Lt. Governor André Bauer to Lead Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates

(Columbia, S.C.) - Lieutenant Governor André Bauer will lead an economic development mission to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) March 21 – March 27, 2009. Joining the Lt. Governor on this mission will be Representative Todd Rutherford, officials from the S.C. Department of Commerce and business leaders from across the state.

The trade mission is designed to promote South Carolina exports to the U.A.E. and strengthen existing investments from the Middle Eastern confederation. South Carolina is already one of the top ten states in exports to the U.A.E., which has been diversifying investments outside of the petroleum industry over the last several years. Jafza International, a Dubai based company is currently developing a 1,300 acre business park with a warehouse and transportation hub in Orangeburg county.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead another trade mission on behalf of the Palmetto State,” Bauer said. “During challenging economic times it is vital that we do everything we can to increase exports and foreign investment. South Carolina already has strong ties with the U.A.E. and I want to help insure that our trade and business partnership is expanded to bring new jobs to our state.”

The Lt. Governor and local government representatives will be meeting with the Executive Council of Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority among others during the trade mission.

“I will be using private funds cover my expenses during the trade mission as I have every time I have traveled abroad on state business,” Bauer said. “The taxpayers are already footing enough of the government’s bills these days. In fact, I am using my mandatory furlough days to serve South Carolina on the trade mission.”

Local invited to White House

Dan Vander Meer, CEO of Dutchman Global and Robyn Vander Meer, CFO have both been invited to attend President George W. Bush's remarks in recognition of World Trade Week on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday May 20.

Dan Vander Meer was nominated by Colleen Litkenhaus, Assistant Secretary of Commerce. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is the key export promotion agency of the federal government. The service has a worldwide network of employees and a mission of assisting small and medium-sized American businesses in exporting their goods and services worldwide.

Dutchman Global was established in 2005 to provide quality heavy equipment to the global earthmoving and mining industry. Dutchman Global currently ships 98% of its equipment overseas to several geographic territories. Dutchman Globals' experienced sales staff sells Caterpillar, Euclid, John Deere, Komatsu and other used equipment.

Located at 208 Prosperity Court in Florence, Dutchman Global currently has 6 sales and administrative employees in the Florence location. Other employees are located in Canada, South Dakota, Dubai and Guyana.

In April 2008, Dutchman Global was nominated as one of South Carolina's fastest growing companies. Dan Vander Meer was also appointed to South Carolina's District Export Council and Dutchman Global received an Export Achievement Award in 2007.