Export Assistance Agency to Assist Lansing Area Businesses Opens Office At Stadium District Building
Lansing area businesses exploring or actively involved in exporting goods and services globally have another resource available to them locally. The US Commercial Service's Grand Rapids Export Assistance Center now has office hours scheduled at the Stadium District Building inside the Lansing Chamber of Commerce to better serve area businesses interested in exporting.
The U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service (Commercial Service) is the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration.
"The Lansing region has a significant number of companies already exporting and many more interested in exploring international market opportunities, said Thomas Maguire, Director of the Commercial Service office in Grand Rapids. "With the region's commitment to increase the level of global trade, it made perfect sense to increase our outreach to the State's capitol region."
Increased exports translate directly to job creation and retention. The US International Trade Administration (ITA) states that for every $180,000 in exported US products and goods, one US job is created or retained. In 2008, the Lansing area exported $933 million, supporting over 500 export-related jobs in the region. With 95% of consumers living outside of the United States, many companies are taking exporting seriously.
"We are very excited to have this outstanding resource located in Lansing, said Chris Holman, prominent entrepreneur and publisher of the Greater Lansing Business Monthly. "The trade specialists from the Commercial Service will be a tremendous asset as our region works together to increase the level of global commerce being conducted by Greater Lansing businesses."
In addition to the US Commercial Services office, Lansing businesses can also leverage multiple international trade-related resources from Capital Region International Airport, Port Lansing, Foreign Trade Zone No. 275, Michigan State University's Center for International Business, Education and Research (CIBER), the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), and the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, among other organizations.
The Commercial Service is composed of over 100 Export Assistance Centers in the United States, with Michigan locations including Grand Rapids, Ypsilanti, Detroit and Pontiac. Overseas, the Commercial Service occupies the Commercial Section of U.S. embassies and consulates in 82 nations around the world.
The Commercial Service is mandated by Congress to provide a range of services that will promote and grow exports of U.S. products and services, with a specific emphasis on small to medium sized firms and does not assist firms with importing.
Most client firms are established manufacturers or service providers, and fall into two basic export categories: New to Export or Increasing Exports. Products targeted for export must have at least 51% U.S. material and labor content.
Commercial Service trade specialists provide services that include export counseling, varying levels of primary market research (general & customized), distributor/agent searches, overseas company profiles (background checks), cross-border advocacy, export market planning, among others. Many services are offered at no cost, while others are available for a modest fee.
Commercial Service staff from the Grand Rapids office are available to meet in Lansing with interested firms, and will be available locally every other Thursday at the offices of the Lansing Regional Chamber offices. To discuss export opportunities, business leaders should contact International Trade Specialist Patrick McRae or the Grand Rapids staff at 616.458.3564 to schedule and appointment. Or visit www.portlansing.com and click on the US Commercial Services.
