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Governor’s International Team welcomes Tulsa Global Alliance’s new President/CEO Thomas Hemphill

Great news coming out of Tulsa yesterday as the Tulsa Global Alliance announced that Thomas Hemphill has been named as the group’s new president and chief operating officer.

“On behalf of the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team, I’d like to congratulate Mr. Hemphill on his new position and pass along our best wishes for his predecessor, Becky Collins, who lead Tulsa Global Alliance so well in the last eight years,” said OKGIT Chair Ian Ogilve.

Thomas Hemphill

Thomas Hemphill

Tulsa Global Alliance’s mission is similar to the OKGIT’s, focusing on increasing global understanding and linking people and institutions globally. It is well-known for its promotion of the Sister Cities program, and was recently named that organization’s 2015 Best Overall Program for its accomplishments in advancing the movement’s goals and mission.

“Tulsa is an award-winning city in international relations and cross-cultural friendships,” said Hemphill. “I have lived and worked in many different countries and I am delighted to bring my own international experiences to Tulsa Global Alliance.”

Given Hemphill’s previous work experience and diverse international background, his role with TGA will be a simple transition.

His prior work in the non-profit sector includes stops with Heifer International, the Southern Russian Regional Center in Krasnodar, Russia, Mercicorps International in the Philippines and the National Cooperative Business Association based in Washington D.C. Hemphill comes to TGA from his recent position as the executive director of the Sancta Sophia Seminary/Light of Christ Community Church in Talequah, Oklahoma.

If you would like to learn more about the activities of Tulsa Global Alliance, visit their website here.

 

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Governor George Nigh on helping shape an international Oklahoma

Landlocked and situated more than five hundred miles from the nearest international border, Oklahoma is not typically known for its international ties. Yet the Sooner State is a top destination for foreign students, travelers and companies. Oklahoma-made products are shipped far and wide, stimulating the state’s economy while adding to employment. According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce’s 2014 Global Report, foreign companies employ more than 48,000 Oklahomans, while the state exported more than $6.3 billion worth of goods and products.

These vital economic metrics are the result of decades’ worth of work by local business and government leaders in raising Oklahoma’s international profile. One such leader was former Governor George Nigh.

Governor Governor Nigh

Governor Governor Nigh

Nigh’s focus on building the state’s international ties truly began with his affiliation as a member of the Junior Chamber International. The then-lieutenant governor played a key role in campaigning for Oklahoma City’s role as host for the group’s annual international congress. As both a governmental representative and junior chamber member, Nigh attended international meetings in locales as far flung as Paris and Hong Kong to promote Oklahoma City as a host for the International Jaycees.

“It wasn’t easy because the Jaycees had rules that allowed for only one host city per country,” explained Nigh. “That meant Oklahoma City had to be selected by the junior chamber’s members above everywhere else in America, and then win the international selection process as well.”

With Nigh helping lead the charge, Oklahoma City was selected above major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 1965, Nigh was one of the participants in the international congress taking place in the heart of Oklahoma City at the Skirvin Hotel. Nigh even arranged for the conference’s official hostess to be Perle Mesta, a member of the Skirvin family and a famous Washington D.C . socialite, former ambassador to Luxembourg and subject of the Broadway musical “Call Me Madam.”

“We had representatives from 70 countries from around the world come to Oklahoma City to attend that conference,” said Nigh. “Getting that international conference held here, that is what got me interested in more international things as they related to Oklahoma.”

He recalled that one of his biggest challenges in building Oklahoma’s international ties, one shared many governors’ who’ve followed Nigh, was trying to put the state’s best foot forward to potential investors abroad while being criticized back home. Legitimate concerns about funding for international delegations often times became muddled with sniping by opponents looking to score easy political points.

Nigh’s experience in drawing multinational company Hitachi to Norman stands out particularly in this regard.

After months of discussions with the Japanese corporation, Nigh and Hitachi’s president reached a tentative agreement that would see the company open a location in Norman. The only condition was that the governor hold on releasing the announcement until the company president had time to present the plan to Hitachi’s board of directors.

“Word got out that I had been in Japan, and someone at The Daily Oklahoman ran an editorial cartoon looking into the cabin of an airplane as I ate rice with chopsticks,” recalled the state’s longest serving governor with obvious disappointment. “Hitachi called me and said that if that is how Oklahoma saw Hitachi, that we could forget about them coming.”

In a last minute bid to save the deal, Nigh boarded an airplane that very night and flew to Japan alone. Meeting with the Hitachi board, Nigh explained the political dynamics at play in the state and the cartoon’s true target.

Said Nigh, “I told them that is not how our state viewed Hitachi, but rather how one newspaper viewed me.”

The governor’s last minute bid proved effective, as Hitachi’s ongoing presence in Norman can affirm.

Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc. of Norman, Okla.

Hitachi Computer Products (America), Inc. of Norman, Okla.

Nigh found challenges in overcoming misconceptions about the state abroad too, many of which were fueled by the United States greatest export; its popular culture.

“I was at a reception for a trade delegation in Hong Kong where the host came in late, walked by me without introducing himself and took to the podium to say that the only thing he knew about Oklahoma was what he read in ‘The Grapes of Wrath’.”

While he combated misconceptions about the state’s true potential versus the landscape popularized by the Jodes, Nigh credits the association with one native son, Will Rogers, and one play, “Oklahoma!” for presenting the it in a better light.

In fact, Nigh’s association with the latter extends further than his role as the politician responsible for introducing legislation making it the state’s official song. As he tells it, during his participation in a delegation of five U.S. governors touring Japan in 1982, the country’s emperor met each member of the delegation with a hand shake.

“He greeted us individually and said something nice about each state, but didn’t speak more than that initial greeting to any of the other governors. I’m the last one he shakes hands with, and he tells me that when he thinks of Oklahoma, he pictures wheat, cattle and oil,” recalled Nigh. “Then he turns to walk away. But then he turned back to me and says very enthusiastically, ‘Great musical!’.”

The former governor has dozens of stories like this, each told with an enthusiasm about the experience but also for the state that each tale centers on. This unbridled passion for Oklahoma and its potential for connections globally is just one reason why he was awarded the Sister Cities International OKC Global Vision Award in April 2015.

“George Nigh was a visionary in understanding how important international relationships would be for Oklahoma’s future,” said Vicki Clark Gourley, president of Sister Cities OKC in a release regarding the award.

Looking back to where Oklahoma has come from the days when Nigh was first promoting Oklahoma City as a premier destination for the International Jaycees, the Sooner State has benefited greatly from the foresight of its longest serving governor.

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Oklahoma exporter spotlight: Mills Machine Co.

One of the more common questions a drilling manufacturing company head always gets in times of cheap oil is how badly is it impacting their business. Yet Oklahoma’s Mills Machine Co. faces no such problems, as the company’s diverse product line for all earth drilling needs, from the water well to mining industries keeps it in a regular supply of customers. We spoke with OKGIT member and Mills Machine Co. President Chuck Mills about his company, its domestic and international clientele and the future of Oklahoma exports.

 What does Mills Machine Co. do?

“Mills Machine Company (est. 1908) is a third generation, family owned business headquartered in Shawnee, Okla. Mills is a leading manufacturer and distributor of a complete line of earth drilling tools, bits and related accessories for water well, environmental, geo-thermal, construction and blast hole mining industries.

Chuck Mills.

Chuck Mills.

“We serve these industry customers in both domestic and international markets, offering standard and custom-crafted products that include hollow stem augers, stabilizers, hole openers, underreamers, casing cutters, pipe handling tools, drilling adapters, soil sampling equipment, claw bits, core bits and other drilling accessories.

“Mills has earned a reputation for quality products and for its innovative customer solutions. Based on years of service in multiple drilling industry sectors, we have developed the unique capacity to modify existing products from one industry for use in another, often resulting in cost savings to the customer.”

 

How many employees do you have in Oklahoma?

“Mills currently employs 22 skilled professionals at our Shawnee facility, which includes our corporate and sales offices, manufacturing facilities and warehousing and distribution operations.

“In past years, Mills employed as many as 65 skilled workers, but with increased mechanization through computer aided manufacturing (CAM), we were able to streamline our production of standard industry products. In producing the custom-crafted products Mills is known for, we maintain a highly skilled and innovative workforce.

“By focusing on our core business and providing the best possible customer service, Mills has been able to serve a broad and growing domestic and international clientele from one central location in Shawnee.”

 

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

“The mix between our U.S. and international product sales varies at times depending upon economic conditions here and abroad, but as a general rule approximately 25 percent of the standard and custom-crafted products we produce are sold internationally. While the specific international customers may vary with time, we have sold our products in approximately 70 worldwide markets.”

 

What are some of the challenges Mills Machine Co. faces in exporting from Oklahoma?

“Thankfully, we don’t have any significant challenges or obstacles in exporting our products from here in Oklahoma. We’re fairly close to the ports of Houston and New Orleans and transportation is efficient and cost-effective.

“Communication is no barrier because English remains the international business language. In addition, there are a variety of service providers, including freight forwarders, agents, international banks and attorneys to help manage the process.”

 

You’ve said before that despite the cost savings associated with moving production elsewhere, you’ve made a conscious effort to keep Mills Machine Co. in Shawnee, Okla. What’s the calculation there for you as a small business owner?

“Companies relocate or open satellite facilities to get closer their customers and to sell more products. While that can be an advantage, there is also the potential disadvantage of increased overhead and higher production costs which affect profitability. This is particularly true in the highly populated coastal markets where the cost of living and taxes are higher.

“As a manufacturer of drilling tools, I would rather be here in Oklahoma, the crossroads of America, in one manufacturing and distribution facility. Here, we can best manage and control process, production and distribution. Also, since we manufacture both standard and custom-crafted drilling tools and accessories, we have an added advantage. Our customers come to us because very often they are looking for a specific product solution that only a custom manufacturer can provide.

“In fact, I’d say that since we are a custom or niche manufacturer, we can produce our products from virtually anywhere and customers will find us as a result of our aggressive marketing efforts.”

 

In terms of when Mills Machine Co. first began producing items for export, is there any advice that you’d give to firms in Oklahoma who are considering forging international ties and exporting?

“Let’s begin with the good news. The landscape for exporting has improved dramatically since Mills Machine Company began exporting from Oklahoma more than 35 years ago. The world has shrunk due to a robust infrastructure of resources and services available to assist companies interested in exporting opportunities. The Internet and digital technology have helped tremendously, offering tools, information and services for both the novice and skilled exporter.

“To those interested in exporting, I’d say the time is right. With an estimated 95 percent of consumers living outside the U.S. and 80 percent of the buying power residing outside our country, there is potentially a huge untapped market of opportunity to grow Oklahoma businesses through exports.

“To the uninitiated, it may appear to be complicated and risky, but there are both governmental and private resources to help guide businesses through every step in the process. I predict that here in Oklahoma, the infrastructure to support exporting capabilities will take another leap forward in the coming months.”

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OKGIT member and Oklahoma export advocate Barbara Charlet profiled in the Journal Record

Another great article about Oklahoma’s international commercial ties from The Journal Record‘s Brian Brus on Jun 18, as he profiled OKGIT member and Oklahoma Department of Agriculture International Marketing Coordinator Barbara Charlet.

Working under the department’s “Made in Oklahoma” coalition, Charlet is a regular attendee at trade shows and export conferences in Canada, Europe and Asia where she spreads the good word about Oklahoma’s food offerings.

“I basically encourage our food manufacturers to try to think outside our Oklahoma borders,” Charlet told the state’s business paper. “We have to think on an international scale and find ways to get their products into the world’s markets.”

Charlet cites Ponca City’s Head Country  as a success story for its increasingly popularity in Scandanavia, where a Swedish importer began buying the Oklahoma-based company’s BBQ sauce and repackaging it for resale under another name.

The Oklahoma food product advocate also notes that one of her biggest obstacles is to convince Oklahoma producers that exporting will cut into their profits. As Charlet points out, the opposite is often true, with international importers in search of a unique American brand willing to pay more to compensate for added costs associated with bringing a product to their own domestic markets.

To learn more about Barbara Charlet, please visit her profile page. To read the entire article, please click here.

(Photo courtesy of the Journal Record – by Brent Fuchs.)

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Governor Fallin to promote Oklahoma at 2015 Paris Air Show

Governor Fallin and a delegation of state officials from her cabinet, including OKGIT member and Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Deby Snodgrass, went wheels up on Friday for a visit to the 2015 Paris Air Show.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase Oklahoma as a top destination for the global aerospace industry,” Fallin told the Tulsa World. “We believe Oklahoma’s business climate, strong economy, educated workforce and high quality of life make it an obvious choice for both commercial and military aerospace companies considering expansion into North America.”

Also attending will be cabinet member Stephen McKeever, the secretary of Science and Technology.

Oklahoma’s aerospace industry is known worldwide, and Governor Fallin has become a regular at events like the Paris Air Show as a spokeswoman selling potential investors on the Sooner State.

According to an article on www.newsok.com, Choctaw Defense (McAlester), Frankfurt Short Bruza (Oklahoma City), Janeway Machine (Sapulpa), M&M Manufacturing (Tulsa) and Rise Manufacturing (Broken Arrow) also will be part of the delegation.

Despite criticism in the past about the need and costs associated with the governor’s personal attendance at such international events, the delegation’s cost will be paid for by the Oklahoma Business Roundtable.

Yet the trips by high-ranking officials like the governor indicate that the state is serious in attracting investment. Governor Fallin cited the results of her previous attendance at similar air shows overseas in a statement to the Associated Press, touting the investments by Belgium-based ASCO Aerospace, Ferra Engineering of Australia and Swiss-based Oerlikon Balzers.

Once finished in Paris, the governor will continue on to a business recruiting mission in Italy and Germany.

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OKGIT focus: Oklahoma State University Center for International Trade and Development

AnthonyCambas

Anthony Cambas

By Anthony Cambas, Director Wes Watkins Center for International Trade and Development

The Center for International Trade and Development (CITD) / International Trade Center – Small Business Development Center (ITC-SBDC) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) is located at the Wes Watkins Center on the main campus in Stillwater, Okla. As its name indicates, the CITD focuses on international trade and international development. In the area of international development, the CITD provides technical assistance and training on Customs, exporting and business development to governments, donors, international development agencies and entrepreneurs throughout the world.   The CITD has gained a global reputation for excellence and its staff have traveled to Africa and Latin America to undertake such activities.

In the area of international trade, the ITC-SBDC is a specialty center within the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OKSBDC) network and provides high quality and confidential consulting and advising on import and export matters to small businesses throughout the state. The center works closely with various local, federal and state stakeholders to help Oklahoma-based firms begin exporting and to increase their international sales to more countries if they are already doing so. Expanding the export of goods and services from Oklahoma is important to the economic wellbeing of the state as it fosters job creation and retention and leads to an improvement in the quality of life for Oklahomans.

The CITD also plays an increasingly important role for OSU and its students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. For students with an interest in working in international trade and development in the public or private sectors, the CITD provides opportunities for students to gain “real life” experience and mentoring. It also offers various training and networking events as well as a for credit course that prepares students to take and pass the CGBP exam in collaboration with the School of International Studies Graduate Program at OSU. The CGBP credential demonstrates proficiency in international trade to employers and is nationally and internationally recognized.

If you would like to learn more about the OSU Center for International Trade and Development or to contact its staff, please visit http://citd.okstate.edu/ieo.aspx?page=1190.

CITD Director Anthony Cambas is a former U.S. Customs official who hold a B.A. in International Relations and a certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from Florida International University in Miami, Florida and a Masters in International Customs Law and Administration from the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) in Australia. Anthony was selected as a Fellow of the Small Business Network of the Americas (SBNA), is a Licensed Customs Broker (LCB), Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) and Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) with nearly 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors. In his varied career, Cambas has worked as a U.S government official, exporter and as a Customs and trade expert on a number of international Customs, trade facilitation, business enabling environment, entrepreneurship and export capacity building projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

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Oklahoma exporter profile: Head Country

Started from a family BBQ recipe in 1947, Ponca City, Okla.’s Head Country is a well-known commodity in the country’s grocery stores and dinner tables. Yet this domestic success is just one facet of this Oklahoma exporter’s story. Under Vice-President Paul Schatte, Head Country began to explore expanding into global markets.

“Outdoor cooking is the oldest form of food preparation in the world,” said Schatte during a presentation to the Oklahoma Governor’s International Team in May 2015. “And no one does it better than Americans.”

Head Country VP Paul Schatte - Photo courtesy www.okbs.us

Head Country VP Paul Schatte – Photo courtesy www.okbs.us

It was that prowess for the American grill that first brought Schatte’s attention to the potential in exporting Head Country. As he describes it, several emails and phone calls from a potential customer in Sweden about how best to prepare a Head Country BBQ recipe resulted in Schatte’s visit to the Scandinavian country for a personal demonstration. The successful contacts and business resulting from that foray resulted in Head Country’s expansion to other international markets.

Schatte spoke with the OKGIT about Head Country’s experience in exporting as an Oklahoma company.

 

How many employees do you have in Oklahoma?

“We have 27 employees in-state, and occasionally use temps outside of Oklahoma when necessary.”

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

“Our international sales account for around five percent of our total business.”

What are your biggest markets to date? Are there some new markets you see worth exploring in the future?

“Head Country is currently established in foreign markets in Europe, Canada, Mexico and Australia. Some new and potential markets of interest include China, other parts of Asia and central and South America.”

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

“Some of our main challenges of late include a strong U.S. dollar, European food standards and the understanding of our products.

“In terms of positives, Oklahoma is received favorably around the world. Our state’s history of cowboys and Native Americans is found intriguing to the international community. The state is looked at for honesty and being diversified.

“In that vein is Head Country, which proudly represents Oklahoma in foreign trade!”

Looking back to when Head Country 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?

“Evaluate every question that the foreign distributor asks. What special requirements do you need to meet to manufacture products for them and to get the product imported into their country?

“And finally, charge appropriately for your company’s investment into producing international commodities.”

In terms of trade, what are some challenges for an American food firm in exporting?

“Today Head Country’s export destinations include Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) partners in Scandinavia, Spain and Germany. We also export to Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP) nations like Australia and hope to export to other Asian nations that are part of that agreement.

“In some TPP countries, we face tariffs as high as 20 percent on our product. Should these two trade agreements, the TTIP and TTP, be ratified, Head Country could face lower tariffs and easier regulations, making our products more competitive abroad and consequently, benefiting our workers here in Oklahoma.”

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OKGIT’s Chuck Mills: Export-Import Bank is vital to America’s heartland

Chuck Mills.

Chuck Mills.

As the deadline for renewal of the Export-Import Bank of the United States’ charter approaches at the end of June, some congressional representatives promise they’ll allow the vital American economic tool’s existence to lapse.

In an article by Andrew Taylor of the Associated Press, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling said he wants the bank’s charter to expire without a vote and said that “the momentum is in our favor.”

“This is going to be a critical vote, or hopefully a non-vote, on the future of the Republican Party and the future of our economy,” Hensarling said.

Despite pleas from House Speaker Jon Boehner that such a move would risk thousands of American manufacturing jobs for workers whose products are shipped abroad and guaranteed through the EXIM Bank’s export credit insurance, it appears Representative Hensarling’s move to kill the vital government program may succeed.

The OKGIT’s Chuck Mills, who is also the 2014-2015 Chairman of the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce and a third generation small business owner and exporter, penned an op-ed in the Tulsa World countering claims that the EXIM Bank is government subsidized corporate welfare and a burden on Oklahoma’s small businesses.

According to Mills, “the bank is a government agency that has, in fact, returned $7 billion to the government since 1992, while enabling businesses like ours to enter to new markets through the safety net provided by the bank’s export credit insurance offerings.”

Randy Kellogg

Randy Kellogg

He also touched on the repercussions should the bank’s charter not be renewed, writing “Three generations of my family have been manufacturing quality earth drilling products worldwide for a range of drilling types, right here in Shawnee. We sell drill bits, augers, and other equipment overseas, with exports now accounting for about 20 percent of our business. The export-import bank enabled us to cultivate many of these overseas opportunities — which would ultimately be jeopardized if the bank lost its charter, along with our 20 employees.

“In the Sooner State alone, since 2007, over 115 businesses received export-import bank financing that supported over 7,000 jobs. Losing that financing and the bank’s credit insurance offerings would deliver a harsh blow to businesses throughout the state.”

The OKGIT’s Randy Kellogg, an approved lender with many years of experience in assisting Oklahoma firms do business with EXIM, also spoke in favor of the charter’s renewal at the group’s March 2015 meeting.

“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…”

Sawyer Manufacturing Co.

Sawyer Manufacturing Co.

The most obvious success story of EXIM’s support on Oklahoma-based businesses is Sawyer Manufacturing, which was just named the Small Business Administration’s National Exporter of the Year.

In an EXIM feature on the Tulsa-based small business‘ use of the banks financing, Sawyer Manufacturing’s Vice-President Dave Hembree said  that “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.”

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Hong Kong trade delegation visits Oklahoma

Though the energy industry receives much of the coverage for its impact on Oklahoma, the state boasts a wide range of sectors and products that appeal to foreign markets.

Subrina Chow - Courtesy of www.norcalwtc.org

Subrina Chow – Courtesy of www.norcalwtc.org

The Journal Record’s Brian Brus chronicled the visit of a delegation from one such market who visited Oklahoma City this week. Subrina Chow, a representative at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Fransisco met with a number of government and commercial representatives in a stop at the state capitol, including Governor Mary Fallin.

According to the article, Chow’s visit was to learn more about suppliers for Hong Kong’s growing need for food products, manufactured goods and computer equipment. The state’s aerospace and biotech sectors were also areas of interest for the former British colony, which since 1997 has been a part of the People’s Republic of China under the “One country, two systems” governing strategy.

Of $40 billion in U.S. exports to China in 2014, Oklahoma exports only accounted for $41 million, a drop  from the $43.7 million the state sent to the People’s Republic in 2002 when then-Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating visited the island as a member of a trade delegation.  However, Oklahoma’s solid agricultural base provides opportunities for the steady, if slowing, Chinese economy.

By Daniel Mayer - via Wikipedia Commons GDFL.

By Daniel Mayer – via Wikipedia Commons GDFL.

Though the American beef industry’s exports have been hard hit due to a rising U.S. dollar and overhang from last year’s West Coast port strikes,  there was growth in the U.S.’s 2014 beef exports to Hong Kong, which is now the third highest beef importer globally behind Japan and Mexico according to an article at Oklahoma Farm Report by Oklahoma State University’s Derrell S. Peel. While Peel notes that January beef exports to Hong Kong were down by 33 percent, the end of the port strikes and demand in Hong Kong will likely return exports to a positive output.

If you would like to read the full report from The Journal Record about Ms. Chow’s visit, please click here. If you or your business would like to learn more about doing business in Hong Kong, please visit the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office’s website here.

 

 

 

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Oklahoma exporter profile: Electro Enterprises Inc.

Oklahoma City- based Electro Enterprises Inc. was recently awarded the Export Achievement Certificate from the U.S. Commercial Service. We sat down with Electro Enterprises’ Mitch Enright to discuss the military and aerospace company’s work in Oklahoma and the challenges and benefits of exporting from the Sooner State.

What does Electro Enterprises Inc. do?

“Electro Enterprises is stocking distributor of interconnect, electro-mechanical, wire and cable, and wire harness management products for the military and aerospace industries. For more than 40 years, Electro Enterprises has been providing superior electronic components at competitive prices to various markets around the world.”

Electro Enterprises recent 36,000 square foot factory extension.

Electro Enterprises recent 36,000 square foot factory extension.

How many employees do you have in Oklahoma? How many more are outside the state? 

“In Oklahoma we have 140 employees, with an additional 43 located outside the state.”

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

“Exports make up roughly 15 percent of Electro’s total sales, which amounts to over $13 million in sales. Beyond this, exporting our products to companies around the world allows us to expand our customer base, reach new markets, and create relationships with manufacturers that we otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to work with.”

What are some of the challenges Electro Enterprises Inc. faces in exporting from Oklahoma? Are there some benefits from exporting from Oklahoma as well?

“It is extremely important for us to ensure that we are exporting all of our products within the rules and regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Commerce as well as the U.S. Department of Defense. Being heavily entrenched in the military and aerospace industries, some of the items we sell are ITAR controlled and, as a result, we must make sure to apply for export licenses whenever applicable. Over the years, we have a created an internal export control system that allows us to successfully manage the export of products to our international customers.”

Looking back to when Electro Enterprises Inc. 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?

“It is imperative for companies new to exporting to reach out to your local Department of Commerce office and sign up for export training. There are numerous export seminars that companies and attend at minimal cost. These seminars will provide the basic information that all companies need to know in order to export within all of the rules and regulations set forth by the Government of United States.

“While Electro Enterprises has been exporting for many years, we still make it a point to attend these seminars yearly.”

 

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