Country Notebook: Lebanon Jennifer Biskey Jess Engler Carly Gault

Lebanon

The Country of Lebanon Democratic Republic ◦Has had a history of civil unrest Predominately Muslim Very family oriented Languages: Arabic, French, English, Armenian, and Turkish Education is very important

Our Product: OSB Board When compared by weight, wood is used more than all plastics, metals, and concrete combined. Pound for pound, wood is stronger than steel because it has a more favorable strength-to-weight ratio.

Target Market Shipping Location: Beirut, Lebanon Target Market: Lumber yards Rationale: ◦Located along coast of Mediterranean Sea ◦Reconstruction after Civil War ◦Remodeling to ‘go green’ Photo taken June 21, 2006 after Israeli warplanes launched air strikes

The Strategy Start out with a below-level price ◦On initial trip to Lebanon, employees will compare prices of current OSB board Offer additional 10% discount on $200 USD purchase to customers Mail out a survey to purchasing customers rating their level of satisfaction with our OSB board and service Freight forwarding service

Conclusion We recommend a trial basis for exporting OSB board to Lebanon for two years before making the ultimate decision of whether to continue doing business in Lebanon based on: ◦Exporting cost ◦Time to penetrate market ◦Political relations