10/08/2009 11:07am
Brian from Virginia recently asked Ambassador Kirk about the importance of small businesses and their exports from the U.S.
Ambassador Kirk responded:
"That's a great question, Brian. Trade is especially important to U.S. small businesses.
More than a quarter million U.S. firms export goods. 97 percent of these have fewer than 500 employees, and nearly two-thirds have fewer than 20 employees.
Let me give you an example. TowHaul is a small business with fifty employees in Belgrade, Montana. Towhaul designs and manufactures custom trailers and other large pieces of equipment used in the mining operations. Travel thousands of miles from Belgrade to Canada, Namibia, Chile, Russia, or a dozen other countries around the world, and you could see TowHaul's heavy equipment hard at work.
We know that small businesses, like TowHaul, drive the U.S. economy and the best way to get our economy back on track is to provide these businesses access to new markets and a larger consumer base for their products.
Earlier this week, I announced the first steps in a new initiative aimed at increasing exports by small- and medium-sized firms in the United States. I requested an investigation by the International Trade Commission to better understand how many of America's small- and medium-sized enterprises export now, their role in generating employment and economic activity in the U.S., and how increased trading opportunities might benefit these businesses and their workers. I'm also expanding USTR's focus on identifying and increasing opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses to export both goods and services. I believe that this new effort can ultimately grow jobs here at home as companies sell more goods and services worldwide.
USTR is also working with the Commerce Department and across the government to get small business owners and entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed in the global marketplace. Through the U.S. Commercial Center and local Export Assistance Centers across the country, this administration is making sure that when America's small business owners have questions, they will get answers. We encourage all businesses to visit export.gov to find out more."
Be sure to check back for updates on Ambassador Kirk's initiative, and keep submitting your questions and comments for the Ambassador.
Model Tractor Magazine has written an article about the Caterpillar 784C with Towhaul RGS-225 Classics Lowboy. The article was written by Steven Downes. It is reprinted with the permission of Model Tractor Magazine. You can visit their site at www.modeltractormag.co.uk
Click here for the article in PDF form with pictures.
Click here for the article in text only form.
PRESS RELEASE: June 2009
TOWHAUL CORPORATION announces its release of a new Diecast Model of TowHaul’s Classic Lowboy Model RGS-225-48-20!
This NORSCOT - 1:50 scale Diecast model consists of a TowHaul Gooseneck and trailer, connected to a CAT 784 tractor as the Prime Mover.
Many model collectors have a full collection of Mining Haul Trucks, Mining Shovels, Dozers and other equipment, and now for the first time, TowHaul and NORSCOT have teamed together to offer a Mining Lowboy for the collection!
Please visit our web site at www.towhaulstore.com for details. Our new model is now available to order!
Quantities are limited, so order today!
Written by A&D Today Mining
VANCOUVER, B.C. — Synergy Engineering Ltd. and TowHaul Corporation (dba Smith Equipment, USA) recently announced their agreement to cooperate in the delivery of electrically driven lowboys and tow vehicles with significantly larger haulage capacity than any previously available.
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The Towhaul Lowboy with extra wheels, wheel motors and drive controls, so still limited in haulage capability. |
Open pit mine owners around the world expect immediate benefit from the use of these larger haulers, improving the availability and utilization of their mine heavy equipment, permitting increased flexibility in mine planning, resulting in significant increases in production and mineral recovery.
Vancouver, B.C. - January 22, 2009 - Synergy Engineering Ltd. and TowHaul Corporation (dba Smith Equipment, USA) today announced their agreement to cooperate in the delivery of electrically driven lowboys and tow vehicles with significantly larger haulage capacity than any previously available.
Open-pit mine owners around the world expect immediate benefit from the use of these larger haulers, improving the availability and utilization of their mine heavy equipment, permitting increased flexibility in mine planning, resulting in significant increases in production and mineral recovery.
Additional financial benefits are expected from reduced overall maintenance costs, along with positive impacts to safety and the environment.
TowHaul and Synergy have collaborated for more than 15 years in the development of large (800 -1500 ton) lowboys, with Synergy focusing on the drive requirements utilizing existing and new electric propulsion systems familiar to the mining industry today.
Read more: Towhaul Lowboys become available in the 800 to 1500 ton range