Baltimore, Maryland (PRWEB) May 02, 2013
Today the District Export Council of Maryland/DC (DEC) announced the inaugural Celebration of International Trade 2013, being held Tuesday, May 21 at the Maritime Institute and Conference Center in Linthicum Maryland. Geared towards manufacturers and professional service companies interested in entering or expanding into the lucrative international export market, the all-day event is a one-stop shop for any business looking to navigate the extensive business opportunities of foreign trade.
Maryland has been engaged in the global economy for many years and this Celebration of Trade event is an opportunity to recognize the important role that trade plays in our States economy. Record Maryland exports in 2012 and record trade for the Port of Baltimore reaffirms the States role as a major player on the global stage offering export opportunities for Maryland businesses large and small, said Governor Martin O’Malley.
The opportunities for small and medium size businesses to sell their goods and services in front of international markets has exploded in the past decade and the outlook for future growth is enormous, said Carl Livesay, DEC Chairman, adding, This conference is an affordable, unprecedented opportunity to connect with leading trade experts and obtain critical resources needed to succeed in a global marketplace.
The day-long conference, sponsored by the DEC and a dozen corporate and government agencies, features two dozen 90-minute workshops on topics including guidelines for exporting, risk mitigation, government resources, international finance and diversification.
Bob Walker, Deputy Secretary for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) will provide opening remarks regarding the international trade and the State of Maryland. Laszlo Horvath, CEO, Active Media will provide the morning keynote on Search Engine Optimization: Voodoo Magic or Science. This is a must see presentation for anyone attempted to export by leveraging the internet and electronic commerce.
According to Signe Pringle, DBED International Program Director, 2012 was a record year for Maryland exports. This proved that our businesses realized the need to look beyond the borders and compete in the global market place to access the 95 percent of the worlds consumers.
In 2012, Maryland companies exported $ 11.78 billion in goods and services, an increase of 9.2% over 2011. The top five countries in order were Canada, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, China and Japan. To accelerate the growth in exports, DBED has launched new programs and offers services to help Maryland businesses diversify their markets such as the ExportMD stipends that help companies participate in trade missions and trade shows.
For a complete program schedule and list of speakers at the Maryland Celebration of Trade, visit http://www.MDDCDEC.com
Sponsors include Maryland DBED, UPS, McCormick, McGladrey LLP, Maryland Port Administration, Ports America Chesapeake, TeleCommunication Systems, U.S. Commercial Service, Wells Fargo, Whiteford Taylor & Preston, BB&T, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Foreign Trade Council, World Trade Center Institute and media partner CityBizList.
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The Maryland/Washington DC District Export Council, Inc. is one of more than 50 District Export Councils (DECs) in the United States. DECs are organizations of leaders from local business communities, appointed by successive Secretaries of Commerce since 1973, whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice for local firms. Working closely with Department of Commerce U.S. Export Assistance Centers (“USEACs”), DEC members volunteer their time to sponsor and participate in numerous trade promotion activities. Like the USEACs, they are especially focused on assisting small and medium sized exporters.