SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SHB 1678

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY &

             ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, MARCH 24, 1993

Brief Description:  Continuing funding for Operation New Market.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Eide, Brough, Wineberry, Pruitt, Valle, Quall and Sheldon)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & HOUSING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Deccio, Erwin, M. Rasmussen, and Williams.

Staff:  Midori Okazaki (786‑7444)

Hearing Dates: March 23, 1993; March 24, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The World Trade Center Tacoma's Operation New Market program assists small to medium-sized firms export products or services.  In the current biennium, the Department of Trade and Economic Development funds the program at a level of $90,000.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Trade and Economic Development is directed to work with the World Trade Center Tacoma to assist small and medium-sized businesses enhance export opportunities within current resources.

Revenue:  none

Appropriation:  none

Fiscal Note:  available

TESTIMONY FOR:

The legislation encourages the public-private partnership that enables export services at the local user level.  Operation New Market enhances communications links vital to small and medium-sized businesses seeking to find markets abroad.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Rep. Tracey Eide; Connie Bacon, World Trace Center Tacoma; Dan Kashporenko, NeuRobotics; Alex Klementiev, NeuRobotics; Richard Rawling, Compu-Com