Quigley, Durbin Congratulate Chicago Business Owner on Appointment to Ex-Im Bank Advisory Committee

CHICAGO – On Friday, Mary Howe, president and CEO of Howe Corporation, a business in Illinois' Fifth District, was appointed to the Export-Import Bank of the United States' (Ex-Im Bank) Advisory Committee. Now in its 32nd year, the Congressionally-established Advisory Committee advises Ex-Im Bank on its policies and programs, in particular on the extent to which the Bank provides competitive financing to support American jobs through exports.

"Congratulations are much deserved to Mary Howe for her appointment to serve on the Advisory Committee for the Ex-Im Bank. Mary is a wonderful businesswoman, who has successfully partnered with the Ex-Im bank to grow her small business," said Rep. Quigley. "The Howe Corporation is a woman-owned, small business that produces environmentally conscious products. I am proud that Mary runs her business out of my district, and I will continue to support the Ex-Im Bank so other Chicago businesses can compete in the world market. In her new role on the Advisory Committee, I know Mary will advocate for small businesses to create more jobs and export goods made right here in America."

"It's my pleasure to congratulate an exemplary Chicago business owner, Mary Howe, on her appointment to the Ex-Im Bank's Advisory Committee. When Mary took over her family's company about eight years ago, exports made up 15 percent of Howe Corporation's business. Today, exports account for nearly 40 percent of its business," U.S. Senator Dick Durbin said. "Mary knows firsthand how the Ex-Im Bank helps small businesses compete and grow in a global market. I look forward to working with her and the rest of the committee to ensure the Ex-Im Bank remains a strong resource for companies in Illinois and across the country."

"Small businesses like mine are able to compete globally because of the services Export-Import Bank provides, allowing us to produce Energy Star certified refrigeration equipment and create jobs in Chicago," said Mary Howe. "I'm looking forward to serving on the Advisory Committee for Ex-Im Bank and being a voice for small business. I'd like to thank Senator Durbin and Congressman Quigley for their support of the Ex-Im Bank."

The Ex-Im Bank Board of Directors appointed the Advisory Committee after an open nomination process that considered the mandates required for Advisory Committee representation and the candidates' business experiences and qualifications. The Advisory Committee represents an array of sectors and stakeholder groups, including small business, manufacturing, labor, textiles, international trade, services, environment, and banking.

Ex-Im Bank's Board of Directors appointed 17 members to Ex-Im Bank's Advisory Committee for fiscal year 2015. This year's Committee has 11 new members, including Mary Howe, and six returning members. Returning member Christine Gregoire, former Governor of Washington, will chair the Committee.

The Export-Import Bank of the United States is the official export credit agency of the United States. Their mission is to ensure that U.S. companies — large and small — have access to the financing they need to turn export opportunities into sales. Ex-Im Bank works with lenders and brokers to ensure that U.S. businesses get what they need to sell abroad and be competitive in international markets.

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