Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade Program has received the president’s “E” Award. Presented May 22 in Washington, D.C., the award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.
In today’s globally interconnected world, export sales offer extraordinary opportunities for Michigan companies to grow and create new jobs,” said Lt. Governor Brian Calley. “This award reflects MEDC’s efforts to help Michigan businesses increase their sales by expanding into foreign markets, which ultimately results in more jobs for our residents.”
“MEDC has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion,” stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross in a congratulatory letter to MEDC.
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June 20-21, 2017
Cobo Center, 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit
Registration cost is $500
Register for Gateway ‘17: http://www.gateway17.com/
Use code “GOVT” to receive 50% off your registration
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Gateway ‘17 is Alibaba’s inaugural U.S. event focused on helping U.S. businesses, brands and entrepreneurs learn about ways they can tap into the China market to grow their businesses.
Who Should Attend:
American small businesses, farmers, entrepreneurs, existing Alibaba business partners, industry influencers, public officials, trade associations, chambers of commerce.
Alibaba Gateway ’17:
Alibaba is the world’s largest retail commerce company that operates online marketplaces that connect small business and merchants with nearly half a billion Chinese shoppers. Alibaba’s US business strategy is focused on helping U.S. small business, brands and farmers enter this growing market. The expanding Chinese middle-class increasingly wants high-quality products from the U.S. and with 7,000 US brands and companies already in its platforms, Alibaba has proven capability to help U.S. businesses, farmers and entrepreneurs tap into this opportunity and grow their businesses.
Event Activities Include:
- Hearing from leading entrepreneurs, including Jack Ma, founder and executive chairman of Alibaba Group
- Learn about the business solutions and resources available through Alibaba to start selling to China
- Participate in breakout sessions on industry and consumer trends in China specific to agriculture, consumer goods, and fashion/apparel
- Explore the vibrant marketplace expo and connect with existing Alibaba partners and sponsors in e-commerce, finance, sourcing and logistics who can enhance your growth plans and success on Alibaba’s marketplaces
- After event follow up to help SME’s continue the momentum from the event and to follow through to eventual market entry
Additional Information:
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
July 29 - August 8, 2017
Registration Deadline is June 9th
Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu and Hangzhou*
Participation fee: $1,500 per company ($300 per additional person traveling).
Join senior State government officials for the next Michigan trade delegation to China! Participating companies will receive a pre-mission assessment of the Chinese market; in-country briefings; turn-key business service support including travel logistics; on-site guides and interpreter services; B2B matchmaking services for up to 5-6 days of one-on-one meetings; and networking events with high level business and government officials.
Eligible Michigan SME’s can receive 50 percent reimbursement on travel expenses and participation fee through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant.
*cities subject to change
For more information, contact Weiwei Lu at luw@michigan.org or (616) 540-4964.
Register for the event here
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Be sure to check out this new export resource created by Michigan State University’s International Business Center, sponsored by MEDC.
The site is filled with tools designed to assist the full spectrum of Michigan businesses, from those just beginning international efforts to companies with an already established international export sales. The Export Michigan website provides access to unique research and insights of international markets, a directory of companies providing critical services to Michigan exporters, an event calendar listing upcoming activities catered to exporters, and more!”
ExportMI.org
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Need help with your web presence? The Michigan Small Business Development Council can help!
Search engine optimization (SEO) defines strengths and areas of needed improvement on a company’s website and social media outreach to advance international sales. The in-depth analysis addresses online penetration in up to two international markets. The report also includes a detailed domestic SEO assessment with step-by-step instructions on how to improve a company’s website. To request yours, please contact your regional International Trade Manager or email export@michigan.org.
September 12, 2017
12:00PM – 4:00PM
1700 E. Beltline NE #200 Grand Rapids, MI 49525
To register, click here
This educational program is designed to help businesses identify legal and compliance issues that are relevant as businesses pursue export opportunities. Join Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC and special guest speakers for an interactive workshop to learn tips and tools to ensure compliance. Seminar is free, but registration is required.
Intellectual Property & Foreign Business Partner Contract
TRADEMARK/SERVICE MARK READINESS:
- Discussion of types of intellectual property
- Importance of protecting intellectual property, specifically name and trademark, in international markets
- Process and time frame for protecting intellectual property internationally, including alternative strategies, Resources available to help combat infringement
- Tips on avoiding costly litigation and disputes related to U.S. and international trademark infringement
FOREIGN AGENT/DISTRIBUTOR CONTRACT CHECKLIST:
- Top 12 most important issues to address in contracts with foreign business partners
- How U.S. laws and regulations will impact the relationship
- Resources available to help with due diligence regarding foreign business partners
- A foreign agent/distributor contract checklist
Winning Strategies for eCommerce Sales to China / India and Upcoming eCommerce Retail Trade Mission
June 15th at noon
US Commercial Service - Webinar
Click here for more details.Join us for the eCommerce Retail-focused Trade Mission to China and India on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 9:00am Pacific. This is a FREE webinar that will provide you with unique access to everything you need to know before you go! Participants are introduced to recently approved Certified Trade Mission, China & India Retail eCommerce Education & Executive Discovery Tour, September 17-29th, led by the Global Retail Insight Network (GRIN).
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Culture & Coffee: Navigating India
June 22nd
201 Front Ave SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Member Price $25, Non-Member $35Join GVSU’s Van Andel Global Trade Center's 2017 Culture & Coffee series: Navigating India! The Culture & Coffee training session will cover how-to’s and best practices for doing business in India along with cultural nuances business professionals face while traveling. Fresh coffee and a continental breakfast will be served during the training as VAGTC believes some of the best conversations take place over a good cup of coffee!
For more information click here
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Strategies for Intellectual Property Protection in China
July 12th
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Grand Rapids, MI
Join the Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) the USPTO Office of Policy and International Affairs, as we bring together policy makers and leaders on China IP issues from the U.S. government, academia, and practitioners. The speakers will share insights on critical issues involving China IP that will benefit U.S. IP right holders
The event includes key participation from the USPTO’s China Team, who work nationwide to help U.S. businesses and inventors understand how to obtain and enforce IP rights in China.
Topics covered include:
- Overview of Intellectual Property in China
- Creating and Managing IP Portfolios
- Brand Protection/Anti-counterfeiting
- Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights in the US
- US-China: Competition and Collaboration – Michigan Experience
The program is free and open to the public. For inquiries about the event please email Midwestregion@uspto.gov call 313-446-4800.
For more registration and additional information click here
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Doing Business in the United Kingdom
August 14, 2017
50 Front Ave SW Suite 1054
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Price $120.00
Join us for a half-day, Doing Business in the United Kingdom conference as we discuss the UK’s current business climate and what the future may hold for U.S. businesses.
The birthplace of the industrial revolution, the United Kingdom remains a great power and one of the world’s leading economies – ranked as the fifth largest. Currently, the UK has few trade barriers and ranks high in ease of doing business. Due to its cultural and economic heritage, the UK enjoys market diversification, protections, and stability similar to the U.S. As a result, the U.S.-UK investment relationship is the largest in the world with more than USD 1 trillion as of 2014. The UK is Michigan’s 9th largest export market and grew from USD 732 million in 2013 to USD 878 million in 2016, providing many opportunities for Michigan businesses looking to expand their export markets.
For more information & registration visit gvsu.edu/vagtc
To schedule a one-on-one consultation with our Europe Center, please contact your regional International Trade Manager. Europe Center Director, Terry Potter will be in Michigan August 14-17, 2017.
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