Free Export Programs, Digital Tools and Grants to Help Your Business Grow Internationally (Presented by the MEDC)

Enable your company to expand or initiate international sales during one of the most challenging times in our business community. You will gain a better understanding of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) export assistance programs, as well as an example of one of their key services. 
 
This webinar will offer resources for SMEs (small and medium-size enterprises) that have a product or service competitive in foreign markets or looking to explore new export opportunities, as well as shed light on ways to overcome international trade challenges. Companies will also gain knowledge on how to utilize foreign social media and having websites localized for their target audience (countries).

MEDC International Trade Website
IBT Online International Trade Infographic Resources

Presenters:


David Newhouse, International Trade Development Manager, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

With over twenty-five years of international trade experience in private industry, David draws upon his expertise and MEDC’s many export assistance programs to help small and medium-sized enterprises extend their global reach.  The centerpiece program showcased to export-minded companies is the Michigan State Trade Expansion Program grant. Prior to joining MEDC, David served as President of InterClean Equipment, a specialized wash equipment manufacturer for large vehicle applications, serving the mining, oil, rail, defense, public transit, and trucking industries. He navigated the company through the depths of the Great Recession to record sales and profits by focusing on exporting, which comprised over 50% of the company’s business.  It was then that David learned of and benefitted from MEDC’s and the U.S. Commercial Service international assistance programs.  In 2014, he came out of early retirement to join MEDC’s International Trade group. David also spent twenty-four years with General Motors in a variety of international strategic planning roles, including managing global cross-functional teams in advanced vehicle development.  His foreign assignments included Argentina, where he helped GM reestablish its operations and manufacturing footprint, and Switzerland, where he was involved in Strategic Planning at GM’s then European headquarters.


John Worthington, CEO, IBT Online

A founding partner at IBT Online at its creation in 2002, John brings decades of successful international business development experience to clients, having direct international business experience in the USA, Europe, and the Far East. John is deeply involved in international online operations, digital marketing, and sales management programs with the goal to continue contributing to the national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs. John works closely with Michigan companies understanding their products/services, their international objectives, and target export markets, and works closely with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to help all Michigan companies leverage the Michigan Online Global programs, and grants to grow their exports, sales, brand, and business, online and globally.