Business owners encouraged to learn about exporting

Small- and mid-sized business owners, if you're looking to learn about exporting, now is the time.

In fiscal year 2009, the United States logged $23.9 billion in export sales. In 2010, that number rose to $34.8 billion and fiscal year 2011's sales topped out at $54.9 billion.

"There is a general demand for American goods across the world," said Suresh Kumar, Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion.

Kumar said it's because there's a general perception that American-made goods are well-made and will last.

But, learning who to partner with overseas and how to navigate the logistics of it all can be a maze for business owners. Luckily, there's a lot of help out there, and most of it is in Las Vegas today and tomorrow.

Solely dedicated to exporting U.S. goods and services, the National District Export Council Conference and Exposition is open to the public, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., today and Saturday , at Caesars Palace.

"They don't need to go it alone. They have the full weight of the federal government behind them," Kumar said. "Our guys on the ground vet partners for you. That is a huge advantage."

As a starting point, businesses can seek help from the U.S. Commercial Service. The agency provides businesses with counseling, how-to information and organized trade missions.

"It increases people's sales dramatically when they sell overseas," said Randy Innis, chairman of the Nevada District Export Council.

"We've seen a renewed interest in exporting by a number of companies," said Terry Culp, business manager for the Nevada Industry Excellence organization.

The reason? Culp says exporting opens up your customer base and with a little research, you can tap into an underserved market.

"Companies are being a little more open-minded because of the economy," he explained.

Although manufacturing only makes up about 5 percent of the Nevada economy, Culp said that for every one job in manufacturing, four to six jobs are created.

"Last year, we supported 200,000 jobs," Kumar said. "Preliminary numbers say we will upward of 300,000 jobs this year."

This marks the first time the National District Export Council is meeting in Nevada.

"It gives Las Vegas another leg up and validates that we are a great place to do business," said Chris Meyer, vice president of sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

So far in 2011, Las Vegas has hosted 20 first-time conventions and trade shows. The estimated economic impact to Las Vegas for this trade show is $463,842. In all, 438 delegates involved in global trade are expected to attend.

"We've got some good participation," Meyer said.

Contact reporter Laura Emerson at
lemerson@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4588.