N.C. Department of Commerce takes export opportunities on the road

This week, the International Trade Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce is on the road in an effort to help North Carolina companies find opportunities to sell their goods in overseas markets.

The annual Go Global Road Show kicked off Monday with an appearance at Cape Fear Community College in Castle Hayne, N.C. and continues today with a stop at Pitt Community College in Winterville N.C. Other stops are planned at Wake Tech Community College in Cary on Wednesday, Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte on Thursday and at the M.C. Benton Convention Center in Winston-Salem on Friday. The Friday event focuses on opportunities in the growing China market.

With the High Point Market about to start later this week, it is unlikely that many area furniture companies will find time to participate. They are simply too busy finalizing their showrooms in time for Saturday's opening day.

However, it is a good way for the N.C. Department of Commerce get the word out about the services it offers export-minded companies, inside and outside the furniture industry. The road show, which has been taking place over the past five years or more, puts Commerce officials together with company executives in one-on-one meetings and also shares country-specific data on various export markets.

With foreign trade representatives based in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Japan, China and Europe, the N.C. Department of Commerce is well poised to help companies looking for export opportunities in those areas. Many of these areas appear to have huge growth potential as evidenced by Ashley and Magnussen Home's growing retail presence in China.

For others that are just starting their export business, or who are looking to grow in new markets outside of ones they're already tapping into, the N.C. Department of Commerce may be a place to start, even if you are too busy to attend the road show event this week.

For more information on services offered by the department, contact Jan Burge or Mike Padjen at the office in High Point at (336) 884-8170.