Small Businesses Thrive in the International Marketplace (Video)

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A video, "Small Businesses That Are Thriving in the International Marketplace," features three small business owners (noted below) who reveal why foreign trade is vital to the growth and success of their companies. The video underscores the importance of trade and highlights how small businesses are engaged in the global economy.

Each of the companies also share how they are able to export their products to highly competitive markets such as Mexico and China.

1. Drew Greenblat of Marlin Steel
2. Roy Paulson of Paulson Manufacturing
3. Robert Patton of Patton Electronics

WATCH the video here.

And there's more!

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has also updated its TradeSupportsJobs.com, an interactive site that shows how exports drive economic growth and support jobs in all 50 states and all 435 congressional districts. The site breaks down the value of exports to every state by total dollar amount, by industry sector, and by the number of jobs directly supported by exports.

Video of Apple's Grand Opening of New Lincoln Park, Illinois Retail Store

Video credit:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Illuminating Explanations On Why China and India Entrepreneurs Matter

"Billions of Entrepreneurs: How China and India Are Reshaping Their Futures -- and Yours" by Tarun Khanna

Oh, in case you missed this: "China Passes Japan to Become No. 2 Economy"

Global Timber Smugglers

In a grainy undercover video (click here to watch), the smuggler stands surrounded by stacks and stacks of lumber, large bales of freshly milled planks held together with steel bands. His gold watch glints as he begins counting money, methodically placing each bill on a desk. Sitting nearby, his partner watches through Coke-bottle glasses. They both appear to be in a good mood, laughing and joking with their clients.

The unwitting star of the video, Frankie Chua, managed an import/export business. Let's hope you don't run yours this way. The men Chua regarded as potential clients were, in fact, undercover employees of the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).

Interesting.