SmallBusinessNewz

Small businesses now officially have one more friend in a high place.  Today, the United States Trade Representative created and filled a position called "Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Small Business, Market Access and Industrial Competitiveness."

Jim Sanford, who's already dealt with market access and industrial competition issues, is the man who got the job.  He's enjoying an impressive amount of support, since Senators Max Baucus, Mary L. Landrieu, and Olympia J. Snowe all approved of the move.  And if you think this development doesn't apply to you, well, that's sort of the point.

Senator Snowe explained in a statement, "Given that less than one percent of all small businesses are exporting their goods and services to foreign customers, it is vital we make it a priority to ensure American entrepreneurs are able to successfully compete in the global marketplace and create and retain jobs here at home."

It should be interesting to see what sort of changes Sanford is (or isn't) able to introduce, since that's not an inconsiderable goal.  Even a degree of failure might represent success of some sort, though, as Sanford might be able to help small businesses a lot even if he can't make them popular all over the world.

Still, Sanford hasn't yet announced any big plans, so the specifics are impossible to pin down.  We'll try to provide more details if/when they become available.