‘Made in Rural America’

   The White House’s Rural Council has launched a new “Made in Rural America” export and investment initiative.
   “This initiative is charged with bringing together federal resources to help rural businesses and leaders take advantage of new investment opportunities, and access new customers and markets abroad,” council said.
   Specifically, the Rural Council — in coordination with the Agriculture and Commerce departments, the Small Business Administration, Export-Import Bank, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and other agencies — is tasked with connecting all types of rural businesses to export information.
   During the next nine months, the Rural Council will host five “Made in Rural America” regional forums dedicated to promoting rural exports. This activity requires working with local partners including the National Association of Counties (NACo), Delta Regional Authority and Appalachian Regional Commission.