growth. The basic skills and export knowledge needed by these companies has been provided by the IIEI for nearly 15 years. The IIEI offers a wide range of courses to spur individuals and organizations towards reinvigorating trade and providing opportunities for economic recovery. With accredited, online, college-level courses that provide practical and timely knowledge to a range of adult learners on a schedule that balances the complex demands of work and home life, from "Understanding the ITAR" to "Getting Started: A New International Business" and dozens more, the IIEI is ready to help President Obama realize his goal of growth in exports and help America create the jobs that will help heal our nation.
Contact:
Caulyne Barron
VP Online Programs
Dunlap-Stone University
International Import-Export Institute
11225 N. 28th Drive, Suite B-201
Phoenix, AZ 85029
(602) 648-5750
www.dunlap-Stone.edu
www.expandglobal.com