"The people at Strainrite have demonstrated without question that small businesses do not have to be strictly local businesses. Indeed, developing a more global reach has been critical to Strainrite's success," said Snowe. "It is vital that we give other Maine small businesses the resources, skills and knowledge to take advantage of the trade opportunities many entrepreneurs can see, but don't necessarily know how to realize."

This fall, Snowe introduced the Small Manufacturers Assistance, Recovery and Trade (SMART) Act. Among its provisions, the bill would increase the export opportunities available for small businesses in Maine and across the country by improving international trade and exporting programs offered by the Small Business Administration. The SMART Act would:

* provide training for SBA staff members who serve as international trade representatives;

* develop new programs to help small businesses compete against imports;

* increase the number of SBA representatives at the U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs). USEACs are one-stop shops that provide small- to medium-sized businesses with local export assistance through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Export-Import Bank. (Maine has a USEAC in Portland);

* assign a trade finance specialist to oversee all trade finance activities conducted by SBA field offices; and

* conduct training programs through the district offices for exporters and lenders with relevant federal agencies.

* In addition, the SMART Act would create a new Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Small Business within the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This Assistant Trade Representative would ensure that the concerns of small businesses, including small manufacturers, are represented in trade negotiations.