Opportunities for Successful Exporting
Presented by: Scott Smithhisler & Elaeh Raphael
During our session we will review and discuss the key factors to ensure a successful export strategy: Business plan, customer relationships, distribution, the export process, and the team of people who need to work in concert to achieve effective and sustainable results. In addition we will discuss trade risks, payment terms options, and the benefits of utilizing strategic partners.
All attendees are encouraged to come with insights and questions for group discussion.
Scott Smithhisler, Global Trade Consultant, Orinoco International LLC
Scott has a diverse background in international business and trade. Scott began his international career in banking where he gained experience in import, export and standby letters of credit, foreign exchange and trade finance. Subsequently, for over twenty years he served in a variety of leadership positions with Nike, Inc., focused primarily on business development in the US, Latin America, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. His areas of expertise include: market expansion strategy, import and export process improvement, third party provider relationships and resource planning, trade finance, regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
Elaeh Raphael, Global Trade Consultant, ENR Consulting
Elaeh Raphael has 20+ years of experience in building international business and managing worldwide distribution channels. She has worked in various roles as a Sr. Int’l Marketing Manager, Int’l Sales Manager and Director of Int’l Business for a variety of industry sectors and US manufacturers. Her most recent experience has been in the Medical Device and Dental Industry.
Elaeh is multi-lingual; in addition to her native English she also speaks fluent Spanish, Italian and French. Her passion and expertise is helping companies grow and be successful in the global market. She has lived abroad and traveled extensively which has contributed to her expertise in
navigating cross-cultural dynamics. She excels at identifying and assessing distribution channels,
negotiating distributor contracts and pricing, developing new market opportunities, and increasing the bottom line. Along with her extensive professional experience, Elaeh holds an MBA in International Business from the Monterey Institute of Int’l Studies.
