Latest Export News & Updates

MAY 2025

A Conference to Remember

For the past several months, I have been intimately involved with the planning and execution of the annual conference for our partner nonprofit NASBITE, where I volunteer as its Vice President. Most of you subscribers read plenty about it in our previous newsletters. I'm pleased to report that the conference was a huge smash. Our event filled the Crowne Plaza hotel, where we had high water marks for attendees, exhibitors, and breakout presenters. Obviously, a lot of people are curious to stay on top of what's happening in global trade these days. Our first keynote speaker, Michael Weidokal, was practically changing his presentation in real-time while the chaos of tariff announcements came streaming throughout. You can read more about that conference and how to be part of future NASBITE conferences below. One outcome of the conference was landing one of the finest breakout speakers, who agreed to do a one-hour webinar for our clients. I highly encourage you to sign up for our May 29 webinar with Meredith Getachew! Marketers of all kinds are especially encouraged.

– Nate, GBC Director and Trade Advisor

CONTACT US

May Feature Webinar

The Happiest Product on Earth: Lessons in Localization & Global Relationship Building

May 29 · 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Online - No Fee · registration required

Your business is on the verge of global success, but how do you master the art of international relationship building and localized communication to drive sales? In this webinar, we’ll explore key lessons from popular products around the globe and uncover practical strategies for strengthening messaging in international sales, including:

• Navigating cultural values in global business and why language matters

• Understanding localization and the role of cultural considerations

• Preparing digital and print content for multilingual audiences

• Strengthening business relationships through effective localization strategies

Whether you’re a business owner, sales director, marketing professional, or international trade specialist, or simply looking to expand your brand across borders, this webinar is for you!

About our presenter:

Meredith Getachew, Senior Director of Sales at Global Wordsmiths, leverages her extensive expertise to guide companies and international trade specialists through the complexities of localization and relationship-building for international market entry and continuous growth.

REGISTER

Student Internship News

***Overall, 27 OEIP students have been placed at companies in our 32 county territory for summer internships.***

OverDrive Hosts EIP Students

On April 2nd our CSU class, Building Global Businesses - taught by our own David Delgado, took a field trip to Garfield Hts. where they learned first hand how one of the coolest global software companies delivers materials to the devices of library patrons around the world.

This innovative class, part of the Ohio Export Internship Program, introduces students to the concepts and techniques that they'll implement during their 12-week summer internship assignments. Many thanks to Claudia Weissman and her staff at Overdrive for their gracious hospitality!

Trade Education News

Getting the Upper Hand and Gain Intel on Your Markets

NASBITE International's 38th annual conference on global business education in Cleveland was a tremendous success, drawing 200 - a ten-year high in attendees! Business professionals, trade advisors, and universities gathered from all four corners of the country. Congrats to the University of Richmond for winning the undergraduate student case competition. NASBITE itself was recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce with a Certificate of Appreciation for its work in promoting trade education.

NATE'S CONFERENCE RECAP

CSU Academic Study Opportunity

Tariff Impacts

Dr. Sebastian Brockhaus, Assistant Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management, at Cleveland State University is seeking Ohio companies who are willing to share their experience related to tariffs.

Dr. Brockhause is seeking small and medium-sized businesses willing to share how they are tackling trade uncertainty. All information is confidential. A summary of results will be shared with all participants. To take part in this anonymous study reach out directly to Dr. Brockhaus: s.brockhaus@csuohio.edu

PARTNER EVENTS

Partner Trade Mission

Trade Mission to India

Sponsored by: State of Ohio Trade Mission

Dates: Nov 9-14, 2025 (Register by August 1)

Location: New Delhi & Mumbai, India

Establish business relationships by meeting face-to-face with prospective customers and partners. The State of Ohio will help you achieve your business objectives by designing a business itinerary tailored to your company’s specific needs, ensuring you connect with the right people to expand your international footprint. Business matchmaking provided. Grant eligible activity.

CONTACT DANNY FINFROCK at ODoD

Regional Partner Trade Mission

Quebec Trade Mission

Dates: October 6-9 2025 (Apply by July 11, space limited)

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

Join the Conference of Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers (GSGP) trade mission to Québec. Each mission participant will receive a customized schedule of B2B meetings with prospective customers and business partners. Mission participants will also benefit from networking events and logistical support provided by the GSGP Canada Trade Office. Grant eligible activity.

CONTACT ZOE MUNRO

US Commercial Service Webinar

Saudi Arabia Defense Opportunities

May 13 2025 · 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
On-line webinar · No fee, must register

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced its defense spending for 2025, set at USD 78 billion. This session will offer firsthand insights into defense investment opportunities, strategic priorities, and how international partners can engage with Saudi Arabia’s evolving defense ecosystem.

REGISTER