Previous Governor’s Trade Missions

Idaho Trade Mission to Taiwan and Vietnam a Success

Trade missions expand business opportunities and build global partnerships for Idaho companies

(BOISE) – Idaho House Speaker Scott Bedke reported positive initial feedback today from the 19 Idaho companies and organizations that joined him on a trade mission to Taiwan and Vietnam from November 11-18.

“It can be extremely difficult to break into foreign markets, but state-led trade missions are a proven tool to speed up market access,” Speaker Bedke said. “I am honored to have been a part of helping open doors for Idaho companies to expand internationally.”

The mission was coordinated by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and the Idaho Department of Commerce. Participants represented a variety of industries including potatoes, wheat, beef, cheese, hay, livestock genetics, live cattle, specialty grains, defense equipment, fire safety equipment, erosion control and insulation building materials, aerospace solutions, medical equipment, and communications equipment.

“Idaho continues to set the bar with our commitment and dedication to building strong business relationships in Taiwan and Vietnam,” said Celia Gould, director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. “With both new and experienced exporters joining us for the mission, it was great to see these international partnerships flourish. Speaker Bedke and the entire Idaho delegation represented our state with the pride and professionalism necessary for success. I am confident that this trade mission will have a positive impact for the state in the months and years to follow.”

Taiwan was the third-largest overall foreign market for Idaho goods and services in 2016, with exports up 20 percent from 2015. Idaho took advantage of Vietnam’s strong economic growth by increasing exports to that country by 55 percent from 2015 to 2016.

“Speaker Bedke and our Idaho companies represented the state flawlessly. We were welcomed with open arms in both countries and we were all hard at work making new business connections, strengthening existing relationships and bringing Idaho to the forefront of trade with Taiwan and Vietnam,” Idaho Department of Commerce Director Megan Ronk said.

Company participants had positive insights from the trip:

Lee Burtenshaw, owner, 50X Cattle, Terreton

“Trade missions have been great for 50X Cattle. We have already sent shipments to Vietnam, and based on discussions during this last mission we see great potential for future shipments of cattle to the market.”

Ian Weight, chief financial officer, Driscoll TopHay, Pocatello

“The mission was full of welcome surprises for us. We participated, intending to make some contacts and learn a little about the potential of these new markets, but what we came back with was so much more. Thanks to the coordination of the ISDA staff, both from the Boise office and from the amazing staff based overseas, we met with over 20 potential clients. As a result of our follow up from these visits, we received requests for quotations within days of returning from the trip. We anticipate the opportunity to ship product to these markets in the very near future. Had we not participated in the trade mission, these opportunities would likely not have been discovered. In addition to these fantastic sales opportunities, we were also able to forge many great relationships with fellow Idaho companies and we look forward to building strong synergies with them in the future.”

Chris Ravsten, warehouse manager/owner, Mountain States Oilseeds, American Falls

“Participating in this trade mission demonstrated to our current and prospective customers that we are serious and committed to the market. It says that we are dedicated to building strong business relationships. We know that these relationships are the foundation for future sales. As a direct result of this trade mission, we anticipate that one of our current customers will be increasing their order from two containers per year to 30 containers per year.”

Roger Hancock, chief executive officer, Recall Infolink, Boise

“The trade mission was successful thanks to so many – from the Governor’s Office to Speaker Bedke to the team at the Department of Commerce and the Taiwan USA Industrial Cooperation Office. The kickoff meeting with the Taiwan FDA laid a foundation for successful meetings throughout the week. Growing interest in automating the process of recalling product across the supply chain was moved forward through this trade mission. Recall InfoLink will serve businesses in Taiwan in the near future.”

James Neils, chief executive officer, Ventry Solutions, Hauser

“The Idaho trade delegation opened doors for us that we could not have unlocked. They did a great job of arranging meetings with these companies, having the resources available that we needed to make the meetings successful, and managing logistics so that we could attend the meetings in the short amount of time we had. The delegation cared about our business success and were able to provide important assistance in understanding the culture, how to approach each company, and more important, were able to give us insight into how we can move forward and work with these companies in the future. Overall the Idaho Trade Mission to Asia was a great success!”

Kevin Crandall, veterinarian, Winstar Genetics, Shelley

“Being the first trade mission we have been a part of, we didn’t know what to expect, or how beneficial it would be. All of our expectations were exceeded both in discovering incredible new business opportunities as well as establishing the personal relationships that foster good business and build trust. I think every business interested in expanding to the international markets should seriously consider participating in future trade missions. 100 percent worth the investment in time and money.”

Robert Brown, chief executive officer, WMDTech, Boise

“Idaho’s Trade mission to Taiwan helped our company link up with quality potential distributors who know the customers we are trying to reach while also providing necessary assets and support on the ground when I arrived in Taipei.”

GOVERNOR’S TRADE MISSION TO CHINA A SUCCESS
OPPORTUNITIES EXPAND FOR IDAHO BUSINESSES, INDUSTRIES

(BOISE) – Following his recent trade mission to China, Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter reported positive preliminary feedback from participating Idaho companies and organizations.

“Our recent mission to China was one of the best we’ve had,” Governor Otter said. “The interest we received in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou was a reflection of the great products and services we were promoting, along with the tremendous market potential that remains in China.”

The October 28-November 5 trade mission was coordinated by the Idaho Department of Commerce and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The destination was selected by a survey of Idaho businesses. Participants represented a variety of industry sectors including potatoes, wheat, dairy products, agricultural and temperature-controlled supply chain equipment, dietary supplements, personal care products, forage, animal feed and supplements, recreational vehicle sourcing services, and university research/international education.

The value of exports significantly contributes to Idaho industries and the state’s economy. Nearly 20 percent of all Idaho agricultural commodities are exported, for a total export value of more than $2 billion in 2015.

However, it can be difficult to seize foreign market opportunities. Governor-led trade missions are a proven tool to accelerate market access for Idaho companies. “Personal relationships are an essential part of doing business in the Chinese market,” Governor Otter said. “We identified some excellent opportunities, and I look forward to seeing their future successes.”

Idaho’s exports to China totaled $560 million in 2015 – up more than 16 percent from 2014 and making China the second-largest export market for Idaho. Year-to-date exports to China for 2016 are up more than 18 percent.

Company participants had positive insights from the trip:

Jos Zamzow, Chief Operating Officer for Catalyst, a division of Dynamite
“The trade mission to China was a huge success for our company! The state staff set up great meetings with new potential customers, helped us arrange to meet with our current customers, and even helped with the logistics. To top it all off, we got to have the Governor sit in on a meeting with one of our customers. His friendly, likable demeanor and tremendous experience really sealed the deal.”

Kirk Hansen, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Kyäni
“Governor Otter and the Idaho Commerce Department were able to open doors for us we would not have been able to open on our own. They helped arrange and participate in high level government meetings in Beijing and Shanghai that will open doors for current and future success in the China market.”

Nick Proia, Vice President of Business Development, Kingston Fresh
“While fresh Idaho potatoes are not currently permitted into China from the U.S., we need to continue to push for their acceptance, and we did that. Our goals for gaining a deeper understanding of the market, engaging with potential importers, and evaluating opportunities for the products we currently export to other parts of the world were met. We are currently following up with each contact made, in excess of 20, and are finalizing plans to return for additional meetings in the near future.”

David Oster, Chief Executive Officer, PakSense
“We had a very successful trip with highly valuable meetings with food safety and cold chain industry representatives and with retail chains and importers that actually participate in the market. We learned a great deal about the market opportunity for us in China. We were successful in creating several new, valuable, business relationships with the companies we met.

Marcus Tam, Vice President and General Manager, RVEEPRO
“We had a very productive trip as part of the Governor’s trade mission to China. Not only did we increase our visibility in multiple cities in China and generate many potential business leads, but we were also able to secure a couple of deals as a result of being part of the delegation. We had previously worked on these deals for about a year, and the Governor's trade mission helped us close the deals while we were in China.”

Seth Pemsler, Vice President, Idaho Potato Commission
“Status and title mean everything. By introducing key prospects and customers to the Governor, who was gracious to take pictures with everyone that asked, we began the process of a relationship that leads to business success in China.”

Clark Hamilton, Idaho Wheat Commission
“It was a great experience for me to meet some of the customers that buy Idaho wheat, get better acquainted and have a chance to maintain and improve those relationships”

GOVERNOR OTTER, BUSINESSES TOUT SUCCESS OF LATIN AMERICAN TRADE MISSION

(BOISE) – Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said preliminary feedback from the 18 Idaho companies and organizations that joined him on his recent trade mission to Lima, Peru and Mexico City, Mexico, shows a successful introduction to new markets and expansion of business relationships in Latin America.

Participants on the May 9-16 mission represented a variety of industries, including vegetable seeds, potatoes, onions, dairy products, natural and organic foods, wheat, oilseed, mining equipment, personal care products, timber, technology, medical equipment, mining raw materials and university research/international education.

“We had the best of the best of Idaho companies and organizations traveling with us, and the warm welcome and interest we received in Peru and Mexico reflected the innovative products and services we were promoting,” Governor Otter said. “Relationships and friendships were established in both countries, and I am confident this will lead to continued opportunities for all of the trade mission participants.”

It was the Governor’s first trade mission to Peru. In 2014, Idaho’s exports to Peru totaled $17.05 million, up 16.4 percent from 2013. The trade mission established new customer relationships that will help accelerate export growth into that country.

Mexico, a more established market, already is Idaho’s sixth-largest export market overall. Idaho exports to Mexico were valued at more than $301 million in 2014, up over 10 percent from the year before. However, the Mexican market continues to grow and provide new sales opportunities for Idaho businesses.

International trade requires extensive financial and human resources to break into foreign markets, and closing sales generally takes longer. Governor-led trade missions are a proven tool for speeding up market access for Idaho companies, whose total exports are responsible for more than 26,000 jobs.

“The mission was a tremendous success. In both countries, we made excellent contacts that we are confident will lead to sales. We identified some new opportunities in Peru and are excited about the potential there for Idaho agriculture,” said Celia Gould, director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. “Mexico is already an important agricultural market for Idaho but continues to grow. It was our number-two agriculture export market last year, and I anticipate that it could become number one in 2015.”

Several of the trade mission participants highlighted their successes from the Latin America trade mission:

Brian Jeppsen from Hess Pumice in Malad, a mining and processing operation of the world’s purest commercial deposit of white pumice: “We had a very productive trip and were able to make some solid contacts with potential customers. Most certainly, we were able to get audience with high-profile potential customers that we would not have otherwise been able to meet by trying to make the arrangements ourselves.”

Jason Godfrey of Mountain States Oilseeds in American Falls, a production and marketing company for grains and oilseeds: “The trade missions have given us access to large, high-quality international customers and allowed us to expand our business. We felt this trade mission was a great success and have already had some good feedback and future business in Mexico and Peru, with a potential increase in business of several loads per month.”

Dean Miller of Epical Solutions in Boise, the exclusive North American distributor of the FreeWheel adaptive wheelchair attachment: “The Governor is always a true professional and adds credibility in every meeting he attends.” Cindy Crieg, director of International Trade for the manufacturer of FreeWheel, added, “We would participate in another mission in the right countries and would recommend the same to any Idaho business looking to expand internationally.”

Joanna Madden with Axus International in Boise, an export company specializing in distribution of American-made organic and natural food products: “The State of Idaho trade mission to Mexico provided new opportunities that went beyond our expectations. Prospective partners ranged from long-established companies in search of a stronger supply chain to the most innovative companies who are expanding their reach into the Mexican marketplace.”

Randy Robinson of High Desert Milk in Burley, a vertically integrated cooperative of six dairy farmers that produce nonfat dry milk, buttermilk powder and butter: “We had great meetings with quality new contacts in Peru, and got reacquainted with some of our current customers that are looking to expand their use of our products. The same was found in Mexico, and we look forward to significant expanded business in both markets due to the help from the trade mission.” Derik Robinson of High Desert Milk added, “Governor-led trade missions serve as an asset for all of Idaho’s businesses, allowing companies to meet with high level decision makers and facilitating expansion of business. For us personally, this will translate to hundreds of thousands of dollars in new sales.”

As companies are following up with their new contacts in Peru and Mexico, Rick Vollweiler from AMS, Inc., in American Falls, which sells soil, water and gas sampling equipment, reported that, “Three companies, with whom we met with in Lima, have approached us for product quotes in a government tender. In addition, a private company has requested quotes for two PowerProbe systems.”

Besides building new business relationships, the trade missions also are a great way for companies to improve existing relationships. As Hector Dimas from Boise Cascade points out, “One of the highlights of the trip was the Valued Partner Award. This was an unprecedented event for our recipients in Mexico and Peru and the fact that it is awarded by the Governor and U.S. Ambassadors of Mexico and Peru, respectively, solidify our bonds with our customers. At the same time, the presence of the Governor was vital in bridging Idaho companies to some household name companies in Mexico and Peru.”

GOVERNOR OTTER’S RUSSIA TRADE MISSION A SUCCESS

AGREEMENTS WILL HELP BOOST IDAHO EXPORTS FOR SEVERAL YEARS

(BOISE) – Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter reported preliminary results today indicating successes for many of the 17 Idaho companies he led on a nine-day trade mission to Russia last month.

Participants on the mission to Moscow and St. Petersburg, November 15-23, represented a variety of fields, including seed potatoes, potato machinery and storage equipment, animal feed, peas/lentils/chickpeas, live cattle, beef, timber, technology, banking and university research/international education.

“This was one of our most successful trade missions yet,” Governor Otter said. “Every company on the trip made excellent contacts with potential customers and several of them received orders on the spot. The overwhelming interest we received verifies the tremendous opportunities in Russia for future sales expansion for Idaho companies.”

Russia is the world’s 11th largest economy, and is a growing market for many of Idaho’s industry sectors. Idaho exported $21 million worth of goods to Russia in 2012, up 17 percent from the previous year. Overall, international trade is responsible for more than 98,000 jobs throughout Idaho.

Double L, a potato equipment manufacturer in Heyburn, expects to sell one piece of equipment by year-end valued at $145,000, and will have delivered quotes for another $1.8 million in sales as they follow up with customers that company officials they met on the mission.

Keith Esplin of NEU Seed in Rexburg reported that “opportunities for Idaho agriculture in Russia are much greater than I expected. Governor Otter made us all proud.” Esplin sold 12 containers of seed potatoes to Russia, and expects more opportunities to arise from the mission in the future.

Clinton Arnold of Logan Farm Equipment in Sugar City described the mission as a “game changer” for his company. “Based on our meetings, we feel confident in estimating an increase of our export business to the region by 75 percent and would boost our exports to well over 25 percent of our overall annual sales.”

Jos Zamzow, owner of Dynamite Marketing – an animal feed and nutrition business in Meridian – estimated that his company realized $300,000 in sales last April on the Governor’s trade mission to Asia, and he was equally optimistic about last month’s mission: “I think we could realistically double our international sales by dipping our toe into the Russian market,” he said.

Earlier this year, Russia banned imports of American beef. Jay Theiler of Boise-based Agri Beef Co. participated on the mission to help resolve the issue. He said the Governor “was extremely knowledgeable about our industry and helped us open doors with key government officials that may jump-start the resumption of trade in beef with Russia sooner rather than later.”

The mission was partly supported through State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) Grants, distributed by the Idaho Department of Commerce and funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The location for the trade mission to Russia was selected based on a survey of Idaho companies.

Below are more results from some of those who participated in the Governor’s Russia trade mission:

Double L – “Looking at the mission, it’s hard for me to imagine that we could have arranged meetings like these on our own. The Governor’s presence lends credibility to the efforts of the participating companies and helps us establish relationships of trust. The Governor and his staff are interested in helping Idaho companies generate new business. Ultimately – and I agree with Governor Otter on this point – these trade missions do more to strengthen ties between nations and peoples than any efforts made solely between government officials.” Chris Hunsaker, President.

Milestone Equipment of Blackfoot – “We felt the trade mission was a great success. We feel the Russian farmer is now more educated as to the process we offer for potato handling and cutting. Hopefully, they will use this information to increase their efficiency in growing potatoes. We were honored to be a part of this trade mission and feel that Idaho was well represented, and we hope this leads to a profitable outcome for our state.” Danny Mitchell, President.

Tim Shaw Herefords of Cascade – “We thought the trip was very educational; we now better understand the complexity of shipping cattle internationally. By meeting with key players we see the possibilities of getting Idaho cattle in a shipment in the future. Idaho livestock exports to Russia year-to-date total more than $12 million and this trip will give us the opportunity to further increase that number.” Tim Shaw, President.

Agri Beef – “The Governor understands the language of business and the importance of trade in creating win-win partnerships. We are grateful to the Governor for his efforts to understand our business issues and his willingness to roll up his sleeves and help us get it done.” Jay Theiler, Vice President.

George F. Brocke and Sons of Kendrick – “George F. Brocke & Sons, Inc.’s participation in the recent Governor’s Trade Mission to Russia will result in a substantial increase in our sales to Russia. In a large part this increase is due to Governor Otter’s commitment to promoting Idaho products and Governor Otter’s ability to effectively promote products of Idaho.” Dean Brocke, President.

nextScan Inc. of Meridian – “We have been doing business in Russia for the last four years. After the mission the level of interest in our microfilm scanning technology in Russia has grown notably, and we have identified enough tangible opportunities to predict with a good level of confidence that we should accomplish our initial mission goal of doubling our Russian business volume in 2014.” Ernesto Pinal, Vice President.