Getting to Know the Ohio DEC

January 24, 2017/No Comments

Conducting international business presents a variety of challenges. The successful export of goods and services throughout the global markets can only be accomplished through expertise and an ability to adapt to changing market demands. District Export Councils, such as the Ohio DEC, are dedicated to providing professional export advice to each region’s local firms.

What is a District Export Council?
The Ohio DEC website describes District Export Councils (DEC) as “…organizations of business leaders from local communities, appointed by various U.S. Secretaries of Commerce, whose knowledge of and expertise in international business provides a source of professional advice for their region’s local firms. Closely affiliated with the U.S. Commerce Department’s Export Assistance Centers and the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, the 59 DEC’s that exist throughout the country support the U.S. Government’s export promotion efforts.”
The Ohio DEC encompasses the Ohio and Northern Kentucky regions. Each DEC is comprised of approximately 30 members of which at least half are exporters. The remaining members include bankers, international lawyers, accountants, and other specialists who support the U.S. Government’s export promotion mission.

Who are DEC members?

Approximately 1500 DEC volunteers assist small and medium-sized local businesses in establishing and enhancing export sales. By doing so, the country’s economic growth is assured. Members also sponsor and participate in trade promotions, in addition to advocating for effective trade policies.What is the DEC mission?

The District Export Council’s mission statement is to “…encourage and support the export of goods and services that strengthen individual companies, stimulate U.S. economic growth and create jobs. Export expansion activities are accomplished by working with the U.S. Export Assistance Centers to provide opportunities to promote greater export activity at the local level while developing a trade assistance network.” These activities include:

Export counseling and mentoring
Identification of financing sources
Generation of export awareness locally
Advocating for trade policy and legislation
U.S. Export Assistance Centers
Local export assistance partnerships
Export University programs
Issues affecting export trade

What services does the Ohio DEC offer?

Through its website – http:/ohiodec.org – the Ohio DEC offers support of the activities noted in the DEC mission statement. Additionally, it provides access to various non-profit trade organizations whose goals are consistent with those of the Ohio DEC. It also provides up-to-date information on international trade events, including training programs, geo-political events, and networking opportunities.

Who are the Ohio DEC contacts?

Any questions can be directed to either of our experienced staff members, Penny Toschlog and Todd Hiser.

Penny can be reached Monday to Friday at 513-684-2994, and at Penny.Toschlog@trade.gov or e-Mail her at the same address.

Todd is available Monday to Friday at 216-522-4756, and at Todd.Hiser@trade.gov, or e-Mail to the same address.

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