West Virginia World Trader
July 2004

Council News  

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Message from the Chairman

As we all try to enjoy the summer season that is upon us, just a quick reminder about business.  I want all WV DEC members to remember our upcoming National  Conference in Memphis.  All our National Conferences are very special events, but this one is one you do not want to miss.

A terrific list of presenters will be on hand to help all us get a better understanding of a variety of trade topics.  We also have some very knowledgeable DEC members to present both the pros and cons of important Trade related issues of the day.  Additionally you will learn about many Best Practices of various DECs around the country.  This section has turned into a favorite of everyone.

The dates of the conference are the evening of the October 19th through the 21 st of. You can get more details on the web site: www.districtexportcouncil.com.

Take a look and mark the dates down now.  I do not want to start any rumors, but I've heard talk that Elvis might show up.  Don't miss this opportunity.  Hope to see everyone there .

State Notes

Trade Mission to Russia - OCTOBER 23 – 30, 2004 Application deadline: SEPTEMBER 1, 2004

Join the West Virginia Trade Mission to Russia and Meet potential Agents/Distributors/Customers in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Closer political and security relations are encouraging better economic relations between the United States and Russia. The U.S. Department of Commerce is working to open the Russian market for small and large U.S. companies.

A World Bank study concludes that Russia's GDP growth of recent years is still largely dependent on high international oil prices, with neither domestic consumption nor domestic investment yet able to sustain high levels of growth. The bank estimates that the direct and indirect effects of oil price increases accounted for 3 percent of the 7.2 percent economic growth in the first half of 2003. However, consumer spending has contributed more to economic growth than energy in the last two years, indicating that Russia may be on the way to becoming a consumer-driven economy.  In 2003, both U.S. and West Virginia exports to Russia were higher than the previous year.

BEST PROSPECTS
While all industries are encouraged to explore this market for potential business partners, the Russian market offers excellent trade opportunities in the following sectors:

  • Oil & Gas Equipment & Services
  • Mining Equipment
  • Aircraft and Parts
  • Consumer Goods
  • Housing and Construction
  • Medical Equipment
  • Computers, Peripherals and Computer Software
  • Rail Sector

MISSION DETAILS
Through the Gold Key Service of the U.S. Commercial Service, we will help you approach potential distributors, agents, representatives or joint-venture partners in the shortest time possible. Industry specialists at the US DoC offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg will conduct market research, contact potential candidates, gather their profiles, screen potential partners and arrange appointments for you. In addition to these meetings with pre-qualified business partners, we will provide the following:

  • Interpreters
  • Transportation to business meetings or meeting space at hotel
  • Customized market briefings
  • Timely and relevant market research
  • Assistance in developing appropriate follow-up strategies
  • Reception with business representatives and government officials
  • Site visits to business and manufacturing facilities

COST
Participation fee of $500 plus travel expenses  

For More Information Contact:
Debra Martin,
 International Trade Manager
304-558-2234
dmartin@wvdo.org

Or Register Online at:
www.BuyUSA.gov/WestVirginia/Events


Federal Update

IWPA's World of Wood 2005 Convention - The International Wood Products Association (IWPA) will hold the World of Wood 2005 convention March 9-11, 2005 at the Westin Hotel in Savannah, Georgia. 

"World of Wood 2005”   focuses on the rapidly growing market for imported wood products - softwood and hardwood.   The networking and market-focused events are designed to give overseas manufacturers and US importers and manufacturers the opportunity to build new and expand existing relationships and track key business trends.

World of Wood has become an indispensable, cost-effective meeting point for companies involved in international trade of wood products to the North American marketplace.   The conference's wide range of topics and speakers provide timely updates on developments in key
imported wood products and markets.

World of Wood is organized by the International Wood Products Association.  Established in 1956, IWPA is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 180 companies and trade associations engaged in the import of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests.  Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process:  Offshore manufacturers, U.S. importers and the service providers that facilitate trade.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Hotel is located on Hutchinson Island, overlooking the Savannah River with historic Savannah as its backdrop.  The hotel is easily accessible; Savannah International Airport is only 25 minutes away.  Hotel guests can also enjoy a two-minute ferry ride to the Savannah Historic District and its many shops and restaurants.  

More details on the convention will be posted at IWPA's Web site at www.iwpawood.org.

Export Promotion Service's Trade Events List
http://www.export.gov/comm_svc/tradeevents.html

Minexpo 2004 Las Vegas September 27-30, 2004

The West Virginia Development Office (WVDO) will be participating in the International Business Center at Minexpo to assist in matchmaking participating West Virginia companies with potential foreign buyers. MineExpo's International Matchmaker Program captures visitors' registration details and matches product, country, and type of business informatiom with exhibitor company profiles to help you maximize personal contacts. The International Business Center will provide translators to answer your questions and private meeting rooms. The WVDO will assist you in arranging your meetings with prospective partners and provide a networking event for West Virginia companies and potential business partners.

Maximize your investment in this show by registering online at: www.buyusa.gov/westvirginia


Exporter Profile

The Equipment Lock Company
Bryan Witchey, Vice president - sales and marketing
7375 Hedgesville Road
Hedgesville, WV 25427
Tel: 540 888 0058
Fax: 540 888 0059
info@equipmentlock.com
www.equipmentlock.com

The Equipment Lock Company manufactures anti-theft and safety devices for heavy and agricultural equipment. Its products are built with barrel-style key locks that are pick resistant, Freon resistant and corrosion resistant. The locks are also capable of withstanding thousands of pounds of force.

Products include the Skidsteer Lock - the only anti-theft device that fits every manufacturer of Skid Steer Loader on the market today, as well as the majority of models dating back into the early 1970's. The Backhoe Lock, the Excavator Lock and the Ball and Ring Hitch Lock round out the product line for a variety of heavy equipment as well as forklifts, agricultural equipment, boats and trailers. All of these anti-theft devices are available on the website.

The Equipment Lock Company participates with the West Virginia Development Office to seek out international markets for this innovative product, including recent trips to the WV Europe Office in Munich and to ExpoMin in Santiago, Chile.


Featured Market

Ireland - Undersecretary Info Tech Mission
Undersecretary Phillip Bond of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Technology Administration will lead a Business Development Mission for Technology Industries to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, October 17-22, 2004.

Northern Ireland's booming information and communications technology market has been a prime force behind the province's growth, creating clear potential for strategic alliances. The Republic of Ireland, with its vibrant economy and educated workforce, represents an ideal market for U.S. companies seeking agents, distributors, and strategic partners for business in the expanding EU marketplace.

This mission will put U.S. firms directly in touch with business opportunities in the region – including strategies for tapping into the EU market. Space is limited to the first 10 qualified applicants. Contact Project Officer Matthew Wright today: Tel: 202-482-2567 / Fax: 202-482-0178 or email: matthew.wright@mail.doc.gov.


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