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New Location of US Export Assistance Center to Enhance Export Outreach to Area Businesses

Kent State’s College of Business Administration has signed an agreement with the U.S. Commercial
Service (CS) to promote U.S. exports by locating a US Export Assistance Center in the College of Business
Administration. The CS is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade
Administration.

The College of Business Administration will work with International Trade Specialist Todd Hiser to
facilitate the identification of export-ready companies in Northeast Ohio, providing businesses with
enhanced benefits such as client counseling and overseas market assistance.

“We are excited to partner with Kent State’s College of Business Administration and its Global
Management Center in promoting international trade by locating a US Export Assistance Center (USEAC)
within the College of Business Administration. Exporting is paying off for many Ohio businesses that
continue to ‘make locally and sell globally,’” Hiser said. “Ninety-five percent of the world’s consumers
reside outside of the United States. If your business is not exporting, it’s time to get on board because
not selling globally is just like leaving money on the table. The USEAC at Kent State’s College of Business
Administration can help you navigate the avenues of exporting.”

The U.S. Commercial Service established a partnership with the College of Business Administration
because of the relationships the college has developed within the Northeast Ohio business community.
And, the Global Management Center within the College can help promote CS commercial development
efforts. Plus, College of Business Administration students benefit by having the opportunity to intern
with local businesses that are selling globally which will also help foster the U.S. Commercial Service’s
mission to grow experts in the region. The CS has 108 offices across the U.S. and locations at US
Embassies and Consulates in more than 75 markets and assists thousands of businesses each year, with
an emphasis on small and medium-sized firms.

Dr. Michael Mayo, Director of Kent State’s Global Management Center, noted that “We are excited to
partner with the U.S. Commercial Service. It expands and enhances our access to the Northeast Ohio
business community providing our faculty and students a better understanding of the challenges
businesses face competing in the global marketplace.”

Hiser joined the U.S. Commercial Service as an International Trade Specialist in October 2008 at the
Akron/Cleveland USEAC after working nearly 18 years in the private sector. He was elected Team Leader
for CS’s Agri-business team in 2012.

Hiser’s office is located in room 436 in the Business Administration Building on the Kent campus.

For more information, contact Mike Mayo at mmayo@kent.edu or call 330-672-1269.