The largest within the U.S. Pavilion, the Wisconsin display was organized by the Department of Commerce's International Division and was made possible through a grant from the U.S. Asia Environmental Partnership. The companies from Wisconsin who attended the event were: Badger Meter, Milwaukee; Boss International, Inc., Madison; Nasco, Fort Atkinson; NPS, Green Bay; and West Bend Water Systems, a division of REGAL WARE, Inc., Kewaskum.

Each participating company paid $1,850 and received a nine-square-meter furnished booth, air transportation and lodging for one employee, a translator/booth assistant, a business briefing by the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service, and a schedule of individualized appointments. Christine Stamm, Commerce's Tradeshow/Mission Coordinator, and Beng Yeap, the Department's Asia Specialist, accompanied the group and provided logistical support. The Wisconsin delegation along with the Minnesota delegation co-hosted an industry reception at the U.S. Ambassador's residence and an environmental industry event with the American Chamber of Commerce. These events coupled with the exhibition resulted in immediate successes such as the signing of distributors and the building of potential business relationships.

For several years, Commerce has worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Commerce to get environmental service, technology, and equipment firms to increase exports. The Department is currently recruiting companies to participate in Globe 2004, the 8th Biennial Conference and Trade Fair on Developing the Business of the Environment that will take place in Vancouver, Canada, March 31-April 2, 2004. For more information on Commerce's participation in Globe 2004 or other international trade shows, contact Christine Stamm, (608) 264-7824, cstamm@commerce.state.wi.us.

--Stanley Pfrang

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.