Dept. of Commerce: Annual visit from international trade directors begins May 11

Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608/267-9661

MADISON – Members of the Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s International Trade Team will be traveling throughout the state the week of May 11-15, 2009 meeting with industry representatives interested in growing their export businesses.

Department of Commerce Secretary Leinenkugel encourages Wisconsin residents to meet the international representatives. Wisconsin’s international trade directors provide assistance to Wisconsin companies exporting or seeking to export to China, Mexico, Canada, and Brazil.

“Wisconsin is proud to support Wisconsin’s exporters and has experienced record-setting export growth since 2003 when Governor Doyle took office,” said Secretary Leinenkugel. “Exports are up 92 percent, which has helped reposition our state from number 21 to number 18 out of the 50 states.”

Following is a schedule of the events the directors will be participating in during the week.

To schedule an individual meeting with a specific director, please contact:

Milwaukee
May 11 and 12
Susan Dragotta
(262) 691-5147
susan.dragotta@wisconsin.gov

Sheboygan and Green Bay
May 13
Brad Schneider
(608) 347-2480
brad.schneider@wisconsin.gov

Wausau
May 14
Christine Stamm
(608) 264-7824
christine.stamml@wisconsin.gov

Jennifer Winner
(608) 266-0413
jennifer.winner@wisconsin.gov

Madison
May 15
Beng Yeap
(608) 266-1480
beng.yeap@wisconsin.gov

MONDAY, MAY 11 – MILWAUKEE

2:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Milwaukee 7 Water Council briefing and one-on-one meetings – Great Lakes Water Institute, 600 East Greenfield Avenue, Milwaukee

TUESDAY, MAY 12 – MILWAUKEE

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – 45th Annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference – Italian Community Center, 631 East Chicago Street, Milwaukee, http://www.italianconference.com/parking.asp

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 – SHEBOYGAN and GREEN BAY

7:30– 9:20 a.m.
“Global Networking Breakfast” and Program – Blue Harbor Resort & Conference Center, 725 Blue Harbor Drive, Sheboygan

12:00 – 2:30 p.m.
“Global Perspectives” Program – Comfort Suites Banquet & Conference Center – Rock Garden, 1951 Bond Street, Green Bay

THURSDAY, MAY 14 – WAUSAU

7:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
“Navigating the Global Marketplace: Opportunities for Northern Wisconsin Businesses” – North Central Technical College, E101/102 1000 West Campus Drive, Wausau

FRIDAY, MAY 15 – MADISON

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Madison International Trade Association (MITA) networking breakfast
Madison Hilton, Monona Terrace