Local businesses seeking to get into international trade will have an easier path now that the U.S. Department of Commerce has opened an office here.
The office will be in the Chamber building downtown, and Commerce official Jorge Arca has moved here to staff it.
“No matter what they’re interested in,” said Arca, “they should start with us first. We can help determine where goods are needed, which agencies can help them, and how to deal with the foreign nation.”
The opening of the office was announced by Rep. Ander Crenshaw at Friday’s Cornerstone meeting.
“This completes the circle,” said the Chamber’s John Freeman. ‘We have international help in my office, state help through the Enterprise Florida office in our building and now Jorge’s office.
“It’s also good that our offices are all together. We all can speak for each other.”
Arca moved here last week from Miami and will be at work today. He can be reached at 232-1270.