Montana World Trade Center Seeks Companies for European Trade Mission July 2-10

Montana companies interested in doing business with the world’s largest economy — the European Union — are asked to participate in a July 2-10 trade mission to Europe.

The mission will be led by U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, the U.S. Commercial Services of the Department of Commerce and The University of Montana-based Montana World Trade Center http://www.mwtc.org .

Participants will make stops in Dublin, Ireland; Madrid, Spain; Brussels, Belgium; and Munich, Germany. Companies interested in the trade mission should call the Montana World Trade Center at (406) 243-6982 by April 15.

"Access to the European Union’s economy of nearly a half billion people is reason enough for Montana businesses to join us on this important trade mission," Rehberg said. "Montana has so much to offer, and we’re excited about the opportunity to help bridge the Treasure State with so many potential customers across the ocean."

This effort to create economic inroads for Montana companies will offer one-on-one networking meetings with potential buyers, sales representatives and business partners. Cultural events featuring Montana artists also will be offered.

"Based on our past successes with international ventures, the Montana World Trade Center and Commerce Department are teaming up again to bring incredible opportunities for international trade to Montana businesses," said Fraser McLeay, MWTC senior manager. "This trade mission offers ideal stepping stones for entering the greater European market."

He said Russell Moody of Omega 2 Hot Tubs in Stevensville had never exported before attending the last trade mission to Europe. Now the company exports more than $2 million in hot tubs a year and recently sold more than 40 hots tubs in London alone.

In addition to Montana firms, McLeay said, artists will be asked to go on the trip because they played a key role in the success of past trade missions to Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

McLeay asks Montana entrepreneurs to consider the following:

* The European Union has 25 member countries, with more slated to join in the future.

* Presently, 453 million people live in EU countries. If this were one country, it would be the world’s third most populous behind China and India.

* When considered as a unit, the EU had the largest economy in the world in 2004.

* U.S. exports of goods and services to the EU totaled $252 billion in 2003.

* U.S. goods are well regarded, and demand is driven more by quality than by price.

More information is available online at http://www.mwtc.org/.

MWTC is a nonprofit organization that helps businesses establish or strengthen their international commercial capabilities.

Contact: Fraser McLeay, senior manager, Montana World Trade Center, (406) 243-6982.

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Montana World Trade Center plans European trip

By ROBERT STRUCKMAN of the Missoulian

The Montana World Trade Center is organizing a trade mission to the European Union this summer for Montana companies hungry to export to the world’s largest economy.

"We’re hoping to bring 10 companies," said Fraser McLeay, Trade Center manager.

The last trip to Europe helped Omega 2 Hot Tubs of Stevensville ramp up its manufacturing. Last year, the company did $2 million in business with Europe, McLeay said.
The missions are subsidized, but not free. The cost ranges from about $6,000 to $8,000 per person. Most of that pays for food and accommodations. About $2,500 pays for aid and research conducted by the Trade Center and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Trade Center is a nonprofit organization housed at the University of Montana Business School. Its mission is to help businesses establish and strengthen their international commercial capabilities.

The commercial service sets up one-on-one networking meetings with potential buyers, sales representatives and business partners. The mission will go to Ireland, Spain, Belgium and Germany.

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/articles/2005/04/07/news/local/news04.txt