The U.S. Department of Commerce encourages Atlanta companies to take advantage of its new e-marketing tool, BuyUSA.com. The system, developed in partnership with IBM, will connect U.S. product and service suppliers with international firms interested in representing or distributing U.S. goods in the global marketplace.
“This is a good, cost-effective opportunity, particularly for small exporters and those in rural areas,” Sam Troy, director of the U.S. Export Assistance Center (USEAC) in Atlanta, told GlobalFax. “Here’s a chance for businesses outside the metro area to get online, look at the opportunities and then call us for more information.”
BuyUSA provides U.S. companies with instant access to new markets via Internet technology and personal contacts in business sectors worldwide. Under the auspices of USEACs across the country, the program also offers shipment and logistics guidance, market research by industry and exposure at international promotional events.
“The difference between our e-marketplace and others already out there is that we provide the ‘click’ and the ‘mortar,’” explained Mr. Troy. “We have our worldwide network of people and expertise, and we have IBM’s systems as well.”
The Commerce Department will hold a free informational session about BuyUSA at ESPN Zone, Tuesday, May 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. To register, call 800-426-7777 and specify priority code 101CT005 or visit www.events-mci.com/practicalapproach. For more information about BuyUSA.com, call the Atlanta USEAC at (404) 657-1900.