Export Leaders

PURPOSE

Free Trade Alliance Export Leaders program is your resource for global expansion. The Export Leaders program was recently recognized in President Obama’s National Export Initiative. The Export Leader program comprises a one-on-one consulting and hands on trade missions abroad to introduce you to potential buyers and better understand the targeted markets. The goal of the program is to provide practical information and insight to help you develop your sales abroad. A second market is also considered and implemented depending on the company’s market needs. The program offers participants the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion that will be recognized by the Free Trade Alliance and its partners like the City of San Antonio and the Greater Chamber of Commerce. A certificate like this gives foreign buyers confidence that your company is professional and serious about conducting international business. Finally, company executive(s) take the Alliance International Export Exam based on program sessions and materials.

The Export Leaders Experience (testimonial)….

The Export Leaders program has helped focus our international business development activities. We have moved from an accidental export strategy to an intentional strategy, which includes seeking out the best partners in each region rather than accepting whoever may find us. We have reduced errors and increased compliance, which has translated into reduced costs and greater confidence from our international partners. Leveraging the skills we have developed through the program, we hope to double our international business over the next twelve months.

- Ryan Pape, CEO, XPEL Technologies Corp.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

•11 year old export program

•110 companies have participated

•Over $85 USM in Sales (approximately $750,000 US per company)

•Over 70% of US Exports in NAFTA pass through the State of Texas

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN:

•Increase International Sales

•Create more local Jobs

•Become Export Ready

•Stay up to date on current trade rules & regulations

•Network with local & foreign service providers

•Network with foreign potential clients

WHO SHOULD JOIN:

•Product Based Companies – Manufacturers, Distributors & Wholesalers

•Service Based Companies – Law Firms, Accounting Firms, Banks, Logistics and any other company that is interested in exporting their

services

PARTICIPATION

Applications for the Export Leaders program are available at www.freetradealliance.org and are currently being accepted through Thursday, February 28, 2013. Spaces are limited. Interested individuals can set up a one-on-one program assessment meeting or/and to attend the program information session on February 21^st please contact Raul Rodriguez for more detailed information at 210-229-9036 ext. 21 or by email at rrodriguez@freetradealliance.org

PROGRAM PARTNERS

City of San Antonio, Economic Development Department

City of San Antonio, International Relations Office & Casa San Antonio Trade Offices in Mexico

Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce

Program Description & Costs:

I. Executive Export Program

One day course designed on export related topics and issues such as: export procedures and regulations, business culture, actual export market opportunities, export company testimonials, export financing , logistics & Distribution, and other important topics crucial for the success of your company abroad. This program is a perfect fit for those just starting to consider exporting and for business professionals wanting to better understand export requirements to assist their clients.

II. Export Training Program – Become Export Ready

Session I: Export & Market Strategy

•Product/Service Introductions, Successful Exporter, Best Practices, Targeted Market, Export Rules & Regulations

Session II: Strategies on How to Export your Product or Service

•Export Product/Service Volumes, Finance, Finding the Right Representative/Distributor, Logistics & Distribution, Legal & Fiscal Issues, Preparing Company Material for foreign market (translated one page company description, business cards),

•Business Culture & Intellectual Property, Preparing for a Trade Mission

Between Sessions: Trade Mission Abroad

•U.S. Department of Commerce Briefing on local Economy and Business Opportunities at the U.S. Embassy in the chosen country

•Welcome Reception

•One-on-One meetings with sector experts and potential clients

•Cultural site visits if time permits

Session III: Trip Review & Export Plan Presentations

•Provide feedback on the overall trade mission and comment on what your experience was like.

•Present to a panel of international export experts on how you plan to execute your export initiative.

III. Export Consulting Program – Export Ready, Export Experience Program (six month program)

•An assigned project manager will provide consulting as well as facilitate the delivery of services, completion of the strategic work plan and serve as your primary point of contact

•Preliminary business strategy assessment and checklist

•Coordination of a series of meetings with industry experts to evaluate product/service potential and opportunities.

•Basic secondary market research and identification of specific business opportunities

•Identification of the product/service positioning and potential sales channels

•Advice and suggestions to effectively promote the product

•Assistance and collaboration in developing and implementing a sound sales and distribution strategy

•Work with the company to develop customer prospects and leads

•Trade Missions- Coordination of meetings and introductions of the company to identified qualified leads

•Continuous monitoring and modifying of the sales and marketing strategy to ensure a steady increase in exports

•Make sure company closes a deal.

•Business Trade Mission Abroad (a second market will be explored if needed)

•A minimum of six meetings one on one meetings with potential buyers

•List of potential clients in the region. List will depend on the market sector

•Translator. A team member will be available to provide support during meetings

Please Note: Travel Costs are not included in our Export Programs Fees

Export Program Fees	Member Rate	Non-Member Rate
I. Executive Export Program*	$250.00	$375.00
II. Export Training Program *	$1,500.00	$2,000.00
III. Export Consulting Program *	$2,500.00	$3,000.00
Export Leader Trade Missions	$750.00	Member Service-Only
Alliance International Export Exam	$200.00	$250.00

*Program materials, program exam as well as a certificate of completion included.