March 30, 2006
SAIL plans to help local businesses sell products in international markets
Southeastern Illinois businesses are being introduced to international marketplace opportunities through the efforts of an area economic group.

Southeastern Alliance of Illinois (SAIL) has entered into an agreement with Bob Bruce International Business Development Group to help educate area businesses on the benefits of doing business with international partners. SAIL is the regional marketing organization for an eight-county area that includes Clay, Crawford, Edwards, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash and White counties.

According to SAIL Chairman Mary Heitzig, who is also executive director of Richland County Development Corporation, the regional group is investing resources in a program that can help local businesses learn more about becoming profitably involved in the international marketplace.

In a press release, Heitzig said the group’s primary goal with this effort is to help local companies grown and add jobs in area communities.

Many smaller businesses today recognize that in order to achieve more complete success, it is essential to be knowledgeable of overseas trade, according to the press release. Part of the challenge is understanding the various elements involved with trading on a global level.

The new SAIL initiative will help area companies gain some introductory knowledge of the opportunities and the process.

The Bob Bruce IBD Group is an international business development-consulting firm located in the World Trade Center in Chicago.

Robert W. Bruce, president of the firm, offers a lifetime of knowledge and experience in the field. He will be working with SAIL to connect area small businesses with the information, education and support they need to participate in the global economy.

The international effort will kick off with a luncheon meeting involving area business leaders, elected officials and financial institutions. The date and location for the event will be announced soon.

SAIL has initiated a number of major activities in recent years to address the challenges of economic growth, unemployment and underemployment in the area. By joining in a regional partnership, the participating cities and counties promote job growth in their communities more effectively by pooling limited resources.

In addition, members can utilize research information and promotional tools developed by SAIL to support their individual community message.

“We are pleased to be a part of the SAIL organization,” Heitzig said. “This international effort can directly benefit the businesses in our local community. A company does not have to be a multi-billion dollar organization in order to be successful in today’s global marketplace.”

The efforts of SAIL are being partially covered by funding from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.