Cd'A chamber offers export tips

COEUR d'ALENE - Learn the secret of exporting success right in your business' back yard.

The Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce is partnering with The Idaho Department of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Commercial Service to present the Export Fundamentals Seminar Series Feb. 22 to any business interested in learning how exporting can help grow their businesses.

The event, which will bring together export service providers and successful Idaho exporters, will be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Several North Idaho businesses will be on hand to share their success stories and how they overcame challenges cracking into the export field.

"Many small businesses shy away from exporting because they are unfamiliar with the requirements as well as the risks associated with international business," Coeur d'Alene chamber President Todd Christensen said in a press release. "Export Fundamentals is a program designed to introduce the potential rewards of exporting, display the available tools and resources that are needed to be successful and showcase best practices from area businesses that are exporting successfully,"

The keynote luncheon address will be presented by the state of Idaho Trade Representatives from China and Taiwan. Their presentation, 'Entering the Dragon' will showcase current and emerging market opportunities for Idaho exporters in China and Taiwan. The event is sponsored in partnership with Washington Trust Bank.

"Exports currently comprise nearly 10 percent of our state gross domestic product and are an important engine for job creation, especially among small and medium-sized business" said Damien Bard, administrator of the International Business Division, in the release.

The opportunity for expanding business is huge outside the United States.

Around 95 percent of customers and 73 percent of the world's purchasing power is outside the U.S., said Bill Jhung, director of the SBDC in Kootenai County.

"Who will seize this opportunity? He said. "It is too great even for small businesses in Idaho to ignore."

For full event information, agenda and registration resources please visit: http://www.commerce.idaho.gov/international/export-fundamentals-seminar.aspx.

Additional information: Bibiana Nertney, of IDC, (208) 334-2470; Christensen, 415-0104; or Jhung, 769-3284.