Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle spent time in Eastern Europe earlier this month, visiting Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland with the intent to foster trade relations and bolster Wisconsin's economy.
"In today's economy, it's very important that Wisconsin is part of the global economy," Doyle press secretary Melanie Fonder said. "A big part of that is promoting trade."
The governor spent nine days abroad, touring Frankfurt, Prague and Warsaw, among other Eastern European cities, before returning to Wisconsin Thursday.
Among some of the events on the governor's busy itinerary was a breakfast with Wisconsin soldiers stationed in Dexheim, Germany, a meeting with a Czech Republic leader, a dinner with Polish officials and events in Prague promoting Wisconsin businesses.
State businesses reflecting a variety of sectors of Wisconsin's economy were represented in the trade mission. A number of representatives for Wisconsin companies, including Badger Meter, FedEx and Harley Davidson traveled alongside Doyle and showed him their European facilities.
Such businesses that promote an export industry are especially beneficial to strengthening Wisconsin's growing economy, according to Wisconsin Department of Commerce spokesperson Tony Hozeny.
"Studies have shown that exporters make higher profits and have greater opportunity for expansion as opposed to those that do not export," Hozeny said. "We have a big stake in promoting export development because more exports from Wisconsin companies abroad leads to more jobs back home."
Fonder said making Wisconsin connections to these European nations through exports or sales foster job creation and also "gives Wisconsin companies a strong advantage" in the international market. Fonder pointed to the promise of establishing contacts with the Czech Republic and Poland in particular.
"Of the recent entrances into the European Union, the Czech Republic and Poland are the two largest," Fonder said, describing the two markets as "rapidly developing."
While the trade mission demonstrated great economic potential, another educational component proved equally as promising.
According to Ben Miller, Assistant Dean for Communications and External Relations in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin, the trade mission highlighted the educational opportunities available at agricultural universities in the Czech Republic and Poland.
"[The trade mission] presents an opportunity for our faculty, who share common focus with peers across the world, to exchange knowledge and build partnerships," Miller, who took part in the trade mission by the request of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said.
Miller additionally pointed to the benefits available for students, citing the significant positive impact of study-abroad opportunities on students' academic careers.
"The trade mission was a cross section of Wisconsin agencies, not just agriculture," he said. "It was an opportunity to see if there would be an interest in cooperation. I am pretty confident once we narrow in on core themes, we could develop a partnership."
Miller added some themes he examined in particular included sustainable agriculture, land-use planning, the impact of public policy and niche marketing.
