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Business leaders from nine Michigan companies traveled to Mexico in February to meet with prospective partners, distributors, and customers to increase export opportunities.
The trade mission, which took place February 25-March 3, was led by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s International Trade Program. This mission was MEDC’s eleventh mission to Mexico since 2013. Since then, companies have reported facilitated export sales of over $336 million to Mexico.
“As a developing global player and our second-largest trade partner, Mexico is an important and viable market for a wide range of products and services,” said MEDC Chief Executive Officer Jeff Mason. “This trade mission will open doors for these companies by helping them identify and enter into new relationships, ultimately growing their businesses and bringing more and better jobs to Michigan residents.”
Pictured above: Kathryn Bamberger (New York-International Trade), Zoe Munro (GLSLGP), Monica Vega (FEMIA or Mexican Federation of Industrial Aerospace), Brendan Cherry (MEDC), Chris Bosio (MEDC), and Efren Flores (GLSLGP) after a meeting with FEMIA in Mexico.
Delegates from the export mission attended customized business-to-business meetings with prospective customers and business partners in Mexico City and Monterrey. Participants also attended networking events and received logistical support from MEDC’s Mexico Trade Office.
The participating companies from Michigan were:
AMBE Engineering (Northville) – Consulting services in automotive engineering, manufacturing, quality and engineering
Challenger Communications, LLC (Albion) – Manufacturer of satellite dish antennas for the broadcast industry, government agencies and military markets
Cross Technologies, Inc. (Westland) – Manufacturer of highly specialized chemicals designed for the metal, rubber, urethane and plastics industries
Extol, Inc. (Zeeland) – Supplier of high-quality, standard and custom plastics-joining equipment
McKeon Products, Inc. (Warren) – Provider of innovative hearing protection, sleep masks, ear dryers and more
National Filters, Inc. (Harbor Beach) – Manufacturer of industrial filtration specializing in hydraulic filter cartridges
Poly Flex Products, Inc. (Farmington Hills) – Manufacturer of plastic injection molding, rubber products, transfer molding and more
RLT and Associates (Shelby Township) – Supplier of packaging, material handling and storage/warehousing solutions for the auto, aerospace and defense industries
Superior Business Solutions (Troy) – Manufacturer of labels, tags, forms, ribbons and lean manufacturing visuals for OEMs and support tier companies
“Challenger Communications has benefitted greatly from the assistance of the MEDC's International Trade Program. The grants Challenger has been awarded have helped to promote the Challenger brand and products to international customers via trade missions and trade shows,” said Challenger Communications Director of Marketing, Jill Reschke.
In 2017, Michigan export sales totaled more than $12.5 billion to Mexico, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. This is up from $12 billion in 2016. Companies participating in MEDC International Trade Services reported export sales of $144.5 million to Mexico in FY17.
Chaired by Gov. Rick Snyder, the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers unites the chief executives from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec and Wisconsin. The governors and premiers work as equal partners to grow the region’s $6 trillion economy and protect the world’s largest system of surface fresh water.
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Upcoming Events
South Africa and Tanzania Trade Mission
June 1-9, 2018
Cost –$1,350 | each additional company participant: $400
Registration Deadline – March 15, 2018
Visit here to register and for more information.
Join the Conference of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers trade mission to South Africa and Tanzania – one of the fastest growing global regions in the world. The goal of this mission is to assist small to medium-sized companies from the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region to export products and services to this important market.
The mission delegation will make stops in Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Each mission participant will receive a customized schedule of B2B meetings to meet with prospective customers and business partners. Mission participants will also benefit from networking events and logistical support provided by the Conference’s South Africa Trade Office.
For more information, please contact David Newhouse at 517-331-6715 or by emailing newhoused@michigan.org.
Eurosatory – Defense and Security Show
June 11-15, 2018
Cost – Exhibitors: $1,500 | Non-exhibiting companies: $1,000
Registration Deadline – March 16, 2018
Click here to register and for more information.
Connect with defense and homeland security professionals from around the globe. Join MEDC and the Michigan Defense Center at Eurosatory 2018. Eurosatory features all products and components in the air and land defense and security supply chains. The Michigan booth will be located in the AUSA pavilion and can accommodate 12 companies, including eight exhibitors.
Eurosatory is one of the world’s premier defense exhibitions, offering unique opportunities to connect with foreign buyers and develop international business. The show is expected to attract exhibitors from over 50 countries, over 60,000 visitors, and 200 official delegations.
AREAS OF FOCUS
All products and components of the defense and security supply chains, from basic parts to finished products and operational systems: Spares/repair parts, munitions, technical assistance, training, publications/documentation, maintenance, support equipment, and modifications.
Highlighted technologies include: intelligence, civil security, crisis management, and people security, critical infrastructures and sensitive facilities security, tests, measurements, and engineering, CBRNe, training and simulation, UAVs and UGVs, and embedded electronics.
For more information, please contact Jeanne Broad, MEDC International Trade Manager, at broadj@michigan.org or 313-258-7947.
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Farnborough International Airshow
July 16-20, 2018
Cost –$4,500 | each additional company participant: $2,000
Registration Deadline – March 30, 2018
Click here to register and for more information.
Meet stakeholders, influencers, and decision makers in the aerospace industry – one of the fastest growing industry in the world. Join the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s trade mission to the Farnborough International Airshow 2018.
Farnborough International Airshow provides a platform to display the developing technology used within the aerospace industry with company exhibits, product briefings, conferences, and demonstrations. Farnborough is the largest aerospace event of 2018, offering unique opportunities to connect with foreign buyers and develop international business. The Michigan booth will be located in the U.S. Pavilion and can accommodate eight exhibitors.
Mission participation includes company kiosk within Michigan booth, entry fee to the show, project with the Michigan Europe Center (market research, exhibitor target list, matchmaking assistance as appropriate, etc.), hotel accommodations (seven nights), and welcome reception.
For more information, please contact Jacob Schroeder, MEDC International Trade Manager, at schroederj4@michigan.org or by calling 517-898-7462.
Legal Essentials to Exporting Events
Learn how to take your product to international markets during one of the “Legal Essentials to Export” programs Foster Swift is offering in 2018!
These educational programs are 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. Seminars are free, but registration is required.
Dates and Topics:
- March 8 – Lansing / April 19 – Southfield / September 19 – Grand Rapids: Intellectual Property & Business Partner Due Diligence
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May 17 – Lansing: Export Control Compliance Overview Training
- June 21 – Traverse City: Intellectual Property & Business Partner Due Diligence & Export Control Compliance Overview Training
Click here for program descriptions and registration.
To see a full list of MEDC International Trade events click here!
Partner Events
19th Annual Automotive Suppliers Symposium
Van Andel Global Trade Center
Thursday, March 8, 2018
Grand Rapids
7:30am – 12pm
Member - $120 / Non-Member $190
The West Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium is a yearly event bringing together business owners, senior management, and decision makers from all tiers of the global automotive industry. This premier automotive suppliers event provides the most up-to-date industry forecasts, latest issues and trends, with opportunities to network and learn from others in the increasingly challenging and ever-changing industry of automotive.
Click here for details and registration.
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EU General Data Protection Regulation and Privacy Shield
U.S. Commercial Service
Monday, March 12, 2018
Troy
8:30am – 12pm
$25
Beginning in May 2018, any entities that collect, process, and/or store personal data from EU residents must comply with the EU data privacy legislation. This workshop will cover the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the US-EU Privacy Shield. Topics will include:
Gain in-depth knowledge about GDPR requirements, including accountability and transparency; security and privacy; and communication with your customers.
Learn how GDPR impacts your business; what compliance processes should be put in place; timing; and how to use GDPR to your business advantage.
Learn about Privacy Shield which imposes stronger obligations on U.S. companies to protect Europeans’ personal data and replaces the Safe Harbor framework.
Speakers include Isabelle Roccia, Policy Advisor, U.S. Mission to the European Union and Michelle Sylvester-Jose, Privacy Shield Advisor, U.S. Dept. of Commerce.
Click here for details and registration.
For more information, please contact Richard Corson at Richard.Corson@trade.gov or 248-975-9604, or Murat Muftari at Murat.Muftari@trade.gov or 248-296-2620
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Webinar: How to Sell Online in China
IBT Online
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Virtual
12pm – 1pm
Free
China is the world's largest online market. Whether your company is B2B or B2C, working with in-market partners or selling via online platforms, a website in China is the key to your success in this vast and growing market. Join this webinar to learn more.
Click here for details and registration.
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Business in India
Automation Alley
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Troy
8:30am – 11:30am
Member - $25 / Non-Member $35
While India has been overshadowed by China in recent years, the country's recently-implemented economic reform and prospects for growth can no longer be ignored. Join Automation Alley and a group of international business experts for a discussion on how American companies can succeed in India. Hear first-hand accounts from business owners about their experiences in India and discuss export challenges and opportunities as you discover best practices and lessons learned.
Click here for details and registration.
If you are interested in learning more about an India Trade Mission taking place this September 2018 or meeting 1:1 with India representative, Vikram Kohli of Team India Global Services (TIGS), please contact Jeanne Broad, MEDC International Trade Manager, at broadj@michigan.org or 313-258-7947.
Export Documentation Compliance Webinar: Getting to PAID
Export-Import Bank of the U.S.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Virtual
2pm – 3pm
Free
International shipments often face customs and delivery challenges. These challenges are usually due to inaccurate export documentation that can lead to payment problems.
Join us as Preferred Shipping Executive Vice President, Michael J. Ryan, Preferred Shipping Senior Vice President of Operations, Adam Young, and EXIM Bank Regional Director Greater Houston, Eric A. Miller discuss how to avoid costly documentation errors, streamline your logistics operations, and protect against nonpayment risk.
Topics covered include:
- Five key elements to ensuring document accuracy
- Logistics planning for international markets
- Protecting against nonpayment
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Competitive positioning with credit enhancement
Visit here for details and registration.
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Webinar: Logistics of Doing Business in Canada
Sending Temporary Workers to Canada
U.S. Commercial Service
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Virtual
1pm – 2pm
$25
This webinar will assist U.S. companies, such as architects, engineers, technicians and installers, in understanding the process for temporary travel to Canada to perform after-sales warranty repairs, engage in business development, and exhibit at trade shows. Join the U.S. Commercial Service and our speaker from the Corporate Immigration Law Firm for this informative webinar. Topics include:
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What is Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker/International Mobility program?
- Do I need to have a work permit to do temporary work in Canada?
- Can temporary entry under NAFTA apply to my company?
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What documentation is required to send a temporary worker to Canada?
Click here for details and registration.
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For more information about the MEDC International Trade Services
visit our website, contact export@michigan.org or your regional International Trade Manager.
Follow us on LinkedIn!
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