Companies looking to begin exporting their goods have an array of resources available in the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).

At their Aug. 17 meeting, Waunakee Rotarians learned a bit about the programs offered when Katie Ujdak, WEDC’s global trade and investment grant specialist, spoke to the club. 

Katie lives in Waunakee and is married to Max Ujdak, a club member 

She’s also a law student at UW-Madison, which is why we don’t see her much. 

In her talk about the trends of Wisconsin exports and the resources offered through WEDC, she noted that while Wisconsin is 20th among all of the states for exporting, it is the 25th in population, so exports per capita are very high. More than 8,000 companies in Wisconsin exported goods in 2022, with the top five locations being Canada, Mexico, China, Germany and the UK. Australia is also a top destination for exports, often outpacing the UK in other years. 

The proximity to Canada and Mexico make those countries desirable, and for new exporters, the common language in Canada is a plus. 

The categories of exported goods include manufacturing, water technology such as filtering equipment, energy and power, food and beverage, biohealth and aviation and aeronautics – the fastest growing export. 

Wisconsin is a national leader in some manufacturing products and a global leader in bovine genetics. In other countries, most of the herds are from imported U.S. genetic products both for bovine and swine. 

Wisconsin is also a national leader in sweet corn and cranberry exports. 

Companies looking to export can turn to WEDC’s for global network trade representatives who can help assess the market for their products, and provide information on market growth, tariffs and trade agreements, so they can create a plan. 

Coaching is also offered to help companies understand cultural differences. WEDC offers 6 to 10 trade ventures each year where companies can build relationships in other countries and learn about the cultural differences. WEDC takes care of logistics and offers grants for those who qualify. 

Trips are planned to locations such as Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland and India. 

WEDC has a partnership with the Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension, offering educational resources to companies to develop a strategy and timeline exporting their products. Wisconsin ExporTech graduates have a track record of success with their sales in exports, Katie said. 

WEDC has grants to help businesses with costs for trade shows and processes such as translating labels. 

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Other News:

-While Wauktoberfest is Sept. 14-17, the fun begins Sept. 6 with the Bacon, Bourbon and Cigar Tasting event on the Lone Girl Rooftop. Tickets are available, and the VIP tickets, with access to more rare bourbons, go fast. 

-The club received a grant and is working with other clubs on a Books for the World project for a library in Guatemala. Games and toys are being collected to send there. If you have any gently used games in English and Spanish or not language oriented, like puzzles, chess, checkers, or jump ropes, bring them to a meeting in the next couple of weeks. 

-The club is beginning to seek sponsors for the Rotary Lights magazine. Let President Jennifer Tasker know if you can help follow up with businesses. The goal is $40,000 this year to help cover the increase in printing costs. 

-A volunteer is needed to take some of the Rotary Youth Exchange kids from Stoughton to Chicago. 

Upcoming Events

-Aug. 28 - Waunakee Big Band at Village Park, 6-7:30 p.m.

-Sept. 9 - Heritage Fest at Schumacher Farm

-Sept. 14-14 - Wauktoberfest

-Oct. 8 - Food for Kidz

Guests: Jerry Tierney, guest of Don Tierney; Katie Ujdak, guest of Max Ujdak.

Visiting Rotarians: Michelle McGrath, Rotary District 6250 Governor and Toni Pabon, Assistant Governor. 

Birthdays: None.

Anniversaries: Aug. 26, Lori and Peter Derauf; Aug. 26, John and Debbie Cullen; Aug. 28, Connie and Marjorie Blau; Aug. 29, Nicholas and Alaria Petrulis; Aug. 30, David and Mary Jean Kennedy.

Greeters: Aug. 24, Roberta Baumann and Conrad Blau; Aug 31, Sarah Bonk and Tony Burns; Sept. 7, Paul Cardarella and Scott Cochems; Sept. 14, John Cullen and David Dargenio; Sept. 21, Allan Dassow and Lori Derauf; Sept, 28, Patrick Durden and Fritz Durst .