January 17, 2007

LANSING - The Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Food Export Association of the Midwest will co-host "Export Finance and Payments" - a workshop to bolster international marketing for Michigan companies - on February 22, 2008 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing, Michigan. The workshop will enhance Michigan companies' knowledge of exporting and how to target top export markets for their products.

“The opportunities for state food and agriculture companies in the export market are vast with Michigan agriculture exports reaching $1.1 billion in 2006,” said Don Koivisto, MDA director. “The workshop will provide companies the tools necessary to start exporting or expand into new markets.”

Dennis Lynch, Food Export Helpline® Counselor for Food Export Association of the Midwest, will present information on a wide range of exporting issues. Jan Blaho of the Export-Import Bank of the United States will discuss financing for export shipments. Topics for the seminar will include:

• Review the elements of an export transaction on a step-by-step basis
• Trade finance and reducing your international risks
• Protection against non-payment as you enter into new foreign markets
• Buyer financing through U.S. Import-Export Bank
• International terms of sale and how they are integrated into pricing, quoting, and shipping process
• Resources available to assist Michigan companies

Additionally, a speaker from the Michigan State University International Business Center will discuss GlobalEDGE, a knowledge web-portal connecting international business professionals worldwide to a wealth of information, insights, and learning resources on global business activities.

Workshop registration ends February 4 and costs $60. All pre-registered attendees will receive: a Top 25 export market report for their product; workshop handouts; Global Food Marketer; and Food Export Association of the Midwest’s newsletter. Registration also includes lunch and morning and afternoon breaks.

For more information or to register, please visit www.mdainternational.com or contact Jamie Zmitko-Somers, MDA International Marketing Manager, at (517) 241-3628 or via email at zmitkoj@michigan.gov.