Dale Bumpers: “I thank the Chairman. Let me also note that the Department of Agriculture offered to assist the division in seeking…”

“I thank the Chairman. Let me also note that the Department of Agriculture offered to assist the division in seeking communication funds from other Departments as well. The division recently submitted a grant request to the Department of Commerce and it is my expectation that the Department of Agriculture will follow through with their offer of assistance and support. In addition to the Arkansas communications project, the Arkansas Enterprise Group has been trying to provide assistance for rural communities and smaller companies in Arkansas so that they can join the increasingly global and international environment. However, the small companies which the Arkansas Enterprise Group is trying to help grow do not meet the criteria required to move unaided into the export market. They also fall between the cracks for other programs that aid companies to export products. Am I correct in noting that the committee supports the Arkansas Enterprise Group in their business international exporting loan fund?”