Governor Sam Brownback announced Tuesday the Kansas Department of Commerce is partnering with Kansas Global Trade Services on a $250,000 grant from the Legislature to increase awareness of the importance of exports for the Kansas economy.
The grant will allow Wichita-based Kansas Global to work with communities in the state to promote exports and identify companies with potential to increase exports and create jobs.
Kansas Global is a private, trade advisory firm that builds services ranging from global information to strategic marketing.
Governor Brownback made the announcement yesterday at his Economic Council meeting at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) facility north of Wichita.
Kansas Global President Karyn Page says the partnership will build on their "regional export plan created as part of the Global Cities Initiative."
Kansas Global will identify companies and industry clusters capable of increasing exports by volume, new customers or new markets.
It will also coordinate six regional meetings to export awareness, identify local companies with export potential and connect communities and companies to export assistance.
The grant will also fund "export discovery" meetings with businesses throughout the state and refer businesses to education and training programs. In addition, an export service provider directory with a referral guide will be developed and distributed.
Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer hopes Kansas Global Trade Services can "share our experience across the state of Kansas."
