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Oklahoma exporter spotlight: Tactical Electronics

Though the energy sector has slowed in recent months, business for many Sooner State firms continues to move along at a brisk pace. A diversified group of Oklahoma businesses was recently recognized at the 32nd annual Oklahoma World Trade Conference for their excellence in exporting. We had the opportunity to speak with Addie Ventris, Marketing Director for Tactical Electronics, a 2015 Oklahoma District Export Council Export Champion award winner based out of Broken Arrow, Okla.

What does Tactical Electronics do?

“Tactical Electronics provides advanced technology and training solutions for military and law enforcement agencies. Our extensive product line includes covert wireless camera systems and EOD equipment used by special operations teams around the world. Our training division provides Counter IED training courses and IED Training Aids for EOD technicians and tactical operators. All of our services are designed to prepare technicians for what they might encounter behind a closed door, in a suspect package, or unsecured area.

“Tactical Electronics designs, engineers and manufacturers all of our products in house at our headquarters in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.”

How many employees do you have in Oklahoma? How many employees do you have worldwide?RIP KIT_0914

“We have 44 in Oklahoma and 22 worldwide in Virginia Beach, Va., Chattanooga, Tenn. and in United Kingdom.”

Can you give me an idea of how much Tactical Electronics relies on exporting its products outside the U.S.?

“Since 2011, Tactical Electronics has seen a significant increase in our international sales. We continue to see a demand for our products and services worldwide and will continue to fulfill those requests through export.”

What are some of the challenges Tactical Electronics faces in exporting from Oklahoma? Are there some benefits from exporting from Oklahoma as well?

“While working to expand our international markets, Tactical Electronics has dealt with common growing pains to ensure our manufacturing lead times protect us from payment risks. To mitigate any financial risks we have instated a few internal policies and procedures with regard to payment, the examples are as follows.

“When working with new international customers, for whom Tactical Electronics has not established an ongoing relationship, deposits are required before work begins. For those customers unwilling or able to fund the deposit up front, Export Letters of Credit are required. Additionally, in instances where large unit volume is ordered, Tactical Electronics has started offering multiple ship dates to alleviate some of the financial stress. Finally, for those customers unwilling or able to pay in U.S. currency, Tactical Electronics has started hedging the exchange rate with a premium to compensate for rate volatility.

“Tactical Electronics will continue to develop improved processes to advance and expand our export strategy and international markets.”

Looking back to when Tactical Electronics first began producing items for export, is there any advice that the company would provide to fellow firms in Oklahoma who are considering forging international ties and exporting?

“Ensure that internal and external policies and procedures (as described above) for all export activities are in place at your organization before your first export activity.”

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Oklahoma’s Sawyer Manufacturing Co. named SBA’s National Exporter of the Year

Oklahoma firms continue to show why they can compete with firms closer to the coasts through a spirit of innovation and determination to grow their businesses overseas. Several Oklahoma firms were recognized for their exporting achievements during last month’s Oklahoma World Trade Conference, while Tulsa-based Sawyer Manufacturing Co. recently received an honor from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as it was named the national Exporter of the Year.

Sawyer Manufacturing Co. specializes in designing and producing pipeline infrastructure construction equipment, and according to company spokesman Drew Martins, prides itself in taking on projects of all kind to meet the needs of customers around the globe.

“We actively try to partner with other manufacturers when there’s an unmet need,” Martins told the Journal Record’s Brian Brus. “One of the things I see in other big and small companies is that if a product isn’t in their catalog, they pretty much refuse to do it. We approach it differently, because with enough time and resources, we’ll do anything.”

According to a release from the SBA, the firm was founded by Red Sawyer and AB Jensen in 1948, and has since grown to a 40-person staff exporting to more than 50 countries. In 2013 it was named as one of Tulsa’s “Fast 40” of the metro area’s fastest growing companies.

Though primarily focused on the oil and gas sector, the firm’s emphasis on diversifying its customer base allows it to succeed in a state where energy-related work has fallen off.

Vice-President Dave Hembree told the Tulsa World‘s Casey Smith that Sawyer’s readiness to take on unique projects that involve a smaller or customized line of products has the Tulsa firm branching out to customers in the restaurant, fitness, and water utility fields.

“The more diversified we can get, the better,” he said.

Representatives from Sawyer Manufacturing will visit Washington D.C. and the White House during the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week from May 4-8.

Sawyer’s success, as well as other Oklahoma exporting firms like it, show that despite Oklahoma’s landlocked location, good business practices and better products will continue to have an appeal to customers around the globe.

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Governor Fallin recognizes Oklahoma exporters at OK World Trade Conference

While the focus of presenters at the 32nd annual Oklahoma World Trade Conference was raising Oklahoma companies’ online profile and protecting their digital assets once there, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin was on hand to present awards to six companies for their more traditional exporting work.

The 2015 Oklahoma Governor’s Award for Excellence in Exporting went to Broken Arrow, Okla.-based Control Devices Inc. The firm is a leading manufacturer of pipeline pig tracking and communication equipment for domestic and global customers. Its 48 employees each have specialties in a diverse set of skills, from electronics, mechanical design, software and firmware programming, machining and more.

The Oklahoma District Export Council’s Export Champion Awards went to:

The U.S. Commercial Service’s Export Achievement Certificate went to:

 

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Oklahoma exporters watch as Congress debates EXIM future

As the June 30, 2015 deadline approaches for the U.S. Congress to reauthorize the charter of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, Oklahoma businesses face an uncertain future as some in Congress balk at it’s continuation.

On April 15, EXIM President Fred Hochberg was grilled by some members of the House Financial Services Committee skeptical of his leadership and the bank’s mission in providing funding for American exporters. Critics of the bank accuse its mission of being little more than taxpayer-funded corporate welfare for large multinationals. Another point of contention by Congressional critics is that the U.S. Treasury Department officials have not negotiated with foreign governments to end subsidized exporting, a mandate in a 2012 re-authorization bill by Congress.

In Oklahoma, public support for fiscally conservative policies for taxpayer funded organizations like EXIM can run in contrast to the positives international exporting can have on local, small businesses. The bank helps underwrite loans for American products sold abroad, meaning Oklahoman exporting companies can acquire a guarantee for their investments in personnel and infrastructure.

According to EXIM:

  • Oklahoma has 125 exporters whose total export value is $1 billion.
  • Of that $1 billion, $804 million is insured or financed through the bank.
  • The state’s top three export destinations are Mexico, Columbia and Australia.

In an EXIM feature on an Oklahoma Success Story, Tulsa, Okla.-based Sawyer Manufacturing Co. Vice-President Dave Hembree explains the bank’s impact on his firm’s business.

“The ability to extend credit on international sales allows us to grow our business in existing international markets and export our products to new countries by giving our international distributors more flexibility to invest and market our products. Credit terms provided to our international distributors in these markets allow them to better compete, so it makes our U.S. made products more competitive in the international markets. ”

Sawyer Manufacturing Co. also credits these financial assurances for its expanded business in Africa, Russia, Australia and the Middle East and the creation of 10 new jobs.

At the March 24, 2015 OKGIT meeting, group member and F&M Bank’s Randy Kellogg provided his take on the importance of the Export-Import Bank to Oklahoma companies.

“Export-Import helps keep a level playing field for Oklahoma companies on international markets…it doesn’t help finance foreign governments as some critics suggest or only benefit big companies. Its financing helps smaller manufacturers who are indirect exporters when they supply firms like Boeing Company…”

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University of Central Oklahoma named a top destination for international students

For many undergraduates hailing from the state that is the namesake of the University of Central Oklahoma, their time on campus is often a first chance to interact with fellow students from across the globe. At first glance, Edmond, Okla. does not appear to be a hotbed of international culture, but the presence of international students and faculty at one of the state’s oldest higher learning institutions fosters an inviting atmosphere for learning and cultural exchanges.

According to an article in the Edmond Sun, UCO’s international students hail from 84 countries and make up nine percent of the student body a total of 1,525 international students; 67 percent of those come from Saudi Arabia, China, Korea, Nepal and Vietnam.

From the Edmond Sun:

“UCO is a great place for international students — it stands out as a first class university in a growing metropolitan area. In addition to the amenities Central’s location offers, it is the only university in the state with an International House, which focuses on bringing American students and international students together for understanding and friendship,” said Dennis Dunham, Ph.D., executive director of the Office of Global Affairs at Central.“

The university’s ranks thirteenth in the latest Open Doors Institute of International Education Report, is the only institution in the state to be ranked in the top 40.

According to Open Doors latest data from 2014 on Oklahoma, the state is ranked twenty seventh out of fifty one (including the District of Columbia) in terms of the number of international students, a total of 8,913 persons. Oklahoma State University (2,324 students), the University of Oklahoma (1,985 students), the University of Tulsa (1,291 students) and Oklahoma City University (401 students) are the state’s other top institutions for international students. Chinese nationals make up the largest contingent of those studying in the Sooner State at 23.6 percent.

To read the full article about UCO’s ranking as a top destination for international students in Oklahoma, please click here.

Old North at UCO – Photo courtesy DrinkOmega at Wikipedia Commons.

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2015-16 OKGIT Chair Ian Ogilve on what the group does for Oklahoma

Ian

2014-15 OKGIT Chair Ian Ogilve

As Governor Mary Fallin said during our February 2015 gavel ceremony at the state capitol, one of the key tenets of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team is to attract people to Oklahoma. Those of us already living and doing business here know that Oklahoma is an attractive place, and we want the rest of the world to know it too.

The OKGIT brings together volunteers from private industry, education, nonprofits, and government. Each of us is involved because we care about Oklahoma’s standing in the world.

We set out to encourage trade between companies in Oklahoma and the rest of the world, as well as foreign direct investment in the state. That international business is important to Oklahoma. If you think of your state companies as akin to a portfolio of stocks, you want to have companies in there that are benefiting from stronger economies elsewhere around the world. We want to sell to countries that are booming and get them to invest here. That diversification allows us to do better overall when our economy is not as strong at home.

The OKGIT’s diverse set of members each bring an expertise that can help your company, city or academic institution find those international connections and succeed. To the extent that your districts and towns may have interest from international companies, let us know. The Oklahoma Governor’s International Team can help.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team, please email info@okgit.com.

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2015 Asia/Pacific Business Outlook Conference

Re-sharing a great opportunity to enhance experience in the Asia and Pacific region in the coming weeks from our partners at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service. Just a few days left to register for this year’s 2015 Asia/Pacific Business Outlook Conference in Los Angeles on April 13-14.

Click here to learn more about the conference’s schedule or to register.

Asia/Pacific Business Outlook is the premier networking and learning experience designed to provide you with the contacts and knowledge to succeed in Asia/Pacific markets. Access up to 18 dynamic markets in two days.

New Sessions in 2015:

  • Don St. Pierre Jr., founder of ASC Fine Wines, the premier importer of wine in China
  • Brian Ward, President of Capital Markets, Americas for Colliers International
  • Global Supply Chain Strategies and Trends
  • One-on-One Meetings with the Senior Commercial Officer from U.S. Embassy in Pakistan
  • Southeast Asia frontier markets: Cambodia, Lao, and Myanmar

APBO’s timeless features since 1988:

  • 60 sessions, 18 Asia/Pacific markets in 2 days
  • Customized trade counseling via One-on-One meetings with Senior Commercial Officers
  • Understanding current economic trends and social issues of major Asia/Pacific markets
  • Market entry strategy and competition
  • Global supply chain and logistics
  • Partnerships and negotiation best practices
  • E-Commerce and Asian middle class consumerism

 

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Oklahoma’s booming aerospace industry

OKGIT member and Director of Oklahoma City’s Dialogue Institute Ersin Demerci recently penned an extensive look into Oklahoma’s growing aerospace industry for Ameri-Turkic Magazine. It is republished here with their permission.

The story of aviation often begins with Leonardo Da Vinci`s design for flying machines which would later inspire the Wright brothers and the famous sustainer Kitty Hawk in 1903. Even the most enthusiastic aviators in early 1900s would have struggled to believe the way in which the powered flight would evolve this much during the first 100 years of aviation industry. Starting from Wilbur and Orville Wright in 1903 with a basic wind tunnel to latest technology TRI model wind tunnels, the first hundred years of flight was just fascinating. Predicting what advancements we may witness in the store of the next 100 years of aviation is just as challenging.

Many people outside the state of Oklahoma have no idea the role of the state has played in the history of the aerospace industry. Oklahoma has been one of the world`s major aerospace industry centers since World War II. Clyde Cessna began testing aircraft in the state during the early decades of the 20th century. While other states struggling to recover after World War II, Oklahoma already had two airlines founded; Tulsa-Oklahoma City Airways and Southwest Air Fast Express. The Sooner State is one of only seven global aerospace hubs and home to the largest military aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) operations in the United States. The American Airlines maintenance center in Tulsa is the largest commercial MRO in the world. Oklahoma`s Spaceport is one of only a few in the country and with a 13,500-ft main runway, has one of the largest runways in North America. With nearly 5 million square feet of aviation-suited commercial space within a 4-mile radius of two international airports and the Air Force Base, the state fully supports local and international aerospace companies.Drone and Info

Economic forecast for the growth of global aerospace industry are expected to increase rapidly in a decade. Already recognized as “global aerospace hub”, Oklahoma is leading the way and promising great opportunities for businesses and investors. There are more than 500 aerospace companies contributing over $12.5 billion to the state`s economy such as Boeing, American Airlines, NORDAM and Spirit AeroSystems. According to Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma`s parts and component industry exports to more than 170 countries around the world which brings $4.4 billion to the state.

Oklahoma`s aerospace industry is supported by comprehensive training infrastructures. The Federal Aviation Administration Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center is the central training and support facility in the U.S. for the FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The center trains more than 20,000 students each year. 12 Oklahoma colleges and universities have undergraduate and graduate level programs and six centers with dedicated training for the aerospace industry. With an existing pool of skilled labor and a system that delivers a pipeline of well-trained workers, Oklahoma`s reputation as the MRO hub of the United States, continues to gain momentum. Oklahoma is one of the few states provide variety of Business Incentive Packages for the aerospace industry such as Quality Jobs Program, Investment or New Jobs Tax Credit, 21st Century Quality Jobs Programs, Aerospace Industry Engineer Tax Credit, Small Employer Quality Jobs Program and Economic Development Pooled Finance Program.

Leading Unmanned Aerial Systems on all fronts

An unmanned Aerial System is a reconnaissance vehicle; an aerial vehicle capable of operating without an internal pilot; are tethered by a radio control link; and can be programmed for both flight and payload operations prior to launch. Today, unmanned aircraft are flying in the National Aerospace System (NAS) under very controlled conditions, performing border and port surveillance by the Department of Homeland Security, helping with scientific research and environmental monitoring by NASA and NOAA, supporting public safety by law enforcement agencies, helping state universities conduct research, firefighting, border patrol, disaster relief, search and rescue, military training and other operational missions.

Over the past few years, UASs have undergone a radical transformation. Although commercial drones are not legal yet, reports show that companies are already willing to pay high salaries. According to Al Palmer, director of the center for UAS at University of North Dakota, drone pilots are paid about $50 an hour. It is expected that the use of UAS for commercial use will have a big impact across a wide variety of industries. BI Intelligence predicts that 12% of an estimated $98 billion in cumulative global spending on aerial drones over the next decade will be for commercial purposes. Currently, only UAS used for recreational and filmmaking purposes are allowed with the FAA approval.

Uses

Commercial Applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems

Economic forecasts for the growth of the Unmanned Aerial Systems industry, both worldwide and in the U.S., indicate a burgeoning industry set to grow rapidly. For the United States Defense Department alone, expenditures on UAS will rise from its current $3.9 billion per year to over $5.5 billion by 2025. The world market will also triple over the next decade from the current $5.9 billion annually to a projected $15.1 billion. It is estimated that seventy percent of the world Research and Design (R&D) and procurement market in UAS will belong to U.S by the year 2020. AUVSI estimates almost 50,000 jobs will be created in the primary UAS market by the year 2015, with $106.6 million annually wages. With its central location, ideal terrain, research and development capabilities, training programs, business incentives, comprehensive UAS infrastructure, Oklahoma is expected to lead the industry.

Oklahoma`s rich history in aerospace has added to the sheer volume of unmanned aircraft development. The state is leading the on Unmanned Aerial Systems development efforts on all fronts. The state has established the world`s first university graduate degree in UAS at Oklahoma State University (OSU). “I would like Oklahoma to be the Silicon Valley of UAS!” said OSU President Burn Hargis during an open innovation forum on UAS hosted by the university.

Sources: Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, Oklahoma Aeronautics and Space Commission, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Association.

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Oklahoma’s MidAmerica Industrial Park to expand

Great news coming from the Journal Record, as MidAmerica Industrial Park launches plans for a $50 million expansion of facilities in Pryor, Okla.

According to a Journal Record report by Kirby Lee Davis, the park’s remaining 4,000 acres of unused land could be put into development by 2020. The industrial park will also host the future MidAmerica Career Center, a workforce development project.

Established in 1960, MidAmerica Industrial Park lies just 40 miles from Tulsa, Okla. and within quick transit distance of Interstate 35, Interstate 40 and Interstate 44, allowing next day delivery to 23 percent of the United States population. Rail, waterway and air transit corridors are also nearby, and MidAmerica’s shovel ready sites are perfect for large and small scale businesses looking to put people to work.

For international companies, both importers and exporters, MidAmerica offers a unique incentive as Foreign-Trade Zone 53 offers reductions, deferments or eliminations of duties.

MidAmerica is also home to Red Devil Inc. whose Vice President George Lee, is a leading member of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team. Red Devil manufactures a broad and diversified line of hand tools and chemical products for professional and home maintenance and improvement – more than 400 different products in all. In addition to producing caulks, sealants and tools under its own brand name, the company also manufactures private label products for some of the nation’s largest hardware and home center chains.

To learn more about MidAmerica’s expansion plans, please read the entire Journal Record article here.

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Mills Machine Co. investment in Oklahoma recognized with state entrepreneur award

Closing out a successful 2014, Shawnee-based Mills Machine Company was honored by Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello for its innovative commercial success and investment in Oklahoman jobs. Commissioner Costello presented company owner and president Chuck Mills with the Entrepreneurial Excellence in Oklahoma Award.

“I am constantly in awe of Oklahoma and the many successful and profitable private companies that I have been exposed to,” said Costello. “Each of these amazing business owners has a unique story about why they started their company and how it has evolved over the years. I want to honor these entrepreneurs for their commitment to Oklahoma and for their success in creating opportunities for other Oklahomans.”

The award was presented at the company’s Shawnee manufacturing facility on Dec. 18, 2014.

“Our company has been under the leadership of the Mills family for 106 years here in Shawnee,” commented Mills upon receiving the award. “But none of our success would have been possible without our loyal and hardworking employees.”

District 17 Senator Ron Sharp and District 26 Representative Justin Wood, who represent the Shawnee-area at the state capitol, were also in attendance. Both presented commendations to Mills.

Founded by the Mills family in 1908, Mills Machine Company is a leading manufacturer of earth drilling tools. It has become a multimillion dollar company providing a full line of specialty earth boring tools and accessories for water, mining, construction, utility and environmental applications. Under current owner and president Chuck Mills, the company has expanded to new domestic and international markets over the past 35 years.

Mills focus on investment in Oklahoman jobs is reflected in his service as the acting Chairman of the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce and the Governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Development. Mills’ has previously served as the chair of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team, an organization he continues as an active member.

The Entrepreneurial Excellence in Oklahoma Award recognizes Oklahoma-based entrepreneurs who have created profitable employment for their fellow Oklahomans and to foster a positive business atmosphere. Legislators, local Chambers of Commerce, civic organizations and the public nominate deserving businesses regardless of size or age, though the decision of award winners is left to the labor commissioner.

(Pictured above: (Left to right) Commissioner Larry Costello, Rep. Justin Wood, Chuck Mills, Sen. Ron Sharp, Shawnee Mayor Wes Mainord.)

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