Dear Wisconsin Business Owner:
We’ve created a business climate in Wisconsin that encourages production and growth by virtually eliminating taxes on manufacturing and agriculture. As a result, innovative companies throughout the state are better able to take advantage of new market opportunities both within the U.S. and abroad, leveraging supportive state programs that help Wisconsin businesses make direct connections with international partners and customers.
Last year alone, Wisconsin businesses exported more than $22.4 billion in goods to 201 countries around the world. The state’s exports have grown 13 percent since 2010. This growth is a true indication of the respect Wisconsin companies have throughout the world and that our efforts are paying off.
We continue to build success in Wisconsin by encouraging companies that haven’t yet started exporting to explore doing so and helping exporting businesses find strategies to expand those efforts. We assist companies, large and small, in finding viable opportunities to reach these markets. More than 8,500 companies in the state are already finding success around the world, and 88 percent of those are small or mid-sized firms.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is ready to help you take the next step. We have resources available to help businesses create export strategies, as well as provide technical and financial assistance to implement those export strategies. We encourage you to take full advantage of the experts and business development tools featured in this publication to maximize the potential of your company.
We look forward to congratulating the finalists and winners of the 2016 Governor’s Export Achievement Awards at this year’s Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee. These awards recognize Wisconsin companies that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets or have contributed to Wisconsin’s ability to compete in the global economy.
Sincerely,
Gov. Scott Walker
