WTC Savannah hosts “International Business 101”

SAVANNAH, GA, USA – On June 11, World Trade Center Savannah in conjunction with WTC Savannah partner, Southeast Georgia Joint Development Authority (SEGAJDA), hosted the program, “International Business 101.” Attendees heard from various regional experts on how to successfully expand their business into foreign markets.

The program featured speakers from several WTC Savannah partner companies, including those doing business internationally and those helping guide companies in their international endeavors.

Maria Lancaster, Executive Vice President of Savannah Bee Company, was the first to present, sharing Savannah Bee’s local success story along with some of the challenges the company prevailed while entering the international market. The next presenter was Thomas Matthias, First Vice President GTS Sales Officer at SunTrust Bank of Atlanta, who explained why an international finance strategy can help mitigate risks while expanding a business internationally.

Attendees also had the chance to hear from DJ Powers President Rhett Willis, who stressed the importance of working with a qualified freight forwarder when exporting products overseas. Both Ryan Sewell and Dan Pavlin, Vice Presidents of Commercial Lines at Bernard Williams and Company, clearly explained why investing in international insurance is a must for international businesses. Lastly, Todd Gerken, Director at the US Commercial Service, South Georgia U.S. Export Assistance Center, closed out the seminar detailing how American companies can achieve their export goals with the help of the US Commercial Service’s trade resources and international office locations.

Pictured: Ryan Sewell, Vice President of Bernard Williams and Company, explaining international insurance at the International Business 101 Global Education Program.

For additional information on this article, please contact Kathleen Henry, Manager of Trade Services and Research at WTC Savannah, at khenry@wtcsavannah.org.