Secretary Leinenkugel Announces New Export Education Initiative

Global Partnership Services (GPS) Engages Partners in Export Education

Department of Commerce (Commerce) Richard J. Leinenkugel traveled to Wausau February 2 to announce a new export education initiative today on the campus of Northcentral Technical College (NTCC). He praised Commerce's International & Export Bureau Director Mary Regel and her staff for bringing him a proposal that makes "good business, educational and fiscal sense." The new initiative will cost no additional tax dollars, but simply adjusts the state's approach in finding potential exporters to "cast a wider net."

Global Partnership Services (GPS) is the name of the program, which sets about training local communities, universities, technical colleges, economic development organizations and service organizations in the ABC's of exporting. They, in turn, can help local companies in their respective areas set course to succeed in international markets.

"One of Wisconsin's truly bright spots has been the tremendous increase in our exports," said Secretary Leinenkugel. "Since 2003, when Governor Doyle took office, exports are up nearly 80 percent, which has helped reposition our state from number 21 to number 18 out of the 50 states.

"There are tremendous opportunities in overseas trade," continued Leinenkugel. "By providing more outreach to partner groups, we feel we can cast a wider net to reach those businesses who may not know of the great potential that exporting holds."

Joining the Secretary at the announcement was NTCC President Dr. Lori Weyers, who stated that the technical college's Business and International Education Department is pleased to be Commerce's first partner in the new venture. Dr. Weyers pledged support for the GPS program and offered whatever is necessary from the institution to effectively partner with companies in the region to advance knowledge of exporting within the business community.

Commerce I & E staff will provide the following services on a "menu" basis to allow local developers to customize their activities:

• An analysis of the community's international business potential;
• information to companies and local developers on the international consulting services available to them;
• Training opportunities for companies to develop or expand their exports;
• One-on-one consultation with local firms either identified by local partners or firms met at educational seminars;
• The inclusion by the program partner of an export element in business events, such as inviting an experienced exporter to speak at a meeting on export opportunities; and
• A Certificate of Origin Program for Local Chambers. Certain foreign governments require a signed and notarized statement as to the country of origin of the export item. In some cases the document can be on the exporter's own letterhead, but in others they must be from a chamber of commerce or a government agency.

For additional information about GPS, please contact Mary Regel, Investment & Export Division of Commerce at 608-266-1767 or at mary.regel@wisconsin.gov

-- Barbro McGinn