Congressman Jim Gerlach, R-PA 6th Dist., is partnering with state and federal agencies to provide information about international trade to local employers.

Gerlach will be holding a Free Trade Agreement Forum for local businesses on Friday to provide information about the resources available for employers interested in selling their American-made products overseas.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Chester County Economic Development Council
WHEN: Registration and light refreshments will be served at 8:00 A.M. The program will begin at 8:30 A.M. and end at 12 noon.
WHERE: Chester County Economic Development Council, 737 Constitution Drive, Exton PA 19341

From a press release issued by Gerlach:

President Obama this week sent free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama and Colombia to Congress for ratification. These free trade pacts are expected to create new opportunities and new jobs for local companies by lifting tariffs and other barriers imposed on U.S. goods.

The Small Business Administration, Export-Import Bank, U.S. Commercial Service, World Trade Center Philadelphia, and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development will discuss the array of resources available to companies. Two local businesses – Allied Wire & Cable of Collegeville and Analytical Graphics Inc. of Exton -- also will share tips on how they have succeeded in international trade.