FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 20, 2003
Loup Power District Helps Nebraska Businesses Go Global
Columbus - On Aug. 19, Loup Public Power District co-sponsored a "Going Global 101" workshop for area businesses interested in exploring the global market. By bringing in experienced trade professionals from the Japan External Trade Organization, the Nebraska Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Loup's purpose was to help businesses learn more about untapped markets for their products and services and how to reach them.
"The mindset of economic development has changed," said Loup Development/Marketing Manager David Bell. "Loup Power District still actively recruits new companies to the area, but we also want to keep the customers we have. One way to do that is through sales and helping our manufacturing businesses export their products and services to international markets."
"Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers are outside of the U.S.," said Susan Rouch of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. "Companies need to realize that when the domestic market is sluggish, the international market actually supports them. A balance of international and domestic markets is needed."
Representatives from such Columbus businesses as Technik Manufacturing, Inc., Heartland Builders and Columbus Hydraulics attended the 5-hour workshop hosted by Nebraska Public Power District and were appreciative of its content.
"This gives us resources of whom to talk to and a pretty good road map, along with the terminology, to take the next steps," said Rick Wise of Heartland Builders.
Shane Blaser of Columbus Hydraulics said, "We're looking at an opportunity to export our cylinders overseas." Though confident in the ability to supply the product, Blaser was cautious about shipping. "Customers want good quality products at a good price. The weight of our cylinders . could be a challenge when exporting. The logistics companies mentioned during the workshop can help us investigate what it will cost to ship our product and if it will be economical."
"Columbus has promoted industrial development since the 1940s and low cost electricity has been a big driver," said Bell. "We have a state and regional reputation and a higher average of companies that successfully export their products. Though it is a different approach to economic development, helping local companies find new markets is important to community's growth and culture. Workshops like these can create synergy among a community's businesses to set an example for others."
"You always learn something that builds your level of knowledge," Ruth Brichacek of Technik's marketing department.
Other workshop sponsors included Nebraska Public Power District, Ex-IM Bank, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, First National Bank of Omaha, Japan External Trade Organization and the US Export Assistance Center. Businesses interested in learning more about the global market workshop should contact Bell at (402) 563-3171.
