Senator Klobuchar at the lecturn in the Kennedy Caucus Room underlines export opportunities available to U.S. companies. |
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Senator and Secretary Draw a Crowd
On December 1, Senator Amy Klobuchar hosted Partnering to Double Exports in the Russell Building on Capitol Hill. The event highlighted the National Export Inititative (NEI) objective to double exports and add 2 million U.S. jobs by 2015. One program of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA) was singled out for special recognition: the Market Development Cooperator Program or MDCP.
During her remarks Senator Klobuchar (D-MN) reminded the audience that 95 percent of all consumers live outside the United States. She cited one Minnesota-based company that has had great success exporting. Mattracks is a young company of modest size. It only made its first sales in 1994 but already international business comprises over 50 percent of its sales. The company has customers in over 55 international markets. Senator Klobuchar acknowledged the help that Mattracks and other Minnesota companies have received from ITA.
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"The remarks of Secretary Locke and Senator Klobuchar were both pertinent and motivating."
-Association Executive based in the Midwest who traveled to the event
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Secretary Locke Acknowledges MDCP Success
Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke acknowledged the success that MDCP project partners have had helping U.S. firms to export. He noted, "On average, MDCP projects generate $124 in exports for every dollar given by the government." Secretary Locke thanked Senator Klobuchar for helping to pass the Small Business Jobs Act, which includes a provision for $15 million for MDCP awards. The Secretary acknowledged that the bill has not been appropriated yet, but looked forward to Congress passing the appropriations soon.
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"I think it was especially noteworthy that most people thought the DOC staff resources were as or more valuable than any grant funding."
-Association executive
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Association Panel Shares How They Did It
Three previous MDCP award winners shared the secrets of their project success with the 175 attendees. The audience listened attentively to the presentations of a panel composed of executives from the American Planning Association (APA), Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC), National Association of Electrical Manufacturers (NEMA). After the presentations, attendees lingered over refreshments. Panelists and other attendees were able to chat one-on-one and gain addtional insights regarding MDCP project success.
MSC panelist Dan St. Louis captured the attention of the attendees with his retelling of the launch of its project. The first event was a trade mission to Japan featuring Miss U.S.A. modeling U.S.-made apparel made from Ingeo, a fiber derived from corn. Mr. St. Louis assured everyone that this was not a gimmick but rather a sophisticated marketing strategy. The corn-based fiber had not really caught on the United States yet. However, in Japan, where available landfill space is scarce, clothing that will compost is in high demand. Featuring Miss U.S.A. in compostable clothing was just the kind of high-level awareness the U.S. industry needed. They made $10 million in sales from this initial trip.
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Dan St. Louis explains how MDCP helped MSC help U.S. companies export more than $26 million during its MDCP project. The group continues to help U.S. firms to export. |
Photo gallery. |
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Conversation Pieces
Nine posters were placed around the perimeter of the Kennedy Caucus Room. Various MDCP projects were featured on the posters. The posters stimulated questions among the attendees which they posed to "alumni" MDCP partners in attendance. In addition to the panelists, eleven other veteran MDCP partners attended to share their expertise with other association executives. Two other new MDCP partners were present as well. Secretary Locke personally congratulated the Brazil-U.S. Business Council of the National Chamber Foundation and the Industrial Fabrics Association International for their 2010 MDCP awards. |
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"It was invaluable to hear the stories of people actually involved in the process. It was an excellent meeting."
-Association executive
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