International trade currently dominates news headlines, and the stakes are high for small and medium-sized manufacturers in Illinois to sell overseas.

To learn how to mitigate risk and prepare for global opportunities, IMEC and the Chicago Regional Growth Corporation (CRGC) partner to offer an intensive training program called ExporTech. ExporTech is a nationwide program that provides personalized coaching to a small group of manufacturers with their development of a strategic plan for international sales. Over the course of three months, each company receives custom market research to narrow down their target markets. The course covers

• export best practices
• payment options
• market entry and sales channels
• logistics and shipping

ExporTech includes one-on-one sessions with relevant service providers. ExporTech is held 3-4 times per year.  27 area companies have successfully graduated from the ExporTech program since 2016.

CRGC and IMEC talked to Larry Siegal, Sales Manager at Vogel Tool & Die in Addison, to hear firsthand about his company’s participation in ExporTech. 

Written by Rick Wysocki, President of Language SI

What language do you speak? 75% of internet users have reported they search using their native language even though they may speak English as a second language, and likely speak it very well.  Let's look at a few of the benefits of offering multiple language options on your website for your current/future customers.