International Trade Missions / Economic Development

Trade missions typically involve taking 15 to 30 companies into another country to penetrate that market and establish partnerships for promoting goods and services, distribution channels, direct sales and/or capitalize on investment opportunities. There are many aspects to trade missions that can be customized for each participant to assist firms in reaching their business goals:

1. Seminars for trade appointments and recruiting.
2. Market research and identification of industry prospects.
3. Briefing (pre-departure) regarding the destination country's culture, language, currency, and business etiquette. In addition, relevant travel information will be provided regarding political stability, health concerns, etc.
4. Travel logistics including: airline discounts, hotel discounts, ground logistics, dining, etc.
5. Briefing in destination city by the US DOC regarding the current business climate and opportunities.
6. Trade show booth if mission is held in conjunction with a trade show.
7. Trade show/conference seminars or round table discussions arranged as an integral part of the mission to introduce the host city's businesses to your products and services.
8. Trade show/conference receptions held on-site, hosted for participants to invite new prospects met at the show to be our guests for the opportunity to discuss your business.
9. Cocktail receptions held at the homes of US officials such as the Ambassador or the Consul General for our participants to meet key dignitaries and entertain guests.
10. Scheduled appointments with prospective: buyers, distributors, strategic partners.
11. Utilization of government (Florida, US and target country) programs.
12. Meetings with trade groups and high-level officials.
13. Media coverage on participant achievements (upon request).
14. Optional industrial tours.
15. Optional cultural tours.
    

Past & Planned Trade Missions Produced by TonerCom:

Economic Development Organization Clients/sponsors have included:

Photo Gallery: click here

For more information contact Steve Toner at Steve@TonerCom.com

FRAMCO Trade Mission to Paris and LeHavre, France / Post Mission Report:

October 14 - 20, 2001

The mission to Paris and La Havre, France was an official French American Business Council of West Florida (FRAMCO) event conducted October 14 - 20, 2001. It was sponsored by Enterprise Florida, worked with United States Department of Commerce, Paris office and supported by several economic development and international groups, including:

• Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce
• Tampa Bay Women in Trade
• Bay Area International Business Council
• Sister Cities International

Despite the events of September 11, we had fourteen participants with a variety of objectives and results.  All but one met their objectives.  Total projected sales exceeded $6.8 million due to the high level of business contacts arranged in advance in both Paris and Le Havre.  Venues included the US Embassy, Ernst & Young Conference Room, hotel and restaurant facilities in Paris, as well as the chamber's club facilities in Le Havre.

Our fourteen businesses included:

• Danka Corporation
• GetaVisa.net
• Faust Investments
• E-mergency International
• Fowler White
• MCC/Powerkard
• Sister Cities International
• Mayor of Tampa (representative)
• J. McFarland, P.A
• VenTel Plastics
• Essilor Optical Lenses
• VueCast
• TonerCom International/World Trade Net
• TampaGuide.com

In addition to the significant business development for an initial mission, many of the contacts expressed a high degree of interest in a reverse mission to Tampa Bay to pursue investment opportunities here.  This will be pursued in the coming months to increase the $26 billion currently traded between the US and France.

In conclusion, much of the success over the September 11 mind fran can be attributed to the extraordinary marketing effort that included:

• The recruitment and cooperation of co-sponsoring organizations
• Speeches to these and other groups
• Booths and trade show exhibitions
• News releases
• Fliers faxed and emailed
• Marketing Pieces
• Website: promotional tool and online registration

A similar program will be produced for the planned reverse mission in spring 2002.

September 20 - 22, 2000

Montreal, a North American trade, business and financial center for several centuries, is today a world-class technology center.  Its diversified and competitive economy is a gateway to the Canadian economy.  According to a 1996 Price Waterhouse study, Greater Montreal has the highest ratio of high-tech jobs to population of any North American city.  In addition, an updated study conducted by KPMG in 1997 ranked Montreal 4th among the 23 North American metropolitan areas where investment in the 7 high value-added industrial sectors is most beneficial.  These sectors are automobile parts, environmental systems, frozen foods, medical equipment, pharmaceutical products, software production and telecommunications equipment.  All are excellent fits with the strengths of Tampa Bay/Florida industries.

As per the Certified Trade Event Agreement, we accomplished the following elements during the trade mission to Montreal:

1.   Recruited the participation of 36 representatives from 27 companies throughout Florida.

2.   Tampa Mayor Dick Greco led the mission providing the delegation with a high profile both in Florida and in Montreal where Mr. Greco met with the Mayor of Montreal.

3.   Provided Tampa Bay firms with booth space in a "Florida Pavillion" at the 16th Annual International Business World Exhibition in Montreal and Quebec, Canada. Florida was introduced as "The High Tech State and Gateway to Latin America."  This show is owned and operated by Martin International.  Martin International has a 30-year history in organizing Public and Trade Shows, Conferences and Symposiums in Quebec, Canada and on the European, Asian and international business circuit.

4.   The show was held at the Place Bonaventure Convention Center from September 20 - 22 and included exhibits from 30 countries for a total of 350 exhibitors, and over 15,000 business visitors.  The products and solutions that we represented at the International Business World Exhibition was divided into areas that included the international pavilion (where the Florida delegation was located), the latest high tech developments in finance, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, e-commerce, construction, sales and marketing, the office of the future, and learning solution.

5.   In addition to the exposure companies from Florida received at the show, Mr. Martin arranged for the Florida companies to meet with high level executives of the real estate and high tech departments of the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec, the leading fund manager in Canada ($110 billion) and one among the largest portfolio managers in the Americas.

6.   Florida companies were also given the inside track on the Montreal marketplace by the US Department of Commerce at a breakfast briefing given the first morning of the trade show.

7.   The US Consulate General provided further opportunities for the Florida delegation to network with members of the local business community by holding a reception at her home.

8.   Promotional elements of the Pavilion and other events included (all recognized Enterprise Florida as a major sponsor).

• Mayor of Tampa support: a meeting of top high tech and venture capital firms was held in the Mayor's office where the mission was promoted.
• A customized web site was created to provide participants with mission information and promotional support.  It was also set up to assist participants with exhibit, transportation and accommodation arrangement.  In addition, registration forms and payment could be made on-line.  The web site is available for viewing at www.wtctampa.com/trademission.
• Signage: the Pavilion was marked with a large sign suspended from the ceiling and clearly visible to all exhibition attendees.
• Fliers: distributed through mail and by broadcast fax to target companies in the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida.
• Media relations including press releases for both the Florida and Montreal media.  This resulted in three articles in the local media and one article in the Montreal media.
• Presentations made to local business and international organizations

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