Armstrong bill helps rural small businesses participate in global marketplace

America’s rural small businesses would have improved access to international markets under a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND). 

“This bipartisan bill is a win for small businesses and rural communities, and I am proud to support it,” said Rep. Armstrong.

The Promoting Rural Exports Act of 2021, H.R. 5359, which Rep. Armstrong sponsored on Sept. 24 with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), would establish the Rural Export Center under the U.S. Commercial Service in Fargo, N.D.

H.R. 5359 is the companion legislation to the same-named S. 118, which was introduced in January by U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

“The Rural Export Center will help rural businesses across North Dakota find the data and tools they need to reach international markets with their products,” Rep. Armstrong said. “With the right resources, rural businesses can compete on a global scale while creating jobs right here at home.”

If enacted, the legislation also would require the Rural Export Center to be centrally located outside of a major metropolitan area; to provide customized market research services to help rural businesses target their exports; and to conduct strategic planning and export support services for rural businesses, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Armstrong’s staff.

The measure has garnered support from the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation Foundation, Sea Foam International, WCCO Belting Inc. in Wahpeton, N.D., and Argentech.