Inaugural Export Conference Helps Businesses Enter, Expand & Excel in Global Market

GAITHERSBURG, Md. - April 29, 2013 - PRLog -- April 26, 2013 – Baltimore, Maryland -- The District Export Council of Maryland/DC (DEC) today announced the inaugural “Celebration of International Trade 2013,” being held Tuesday, May 21 at the Maritime Institute and Conference Center in Linthicum Maryland.  Geared for manufacturers and professional service companies interested in entering or expanding into the lucrative international export market, the all-day event is a one-stop shop for any business looking to navigate the vast business opportunities of foreign trade.

“The opportunities for small and medium size businesses to sell their goods and services in front of international markets has exploded in the past decade and the outlook for future growth is enormous “ said Carl Livesay, DEC Chairman, adding, “This convening is an affordable, unprecedented opportunity to connect with leading trade experts and obtain critical resources needed to succeed in a global marketplace.”

“The ability to conduct business internationally is an absolute necessity for companies that want to remain competitive,” said Brian Meritt, a partner with McGladrey LLP and chair of the District Export Council’s Maryland/DC Celebration of International Trade 2013 Conference. “Expanding the geographic footprint of a business can, however, be an expensive and risky proposition. Before entering the international arena, business leaders should educate themselves by attending events such as this one; and they should engage a trusted advisor to help them navigate through the process of expansion.”  

The day-long conference, sponsored by the DEC and a dozen corporate and government agencies, features two dozen, 90-minute workshops on such topics as logistics, financing and diversification. For only $99 – attendees can choose from eight tracks of 90-minute sessions. Exporting Guidelines; Risk Mitigation; Government Resources and Services; and International Logistics.

Bob Walker, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) and former U.S. Under Secretary for Agriculture, will provide opening remarks. Laszlo Horvath will provide the morning keynote on Search Engine Optimization, Voodoo Magic or Science. The mid-day keyote will feature Mindgrub Technologies CEO Todd Marks who will address the Use of Computer Tools and Application to Optimize International Trade Success?

According to Signe Pringle, DBED International Program Director, “2012 was a record year for Maryland exports. This proved that our businesses realized the need to look beyond the borders and compete in the global market place to access the 95 percent of the world’s consumers.”
In 2012, Maryland companies exported $11.78 billion in goods and services, an increase of 9.2% over 2011. The top five countries in order were Canada, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, China and Japan. “To accelerate the growth in exports, DBED has launched new programs and offers services to Maryland’s small businesses to diversify their markets. They will continue to award ExportMD grants to qualifying businesses that need assistance with attending trade shows and participating in trade missions.

For a complete program schedule and list of speakers at the Maryland Celebration of Trade, visit www.MDDCDEC.com

Sponsors include Maryland DBED, UPS, McCormick, McGladrey, Maryland Port Administration, Ports America Chesapeake, TeleCommunication Systems, U.S. Commercial Service, Wells Fargo, Whiteford Taylor & Preston, BB&T, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Foreign Trade Council, World Trade Center Institute and media partner CityBizList.

About DEC
The Maryland/Washington DC District Export Council, Inc. is one of more than 50 District Export Councils (DECs) in the United States. DECs are organizations of leaders from local business communities, appointed by successive Secretaries of Commerce since 1973, whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice for local firms. Working closely with Department of Commerce U.S. Export Assistance Centers ("USEACs"), DEC members volunteer their time to sponsor and participate in numerous trade promotion activities. Like the USEACs, they are especially focused on assisting small and medium sized exporters

CONTACT:

Carl Livesay
410-456-4260  
Carl.livesay@IBCLimited.com

Maryland/DC District Export Council
c/o U.S. Export Assistance Center
300 West Pratt Street Suite 300
Baltimore, MD  21202
(410) 962-4538