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Nebraska Governor Mike Johanns, a Republican with broad experience in agriculture, trade and energy issues, yesterday was unanimously approved by the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) Board of Directors as the 15th member of the Ex-Im Bank 2001 Advisory Committee. The Congressionally-mandated Advisory Committee helps Ex-Im Bank formulate policies and programs by providing input from various sectors of the economy. Johanns will represent state government on the committee.

Mike Johanns' expertise and leadership in so many areas including trade, agriculture and state government will add immeasurably to the effectiveness of our committee, said Ex-Im Bank Chairman John E. Robson. We are delighted to have him on board.

I greatly appreciate having this opportunity to represent state governments' perspective on the Ex-Im Bank Advisory Committee, said Johanns. Expanding trade opportunities for the states will be a primary focus of my efforts while serving on the committee.

Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-NE, said: The appointment of Governor Johanns is excellent news for the Ex-Im Bank, Nebraska and the Midwest. He brings a wide base of knowledge, experience and leadership to the Advisory Committee. I look forward to working with him on export issues that enhance America's role in the world.

Rep. Doug Bereuter (R-1st District), said: This is an excellent appointment. It is crucial that we have a governor serving on the Advisory Committee, because our governors have become the principal salespeople for American exports from their states. Governor Johanns already has demonstrated his exceptional leadership and his commitment to expanding Nebraska's export markets for agricultural commodities, processed foods, manufactured goods and the service industry by leading trade missions to Australia and Asia, and he plans to travel to South America later this year. More....

Johanns became Nebraska's 38th governor in January, 1999. He has led trade delegations of Nebraska government, business and agriculture leaders to numerous Asian countries as well as Australia.

Johanns was selected in 1999 as the lead governor for reauthorization of the federal farm bill for the Western Governors' Association. For 2000-2001 he was selected to chair the National Governors' Association Committee on Economic Development and Commerce.

Johanns also serves this year as chairman of the 25-state Governors' Ethanol Coalition, aimed at increasing ethanol's use, decreasing the nation's dependence on imported energy, improving the environment, and stimulating the national economy. He is presently serving as vice chairman of the Midwest Governors' Conference and the Governors' Bio-Technology Partnership. Johanns also serves as co-chair of the Governors' Public Power Alliance.

Johanns was born in Iowa and raised on a dairy farm. He graduated from St. Mary's College in Winona, MN and earned his law degree from Creighton University in Omaha. After a distinguished law career Johanns ran for public office and was elected in 1982 to the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners. He served two terms as mayor of Lincoln before becoming governor.

Now in its 18th year, The Advisory Committee meets four times yearly (the 2001 meetings are March 27, June 19th, September 20 and December 4) to examine Ex-Im Bank's programs and make recommendations for enhancing service and value. This year the 15-member committee is considering possible changes in Ex-Im Bank's philosophy, purpose, products and processes that may be called for in order to address transformations in the global marketplace.

Ex-Im Bank is an independent U.S. government agency that helps finance the export of U.S. goods and services to emerging markets throughout the world by providing loans, loan guarantees, and export credit insurance. During fiscal year 2000, Ex-Im Bank supported $15.5 billion in U.S. exports.