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Posts Tagged ‘Justin Oslowski’

“Ask CJ” Growing Your Business-Exporting

Monday, February 13th, 2012

If you are want to safeguard your investments, you are probably going to diversify your portfolio.  Having a variety of investments will not only help protect you when certain markets are down, but should also help you grow your investments.  The same can be said about your business.  There are a number of ways a business can diversify its portfolio: by size and number of clients; variety of revenue streams; and exporting your products, the subject of today’s column.

 Exporting can be a great way to avoid having all of your eggs in one basket. When you diversify your markets, the result can be a more even business cycle.  I can’t think of a business that wouldn’t mind avoiding the rollercoaster of activity that can come with a narrow business model.  If you are new to exporting, there are some free and cost- effective resources to help you make the transition to international markets.

 The Office of International Commerce (OIC) here at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development has staff who work one-on-one with New Hampshire businesses interested in exporting their products. OIC regularly offers low-cost workshops on topics such as   export documentation, environmental compliance, doing business in Russia and international traffic in arms regulation. OIC also offers free technical assistance in our office or at your place of business. More information on OIC’s programs and services can be found at www.exportnh.org.  The staff will help research potential markets and guide you to other resources such as the U.S. Department of Commerce for more in-depth assistance.

I spoke with Justin Oslowski, the Director for the New Hampshire branch of the U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the Department of Commerce.  Much like the OIC, the U.S. Commercial Service, www.export.gov/newhampshire, helps reduce the sometimes complicated and confusing processes that can come with exporting.  Most of Justin’s clients export business-to-business and have some previous experience with exporting.  His office also offers free general market research for businesses looking to export.  A company must be selling a product that contains at least 51% American content to participate in their programs. 

One of the great selling points for the U.S. Commercial Service is that their network is deep and wide with in-country representation in 80 countries around the world.  Their staff can pick up the phone and obtain country-specific information and contacts.  They offer a “Gold Key” service that for $700 connects a business with in-country representation, arranges 4-6 business matchmaking appointments, provides an in-country briefing and cam even assist with the travel arrangements. Justin said they don’t want to waste anyone’s time or money, so if a market doesn’t look feasible during the initial meeting, they don’t go forward. If the market does look like a good fit, the company can expect to have appointments set up in about 8-10 weeks from their start in the program.

 Even with the free and low-cost export assistance available, a successful launch into exporting requires an investment of both time and money.  Thanks to a U.S. SBA grant, New Hampshire was awarded nearly $300,000 in 2011 to assist with exporting.  The State Trade Export Promotion (STEP) grant will be used over a three-year period to enhance OIC’s efforts to help small businesses in New Hampshire prepare for new markets, comply with regulations, access financing, and attend trade missions.  Specialized programs will focus on foreign markets that have the highest growth potential and industries that have the greatest ability to compete successfully.

 While we see a need to grow our presence internationally New Hampshire isn’t unknown outside of our borders. Our state exports in 2010 were 44% higher than those in 2009.  We were the highest ranking state in New England and we were ranked in the top five for the country. While the number decreased in 2011, New Hampshire businesses continue to see the international market as a place to grow and diversify.  Our products in a vast array of industries are sold to more than 160 different countries. 

 While some may think that it is tough to compete globally, American products are well received overseas as we have a reputation for high quality, innovative products. It may surprise some people to learn that our state’s number one country of export is Mexico, while China is ranked fifth. How about them apples? 

Christine J. Davis works for the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development as a resource specialist serving businesses in Rockingham and Strafford counties. She connects businesses with the available resources so that they may remain viable and growing entities in the community. She can be reached at Christine.Davis@dred.state.nh.us.

Ms. Davis lives in Exeter with her two daughters.  When not performing her work or parenting duties she can be found volunteering with her girls for the Chamber Children’s Fund, “hitting the gym,” or spending time with friends and family.

Export Controls Officials from U.S. Government Speak at Seminar in Portsmouth

Friday, February 12th, 2010

A “who’s who” of U.S. export controls agencies will be traveling to Portsmouth to speak at a three-day seminar on U.S. export controls from April 20-22 at the Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel. Licensing officers from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), as well as the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), will be on hand over the three days to present up-to-date information on current export controls regulations and answer questions on companies’ export control concerns and issues.

international-tradePresented by the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center (NHITRC) in coordination with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s BIS and U.S. Department of State’s DDTC, the first two days will consist of a “Complying With U.S. Export Controls” overview that will cover Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and how they impact exporters as well as compliance with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. The third day will consist of a one-day seminar for companies producing or selling defense articles that will help clarify what the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governs, what the U.S. Munitions List (USML) is, what it means to a company if a product is ITAR-classified and how to complete a license application or a Commodity Jurisdiction request (CJ).

This event will be the only one in the New England area this year with BIS and DDTC officials presenting. Don’t miss out!

Participants are invited to attend the two-day BIS seminar, the one-day DDTC seminar, or the full three-day event. Please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/newhampshire/bis.html for more information, or www.exportnh.org/calendar/registration.aspx to register. For questions, contact Katy Reno at (603) 271-8444 or katy.reno@dred.state.nh.us, or Justin Oslowski at (603) 953-0210 or Justin.Oslowski@mail.doc.gov

Administered by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Office of International Commerce, the ITRC plans, develops and administers programs for international trade promotion and foreign market development.  For more information about the ITRC, call (603) 271-8444, or visit their website at www.exportnh.org

7th Annual Governor’s Advanced Manufacturing & High Tech Summit Scheduled

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

 Growth and sustainability is the theme of the 7th Annual Governor’s Advanced Manufacturing and High Technology Summit scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 13th from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Grappone Conference Center.

Coordinated by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NH MEP) and the Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire and sponsored by Citizens Bank, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Association for Operations Management and New Hampshire Business Review, the summit will provide participants with tips for accelerating reliable growth in their businesses.

beth-goldsteinMorning speaker Beth Goldstein, author of The Ultimate Small Business Marketing Toolkit, will lead participants in an interactive discussion on the art of developing a powerful brand based on customers’ needs, spending patterns, pain points and the value they derive from your company.

Later workshops will center around the following subjects: “Case Studies on Lean Green and Energy” (Jay Fallon, Continuous Improvement Manager, BAE Systems and Art Christianson, Vice President of Manufacturing, High Liner Foods), “Growing Your International Business: Successful Export Growth Strategies” (Michael Stone, Stone & Associates, Dawn Wivell, Director, NH International Trade Resource Center and Justin Oslowski, Director, NH Export Assistance Center, U.S. Department of Commerce), and “Introducing a System for Reliable Growth” (Patricia Giavara, Assistant Director and Growth Coach with the Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center and Jane Ely, NH MEP Project Manager).

Keynote speaker Michael Reopel, Principal of Deloitte Consulting, will present the results of his report “Reexamining Advanced Manufacturing in a Networked World – Prospects for Resurgence in New England.” This report identified five subsectors within the New England manufacturing industry that are poised for growth, discussed the challenges that these industry subsectors face and identified the opportunities they provide for sustainable economic growth even during these difficult economic times.

The registration fee for the summit is $85 per participant; lunch is included. Interested parties can sign up online by visiting www.nhbia.org’s “Calendar” page and clicking on October 13th. For more information, call Zenagui Brahim or Cathy Doty at the NH MEP at (603) 226-3200.

Safety, Security, Aerospace & Defense Initiative Launched

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

In an effort to target some of the fastest growing worldwide industry sectors, the NH International Trade Resource Center is launching a “Safety & Security and Aerospace & Defense” global export marketing initiative at its new Concord facility (172 Pembroke Road) on Thursday, September 3rd from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

aerospacewrklc2These identified industry sectors are growing exponentially despite the global economic downturn and top markets include India, Japan, Canada, the UK, Germany, UAE, China, France and Brazil. The U.S. is the preeminent supplier of technologically advanced aerospace, defense, safety and security products to the world.

 

At this session, participants will learn how to penetrate the markets looking to procure these high tech products and services. In order to help local companies to enhance their global presence, the NH International Trade Resource Center has developed a global marketing consortium that will identify key marketing avenues and discuss how New Hampshire firms can address those needs.

 

Guest speakers will include Don Bliss, Director of the National Infrastructure Institute’s Center for Infrastructure Expertise, Dawn Wivell, Director of the NH International Trade Resource Center, Karen Wyman, NH International Trade Resource Center International Trade Officer, Gerald Gulley, Senior Vice President, Erudite, Inc. and Justin Oslowski, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce.

 

The cost of the program is $40 per person. To register, please contact Katy Reno at (603) 271-8444 or katy.reno@dred.state.nh.us. 

 

Administered by the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development’s Office of International Commerce, the ITRC plans, develops and administers programs for international trade promotion and foreign market development.  For more information about the ITRC, call (603) 271-8444, or visit their website at www.exportnh.org.

 

– Steve Boucher, Communications & Legislative Director

NH Companies Sought for Trade Mission to India

Thursday, July 23rd, 2009

Responding to increasing interest from Indian aerospace agencies to create US partnerships, the State of New Hampshire’s International Trade Resource Center is inviting aerospace suppliers to join a special trade mission to India in November. This high-profile mission, led by the US Department of Commerce, will connect New Hampshire-based suppliers with the key Indian government agencies and industrial powerhouses who are driving one of the world’s most dynamic aerospace sectors. 

india_flagThe India trade mission comes at an ideal time for growth-oriented companies who are looking to establish or strengthen their position in the global marketplace. Recent deals between the US and India will further enhance opportunities in the defense and aerospace sectors. Several Indian aerospace agencies have already approached New Hampshire companies this year for their unique, high-quality products and the U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that over $50 billion in civil and defense procurements will be made by Indian firms and government agencies in the next five years. 

Trade mission participants will spend five days meeting with industry groups and Indian government agencies such as the Indian Ministry of Defense, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airport Authority of India, the Indian Space Research Organization and the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries. Each New Hampshire company will also have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings and site visits with potential partners in the cities of New Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. In addition, the delegates will have detailed briefings in India by the U.S. Departments of Defense, State and Commerce.  

The trade mission will occur November 9-13, 2009, with the NHITRC organizing the New Hampshire delegation. Space is limited to 12 companies, so interested applicants are encouraged to contact the International Trade Resource Center as soon as possible.   

For more information on the Aerospace Supplier Trade Mission to India, please contact Karen Wyman, International Trade Officer, at 603-271-8444 ext. 148 or kwyman@dred.state.nh.us or Justin Oslowski, Director, U.S. Export Assistance Center, at 603-953-0210 or Justin.oslowski@mail.doc.gov.