County Launches Export Montgomery Program

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Contact: Sheila Khatri 240-777-2020

For Immediate Release: January 13, 2000

County Launches Export
Montgomery Program

Montgomery County officials today announced a new tuition reimbursement program designed to promote international trade. The program, Export Montgomery, provides a tuition reimbursement to cover 75 percent of the cost of taking international trade training courses at Montgomery College's International Business Center. In addition, the Baltimore-based World Trade Center Institute will provide a 15 percent discount off non-member rates for companies participating in the Export Montgomery Program.

The program is designed to encourage small businesses to engage in international trade, according to David Edgerley, director of the Department of Economic Development (DED). "Exports provide a virtually unlimited source of new jobs, dollars and growth; and an important hedge against economic volatility," he said. "Bolstering the County's international trade activity will help ensure a stronger and more resilient economy."

To qualify for Export Montgomery reimbursements, a company must:

· be a manufacturing or technology based company in Montgomery County;

· have less than $20 million in revenue during the previous calendar year; and,

· employ fewer than 500 employees.

Companies must register with DED prior to taking courses to receive a reimbursement, and the maximum amount a company may receive from Export Montgomery in a fiscal year is $1,200.

The International Business Center, part of Montgomery College's Continuing Education Program, opened in September 1999. The Center's mission is to promote and expand international trade by providing services and programs (open enrollment and contract training) to Montgomery County businesses.

The World Trade Center Institute was founded in 1989 by former Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer to serve as an international business educational organization.

The Montgomery County Department of Economic Development helps existing and new businesses grow within the County through a variety of programs and assistance.

For more information about Export Montgomery and to find out more about starting, locating or expanding a business, call 240-777-2000.

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