"Why export?" That was the question posed during the Economic & Jobs Summit on April 15, which was the 6th in a series hosted by Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. "Because it's good for your bottom line," was the answer given time and again by presenters, panelists and participants.
Consider these facts:
- 95 percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United States. Companies only selling domestically are reaching just a small share of potential customers.
- About one of every five factory jobs - or 20 percent of all jobs in America's manufacturing sector - depends on exports.
- Florida Origin Exports reached $55.2 billion in 2010 - a 17.8 percent increase from 2009 levels.
- Nearly 1.3 million jobs in Florida depend on international business and more than 55,000 Florida companies export. This is the second largest number of exporters in the U.S. after California.
- Small and medium size companies accounted for 62 percent of Florida exports in 2008. This is the highest figure among the 50 states and is much higher than the U.S. average of 31percent.
- And, perhaps most importantly for your company, companies that export report higher growth, pay higher wages, and are more profitable than non-exporters.
As part of our global outreach, the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) provides direct consultation services to local businesses interested in establishing or expanding overseas trade. The EDC's International Business Development team promotes and supports local industry in several ways.
Outbound Trade Missions
Trade missions into foreign markets serve as matchmaking events, with appointments scheduled for local companies with potential international partners. Whether coordinated directly by the EDC, through the U.S. Department of Commerce, or through one of Enterprise Florida's international offices, these missions, which provide opportunities for in-depth presentations, are especially beneficial for companies whose products/services are not easily explained.
Inbound Trade Missions
In conjunction with partners such as Enterprise Florida, the EDC also coordinates several inbound trade missions into our market each year. These events help match local companies with potential international partners and promote greater trade between Orlando and the visiting region. Many of the participating delegates are particularly interested in understanding our region's strength in technology products and services.
Export Counseling
The EDC team visits hundreds of Metro Orlando companies each year to discuss a variety of business issues, including international trade. Our export counseling program can provide answers to shipping, legal and other technical questions. The EDC also frequently matches local companies with experts in the area through a referral service designed to meet specific company needs. Hundreds of local companies receive export counseling each year from the EDC.
Export Road Shows
The EDC hosts a series of Export Road Shows across the Metro Orlando region. These informative sessions, which are designed to help companies that are new to exporting, provide access to attorneys, CPAs, government organizations, freight forwarders, bankers and other international service companies who can answer a variety of questions related to international trade.
Throughout the Metro Orlando community, in addition to the EDC, you can find numerous support organizations and resources focused on helping you navigate the waters of international trade. Our region is home to three Consulate General Offices, five Honorary Consulates, over 20 bi-national chambers of commerce, and more than 50 bi-national cultural and trade organizations. For a list of those organizations and other EDC partners, click here.
For more information about how the Metro Orlando EDC can help your business, contact: Carmenza Gonzalez or Irma Stenman.
