The overseas offices provide valuable in-country contacts for Wisconsin exporters. Each has direct access to markets, resources, and key business decision-makers. The offices can conduct a market overview that evaluates the potential for a firm's products and analyzes current market conditions or competition. In an agent/distributor search, overseas office staff identify potential agents or distributors, contact them to determine their interest in a product, obtain background information, and arrange meetings and follow-up with those candidates that best meet the needs of the Wisconsin exporter. If a firm has greater potential selling directly to customers rather than through a distribution network, the overseas offices can conduct a client/end user search.

The overseas offices serve as the eyes and ears for Wisconsin's exporters in other countries. They can identify appropriate lawyers, translators, and other professional service providers that help in the export process; conduct or obtain credit checks from appropriate sources; assist with collections and mediation; provide customs, labeling, and regulatory certification assistance; and serve as a liaison to government agencies.

The directors will be visiting Madison, Milwaukee, the Fox Valley, Wausau, and the Hudson/New Richmond area. They will be participating in the 40th Annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference on Tuesday, May 18. To request a one-on-one appointment contact Jennifer Winner (608) 266-0413, or jwinner@commerce.state.wi.us; or Christine Stamm (608) 264-7824, cstamm@commerce.state.wi.us, after April 1.

--Stanley Pfrang

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.