Tapping the Global Marketplace

95% 81% of consumers are outside the U.S. of economic growth for 2015 - 2020 occurring outside the U.S. (Source:  World Economic Outlook, International Monetary Fund, 2015)

11.6 M 6.1 M Exporting is big business, producing U.S. jobs U.S. affiliates of foreign firms employ Americans

Market Assessment Key Findings Export strength driven by few Port proximity provides great growth opportunity Strong opportunity in service-related exports Business focus was exclusively domestic marketplace Lack awareness but satisfied once connected Increased air connectivity will improve ability to compete internationally

Goal: Build and support a thriving export economy to accelerate metro Charleston job growth. Objectives: Increase export intensity Grow number and capacity of small-medium sized exporters Create international trade culture permeating public / private sector planning

25 Companies $4 Million Graduated thus far Over in international sales has been generated

Design: Lead Facilitator Coaches (U.S. Commercial Service, SBDC) Research Interns Expert Presenters (international attorneys, bankers, freight forwarders, SBA) Experienced Evaluators (exporters, marketers, bankers)

Companies Learn: Incoterms International Regulations International Marketing International Finance (EXIM Bank, exchange rates, insurance, taxes) International Legal Issues Logistics / Freight Forwarding Trade Connections Trade Agreements Resources (websites, trade specialists) (4 Days over 3 Months)

Companies Learn: Phase 1 Phase 2 Gain Export Knowledge Develop Customized Export Plan that is Immediately Actionable Identify Export Resources Phase 2 Coaches for Plan Implementation Periodic workshops (Finance, Foreign Trade Zones) Alumni meetings Access to Trade missions Access to International Delegations

Company Requirements: WTCC Lessons Learned: Company Requirements: Expert Trainer Limit cohort to 8 Agreement 2+ years in business $2-10,000 in resources Top management support Submit draft plans 2 weeks prior to last class Reporting

Engineering Services

Home Goods

Export sales mid-year have eclipsed their total 2015 sales by $700,000 Home Goods

“We’ve started exporting to four new markets already this year and are in negotiation with three more.” Tristan Roquette Export Manager, Rewined Home Goods

Commodity

2,000 metric tons of peanuts to China = approximately in gross sales Commodity

“…blew us out of the water with the amount of information “…blew us out of the water with the amount of information... One 8-hr class was like a semester in college; it was that informative.” Frank Benson Director of Sales & Marketing Rogers Brothers Farm / Gillespie’s Peanuts Commodity

Toy Manufacturer

It’s Working!

Results: $4,000,000+ in international sales since 2014 $2,000,000+ in pending international sales 25 companies trained via 5 cohorts New chamber members, new audience for membership and enhanced chamber value Positive PR for companies and chamber 3 Companies recognized by U.S. Commercial Service

Foreign Direct Investment Opportunities Foreign companies that trade with you are more inclined to invest in your community Working with Brookings Institution and others to develop FDI Plan to be unveiled in fall 2016

Global Competitiveness Successful Companies Look Outside U.S. Borders for New Markets Minimizes Economic Downturns in Any One Market Successful Chambers Help Them