Ex-Im Bank helps small Atlanta companies

   The U.S. Export-Import Bank on Wednesday opened a new regional export finance center in Atlanta as part of its Global Access program to promote small business exports.
   This is the second opening of four planned regional export finance centers this year by Ex-Im Bank. Minneapolis received the first office in late July. The remaining two will be opened in Seattle (Aug. 20) and Detroit (late fall).
   These new centers will provide enhanced access to Ex-Im Bank products and services, the bank said. They will also assist local businesses in these regions to realize export sales opportunities abroad.
   Susan Kintanar will serve as the bank’s Atlanta regional director and will be located in the Atlanta office of the U.S. Export Assistance Center.
   In fiscal year 2011, Ex-Im Bank authorized about $165 million to Georgia businesses supporting an estimated $628 million in export sales. Of the 65 exporters who received Ex-Im Bank financing during this period, 40 were small businesses.