Pennsylvania Businesses Will Learn About Export Opportunities During 'International Week'

PR Log (Press Release) – Oct 25, 2009 – Pennsylvania companies interested in selling their goods and services overseas can network with trade representatives to find opportunities overseas during a series of meetings that will be held across the state during "Pennsylvania International Week" next month, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.

The meetings, Nov. 9-18, will include nine of Pennsylvania's 24 authorized trade representatives from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

"Exports from Pennsylvania firms play an increasingly important role in the state's economy," said Governor Rendell. "We help Pennsylvania companies evaluate export readiness, research new markets, locate qualified buyers, and find funding to start or expand in international markets.

"Pennsylvania International Week helps us introduce small and medium-sized companies to new markets and potential clients, without the time and expense of travel."

The Department of Community and Economic Development's Regional Export Network is hosting the week. The network is a group of international business development organizations located throughout the state that serve as local points of contact and assistance for Pennsylvania exporters.

The work of the Regional Export Network has been a key force for Pennsylvania's more than 12,000 exporters, who shipped $34.4 billion worth of goods in 2008, an increase of nearly 18 percent over 2007, and well above the national 11.8 percent increase among all U.S. states.

The meeting schedule for Pennsylvania International Week includes:

   Monday, Nov. 9
   11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
   Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania,
   1122 Oak St.
   Pittston Township
   Contact: Michael Horvath, Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance,
   570-655-5581 x247

   Tuesday, Nov. 10
   9 a.m. - noon
   Keystone College
   612 Main St.
   Towanda
   Contact: Cynthia Krise, Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development
   Commission, 570-265-9103

   Wednesday, Nov. 11
   8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
   The Red Fern Banquet and Conference Center
   421 Old Kersey Road
   Kersey
   Contact: Christine Perneski, North-Central Pennsylvania Regional
   Planning & Development Commission, 814-773-3162

   Thursday, Nov. 12
   8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
   Regional Enterprise Tower
   Conference Center (23rd Floor)
   425 Sixth Ave.
   Pittsburgh
   Contact: Rena Liu-Belshe, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission,
   412-391-5590

   Friday, Nov. 13
   8 a.m. - noon
   The Casino at Lakemont Park
   300 Lakemont Park Blvd.
   Altoona
   Contact: Tina Taylor, Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development
   Commission, 814-949-6517

   Friday, Nov. 13
   1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
   Celebration Hall
   2280 Commercial Blvd.
   State College
   Contact: Noelle Long, SEDA - Council of Governments, 570-524-4491

   Monday, Nov. 16
   8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
   Rauch Business Center
   Lehigh University
   641 Taylor St.
   Bethlehem
   Contact: Cora Landis, Lehigh University SBDC, Lehigh Export Network,
   610-758-4350

   Tuesday, Nov. 17
   11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
   HACC Gettysburg Campus
   731 Old Harrisburg Road
   Gettysburg
   Contact: Tina Weyant, World Trade Center of Central PA, 717-843-1090

   Wednesday, Nov. 18
   9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
   Plymouth Country Club
   888 Plymouth Road
   Plymouth Meeting
   Contact: Dino Ramos, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia,
   215-586-4246


For more information about DCED's international business development efforts, visit www.newpa.com.

   Media Contacts:
   Steve Weitzman, DCED; 717-783-1132
   Michael Smith, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor