If you are a regular reader of this column, you have learned about Michigan’s State Trade Export Promotion (STEP) program over the past year. You are likely also aware that this region’s STEP program is hosted by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). You may not be aware that for 2013, LRCC has partnered with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) to lead an export trade mission.



Both the Federal and State governments continue to put high priority on assisting companies to export, and have put resources in place to do so. Through the leadership of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Michigan is continuing to build resources for firms who wish to export. For example, Michigan opened two foreign offices last year, one in Shanghai and the other in Toronto.

Why Export?
Why should you consider exporting? By the way, exporting doesn’t just apply to manufactured and agricultural goods. Services, particularly architecture, engineering, construction, software and IT services are in demand around the globe. According to the U.S. Commercial Service (part of the International Trade Administration) exporting has many benefits for your company:

• New Customers and Revenue opportunities – more than 70% of the world’s purchasing power is outside the U.S. We are known throughout the world for high quality, innovative goods and services, customer service, and sound business practices.
• Market and Risk Diversification – slowdowns in one market can be offset by increases in another.
• Increased Profitability – Exporting can be profitable for businesses of all sizes. On average, sales grow faster, more jobs are created, and employees earn more than in non-exporting firms.

Benefits of Participating in Export Trade Missions Opening up a new export market can seem to be very challenging, whether it is your first, or fiftieth. One of the easiest ways to approach a new market is through an Export Trade Mission. This is an organized event which provides many benefits and alleviates many concerns regarding your initial approach to a new market.

• The absolute best benefit is extensive assistance with finding qualified customers who are receptive to purchasing or distributing your products or services. Based on your firm’s profile, people working in that country will identify and arrange meetings on your behalf with suitable prospects. This puts you well on your way to obtaining sales and contracts.
• Up-to-date market information and research. You will be provided with information that helps you understand the market opportunities for your firm.
  
• Briefings about culture, customs, business and operating environments of the countries you will visit. This will position you well to start off on a profitable business relationship in your meetings.
• Planning and Logistics support. The mission organizers will handle this for you, allowing you to focus on your meetings.
• Organized receptions and events, allowing you access to individuals that is difficult to obtain when traveling by yourself.
• Bonding with other Michigan business owners who are also export minded. The ability to have a peer-to-peer network when approaching new business opportunities is extremely valuable.
• Trade missions are able to support any size business.
• Provide great value. You gain the benefits of traveling with a group, which can lower your costs.
• STEP support – provides 50% reimbursement of expenditures for eligible businesses, making a great value even better!

We truly hope you will join us for an export trade mission in 2013.

2013 Trade Mission Opportunities During 2013, there are many trade mission opportunities being organized by the Pure Michigan Export Program for Michigan firms to take advantage of. Confirmed trade missions include:

• Mexico – May
• Brazil – May
• Germany – June.
• Western Canada – June
• Indonesia & Singapore – August/September
• China – September

Additionally, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, of which Governor Snyder was recently elected Co-Chair, also organizes trade missions which you may participate in. They have two planned at this point:

• South Africa – March
• Australia – May

If you wish to participate in any of these trade missions, or wish to consider the benefits and resources available to your business, or perhaps you have had an inquiry from a foreign market and are not sure where to start, please reach out Ray De Winkle at LEAP: Ray@PureLansing.com, or Laura Deierlein of the MEDC, who serves as this region’s International Trade Development Manager: deierleinl@michigan.org. We will be happy to assist you in beginning to build a more diverse and stable customer base through exporting.

Ray De Winkle, CEcD, EDFP, CTA serves as Senior Vice President of Global Business Development for the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP). In this role he works to attract new businesses to the Lansing region, as well as helping businesses to access global markets. He and Laura Deierlein will be leading the Export Trade Mission to Germany (and possibly Turkey) in June.

Labels: news

---