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Here is a selection of business news tidbits from this week's paper and possibly some news items that didn't make it into the paper.

UW-La Crosse offers training in global business

UW-La Crosse is offering a unique global business training program designed for international trade professionals.

Curriculum for the “Certified Global Business Professional Series” was developed by the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators and is typically offered nationally in large metro areas. The four-day series runs May 19- 22 at UW-L. Attendees may also select individual sessions.

Key topics include global business management, trade finance, global marketing and supply chain management. The program also serves as a prep course to pursue NASBITE’s Certified Global Business Professional credential.

In 2007, 100 percent of business practitioners who completed the UW-L prep course and took the exam successfully earned their CGBP credential.

The CGBP credential provides a benchmark for competency in global commerce. Additional information can be found at NASBITECGBP.org. The June 14 exam at UW-L is optional.

Cheryl Sonsalla and Virginie Saulnier are the program instructors. Sonsalla is the export manager for Ashley Furniture Industries Inc. and has more than 10 years of international experience in all facets including logistics, credit, export compliance and marketing. Saulnier is the sales manager for Saputo and has eight years of international experience as a logistics manager and as an export sales manager.

The series cost is $695 for all four sessions or $195 for each individual session. Deadline to register is May 12. Pre-registration is required.

For additional information or to register, contact the Small Business Development Center at 785.8783 or www.uwlax.edu/sbdc.

UW-L offers Web business workshop

A well-planned, properly organized Web site combined with cost-effective online marketing are essential for success in today’s market place. A UW-La Crosse Small Business Development Center workshop will offer ways increase results at “Web Business Plan and Online Marketing” Tuesday, May 13.

The full-day workshop is divided into two sessions. The morning session, “A Web Business Plan that Works,” will focus on targeting the right audience, developing realistic objectives, planning a Web site’s content and sections, and other activities. \

The afternoon session, “Online Marketing Tactics,” will focus on increasing Web site traffic through search engine marketing, search engine optimization, affiliate marketing, viral marketing, and how to capitalize on Web 2.0 technologies.

Both sessions will be held in a computer classroom in Wing Technology Center and will include practical exercises.

Workshop instructor Troy Janisch is an Internet marketing expert based in Madison. He is the publisher of “Business Owner’s Toolkit,” which provides business owners and entrepreneurs with more than 5,000 pages of free, cost-cutting tips and advice.

Janisch is also the author of “The Internet Marketing Toolkit” and co-host of the nationally-syndicated radio show “Business Owner’s Toolkit.”

Registration is $59 for each session, or $99 for both. Registration includes instruction materials and refreshments. Lunch is provided for participants who register for both sessions.

Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. To register or for more information, contact the center at 785.8783 or www.uwlax.edu/sbdc.

BBB seeks ethics awards nominees

The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau is looking for a few great Wisconsin companies and charities to recognize for outstanding business ethics and integrity.

The BBB is seeking nominations for the 2008 Torch Awards for Business Ethics and Integrity, which honor businesses and charities statewide that have demonstrated high ethical standards and exemplify excellence in business practices.

This year’s winners will be announced at a luncheon ceremony on Oct. 15 at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. There is no cost to apply, and businesses do not have to be a BBB member to apply. The application deadline is July 14.

Awards are given in several categories, depending on the businesses’ number of employees.

Last year’s winners were: The Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Barb’s Interior Design (Cedarburg), Gardan (Hortonville), J.P. Cullen & Sons (Janesville) and Festival Foods (Onalaska).

For more information about the award, go to www.wisconsin.bbb.org/torch or call Carole Milos at (414) 847-6064.

International marketing help available to Wisconsin firms

MADISON n— As recent record export numbers confirm, the world is hungry for Wisconsin-made food and agricultural products. But tapping into international markets can be challenging, especially for small and medium-sized companies.

Thanks to help from a cost-share program and technical assistance from the state’s international trade team, a number of Wisconsin companies are finding it easier to expand their markets abroad. Officials at the International Agribusiness Center hope more companies will take advantage of the program this year.

Over the past three years, the Food Export Association of the Midwest’s branded program has reimbursed nearly $1 million to participating Wisconsin companies.

“The 50-percent reimbursement may make it possible for a company to participate in an international trade show or demonstrate a product in another country,” said Lisa Stout, international marketing consultant at the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and coordinator of last year’s Japan Gourmet Trade Mission. The Stone Group of Green Bay was among those participating.

“The Japan Gourmet Food Trade Mission was a breakthrough event for us. We were able to sell to multiple buyers and as a result our exports doubled,” said Michael Stone, president. The company’s exports include berries.

Red Arrow International of Manitowoc also took advantage of the branded program last year. The company exports a liquid smoke product to more than 100 countries.

“Breaking into exporting and maintaining a strong brand image can be challenging,” said Christopher Gutman, managing director of Red Arrow International. “The branded program really helped.”

Activities eligible for funding include:

Exhibits at international and some approved domestic trade shows

Advertising and public relations

In-store promotions and product demonstrations in other nations

Producing literature in other languages and modifying labels and packaging

Freight cost for samples

Eligible products include specialty foods and beverages, cheese and dairy products, pet food, supplements, flavorings and ingredients, feed companies and other value-added food and agricultural products.

For more information about qualifications, marketing plans, eligible reimbursements and the application process, call Lisa Stout at (608) 224-5126 or Food Export-Midwest at (312) 334-9200.

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