WEDC-sponsored events this week will provide first-hand information on exporting to Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg
MADISON, WI. – Wisconsin businesses interested in learning more about exporting to Western Europe are invited to attend one of three presentations hosted by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) this week in Madison, Milwaukee and Appleton.
The programs will feature Peter E. Sanders, WEDC’s trade representative for Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, who will discuss market opportunities and business trends in the region. WEDC staff also will be on hand to provide information on exporting and answer questions.
With its geographic location, the Netherlands is the ideal point of entry for companies seeking to export in the region, while Germany offers extensive opportunities because of its economic strength and position within the European Union.
In 2013, Wisconsin exports to Germany topped $700 million, making the country the state’s fifth largest export destination. Wisconsin exports to Germany have jumped 7 percent in the first six months of 2014. The top state exports to Germany are industrial machinery, medical and scientific equipment, and chemical products.
Belgium ranked 14th in Wisconsin export destinations with $384 million and the Netherlands was 15th with $379 million in 2013. Both countries are major logistics hubs with important warehousing and distribution centers that move Wisconsin-made goods to other parts of Europe and strong domestic demand for products. Luxembourg, a country of just 543,000, bought more than $18 million worth of Wisconsin products in 2013.
All presentations are free, but advance registration is recommended. The events will be held:
* 8 to 10 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24: Madison Region Economic Partnership office, 615 E. Washington Ave. in Madison. Those interested in attending should email Anne Wilder at awilder@madisonregion.org with their name, title, company, and phone number.
* 8 to 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 25: Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce office, 756 N. Milwaukee St. in Milwaukee. Those interested in attending should email Katie Henry at khenry@mmac.org or call (414) 287-4123.
* 8 to 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 26: Fox Valley Technical College’s D.J. Bordini Center, Room BC174, 5 Systems Drive in Appleton. Contact Nancy Peters at petersn@fvtc.edu or (920) 735-4844
For more information on any of the programs, contact WEDC Market Development Director Stanley Pfrang (608) 210–6777 or stanley.pfrang@wedc.org.
About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing Wisconsin’s business climate. WEDC nurtures business growth and job creation by providing resources, technical support and financial assistance to companies, partners and communities in Wisconsin. WEDC has four focus areas: business and industry development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship and innovation and international business development. Together with more than 600 regional and local business development partners, it represents a highly responsive and coordinated network. Visit http://www.inwisconsin.com or follow WEDC on Twitter @_InWisconsin to learn more.
