Expand Your Client Base!
February 5 from 8:30 – 11: 00 a.m. the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance will host international trade specialist Tom Maguire for a special presentation of “Going Global - The Basics of Exporting". Mr. Maguire, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s U.S. Commercial Service Grand Rapids Export Assistance Center, will provide insights on the complete export process: international research; locating international markets of opportunity; working with distributors; and using attorneys, bankers, and forwarders to complete export sales. He will be joined by Foreign Service Officer Pat McRae.
“There has never been a better time to export,” according to Maguire. "The U.S. has cultivated better opportunities for American companies to sell their goods and services around the world. Together with free trade agreements, lowered barriers for American goods and services, and the Internet, American companies are working to increase their bottom line through exporting that support good jobs here at home.” The U.S. Commercial Service is a U.S. Commerce Department agency that helps small and midsize U.S. businesses sell their products and services globally. For more information on the U.S. Commercial Service, please visit www.export.gov or call
WELCOME TO THE NLEA
The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), founded in 1984, serves Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet Counties in the NW Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA.
The mission of the NLEA is to: “Enhance the economy in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties by acting as a resource to retain and create quality jobs.”
We draw on the resources of our many partners, including our Core Partners; Michigan State University Extension, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, and Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District. Working closely with various local, state and federal economic development agencies and our many elected representatives, we employ a team approach to economic development.
The NLEA serves as a resource center for communities, companies, and citizens in the four county region. Local companies are provided information or referrals on business-related matters. Business owners are provided ongoing business assistance services on a wide array of topics from starting up, to expanding, or relocating here. Local communities also receive assistance to prepare them for high quality development or redevelopment.
Our Board of Directors and Staff continually identify, review and research new and innovative programs to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve.
If you would like more information, please feel free to contact our office. We are happy to serve you.
About Us