Two in a Row for High Point; Retains IBP Status for '09
By Staff -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 3/25/2008 9:04:00 AM
High Point, NC — Spring 2008 may mark the first time in High Point’s history that the market has status as a U.S. Commercial Service International Buyer Program (IBP) event, but it won't be the last.
The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) has been notified by the U.S. Commerce Department that the market will retain IBP status for Spring Market 2009.
“With the Internet, ease of transportation, and free trade agreements, there’s never been a better time to be selling internationally, and we’re delighted to have the High Point Market Authority as part of the IBP program due to the Market exhibitors’ great export potential,” said Eugene Quinn, International Trade Specialist with Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service. “Throughout the past year we have worked closely with the HPMA to undertake promotion of the Market through our Commercial Service offices around the globe. In awarding the High Point Market IBP status again for 2009, we’re looking forward to developing this dynamic relationship further, and to joining together with the High Point Market Authority to help U.S. manufacturers of fine home furnishings export their products worldwide.”
According to HPMA president and CEO Brian D. Casey, the IBP is designed to connect U.S. companies with foreign customers, and to raise global awareness of a designated event. “We are pleased to report that our involvement in the program is already paying off with a number of major delegations bound for High Point Market this Spring,” noted Casey. “To date, these delegations include the West African nations of Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea Conakry and Cameroon, as well as Spain, Mexico, Uruguay and Canada. These delegations are, of course, in addition to the significant numbers of international buyers that regularly attend our market,” he added.
The Market Authority and U.S. Commercial Service will host delegates and visitors from around the world in the new International Buyer Center throughout Market, which runs from April 7-13.
Matchmaking activities between delegates, foreign buyers and exhibitors will be led by Department of Commerce personnel throughout market week. “Our Commercial Officers, who are on the ground in markets around the world, will be on hand to present conference sessions and country-specific briefings to exhibitors seeking assistance,” says Quinn. “While we’re here to assist companies of all sizes, we particularly want to help small- to mid-size businesses that may never have considered exporting,” he says, adding “More than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power is beyond U.S. borders, so there’s really never been a better time to export.
” Casey says. “And if you’re not thinking globally, it’s a safe bet that your competitors are, or they soon will be. More importantly, many companies find diversifying their customer base abroad can help buffer difficult economic cycles at home. There’s really never been a better time to take the plunge.”
