International Business Development

International business has long been an important component of the Regional Growth Partnership’s overall economic strategy for Northwest Ohio. The RGP and its partner affiliates, provide a broad range of international support and promotion services for local businesses and communities. The major categories of services include the following:

• Attraction of Foreign Direct Investment
• Technical Assistance to local firms regarding export opportunities
• Education and Networking for local firms to learn about international business issues and opportunities
• Liaison Services with other international organizations in Northwest Ohio.

Foreign Direct Investment: there are approximately 70 foreign owned business operations within our eleven county region of Northwest Ohio, employing more than 18,000 persons. Attracting additional investment from overseas is a high priority of the RGP and its local and county economic development affiliates through the Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development (NORED) association. Every year, Northwest Ohio economic development professionals work several international venues, such as the Hannover Fair in Germany, the Canadian Manufacturing Week Show, Expo Manufactura in Mexico or the Korean International Machinery Expo seeking investment opportunities.

Technical Assistance: the Regional Growth Partnership houses the U.S. Department of Commerce District Export Center for Northwest Ohio. Growth in exports is a high priority economic development strategy for Northwest Ohio, and this office provides high quality technical assistance to local firms having information needs, questions or problems regarding their export programs.

Education and Networking: the Regional Growth Partnership is pleased to provide part time staff support to the Great Lakes International Trade Institute, also housed within the RGP offices. The purpose of the Institute is to assist Northwest Ohio firms keep abreast of the many changes and opportunities in international trade through regular programming of speaking and networking events.

Liaison Services: RGP staff provides connections with other organizations in the region with related international business functions, including the University of Toledo International Business Institute, Toledo Sister Cities International and the Ohio Department of Development International Trade Division.

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