The growing global middle class creates a compelling case for regional businesses to explore how they can reach consumers through exporting. By 2030, the U.S. is expected to have just 7 percent of the global middle class, down from the current 21 percent it has today. While some may see this as a challenge, I […]
The growing global middle class creates a compelling case for regional businesses to explore how they can reach consumers through exporting. By 2030, the U.S. is expected to have just 7 percent of the global middle class, down from the current 21 percent it has today. While some may see this as a challenge, I believe it’s critical for our region to see and seize these opportunities. This past summer, I witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth happening across China when I was fortunate enough to spend 10 days there as part of a CenterState CEO trade mission.
Just last month, another team from CenterState CEO, including seven member companies, participated in a trade mission to the ASEAN nations (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). Participating companies were both new and seasoned exporters. All found tremendous value in face-to-face meetings that provided key connections and understandings of global market opportunities. These trade missions reinforce the idea that exporting continues to be critical to creating a vibrant regional economy.
While we understand how vital exporting is to our economy, we also appreciate the challenges you face in maximizing this opportunity. That includes staff capacity and expertise, resources, and a strategically developed plan. We take seriously our role in helping you overcome these challenges so area businesses can connect to global opportunities.
It is with these things in mind that CenterState CEO is coordinating additional trade missions in 2015. We also have resources in place to help companies with everything from compliance to logistics, to commercial services, and even translators. We are creating a network of mentors for companies to connect with as well. Our goal is to help build a robust exporting community that can enable any business who wants to explore exporting to be successful.
You can learn how to grow your business in international markets, about upcoming trade missions, and about export-assistance services available to you by contacting Steven King, director of export services, at sking@centerstateceo.com.
Robert M. Simpson is president and CEO of CenterState CEO, the primary economic-development organization for Central New York. This viewpoint is drawn and edited from the “CEO Focus” email newsletter the organization sent out on Dec. 5.
