Q: 01 - What is the Wood Manufacturing Council?

A: The Wood Manufacturing Council (WMC) works with employers, employees, educators, professional associations and governments to help implement human resources solutions that will ensure the success of the advanced wood manufacturing sector. These solutions include management and shop floor training, export training and other tools to ensure a skilled and competitive workforce. We partnered with the Government of Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources and FITT to bring you these Going Global workshops on International Trade.
Visit the WMC website to review the many programs and services developed for the wood industry.

Q: 02 - I'm giving you a big part of my day. What are you giving me?

A: You get lots of workshop choices to enable you to access the latest market research and intelligence gathered for Ontario wood businesses.
You'll gain real-world knowledge, skills and resources you can use to build up your business.
You'll discover the value of partnerships, at home or abroad, and their key role in developing your export strategy.
You'll take home your own comprehensive 100-plus-page Participant's Guide, which you can refer to as your plans take shape.
Oh yes, there's also free breakfast and lunch.

Q: 03 - If these workshops are so good, why are they so inexpensive?

A: Oh yeah. They're good.
In fact, they are adapted for Ontario's wood industry from the internationally acclaimed and recognized programs delivered by Canada's leader in export training, the Forum for International Trade Training. The inexpensive registration fee ($50 to $75) is augmented by funding from Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources. The Ministry recognizes that Ontario's wood industry has what it takes to compete globally, but many businesses require training support to get started or expand their export initiatives.

Q: 04 - Why do I need to attend in person?

A: Many reasons. For starters,
the presenters are Certified International Trade Professionals who have deep knowledge, advanced academic credentials and the practical export experience to back that up. The workshops are designed to spur real-world discussion and debate among participants and presenters. Bring your own specific questions, concerns and real-life challenges. You also have the opportunity to network among peers and international trade professionals and expand your personal contacts.

Q: 05 - Isn't this a bad time to be thinking about exporting?

A: Absolutely not!
Great opportunities often present themselves in changing times. While one market or product area may be in decline, others are emerging. These workshops will prepare you to take advantage of them. Even better, detailed case studies illustrate the steps other companies have taken to succeed internationally. No need to reinvent the wheel.

Q: 06 - I'm new to exporting. Which workshop should I take first?

A: If you're new to exporting, start with Going Global: An Introduction to International Trade. You'll explore the big questions and determine your company's export readiness and capacity. You'll become familiar with the fundamentals, language and the assistance and best resources available, of witch many are free, to help you succeed in international trade.

Q: 07 - Our company isn't that big. Should we really be thinking about exporting?

A: Of course you should think about it.
There are many small- and medium-sized businesses that have found success in exporting. Most say it's not that complicated. But you do need to be aware of the challenges and be prepared. Going Global: An Introduction to International Trade will help you decide if it's right for you. Further, it will provide a good overview of who and what you need to know.
Then, if you chose to learn more, you should consider the in-depth Going Global workshops that will show you how to focus your marketing plan, how to ensure payment from the other side of the world, how to deal with cultural issues and protect your employees in foreign lands, and how to balance the needs of your supply chain issues... and so much more. You'll have the confidence to start Going Global.

Q: 08 - I have some export knowledge and experience. Where should I begin?

A: The order is not important. Whatever knowledge gaps you've identified, there is a workshop for you. For instance, if you are strong in marketing but weak in finance, you might consider taking the finance workshop first. Once you've attended one, you'll want to follow up with some or all of the other workshops.

Q: 09 - I'm already exporting to the US. Will these workshops help me?

A: Yes!
Many US markets have declined or disappeared. These workshops were initiated in part to address this new reality and help Ontario businesses discover alternate markets for their products. These workshops can help you rethink and broaden your export strategies and find new opportunities, as many other wood businesses have done.

Q: 10 - Is there a deadline for workshop registration?

A: We will do our best to accommodate all registrations but seats are reserved on a first-come basis. Avoid disappointment and reserve your space now.

Q: 11 - Why do I need to create an account and what will you do with my information?

A: The WMC will present numerous workshops. We may need to communicate with you to provide information such as changes of venue or dates. Once you have an account, you may register for future workshops under the same email and password.
Your information will remain secure on the WMC server and will not be shared with any other parties. For more information, please review the WMC privacy policy.

Q: 12 - How much do the workshops cost and how do I pay?

A: We charge a nominal fee of $50 for Going Global: An Introduction to International Trade. The more in-depth workshops (Research & Marketing, Cultural Aspects, Finance and Supply Chain) are $75. All fees include taxes, a takeaway Participant's Guide reference book, a Certified International Trade Professional trainer and one or two meals, depending on which workshop(s) you attend.

You may pay through Paypal or by cheque. Paypal is an internationally recognized secure payment system, which allows your payment and registration to be processed immediately. You may also pay by cheque. Our system allows you to print an invoice if you require one. When your cheque is received your account will be updated at which point you can login and print a receipt if you wish.