NEWS RELEASE

Eagan, MN -- Large Minnesota companies like 3M and Cargill are well known for their international business success.  However, there are many small- and medium-sized Minnesota businesses that also have the potential to succeed in overseas markets.

On Monday morning in Eagan, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar will convene a hearing on “A World of Opportunity: Promoting Export Success for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses.”  The hearing will focus on how federal agencies can best help small/mid-sized businesses enter foreign markets and expand their international sales.

Klobuchar serves as chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation and Export Promotion.

There is an untapped world market for U.S. businesses, especially for smaller businesses that have never considered exporting before.  More than 95% of the world’s customers are located outside the U.S.  According to a recent survey, 30% of U.S. businesses that don’t export indicate that they would consider exporting if they had more information about how to go about doing it.

One Minnesota company that will be featured at the hearing is Mattracks, Inc., located in the northwest Minnesota community of  Karlstad, population 900 (and known as the “Moose Capital of the North”).  The company produces rubber track systems that convert most 4x4 vehicles into all-terrain vehicles.  Mattracks founder and CEO Glen Brazier will describe the export assistance his company received from the U.S. Commerce Department.  Mattracks now sells its products in over 50 countries and half of their business comes from international sales.  [NOTE:  Discs with video of Mattrack’s products “in action” will be available.]

Immediately after the hearing, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will present its “Faces of Trade Award” to Mattracks.

The hearing will be held at the Eagan headquarters of Skyline Exhibits, which produces trade show and event exhibits and does business in 38 countries.

Participants at the hearing include:

-         Glen Brazier, Founder and CEO, Mattracks
-         Michael Vekich, Chair, Skyline Exhibits
-         Rochelle Lipsitz, Acting Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion, U.S. Commerce Department, and Director General of the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service
-         Michael Howard, Midwest Regional Director, U.S. Export-Import Bank
-         Nancy Libersky, Minnesota District Deputy Director, U.S. Small Business Administration
-         Liz Reilly, Director of TradeRoots, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
-         Tony Lorusso, Director, Minnesota Trade Office

WHEN:
10:30 a.m.
Monday, October 26

WHERE:
Skyline International Design Center
3355 Discovery Road
Eagan