I am very confident that our work in South America will be successful. The companies that are participating in the mission are already meeting potential business partners in the area. As a group, we have met with companies like Goodyear and Smuckers and are looking forward to meeting with more firms and organizations as the trip continues. This mission provides an opportunity to make a personal connection with business people in the region. Companies are working hard to promote Ohio products and to make contacts that they can use in the future.
Leaders here seem to be very receptive to what Ohio has to offer.
That's a very good question and I'm glad I have the opportunity to answer it. The goal of this mission is to increase Ohio exports to South America. This means that on this mission we are helping Ohio companies to sell more products made in Ohio to customers in these countries, rather than relocating facilities to South America. If Ohio companies find new customers in South America, they will increase their sales in these markets, and as a result, they may hire more Ohio workers to produce the products needed to meet increased demand.