Export Stories: Cobb Edition

At home in the world’s biggest market, expanding sales internationally can seem a bridge too far for many U.S. companies. But for every firm whose anxiety or apathy causes them to miss cross-border opportunities, there’s another finding lucrative customers around the world. From software royalties and franchise fees to manufactured inputs and consumer products, sellers of both goods and services in Cobb County have learned to overcome real risks to seize the innovative edge, financial diversification and brand cachet that can come with exporting done right.

Join the Cobb Chamber and Global Atlanta for a panel discussion where tales of export success from local pioneers will help you take the first (or next) step toward crafting and implementing your international strategy.

Opening Remarks: The Manely Firm

Speakers include: 

• Claudia Membreno, Vice President, Interra International, LLC
• A.J. Bental, President, Valtorc International
• Roger Richardson, CEO, Delta Sigma Company

Global Atlanta’s Export Background:
This event builds on the established Export Stories framework that has led to multiple special reports on Georgia-based exporters by Global Atlanta. Managing Editor Trevor Williams, who has written extensively on international trade, serves on the board of the Georgia District Export Council and as a judge for the Atlanta Metro Export Challenge. Global Atlanta is a winner of the President’s E Award for Export Service, presented to the company by the U.S. Commerce Department in 2014.

Speaker Bios:

Claudia Membreno is Vice President of Risk Management and Operations at Interra International, a leading exporter of agricultural goods.  She has over 20 years of experience in the international sector in various industries. Claudia has a BA in International Business, an MBA in Business Management, and is a veteran of the US Army.

A.J. Bental is continuing Valtorc International‘s tradition of excellence in manufacturing, started by his father 40 years ago. Valtorc’s USA manufacturing facility is a state-of-the-art fabrication plant, bringing high-end valves and valve automation products to major industries worldwide including oil and gas, power transmission, chemical, food processing, wastewater, water, and pharma. Some of their notable customers include Tesla, SpaceX, GE, PPG Industries, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Shell, Chevron, Pilgrims Pride, Kraft, Nissan, and Kia.

Roger Richardson is the CEO and founder of Delta Sigma Company, a premier provider of custom machine vision robotic solutions, mixed reality products, and essential industry-leading systems used for RCS, antenna, and material measurements. With over 30 years of experience, Delta Sigma has played a key role in supporting the aerospace and defense community in reducing the radar cross-section of the F-117 Nighthawk and F-22 Raptor programs. Delta Sigma’s exceptional contributions have earned high recognition in the industry, making them a trusted partner of major players such as the United States Airforce, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, and Boeing.

Delta Sigma’s capabilities have expanded over the years, from creating an unprecedented align and mate system for the F-22 body sections to developing mixed reality products that project visual work instructions directly onto any object or surface. This technology enables manufacturers to reduce time on task and eliminate errors in manufacturing and complex assembly processes, making it an essential tool for the industry.

With operations in over 60 government facilities, 45 aircraft production lines in 15 countries across 5 continents, Delta Sigma continues to provide custom-designed and optimized solutions tailored to meet specific customer needs and requirements. Delta Sigma’s focus on innovation, reliability, and accuracy has made them a leading provider in the industry, instilling confidence in customers that they have the personnel and facilities to turn a list of complex requirements into precise and reliable machines.