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Registration Deadline July 26 For Automation Alley Trade Mission To Indonesia, Singapore

TROY (WWJ) -- The deadline to register for Automation Alley's Trade Mission to Indonesia and Singapore is fast approaching. Southeast Michigan companies interested in joining Automation Alley, Michigan's largest technology business association, for the mission, to be held Sept. 6-13, must register by July 26 at close of business.

Participation is limited to eight companies and only a few spots remain.

Indonesia and Singapore are countries that have a high demand for United States-made products and services. In addition, both countries are experiencing a surge in economic development and have growing middle classes with spending power.

"I just returned from an advanced planning trip to Indonesia and Singapore and witnessed firsthand what you seldom hear or read about in the media," said Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley director of international business services. "In particular, these two countries present tremendous opportunities for Michigan companies to expand their businesses. For example, Indonesia today has a middle class of 40 to 50 million potential consumers with a strong demand for U.S. products and services. And Singapore is considered to be the easiest place to do business worldwide, because its economy is truly open for business with limited bureaucracy, a world-class infrastructure, a highly educated workforce and the world's 10th highest GDP per capita. The U.S. ranks 11th."

Automation Alley trade missions open the door to decision-makers and a network of connections around the world, Nevshehir said. Companies meet directly with buyers of their products and services, attend business receptions and connect with top government officials and business leaders. Automation Alley can set companies up with as many as 15 meetings in one week abroad.

In addition, Automation Alley trade missions provide turnkey services that demystify exporting and anticipate companies' needs and wants. Automation Alley takes care of the planning and trip details before, during and after the mission, including international airfare, five-star hotels, internal transportation, welcome receptions, business briefings, matching meetings provided by the U.S. Commercial Service Gold Key Matching Service and cultural tours.

In May, Automation Alley was awarded the 2013 President's "E Star" Award for Export Service from the White House. The "E Star" Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity may receive for significant contributions to the expansion of U.S. exports. To date, Automation Alley trade mission and export activities have resulted in more than $282 million in export sales for local companies.

The cost to participate in Automation Alley's Trade Mission to Indonesia and Singapore is $7,995 and is subject to change based on availability. Be sure to ask about the State Trade and Export Promotion program to see if your company qualifies for funding that can be applied toward the cost of the mission.

To register, contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at (800) 427-5100 or info@automationalley.com. For more information, visit www.automationalley.com.

This trade mission is supported by the Michigan Economic Development Corp., the U.S. Commercial Service, the National District Export Council and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include nearly 1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government entities from the city of Detroit and the surrounding eight-county region. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through entrepreneurial and exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.

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