Workshops to offer export training

The sinking economy has been like an anchor to the marine industry, with local companies suffering layoffs and bankruptcy, but a joint effort is under way to help increase export sales.

A partnership of Enterprise Florida, the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County and a grant from Workforce Florida will being a series of International Business Training Workshops, geared specifically to the marine industry, to State College of Florida's campus at Lakewood Ranch on July 14.

The Workforce Florida grant enables the sessions to be free, with a nominal food and beverage cost. The July 14 session is titled "Identifying the right target export markets for your business, and the session will offer lessons on:

• International marketing and market research

• Identifying the right target export market

• How to conduct market research effectively

• How to develop promotional tools and

• resources

• Analysis of marketing channel options

• How to pre-select target export markets

• What information is needed and how to find it

• Identifying potential customers and partners

• How to approach potential customers and

• partners

• Analyzing information and feedback

Companies are promised direct instruction from an industry expert, knowledge and insights on today's business environment and how it applies to the marine industry, a written export plan, and two hours of personalized one-on-one consulting and coaching within six months of the conclusion of the program.

Space is very limited, and filled on a first come, first served basis. For more information on the training sessions, contact Julie Balzano at Enterprise Florida by e-mail or call (305) 808-3660.

To register, contact Mireya Eavey by e-mail or call (941) 309-1200, Ext. 105.