Ambassadors from Canada and Mexico to address Futurallia KC 2011 during World Trade Week in Kansas City, Missouri
Mexican Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan and Canadian Ambassador Gary Doer will speak to the hundreds of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs from over 30 countries attending Futurallia KC 2011 May 18–20 in Kansas City, Missouri.
“This is the first time that both ambassadors from the two other NAFTA countries will be here.” said Futurallia KC 2011 Chairman George Blackwood, “Their presence will certainly trigger an enthusiastic response from global SMEs and help spotlight Kansas City as an international business center.”
Ambassador Doer will speak at the Futurallia evening welcome reception on Wednesday, May 18. Ambassador Sarukhan is a keynote speaker for the Futurallia gala dinner Thursday, May 19.
In support of the Futurallia program, the U.S. Commercial Service (USCS) through its more than 100 domestic Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) is offering free, customized country and market research and possible trade leads for American SME exporters who register for Futurallia, and who specify countries of interest.
To receive this free, customized market research, companies need to register at: http://www.buyusa.gov/kansascity/signup2011.html , and submit the list of international markets of interest. The U.S. Commercial Service will create a CD of the customized market research for specific industry sectors in those markets. Futurallia registrants will then receive a list of potential trade leads (when possible), upcoming events, and additional opportunities in those markets. There is no cost for this service; to be eligible companies need to register by May 13, 2011.
“This pertinent research from the USCS is a great benefit to American exporters who register,” said Futurallia KC 2011 Executive Director, Jody Edgerton. “It gives them a head start in preparing for their meetings with companies from those countries, and helps overcome key barriers to SME exports.”
According to information from the U.S. Trade Representative, some barriers to SME exporting are lack of knowledge, costs and the perception that government is not supportive.
“At Futurallia, SMEs can sit down in one place with up to 16 SMEs from other countries at a minimal cost and explore trade opportunities,” said Benny Lee, president of Duracomm in Kansas City. “For example, I met three companies from Africa. I never would have met these companies or moved forward with them had it not been for the credibility that Futurallia brought to bear.”
“Trade and export relationships take time to firm up,” noted Futurallia President and CEO Michel Thomas, from Poitiers, France, who will lead the French delegation. “Futurallia gives SMEs a jump-start on forming those relationships with a view towards international trade.”
American SME owners will see these new export and other global business opportunities when Futurallia’s worldwide network of hundreds of SMEs and entrepreneurs convene in Kansas City May 18–20, 2011. This will be the first time Futurallia, a global business forum that meets in cities around the world each year, will hold its annual business forum in the U.S.
Futurallia KC 2011 offers participating SMEs up to 16 personalized, 30-minute pre-selected business meetings with other SMEs of their choice over the two-day event. SMEs and entrepreneurs will come from more than 40 countries.
For more information, go to www.FuturalliaKC2011.com. Photos are available. Media interested in covering this global business forum in Kansas City should contact Fred Baehner, at fbaehner@intermark3.com. Or telephone 913-248-7770 for media information and registration.
# # #
Futurallia KC 2011 “Opens the Door to a World of Business.” This global business-to-business forum will take place in Kansas City, May 18–20 and marks the first time a Futurallia event has been held in the USA. With its worldwide network of small-l to medium-sized companies (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, Futurallia brings together hundreds of business owners and CEO from around the globe in a high- energy, fast-paced match-making business format.
Presenting sponsor: Sprint
Major sponsors and partners include: American Airlines; City of Kansas City, Missouri; Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City; Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; Greater Kansas City Foreign Trade Zone; Husch Blackwell; Intrust Bank; Kansas City Area Development Council and KCnext; Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association; Kansas City Regional Destination Development Foundation; KCMO Aviation Department; KC SmartPort; Mid-America Regional Council; M & I Corporation; National Association of Women Business Owners; North America’s Corridor Coalition; Oppenheimer Bros Foundation; Port Authority of KCMO; Small Business Administration; SNR Denton; United Missouri Financial Corporation; UPS; U.S. Commercial Service, SBA; World Trade Center of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; and World Trade Center Association