Yesterday Leslie Schweitzer addressed the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's Economic Summit: "Unprecedented Times for the Country...for Kentucky." Given today's economic environment, companies of all sizes and sectors need to focus on expanding into the global marketplace to stay in the race. “It means jobs and prosperity,” said Schweitzer. “All across Kentucky are amazing examples of how trade agreements and a strong trade agenda are all about creating jobs and opportunities for America's small businesses.”  Givens Drilling is one such company.

Givens International Drilling Supplies is an international drilling supply business with more than 100 years of experience in the industry. Givens said that passage of a free trade agreement with Colombia would expand the company's sales opportunities in the region. "Eliminating duties will make us more competitive. All our employee's jobs are dependent upon international free trade, and anything that can be done to reduce trade barriers will help our Kentucky-based operations grow."

There are both challenges and opportunities ahead as we work with our elected officials to find the bipartisan way forward on trade. In pursuing such a consensus, we can't forget the primary beneficiaries in Kentucky are the workers and families.