Area executives complete first GlobalTarget Program

Leaders at five Northwest Ohio businesses were recognized for their educational efforts to expand their businesses globally as they concluded their nine-month participation in this region’s first GlobalTarget Program.

Presented by The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation in cooperation with United Parcel Service and the U.S. Commercial Service, GlobalTarget participants met monthly for specialized sessions covering relevant topics based on an understanding of current members’ needs. The program then helped companies develop plans to improve their business’ supply chain, identify talent, understand export financing, and develop market entry strategies.

Companies with executives who completed the program were Arrow Tru-Line; Basic Coatings; ShopMetrics; Roots Poultry; and Vendita Technology Group.

Speaking at the ceremony was Toledo Mayor Michael Bell, who said, “This is a global economy, and if you are not ready to do business globally, you are not going to succeed. There is large potential in Toledo and NW Ohio; we can be creative in creating jobs. It’s important for programs like this to educate people to reach out across the ocean.”

“If you can’t establish personal relationships, you can’t proceed with anything. Investments are all from relationships,” Mayor Bell added.

“It’s a global world. Facilitating existing or new exporters to enter foreign markets benefits all of Northwest Ohio,” noted Dr. Thomas Sharkey, UT’s GlobalTarget Program Director. “Companies often recognize that expanding to global markets is something they should do. We make it easier for them because we have the experts who will show them how to do this and will provide them with all the criteria for success, whether they have a manufactured product or intellectual property.”

GlobalTarget is the first organized, focused attempt in this region to not only provide information, but to actually match local manufacturing companies with foreign markets. A premier benefit of GlobalTarget is access to the U.S. Commercial Services Gold Key Matching services at no additional cost, made possible by the generous support of United Parcel Service (UPS).

Melissa Blackledge from U.S. Commercial Services said, “I want to thank UT for inviting us to participate in this outreach program for companies who want to expand their exports. The Gold Key Program can help your companies find partners and buyers overseas, find pre-screened customers, help set up meetings, fill out documentation and counsel you on business in that country. We can be your first point of contact when you need assistance in increasing your exports.”

Mark Damschroder, Roots Poultry, said,” I made the decision to do whatever it takes to move our business forward. I had done some research about doing business in Canada, but I needed a lot more help. What I learned and the resources available through GlobalTarget are great. We’ll take advantage of our Gold Key partnership and our one year membership to the UT Center for Family & Privately-Held Business. I would absolutely recommend this program.”

Participants for the next GlobalTaget series of programs are now being accepted. To apply, download an application form at: utoledo.edu/business/global/target, or call 419.530.2068.