Central PA International Trade Conference Deemed a Success

With questions about everything from international markets to trade shows and regulations, individuals from 24 area companies met with foreign trade representatives at the 13th Annual Central Pennsylvania International Trade Conference, held recently in State College.  This signature event is hosted by the SEDA-COG Export Development Program and is part of the Pennsylvania International Week celebration.  

Twenty of Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives attended, participating in over 145 one-on-one meetings with SEDA-COG's Export clients.  One client, Kim Richardson of Boalsburg’s Two Sisters Fina Cocina, later posted on Facebook, “Spent a very interesting and informative day speaking with international trade reps from around the globe. It will take some time, but World: Here we come!”  Two Sisters Fina Cocina is one of SEDA-COG's newer clients.

Topics discussed with the Trade Representatives include market entry strategies, distribution agreements, trade shows, and regulatory requirements.  Following the Conference, Ms. Richardson said, “This is such a great service for small businesses and I am grateful that a company as small as mine is able to dream this big.” For many individuals, the Conference was a chance to discuss ongoing projects, while for others it was their first time meeting with the Trade Representatives.   

According to Noelle Long, Director of SEDA-COG's Export Development Program, “Pennsylvania’s network of Trade Representatives represents a great opportunity for local companies.  The Commonwealth has contracted with private consultants around the world who are at the beck and call of companies interested in starting and expanding their international reach.” 

Trade Representative services include in-depth market research, agent/rep/distributor searches, foreign company background checks, market entry strategy development, pricing analysis, translations, trade event support and assistance, in-country appointment scheduling, and much more.   

“These individuals are seasoned professionals,” said Mrs. Long, “who speak the languages, understand how business is conducted, and have the contacts to help Central Pennsylvania companies develop their international presence.” 

Pennsylvania’s Authorized Trade Representatives are based out of 21 offices worldwide, providing assistance and expertise for 67 countries.  A map of the Trade Representatives’ locations is available at http://www.newpa.com/webfm_send/1619.    

Sponsors of SEDA-COG's 2011 Trade Conference included The TeamPA Foundation, McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, M&T Bank, UPS, The Industrial Modernization Center, and Pennsylvania’s Center for Trade Development.

The SEDA-COG Export Development Program provides international business consulting and services to companies located in the Central PA region. For more information, contact Noelle Long at 570-524-4491, or e-mail export@seda-cog.org.