The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is seeking Wisconsin companies to take part in a global trade venture in Mexico in March.
Offered in partnership with the Council of Great Lakes Governors, the seven-day trip will include visits to Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, with the intent of equipping participating companies to successfully deal with Mexico’s regional differences and large geographic area.
The global trade venture to Mexico—Wisconsin’s second-largest export destination—will take place March 1-7. The registration deadline is Jan. 5.
Once a company registers, a member of WEDC’s International Business Development staff will get in touch to discuss the company’s export strategy and goals for the Mexico trip. WEDC staff will then schedule one-on-one meetings in each city for each participant, pairing participants with companies whose needs or capabilities align with their own companies’ export objectives.
The potential in-market partners are hand-picked for each company. Participants are welcome to request meetings with specific parties or to let WEDC do the research and recommend potential partners.
The fee for this program is $3,845, which covers market research and one-on-one appointments; pre-trip and in-country staff support; group transportation between airport and hotel in each city; a country business briefing; and a group networking dinner.
Wisconsin participants may be eligible for a WEDC International Market Access Grant that would cover all or part of the venture fee, and may cover some other costs as well. Costs that are not covered in the venture fee include airfare (international and within Mexico), lodging, non-group meals, transportation to one-on-one meetings and interpreter fees.
In 2013, Wisconsin companies exported more than $2.5 billion in goods to Mexico. The number of Wisconsin exports to the country rose 16 percent in 2013 and continues to grow in 2014.
Companies with questions about the trip should contact Mark Rhoda-Reis at (608) 210.6757 or mark.rhodareis@wedc.org, or visit InWisconsin.com/TradeVentures.
Gov. Scott Walker has not indicated whether WEDC Secretary and chief executive officer Reed Hall will be reappointed to his post in his second term.
