Last Friday U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen said "expansion to overseas markets is one of the best ways for small businesses to grow and create jobs" during a tour of photo booth manufacturer Innovative FOTO in Salem. 

According to a statement from her office, Innovative FOTO has already added four new full-time jobs this year, thanks in part to the firm’s exports.

Shaheen said other small companies could enjoy similar success by harnessing the power of international sales.

"With 95 percent of the world’s customers living overseas, there is tremendous potential for small firms to grow internationally and add jobs," she said in a statement. "Yet only one percent of small businesses sell their products into foreign markets. In these difficult economic times, we need to make it as easy as possible for sharp companies like Innovative FOTO to succeed in international markets and put more Americans back to work."

Headquartered in Salem, Innovative FOTO exports to 29 countries and does nearly $2 million in overseas business a year, her office said.

“We see tremendous growth outside of the United States, and our goal is to increase our exports and grow our international business significantly over the coming years," said Innovative FOTO CEO Dale Valvo. “We’re very grateful to Senator Shaheen for acknowledging our company in this way, and for the support we receive from her office to enhance our growth.”

In New Hampshire, exporting has become an increasingly important part of the state’s economy, her office said. 

Last year, New Hampshire companies set a state record for international sales and ranked first among all states in export growth, increasing their exports by $1 billion, according to her office.

"In a difficult economic climate, this new revenue has provided a critical boost to many New Hampshire businesses," they said.