N.C. Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker announced today that the International Trade Division (ITD), in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has established an educational series entitled Global Appalachia Eye Opener Workshops.
The workshops will consist of a customized look at innovative businesses located in the Appalachian Region. It will allow any business the opportunity to learn about what is done at ITD, discuss their business goals and objectives relating to exporting, and connect them with ITD Business Managers and other resources to further develop their exporting action plan. Small Businesses looking to sell their products in international markets are welcome to attend this free event.
“This strategic partnership will highlight how our team can help foster job creation throughout Appalachia,” said Secretary Decker. “Attendees will receive one-on-one consulting with our international trade experts who will describe the resources available to small businesses while also helping them develop export strategies.”
The list of the workshop dates and locations:
• Wednesday, April 16, 2014, Forsyth Tech Small Business Center, 1-4PM
• Thursday, April 24, 2014, Elkin Center of Surry Community College, 1-4PM
• Monday April 28, 2014, Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Building, Room 7316, 1-4PM
• Tuesday, April 29, 2014, Blue Ridge Conference Hall at Blue Ridge Community College’s Technology Education & Development Center, 8-Noon
• Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Mayland Community College, Small Business Center, 1-4PM
• Thursday, May 15, 2014, Isothermal Community College The Foundation Performing Arts Center, 9-Noon
• Monday, May 19, 2014, Clay County Courthouse, 1-4PM
• Wednesday, June 4, 2014, The Walker Center, Wilkes Community College, 1-4PM
• Thursday, June 5, 2014, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, 9-Noon
North Carolina's International Trade Division has experts around the world focused on helping businesses thrive in North Carolina. The Division, through two domestic and six foreign office locations, provides expert assistance to North Carolina companies seeking overseas market opportunities. Our experienced and multilingual business development managers offer quality assistance and advice on exporting, and specialize in specific industry sectors. These managers consult with North Carolina companies and help evaluate opportunities as the companies enter unfamiliar global markets.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a unique federal-state partnership providing social and economic support for a 13-state region stretching along the Appalachian Mountains from southern New York to northern Mississippi.
Established by the United States Congress in 1965, when Appalachia was considered "a region apart" from the rest of the nation, ARC has worked to bring Appalachia's 22 million people into America's economic mainstream
In North Carolina, ARC supports economic development activities in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Davie, Forsyth, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey counties.