Jennifer Sinsabaugh, Operations Director, NM MEP
New Mexico businesses interested in exporting their products or services — or expanding their export capacity — can take advantage of special training sessions being offered in Albuquerque by ExporTech, a collaboration of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the U.S. Export Assistance Centers of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The event is set in Albuquerque because of that city’s central location, but businesses throughout the state are encouraged to attend, even if it means a long drive, to take advantage of the national resources being offered.
The sessions — April 24, June 5 and July 30 — are jointly conducted by the New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the U.S. Export Assistance Centers, the New Mexico Economic Development Department, New Mexico Small Business Development Centers, EXIM Bank, FedEx and other partners. Stephan Helgesen of Second Opinion Marketing and Kay Carrico of In-Compasse International will participate as principal export consultants because of their extensive export expertise and experience.
MEP is a part of the National Institute for Standards and Technology, the federal government agency that works with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements and standards. Among exporters, it is best known for the ExporTech program, which has a long history of helping U.S. manufacturers build successful export strategies and is offered in collaboration with numerous state trade offices and other regional partners throughout the country.
“We are excited about starting up this very worthwhile program here in New Mexico and are pleased to have two of New Mexico’s most experienced consultants on board,” said Ron Burke, director of New Mexico MEP. “We’re looking for companies that want to add new markets and more profits to their bottom line.”
ExporTech uses a facilitated small-group process to help companies develop a simple global growth plan based on a series of carefully designed tools and templates. It provides experts to vet participants’ plans and connect the companies with organizations that help them move quickly beyond planning to actual export sales. Each workshop is limited to six to eight companies so there’s sufficient time and attention given to each company’s specific challenges.
The companies meet for three one-day sessions over three months. Between sessions, participants develop their export plans with the help of expert coaches. The program’s small workshop size and customized format focus on merging strategy with results so companies walk away with information and guidance tailored to their business. In the final work session, a panel of experienced international businesspeople reviews and provides feedback on each participating company’s export growth plan.
The first session meets 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the second floor of New Mexico State University’s Albuquerque campus at 4501 Indian School Road N.E. Lunch is provided. The session costs $1,000 per person for all three sessions thanks to corporate sponsorships from FedEx and New Mexico Bank and Trust. Each company can bring three executives. Payment by credit card, postal order or check must be received by April 17, 2012.
For more information, visit www.newmexicomep.org or call 505-262-0921.
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