Associated Press Published

W. Va. Businesses Invited to Learn to Export to Poland

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia businesses looking for new customers may find them by exporting their goods to Poland. The West Virginia Development Office International Division and the U.S. Commercial Service are offering an introductory session on market entry opportunities in Poland three times during March.

 • March 23, Monday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.,Morgantown: Waterfront Place Hotel, 2 Waterfront Place. Networking lunch buffet follows seminar from noon to 1 p.m.

 • March 23, Monday, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.,Wheeling: NTTC Building, Room 118, Wheeling Jesuit University. A networking reception follows the seminar at 5 p.m.

 • March 24, Tuesday, noon – 3 p.m.,Charleston: Charleston Marriott Town Center Hotel, 200 Lee Street East.A networking lunch will precede the seminar from noon to 1 p.m.

There is no cost for the introductory session. Attendees are asked to register in advance so materials and refreshments can be supplied. To register, call 304-957-2018.

Seminar attendees will also hear about the trade mission to Poland, planned for June 2015.

The seminars will be led by Senior Commercial Specialist Barbara Grabowska from the U.S. Commercial Service in Warsaw, Poland.

Topics will include:
 • An overview of Poland
 • Leading sectors of opportunity for U.S. exports
 • Market entry strategies
 • Cultural aspects of doing business in Poland
 • General overview of CE marking (“European Conformity”), which signifies that the product complies with the essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety and environmental protection legislation
 • Upcoming West Virginia Trade Mission to Poland, including how attendees could get a free market opportunity evaluation of their products as exports to Poland.

The Development Office helps small- to medium-size West Virginia businesses start or expand their export capabilities. The agency provides services such as export counseling, recommendations for translation services, reliable freight forwarders and participation in trade events.