2. Tapping the
Global Marketplace

3. 95% 81% of consumers are outside the U.S.
of economic growth for
occurring outside the U.S.
(Source:  World Economic Outlook, International Monetary Fund, 2015)

4. 11.6 M 6.1 M Exporting is big business, producing U.S. jobs
U.S. affiliates of
foreign firms employ
Americans

8. Market Assessment Key Findings
Export strength driven by few
Port proximity provides great growth opportunity
Strong opportunity in service-related exports
Business focus was exclusively domestic marketplace
Lack awareness but satisfied once connected
Increased air connectivity will improve ability to compete internationally

10. Goal:
Build and support a thriving export economy to accelerate metro Charleston job growth.
Objectives:
Increase export intensity
Grow number and capacity of small-medium sized exporters
Create international trade culture permeating public / private sector planning

12. 25 Companies $4 Million Graduated thus far Over in international sales
has been generated

13. Design: Lead Facilitator Coaches (U.S. Commercial Service, SBDC)
Research Interns
Expert Presenters (international attorneys, bankers, freight forwarders, SBA)
Experienced Evaluators (exporters, marketers, bankers)

14. Companies Learn: Incoterms International Regulations
International Marketing
International Finance (EXIM Bank, exchange rates, insurance, taxes)
International Legal Issues
Logistics / Freight Forwarding
Trade Connections
Trade Agreements
Resources (websites, trade specialists)
(4 Days over 3 Months)

15. Companies Learn: Phase 1 Phase 2 Gain Export Knowledge
Develop Customized Export Plan that is Immediately Actionable
Identify Export Resources
Phase 2
Coaches for Plan Implementation
Periodic workshops (Finance, Foreign Trade Zones)
Alumni meetings
Access to Trade missions
Access to International Delegations

16. Company Requirements:
WTCC Lessons Learned:
Company Requirements:
Expert Trainer
Limit cohort to 8
Agreement
2+ years in business
$2-10,000 in resources
Top management support
Submit draft plans 2 weeks prior to last class
Reporting

17. Engineering Services

18. Home Goods

19. Export sales mid-year have eclipsed their total 2015 sales by
$700,000
Home Goods

20. “We’ve started exporting to four new markets already this year and are in negotiation with three more.”
Tristan Roquette Export Manager, Rewined
Home Goods

21. Commodity

22. 2,000 metric tons of peanuts to China = approximately
in gross sales
Commodity

23. “…blew us out of the water with the amount of information
“…blew us out of the water with the amount of information... One 8-hr class was like a semester in college; it was that informative.”
Frank Benson Director of Sales & Marketing
Rogers Brothers Farm / Gillespie’s Peanuts
Commodity

24. Toy Manufacturer

25. It’s Working!

26. Results: $4,000,000+ in international sales since 2014
$2,000,000+ in pending international sales
25 companies trained via 5 cohorts
New chamber members, new audience for membership and enhanced chamber value
Positive PR for companies and chamber
3 Companies recognized by U.S. Commercial Service

27. Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities
Foreign companies that trade with you are more inclined to invest in your community
Working with Brookings Institution and others to develop FDI Plan to be unveiled in fall 2016

28. Global Competitiveness
Successful Companies Look Outside U.S. Borders for New Markets
Minimizes Economic Downturns in Any One Market
Successful Chambers Help Them