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SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Business Solutions Division
The S.C. Department of Commerce’s Business Solutions Division provides resource assistance to enhance business operations and opportunities for South Carolina’s existing and small business community. Business Solutions assists existing businesses with regulatory issues, supply chain opportunities, workforce resources and production and process innovation referrals. The division also houses the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office, which provides need-specific support to small business in the areas of business planning, finance, marketing, regulations, operations and workforce development. Large and small firms are supported, and the business sectors range from manufacturing to logistics, and service to technology-oriented. The division collaborates with a variety of allies to help meet the needs for business development and growth, and provides resource support to hundreds of South Carolina companies each year. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.
Contact: Chuck Bundy, Senior Manager
S.C. Department of Commerce
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-0440 (office)
(803) 806-3420 (fax)
cbundy@sccommerce.com
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, International Division
The International Division, part of the Business Solutions Division, is responsible for planning, organizing and leading all international trade missions done by the agency as well as assisting with international trade delegations and foreign leaders visiting South Carolina. The overseas missions provide opportunities for the state’s companies interested in exporting products and services to meet face-to-face with buyers and distributors. Missions also provide local government leaders and economic development officials the opportunity to promote the state and regions for international investment and provide government and university leaders the opportunity to exchange new ideas, discuss R&D collaboration and student exchanges with their international peers. Division staff also work with others in the South Carolina International Trade Coalition to provide export guidance and assistance to South Carolina companies. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.
Contact: Clarke Thompson, Director, International Division
South Carolina Department of Commerce
1201 Main Street, Suite 1600
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 737-0438 (office)
(803) 806-3508 (fax)
cthompson@sccommerce.com
SOUTH CAROLINA WORLD TRADE CENTER CHARLESTON (WTCC)tc \l2 "SOUTH CAROLINA WORLD TRADE CENTER
World Trade Center Charleston is part of the World Trade Centers of America network in 90 countries, and is operated under the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. The mission of WTCC is to be a resource for facilitation, promotion and education of global trade.
Contact: Pennie Bingham, Senior Vice President, Business Development/Innovation
Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
4500 Leeds Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29405
843-805-3073
pbingham@charlestonchamber.org
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER
Promotes exports of U.S. firms with the following services:
Agent Distributor Services—Locates potential overseas representatives.
Customized Market Analysis—Provides information on sales potential, competition, sales channels, pricing, buyer profiles, market exposure, overcoming obstacles, potential representatives/buyers, and licensing/joint venture possibilities.
Gold Key Service—Customized business assistance available in 47 countries.
International Market Research—Comprehensive, in-depth research performed on location in overseas markets and posted on the National Trade Data Bank.
Commercial News USA—A catalog magazine that showcases products and services to 161 overseas markets.
International Company Profile:Background checks are prepared on potential trading partners.
Contact: Phil Minard, International Trade Specialist
U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center
1362 McMillan Avenue, Ste 100ADVANCE \x468 North Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 746-3404 (office)
(843) 529-0305 (fax)
phil.minard@mail.doc.gov
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE PORTS AUTHORITY
The Port of Charleston, the largest container port on the U.S. Southeast and Gulf Coast, offers South Carolina companies frequent access to markets across the globe. There are currently 45 ocean carriers calling on Charleston with service to 140 nations around the world. The variety is unmatched on the U.S. Southeast and Gulf coasts, providing a closer link between South Carolina companies and foreign suppliers and customers. Transportation professionals at more than 350 companies smooth international business transactions, offering services including international marketing and consulting, freight forwarding and brokerage, trucking, inbound logistics, warehousing, insurance and many others. For more information, visit www.port-of-charleston.com.
Contact: Byron Miller, Director of Public Relations
South Carolina State Ports Authority
PO Box 22287
Charleston, SC 29413
(843) 577-8197 (office)
(843) 577-8127 (fax)
bmiller@scspa.com
SOUTH CAROLINA EXPORT CONSORTIUM
The Export Consortium is a non-profit organization that specializes in the development and implementation of business, marketing and global trade strategies. By customizing its approach to market research, staff is able to assist clients with all of the elements necessary to grow a business regardless of where they are in the market development process.
Market Research
The Export Consortium provides client-specific solutions to help companies compete successfully in the global market. Through in-depth market research and a competitive analysis, staff identifies new opportunities for a client’s products or services. Whether you have an existing product and are looking for new markets or are an entrepreneur with an innovative new product, the Export Consortium is your portal to new business.
Training
The Export Consortium offers on-site training on a range of topics including: NAFTA; how to effectively position your product in the market; documentation and logistics; and much more. For companies that are new to the NAFTA process, the Export Consortium’s NAFTA qualification service provides a comprehensive analysis of one or more company products to determine their eligibility for preferential treatment under NAFTA.
Marketing Materials
The Export Consortium’s marketing service, Venture Elements, offers affordable, tailor-made solutions for companies in need of market research or creative solutions for marketing materials. The New Venture Kit includes identification and implementation of a unique selling proposition, logo design, stationery set, a leave-behind marketing piece and a basic Web site. All of the components are also offered on an individual basis. In addition, Venture Elements offers writing services, newsletter/PowerPoint templates, brochures, Web site updating and optimization and more. Venture Elements helps companies make a big impact by developing and implementing a consistent business marketing message.
Contact: Fred Monk, President
South Carolina Export Consortium
PO Box 12186
Columbia, SC 29211
(803) 255-2623 (office)
(803) 777-2376 (fax)
fmonk@findnewmarkets.com
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