FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Karen Glenn Hood
410-767-6318
kglenn@choosemaryland.org
 
STATE GRANTS HELP MARYLAND COMPANIES MARKET PRODUCTS, SERVICES GLOBALLY
 
Export MD provides $45,000 to help growing firms expand international reach
 
BALTIMORE, MD (April 17, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that the State has awarded $45,000 in matching grants to nine Maryland companies, helping them market their products and services in overseas markets. The grants, through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development’s Export MD program, are awarded to small- and mid-sized companies to help defray the cost of international marketing initiatives, including trade show fees, travel expenses, brochures and website development. In total, the Export MD program awarded $105,000 in grants in FY 08 and demand for the program has far exceeded the number of grants available.

The grantees for FY 2008’s third and fourth quarters include: High Street Partners and Jonathan Kendall, LLC (Anne Arundel County); University of Baltimore (Baltimore Ci ty); U.S. Grain Co. (Baltimore County); SURVICE Engineering (Harford County); Automated Precision (Montgomery County); Western Water International (Prince George’s County); Compass Systems and Technical Systems Integration (St. Mary’s County).

“The Export MD program is one of the State’s most effective tools to help small and mid-sized businesses explore new international avenues for their products and services,” said Governor O’Malley. “In today’s competitive economy, businesses of all sizes need to think about innovative ways to tap into new opportunities for growth. Making the move to expand internationally can be that much easier with the financial assistance and expert advice this program offers.”

“Compass Systems is honored to have been chosen as a recipient of an Export MD grant. This will certainly help expand our business base in Southern Maryland as well as into the international arena,” said B. Michael Legg, Director of Business Development for Compass Systems, located in Lexington Park. “Working with DBED, we have already had the opportunity to reach out to customers in other countries, and we look forward to the export potential this grant affords our small business.”

Established in 1999, the Export MD program provides matching grants on a quarterly basis that are capped at $5,000. Companies may also take advantage of up to 80 hours of marketing consulting from DBED’s Office of International Trade and Investment. Applications for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 Export MD grants must be submitted by June 1, 2008. To obtain information or eligibility requirements for Export MD, visit www.choosemaryland.org

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development has a network of representatives in seven foreign offices, including China (Beijing and Shanghai), Singapore, Taiwan, South Africa, Israel and Europe (Paris). In 2007, Maryland exports climbed to a record high of $8.9 billion, an almost 18 percent increase over $7.6 billion in 2006. The state exported globally to more than 200 foreign countries, with Canada continuing to be the top destination for Maryland goods, receiving $1.4 billion in exports, while exports to the European countries in the top 10 (United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium) totaled more than $1.6 billion. 

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