Dear Wisconsin business owner:
Wisconsin’s economy is stronger than it has been in decades, with a record low unemployment rate, more people working than ever before, and companies from all over the world choosing to expand or establish operations in our great state.
Another indicator of our economic strength is the rise in Wisconsin’s exports, as more and more companies of all sizes and industries are realizing that developing an export strategy can play a big part in their overall success in our ever-changing global economy.
In 2017, Wisconsin businesses exported $22.3 billion in goods and services to 202 countries, a 6.1 percent increase over the previous year and a 13 percent increase since 2010. We saw across-the-board growth in exports, with increases in key categories such as: industrial machinery, electrical machinery, agricultural products, vehicles and vehicle parts, plastics, and aircraft and parts.
We’re proud of the successes Wisconsin companies have had in exporting, but we would like to see more businesses either take the leap into selling their products overseas, or expand their existing international efforts. That is why the State of Wisconsin, through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., has experts in the state and around the world poised to help you develop a successful exporting strategy.
The annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference on May 9 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee is the ideal opportunity to learn more about how WEDC’s programs can help support your company’s exporting efforts, and I invite you to stop by the WEDC booth at the conference or visit wedc.org/export to learn more.
This year’s conference will feature “The International Café” where participants can engage in roundtable discussion on topics such as WEDC’s ExporTech Program, federal assistance for exporting, international legal issues and more.
I also want to congratulate the winners and semifinalists of the 2017 Governor’s Export Achievement Awards, which recognize Wisconsin companies that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets and have contributed to Wisconsin’s ability to compete in the global economy. I look forward to honoring those businesses for their success at the conference.
Sincerely,
Gov. Scott Walker
