Exporting is not just for big companies anymore. In fact, more than 97% of exporters are small to medium-sized businesses. Learn how your business can tap into the growing global marketplace during this informative exporting seminar hosted by the City of St. Michael Economic Development Authority.
Exporting 101 will include a lunch/networking hour followed by presentations from the U.S. Commercial Service, Minnesota Trade Office and Trade Acceptance Group, Ltd. It will conclude with a testimonial from St. Michael-based Jet Edge, which has grown its international water jet system sales with the help of these organizations. Participants are invited to tour nearby Jet Edge following the presentations and will have an opportunity to meet Jet Edge's visiting international distributors.
During Exporting 101, participants will gain valuable insight into the many trade resources available to them through the federal and state government, including education and trade counseling, market intelligence and research, trade missions and trade shows, international business partner matching services, the Featured U.S. Exporter (FUSE) program, and trade advocacy with foreign governments. They will learn the basic requirements for exporting, where to go for assistance, how to take advantage of free trade agreements, how to secure financing for exports and mitigate credit risk, and much more.
Speakers include Andrea Staebler Berton, international trade specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service; Mary Jo Stangl, international education advisor with the Minnesota Trade Office; Leslie A. Bergland, principal with Trade Acceptance Group, Ltd.; and David Anderson, Jet Edge's international sales manager and member of the Minnesota District Export Council. In addition, the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce will have an informational exhibit about its services including Certificates of Origin, and the St. Michael-Albertville, Monticello, Buffalo and Alexandria Rotary Clubs will display exhibits about Rotary International and the clubs' joint efforts to build two libraries in Cambodia.
Admission is free. Reservations are required by July 6. For reservations/information contact St. Michael City Hall at 763-416-7932.
Exporting 101 is sponsored by St. Michael-Albertville Rotary Club, I-94 West Chamber of Commerce and Jet Edge.
Schedule of Events
11:30 a.m. - Sign in12 p.m. - Lunch/Networking
1 p.m. - Introductions - Marc Weigle, City of St. Michael
1:05-1:45 p.m. - Andrea Staebler Berton, U.S. Commercial Service
1:45-2:15 p.m. - Mary Jo Stangl, Minnesota Trade Office
2:15-2:45 p.m. - Leslie A. Bergland, Trade Acceptance Group
2:45-3:15 p.m. - David Anderson, Jet Edge
3:30-4:30 p.m. - Jet Edge Tour
Meet Our Speakers
Andrea Staebler BertonInternational Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service
Andrea Staebler Berton will discuss the numerous resources available to small and medium-sized enterprises through the U.S. Commercial Service, including trade counseling, market research, trade shows and trade missions, distributor and partner vetting, trade advocacy with foreign governments and more. She will address how to leverage free trade agreements and free trade zones, INCO-terms, Certificates of Origin and much more.
Mary Jo Stangl
International Education Advisor, Minnesota Trade Office
Mary Jo Stangl will provide an introduction to the many resources available to small and medium-sized businesses through the Minnesota Trade Office, including export counseling and assistance, education and training, market and industry intelligence, international market research, trade missions and trade shows, and protocol guidance.
Leslie A. Bergland
Principal, Trade Acceptance Group, Ltd.
Leslie A. Bergland will address risk mitigation and financing solutions to maximize export opportunities, including export and specialized-risk insurance, U.S. government (Ex-Im Bank and SBA) export working capital loan guarantees, post-export trade financing, international credit agency reports, and more.
David Anderson
International Sales Manager, Jet Edge, Inc.
David Anderson will share a success story about how Jet Edge has benefitted from the assistance of the U.S. Commercial Service, Minnesota Trade Office, Trade Acceptance Group, and U.S. Export-Import Bank. As a member of the Minnesota District Export Council, Mr. Anderson is committed to sharing his extensive knowledge with other small businesses in Minnesota who are just beginning to export or are considering exports as a way to grow their companies' revenues.
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