The City of Mentor International Trade Initiative (MITI) recently hosted a seminar on the topic of “Doing Business in Europe”. Three industry experts shared their knowledge with a group of about 45 attendees at the PARADIGM Center.
Gerrit Ahlers, with the German American Chamber of Commerce, David Silk, British American Chamber of Commerce and Nate Ward, Director of the Ohio Small Business Center Export Assistance Network at Cleveland State University shared information about doing business in the UK and Germany, including available export assistance resources and differences in conducting overseas business transactions versus within the US. Other topics included protection of intellectual property, which currency to use for payment, and the usage of the correct incoterms when conducting international trade.
This was the latest in an ongoing series of educational seminars conducted by MITI and is just one small part of the service that it provides to local businesses. MITI’s mission is to help Mentor companies make connections in foreign markets as well as attract foreign investment to the City of Mentor. Now in its seventh year, MITI offers are variety of services and programs to help our companies uncover opportunities which may be available.
One of the most important programs occurs each May, when a contingent of City and business leaders embark on a European Trade Mission. This year, the team will be heading to Germany and UK. Local companies are invited to join and discover the benefits of doing business in these two important markets. By being a part of our contingent, you will have direct access to key government and industry partners as well with the support of our civic leaders.
Is your company ready to do business abroad? Contact Mercedes Sanchez, Mentor International Trade Manager at sanchez@cityofmentor.com or (440) 205-3743 for additional details on the upcoming trip as well as international trade services which are available for your business.