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w w w.in s i g h t o n m f g . c o m November 2014 • /INSIGHT ON MANUFACTURING | 11 same GDP as South Africa; Texas has the same GDP as Canada." Fear of the unknown, like not being able to predict return on investment, can give companies pause. "I think we're just a little sheltered here in Wisconsin, too, and we kind of think that those domestic levels that we experienced through the 2009 recession are going to come back," Baumann says. But the world is global and to be competitive it's important to look to new markets, she says. "We want to go out there armed with a plan and the right partners around you so that you have the least amount of risk and the greatest chance of success," Baumann says. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has market development directors who work with other state agencies and trade representatives in 54 countries that can help, says Marie Martin, director of Global Education and Services at FVTC, which offers programs, seminars and language training that can be customized to your business. It offers cultural seminars on working in other countries, including Canada, which does have its own nuances to consider. "People need to know it's not the United States," Martin says. "Canada is a different market with different cultural traditions, very influenced by European culture, and also there is an American influence." Sometimes companies don't have a lot of control over what markets they get involved in — often exporting starts with an inquiry from overseas and before they know it, company leaders are trying to figure out what they need to do to get their product over there, Kuehl says. "Compliance varies a lot from country to country," he says. "Some places are very easy to Certification FOR MORE INFORMATION contact Christine at 920-498-6876 or email christine.schillinger@nwtc.edu. NEED TO GET YOUR CERTIFICATION? NWTC CAN HELP. Section 608 of the Federal Clean Air Act requires all persons who handle appliances containing regulated refrigerants to be certified. Get certified in one day at NWTC! At the end of NWTC's 8-hour prep class, you'll have 2 hours to take the universal exam and will leave with your test results. A/C and RefrigeratioN c o n t i n u e d > Marie Martin "People need to know it's not the United States. Canada is a different market with different cultural traditions, very influenced by European culture, and also there is an American influence." Marie Martin, director of Global Education and Services at FVTC