Rawls College of Business: Exporting 101

(L-R) Dean Allen T. McInnes with U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Israel Hernandez and Chancellor Kent Hance announce a partnership to boost access to import/export opportunities for small businesses all over the country.

The Rawls College of Business and the U.S. Commercial Service have partnered to provide educational programs for beginner exporters all over the country. The partnership is expected to boost the number of U.S. companies entering the global market.  

Israel Hernandez, U.S. assistant secretary of commerce and director general of the U.S. Commercial Service, signed the agreement with Rawls College officials at a news conference late last month.

“This agreement will help more U.S. companies enter the global market,” said Allen T. McInnes, dean of the Rawls College of Business.  “Small companies tell us that if they only had more information on opportunities in overseas markets, they'd go there and sell. Here we can offer the information and the know-how they need to succeed.”  

U.S. exports in 2006 were up 13 percent to 1.4 trillion dollars. Greater involvement by small-and medium-sized companies in the export market would contribute to greater economic and job growth in the United States.

“There has never been a better time to trade, and with more than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power beyond our borders, U.S. businesses must take advantage of fast-growing international markets or risk leaving money on the table,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez and McInnes noted that exporting today is easier than it’s ever been, due in part to improvements in business education, information and market development services, ease of transportation and free trade agreements.

The first online program, Creating and Increasing International Sales and Profits, draws heavily on Commercial Service case studies, market research, and video resources. Future joint programs will provide practitioners the ability to earn professional credits, senior-level college credit and prepare for the Certified Global Business Professional credential. The Rawls College of Business also provides international business training materials for U.S. Commercial Service Country Officers, Trade Specialists, and Foreign Service Nationals.