U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Small Business Administration Administrator Karen Mills, Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States Fred Hochberg, and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan invite you to join a day-long conference designed to connect small and medium sized businesses with resources they need to sell more of what they make in markets overseas.

The National Export Initiative Small Business Tour is designed to help achieve the President’s goal of doubling exports in the next five years to support the creation of several million new jobs.

American businesses still face many hurdles in getting their products to new markets: the lack of readily available information about exporting and market research; challenges in accessing export financing; and strong competition from foreign companies and governments.

“New Markets, New Jobs” will address those challenges for small and medium sized businesses in the Midwest. Conference attendees will benefit from:

• Remarks from senior officials from the Obama Administration,
• Trade resource panels on key export topics including the spectrum of federal resources that can help businesses begin exporting or expand their exports,
• Materials and resources to guide companies in the process of selling their products to consumers all over the world, and
• Lessons learned from area businesses who have succeeded in utilizing federal resources to expand into new markets and grow their businesses.

View the agenda for Minneapolis (subject to change)

WHEN: Thursday, February 17, 2011 - 8:30 am to 3:00 pm

WHERE: The University of Minnesota McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455

COST: Registration cost per person is $40. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

REGISTER: Register online and reserve your seat for the NEI Small Business Tour today!

QUESTIONS: Contact Dean Matlack of the Commercial Service Minneapolis office, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , (612) 348-1638.