N.C. university receives grant to help furniture manufacturers in exporting
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, September 3, 2001
GREENSBORO, N.C. — A federal grant awarded to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro will enable North Carolina furniture manufacturers to get help in exporting.
UNCG's Center of Global Business and Research received a grant of $155,000 from the U.S. Department of Education to help expand the international business curriculum. Students will assist North Carolina companies with the challenges they face in international business.
"We hope our efforts will help businesses stay competitive and access their capabilities to sell to foreign buyers, which will help retain area workers," said Riad Ajami, a professor in international business and a strategy expert.
The furniture and textiles industries play a crucial role in the state's Piedmont Triad region.
Ajami said that, each year, six small- to medium-sized North Carolina manufacturers will receive assistance from UNCG students and faculty to begin or increase exports.
The program will help companies gather information, stay competitive amidst structural changes in the U.S. economy, address the challenges of foreign languages, establish Internet-based marketing to begin or increase exports, and create an industry self-study.
A team of four students and one faculty member will identify and work with targeted businesses beginning this fall. The center plans to put on an international business conference and establish an export institute. An immersion/study-abroad program also is a component.
