ExportNY Graduates Embark on International Expansion

The 2004 ExportNY graduating class received their diplomas in May after a successful nine month journey in international business development.

The program, coordinated by Syracuse University’s School of Management and TDO, gives companies a jump-start in international business by providing classroom training, market research, tools and resources in a stimulating, interactive and supportive environment. In addition to class material presented by the School of Management, guest speakers from industry share their expertise on banking, currencies, cultures, marketing, the legal aspects of international trade, selecting foreign partners, transit and more. Interns from the School of Management provide research support for companies in developing target countries and products.

ExportNY was developed in 1998 through a partnership with Niagara Mohawk. The 2004 group has joined the expanding network of ExportNY graduates. The program staff keeps in touch and lends support even after classes end.

Participants in the 2004 program were supported by scholarships from Empire State Development and Onondaga County’s Industrial Development Authority.

“Accessing international markets plays an important role in our growth expectations. Export NY provided a disciplined approach to planning for international markets and the decisions prior to investing including market and resource identification,” said Dr. Richard Hezel, president of Hezel Associates, a Syracuse based education consulting firm. Hezel and other participants also commented on the value received from the network developed as a result of their participation.

Collectively, this year’s class will be targeting Canada, the European Union, South America and Asia. Most of the graduates were already doing some business internationally, but wanted a strategic approach to choosing expansion targets and creating a plan. Many actively implemented parts of the plan as it was developed during the program. In addition to increasing export sales, companies can also investigate developing or optimizing a foreign supply chain.

Congratulations to the ExportNY 2004 graduates. They are all class acts!

The TDO is currently seeking other Central New York companies interested in making the nine-month investment in the ExportNY program and expanding international business activities.

INTERESTED IN ExportNY? Contact Sue Kuhns or Bob Trachtenberg at the TDO. A new class begins this fall.