Monday, 12 August 2013 13:54
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2013
Contact: Robynn Albert, VMEC Marketing & Training Manager
Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC)
P.O. Box 12, Randolph Center, VT 05061
Cell: (802) 793-2078 / [email protected]
ExporTech™ Program to Launch in Vermont
Randolph Center, VT – The Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center (VMEC), with support from a number of planning partners and sponsors, is launching the first sessions this fall of a proven program designed to help small- and mid-sized Vermont manufacturers and other interested companies boost their sales through profitable exports.
ExporTech™ provides companies with a systematic process for entering or expanding in global markets and connects them with the best international business experts in the region. The program assists participants in developing a peer-reviewed export growth plan in approximately 12 weeks, quickly moving them from planning to closing export sales. ExporTech™programs have now run in more than 25 states and have generated results for over 450 businesses that include an average sales increase of $170,000 per company, with many generating export sales in three to six months. The program is limited to 8 companies at a time – ideally with 2 or 3 leaders from each company attending. This hands-on, content rich program involves a unique combination of innovative group sessions and individualized coaching that takes place between three day-long training sessions.
In addition to VMEC, the primary ExporTech™ planning partners include VMEC’s federal partner, NIST/MEP, the U.S. Commercial Service, FedEx, the State of Vermont’s Agency of Commerce and Community Development Vermont Global Trade Partnership and Vermont Training Program, as well as the VT International Trade Alliance and the Vermont Small Business Development Center. Registration for eligible companies will be on a first-come first-serve basis, and the exact start date for the three training sessions will depend on when the initial class of 6 (minimum) to 8 (required) companies is confirmed.
According to Dick Morse, VMEC Director of Sales and Marketing and the VMEC lead for ExporTech™, “The International Trade Administration indicates that 95 percent of the world’s consumers are currently living outside our nation’s borders, and the International Monetary Fund forecasts that nearly 87 percent of world economic growth over the next 5 years will take place outside of the United States. For many Vermont companies, capturing and accelerating profitable new sales and customers beyond our nation’s borders can be a very effective growth strategy, especially when based on a proven export system like ExporTech™ that reduces risk and provides a customized company export plan developed with input from a team of experienced experts. It’s time to bring this program to Vermont so we can continue to encourage the growth of our state’s businesses.”