Prepared Companies Could Heat Up Profits in Global Hot Markets

Cincinnati (March 5, 2012) – One key to profitable exporting is identifying the nations that are ripe for U.S. trade before they become well established markets. When competition is scarce, profits are high. “Emerging” is the watchword of global companies looking for markets with potential for lucrative trade.

“The hallmarks of an emerging market are rapid growth and industrialization, and indications of a rising middle class with purchasing power,” says Dennis McLaughlin, Chair of International Services at Clark Schaefer Hackett and Southern Ohio District Export Council (SODEC) member. “There is significant growth potential for companies who can identify these markets, and take advantage of a less competitive environment,” McLaughlin says.

But emerging also implies unknown, and that’s a term companies associate with risk. Exporters could face government bureaucracy, complex or unfavorable duty and tax structures, lacking infrastructure, or difficult political systems.

“It’s imperative that U.S. exporters seek out experienced professionals who have already determined a market’s potential risks and have developed methods to manage them,” says Marcia Brandstadt, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service (USCS ) in Cincinnati.

That is the reasoning behind the March 22nd, 6th Annual International Trade Conference, “Hot Market Watch: Selling to Brazil, China, South Korea, & ASEAN,” organized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s USCS in Cincinnati, and hosted by Xavier University’s Williams College of Business & SODEC. A full-day conference agenda has been developed for companies seeking to understand the challenges and opportunities offered in the highlighted nations. The seminars will showcase strategies for successful trade.

The USCS and SODEC annually identify top emerging markets which have significant interest in U.S. products and services, based on information provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as input from U.S. exporters themselves. This year’s focus on Brazil, China, South Korea, and the ASEAN indicates that U.S. companies eagerly seek insight into these potential markets.

This extensive, information-packed seminar is the region’s largest international trade event of its kind. Last offered in Fall of 2010, the conference has traditionally drawn attendance from throughout the nation and across the globe, and early registration already proves 2012 will be no different.

U.S. Commercial Service Speakers Include William Zarit, Minister Counselor of Commercial Affairs- China; Brian Brisson, Minister Counselor of Commercial Affairs- Brazil; James Sullivan, Senior Commercial Officer-Korea; and Patrick Santillo, Senior Commercial Officer- Singapore.

International organizations & companies will also present real-world export experiences in the four hot markets.

Attendees can arrange one-on-one meetings with featured speakers as well as experts in international banking and finance (from PNC Bank); international tax & accounting (from Clark Schaefer Hackett); working capital guarantees (pre-export financing); export credit insurance; loan guarantees; and direct buyer loans/financing (from Ex-Im Bank & SBA). Appointments can be requested during online registration and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Attendees will also have access to resumes from students of Xavier’s Williams College of Business prior to the event, and the opportunity to meet with them for a one-on-one discussion during the conference. “Xavier’s specialized, practice-based curriculum has prepared our students to take up leading positions in international organizations,” says Dr. Hema Krishnan, Associate Dean.
To view the agenda and register, including individual meetings with presenters or students, please visit www.hotmarketwatch.com.

Conference Platinum sponsors are Clark Schaefer Hackett, Xavier University’s Williams College of Business, and PNC.

Conference attendance details:

Networking Reception: Wednesday, March 21 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Conference: Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 7am to 5pm, Attendee Fee: $80
(Reception & parking included with conference registration)
Location: Cintas Center at Xavier University, 1624 Herald Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207
Register: www.hotmarketwatch.com.

Clark Schaefer Hackett clients include privately held businesses in various industry sectors, individuals, not-for-profit organizations and government entities who appreciate a tailored approach to assurance, tax and consulting services. Our specialists bring the insight and experience of industry insiders, and the fresh perspective of business outsiders. Associates from seven Ohio offices provide talent comparable to a national firm, with the service ethic of a regional firm, and the value of a local firm.

The U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce, whose mission is to help U.S. companies increase sales to new global markets and/or expand in existing ones in order to increase U.S. jobs and benefit the U.S. economy. USCS trade professionals are in over 100 U.S. cities and in more than 70 U.S. embassies & consulates abroad, covering a broad range of industry portfolios. USCS specialties include: business matchmaking; market & foreign company intelligence; advocacy; and trade promotion programs. The USCS Cincinnati office covers the Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky & Southeast Ohio regions. www.export.gov/ohio/

Above image from 2010 Hot Market Watch.