The MidAtlantic District Export Council (DEC) is a volunteer Organization drawn from U.S. industry whose knowledge of international business provides a unique source of professional advice to help American firms compete and win business in the international marketplace. The MidAtlantic DEC works closely with the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Service to accomplish its mission through: Counseling local businesses; Identifying sources of trade and project finance; Identifying key issues affecting U.S. industry competitiveness in the global marketplace; Multiplying the efforts of the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Philadelphia. Established in 1973 by the President and the Secretary of Commerce, DECs are mandated to support the export expansion activities of the U.S. Department of Commerce and serve as a link between the business community and USEAC's across the United States. The Mid-Atlantic DEC is affiliated with the Philadelphia USEAC which serves eastern Pennsylvania and the state of Delaware.