WMEP: 2011 ExporTech sessions announced for Wisconsin manufacturers

Program Offers Resources, Expertise to Drive Profitable Export Growth

MADISON, Wis. – ExporTech, an innovative program to help Wisconsin manufacturers fast-track international sales, kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 15 in Waukesha, the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WMEP) announced today.

Offered by WMEP and the Wisconsin Department of Commerce Bureau of Export Development, ExporTech provides resources and expertise to rapidly develop or expand a global sales strategy.

Participating senior-level executives will attend three full-day sessions on Feb. 15, March 15 and April 13 at the Riverwood Corporate Center in Waukesha. Dates for the fall session are Oct. 20, Nov. 17 and Dec. 15.

“International markets present excellent growth opportunities for Wisconsin companies,” said Department of Commerce Secretary Paul Jadin. “ExporTech has proven its worth in helping companies start or expand an export initiative.”

Getting started in exporting can be daunting, especially for smaller firms. ExporTech demystifies the process and gives manufacturers the resources they need to hit the ground running. A coach/mentor helps companies collect market data, identify target markets and create an international growth plan. A panel of successful exporting companies and international business experts provide guidance and feedback. Participants discover new markets for their products and gain knowledge on logistics, finance, regulation and other topics.

A key benefit of ExporTech is speed: companies produce an expert-reviewed global sales plan in only three months, whereas the typical development time of such plans is one year or longer.

Launched in 2010, ExporTech gets high marks from participants – whether they are new to exporting or looking to expand their global reach. “Though we’ve exported products for many years, our new effort brought new challenges that ExporTech was able to address,” said Tony Cavalco, vice president of sales for New Berlin-based A & A Manufacturing Company, Inc. The program offered valuable assistance, great networking, engaging speakers and was a “good investment of our time and money,” he said.

Scholarships, Grants for Services Available

The $1,000 cost for ExporTech can be offset with scholarships and grants for services from sponsors. UW-Madison’s Center for International Business and Education Research and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce are offering $200 scholarships for the spring and fall sessions.

ExporTech sponsors include Bentley World-Packaging, Ltd.; FedEx; Milwaukee World Trade Association, Inc.; M & I Bank Global Trade Services, Milwaukee; Madison International Trade Association and Wisconsin Exporters Online.

Each session is limited to eight companies due to the highly collaborative nature of the program and to provide sufficient time and attention to each company’s unique business needs.

For more information visit http://www.wmep.org/ExporTech.aspx or contact Roxanne Baumann at 262-696-3540.

ABOUT EXPORTECH

ExporTech is a joint program of the NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership and the U.S. Commercial Service. Eighteen states have used the program during the past four years. ExporTech offers detailed guidance to help small and midsize manufacturers create and execute an effective export strategy and information on issues ranging from banking to financing to freight forwarding and licensing.

ABOUT WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BUREAU OF EXPORT DEVELOPMENT

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce Bureau of Export Development offers a wide range of services to assist companies, whether they are new to exporting or seasoned professionals. Assistance is available for minimal or no cost. Export development managers around the state are available to offer guidance on the export process and discuss strategies for new or expanding markets.

ABOUT WMEP

WMEP is a private, nonprofit organization committed to the growth and success of Wisconsin manufacturers. A leader in Next Generation Manufacturing, WMEP brings best practices to Wisconsin firms to help them achieve world-class performance through innovation and transformation. Since 1998, WMEP has helped to create and save more than 13,000 state manufacturing jobs, according to results documented by customers. WMEP receives financial support from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, and partners with many public and private organizations to serve Wisconsin manufacturers.

Contacts:

WMEP:

Linda Abbott, 608.826.6215, abbott@chorus.net

Wisconsin Department of Commerce:

Tony Hozeny, 608.267.9661, tony.hozeny@wisconsin.gov