MEDC offers Global Trade Days export seminars around state

Michigan businesses are invited to explore export opportunities at four Global Trade Days export events taking place in Troy, Lansing, Grand Rapids and Traverse City Oct. 14-18.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan businesses are invited to explore export opportunities at four Global Trade Days export events taking place in Troy, Lansing, Grand Rapids and Traverse City Oct. 14-18. 

“My recent investment mission to China reaffirmed that foreign countries offer new markets, distributorships and other business partnerships to Michigan companies. These workshops will help Michigan companies learn how to tap into those markets and diversify their customer bases,” said Governor Rick Snyder. “In today’s globally interconnected world, export sales offer extraordinary opportunities for Michigan companies to grow and create new jobs.”

Global Trade Days will include presentations from country market specialists from Canada, Mexico, China, United Arab Emirates, and Brazil, who will speak about doing business in those markets. These five countries are among Michigan’s top export markets, and they offer enormous growth opportunities for Michigan businesses:

• Canada is Michigan’s largest export market, and Michigan is the no. 1 state in the U.S. for exports to Canada. Michigan companies exported $25.4 billion in goods and services to Canada in 2012, up from $23.4 billion in 2011. 
• Mexico is Michigan’s second-largest trading partner. Michigan is the No. 3 state in the U.S. for exports to Mexico, with Michigan companies exporting $10.5 billion in goods and services to Mexico in 2012.
• Michigan companies exported nearly $3.3 billion in goods and materials to China in 2012, making China Michigan’s third-largest export market. 
• United Arab Emirates is Michigan’s ninth-largest export market, with Michigan companies exporting more than $753 million in goods and services in 2012.
• In 2012, Michigan companies exported $692.6 million in goods and materials to Brazil, making it Michigan’s 12th-largest export market.

Attendees at Global Trade Days will learn about opportunities and trends in top export markets, assistance provided by Michigan Centers and foreign trade offices, success stories from participating Michigan companies and upcoming Michigan trade missions and events. 

Business owners in attendance at a workshop can also request one-on-one meetings with the country market specialists. To schedule a meeting, contact export@michigan.org.

“Export sales help diversify companies’ customer bases, provide longer term stability and can support higher paying jobs,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “The Global Trade Days events are designed for Michigan companies, to introduce them to the ins and outs of global trade in five key markets and how to leverage these opportunities to improve their bottom line.”

The Global Trade Days event dates and locations are:

TROY
Monday, Oct. 14, 12:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Troy Marriott Hotel
200 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48084
Co-sponsored by Automation Alley
Cost: $25
Register online: https://www.regonline.com/globaltradedays

LANSING
Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Foster Swift Law Firm, 313 S. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48823
Co-sponsored by Global Business Club of Mid-Michigan
Cost: $35
Register online: http://global.broad.msu.edu/gbclub

GRAND RAPIDS
Thursday, Oct. 17, 8:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Grand Valley State University, 301 Michigan St., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Co-sponsored by Van Andel Global Trade Center
Cost: $20
Register online: http://www.gvsu.edu/vagtc/training-events.htm

TRAVERSE CITY
Friday, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Black Star Farms, 10844 E. Revold Rd., Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Co-sponsored by Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
Cost: $20
Register online: http://www.nwm.org/business/sustainable-business/global-trade-day.html

Pure Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy. 

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.