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12 | I NSIGH T • S e p t e m b e r 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m UP FRONT R e g i o n a l R o u n d u p » 1 4 F a c e T i m e » 1 7 C o n n e c t i o n s » 2 0 "We continue to find new markets for Wisconsin products and with a good strategy, a business can overcome these challenges." – Jen Pino-Gallagher, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection AN ECONOMIC DILEMMA HAS tapped the brakes on Northeast Wisconsin's red-hot exports. As the U.S. dollar has strengthened against foreign currencies the past few years, many have taken it as a positive sign the overall economy continues to grow and strengthen — slower than desired, perhaps — from the lows of the Great Recession. Unless, or course, you're an exporter. A strong dollar makes U.S. goods more expensive on the world stage, and exporters from Northeast B y S e a n P. J o h n s o n A harder sell Strong dollar dragging on exports Wisconsin have been feeling the pinch. Aer several years of growth in the value of exports from the region, Northeast Wisconsin has seen a slowdown and slight declines since the dollar began its latest upward trend. "e first part of 2015 has not been a great time for exporters," says Jen Pino-Gallagher, bureau director for business and market development with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. "As with any business, it can be very cyclical. We continue to find new markets for Wisconsin products and with a good strategy, a business can overcome these challenges." While the strength of the dollar may pose some challenges going forward, there are still plenty of successes to celebrate, according to export data maintained by the U.S. International Trade Administration. In 2014, Wisconsin exported products valued at more than $23.4 billion, an increase of about 1.4 10 years of New North exports 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Oshkosh-Neenah Green Bay Appleton Sheboygan Fond du Lac (full year) (full year) (full year) (full year) (full year) (full year) (full year) (full year) (full year) (full year)