05/21/2020

It’s more important than ever for North Carolina exporters to remain educated on the latest information about a global trade landscape being shaped this year by everything from a pandemic to newly launched trade agreements.

To help them, the EDPNC is launching a weekly webinar series in May.

“With in-person events being canceled because of COVID-19, we want to give our NC exporters ways they can continue to learn about exporting and take advantage of as many opportunities as possible to grow their business,” said Mike Hubbard, international trade director with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), which supports exporters on behalf of the state.

“Our online learning can help prepare them for growing their export business despite the challenges of 2020. We believe companies that take advantage of these resources will be better positioned as economies around the world begin to reopen.”

The series will run through the summer and cover timely topics including the impact of new trade pacts such as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement ratified in March and the US-China Phase 1 trade deal signed in January. Other webinars will cover translating and search-engine optimizing business websites in other countries to generate leads ― a particularly valuable marketing tool at a time when travel to meet clients has plummeted ― and the impacts of coronavirus on specific international markets.

Webinars will also cover essential trade topics for novice and veteran exporters including export documentation, export finance, country- and industry-specific export opportunities, tariffs and other trade actions, and an update from the North Carolina State Ports Authority. Experts presenting the webinars will also answer participants’ questions.

 

What NC Exporters Say About EDPNC Resources

Participants in past EDPNC webinars say they leave better prepared to increase their exporting activity.

Scott Murray is business development director of Microfine Incorporated in Winston-Salem, whose PoochPad Products line of dog potty pads sells in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and other countries. He recently attended an EDPNC webinar about online marketing to grow international exports.

“It offered further evidence of the justification of bettering our online presence and the strong return on investment it offers,” Murray said. “It was fascinating to hear statistics on how much visibility can be gained by utilizing social media.”

Webinar participants also have access to other EDPNC services, which include participating in international trade shows with the EDPNC once global events and travel safely resume.

Greenville-based New Growth Designs, which makes high-end artificial greenery and floral arrangements, has tapped a variety of EDPNC services. In recent years, the company has turned to the EDPNC for support in growing Middle East sales.

The EDPNC has helped New Growth Designs exhibit and connect with potential distributors at three design-focused trade shows in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It also connected the company to federal grants that offset trade-show travel costs.

“The EDPNC provides vital resources to small businesses looking to expand into international markets that might not have the ability or know-how to do so on their own,” said Rich Cherry, company sales logistics manager. “With its support, we’re hoping to sell more in that region. We have a long-term UV-stable artificial plant designed for outdoor use, which we think will last in Middle East conditions.”

Greensboro-based Unifi Incorporated, known for its innovative and sustainable yarns, is an experienced global exporter that still turns to the EDPNC for updated market research and support from its international offices.

“We’re fortunate to have the EDPNC as partners to help strengthen our export business,” said Tom Caudle, Unifi president and chief operating officer. “Their market intelligence and other support have helped us identify new international sales opportunities.”

 

Find Out More

The EDPNC conducts educational events year-round, typically through workshops held in communities across the state. These events are open to any North Carolina company interested in exporting.

“The health and safety of the companies we work with are our first priority, so we are making all of our educational events available online,” Hubbard said.

 

To learn more about topics and dates for upcoming webinars, please visit the EDPNC events page.

Businesses interested in speaking with an international trade manager with expertise in their industry should visit the EDPNC international trade team contacts page.