Governor Rendell Says Pennsylvania Businesses Will Learn About Export Opportunities During 'International Week'

October 23, 2009

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania companies interested in selling their goods and services overseas can network with trade representatives to find opportunities overseas during a series of meetings that will be held across the state during "Pennsylvania International Week" next month, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.

The meetings, Nov. 9-18, will include nine of Pennsylvania's 24 authorized trade representatives from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

"Exports from Pennsylvania firms play an increasingly important role in the state's economy," said Governor Rendell. "We help Pennsylvania companies evaluate export readiness, research new markets, locate qualified buyers, and find funding to start or expand in international markets.

"Pennsylvania International Week helps us introduce small and medium-sized companies to new markets and potential clients, without the time and expense of travel."

The Department of Community and Economic Development's Regional Export Network is hosting the week. The network is a group of international business development organizations located throughout the state that serve as local points of contact and assistance for Pennsylvania exporters.

The work of the Regional Export Network has been a key force for Pennsylvania's more than 12,000 exporters, who shipped $34.4 billion worth of goods in 2008, an increase of nearly 18 percent over 2007, and well above the national 11.8 percent increase among all U.S. states.

The meeting schedule for Pennsylvania International Week includes:

    Monday, Nov. 9
    11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania,
    1122 Oak St.
    Pittston Township
    Contact: Michael Horvath, Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance,
    570-655-5581 x247

    Tuesday, Nov. 10
    9 a.m. - noon
    Keystone College
    612 Main St.
    Towanda
    Contact: Cynthia Krise, Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development
    Commission, 570-265-9103

    Wednesday, Nov. 11
    8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
    The Red Fern Banquet and Conference Center
    421 Old Kersey Road
    Kersey
    Contact: Christine Perneski, North-Central Pennsylvania Regional
    Planning & Development Commission, 814-773-3162

    Thursday, Nov. 12
    8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
    Regional Enterprise Tower
    Conference Center (23rd Floor)
    425 Sixth Ave.
    Pittsburgh
    Contact: Rena Liu-Belshe, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission,
    412-391-5590

    Friday, Nov. 13
    8 a.m. - noon
    The Casino at Lakemont Park
    300 Lakemont Park Blvd.
    Altoona
    Contact: Tina Taylor, Southern Alleghenies Planning & Development
    Commission, 814-949-6517

    Friday, Nov. 13
    1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
    Celebration Hall
    2280 Commercial Blvd.
    State College
    Contact: Noelle Long, SEDA - Council of Governments, 570-524-4491

    Monday, Nov. 16
    8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    Rauch Business Center
    Lehigh University
    641 Taylor St.
    Bethlehem
    Contact: Cora Landis, Lehigh University SBDC, Lehigh Export Network,
    610-758-4350

    Tuesday, Nov. 17
    11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    HACC Gettysburg Campus
    731 Old Harrisburg Road
    Gettysburg
    Contact: Tina Weyant, World Trade Center of Central PA, 717-843-1090

    Wednesday, Nov. 18
    9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
    Plymouth Country Club
    888 Plymouth Road
    Plymouth Meeting
    Contact: Dino Ramos, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia,
    215-586-4246

For more information about DCED's international business development efforts, visit www.newpa.com.

    Media Contacts:
    Steve Weitzman, DCED; 717-783-1132
    Michael Smith, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor