Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the NWIWTC?
A: The Northwest Indiana World Trade Council is a voluntary, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing international trade and investment in the area.

Q: Who runs it?
A: A board of directors and community leaders from the three counties of Northwest Indiana and the south suburbs of Chicago, including exporters and importers, international service providers, and both large and small businesses. The board meets monthly.

Q: Am I ready to export?
A: If you haven't already filled out our questionnaire, visit the Export Questionnaire web page.

Q: Why should I be exporting?
A1: Self-defense. It's not enough any more to have a strong presence in the US. Foreign companies are competing right here, and will take away our market share.

A2: Not to make up for a weak position here.

Q: How do I get started?
A: Try completing our Export Questionnaire. Feel free to come to our lunchenons, seminars, or other special events. Visit our Events page for a listing of meeting dates, times, and locations.

Q: Where do I get help?
A: Start talking to exporters and others in the business of world trade. Come to one of our lunches and ask questions. Again, visit our Events page for a listing of meeting dates, times, and locations.

Q: Where are you located?
A: Our coverage area is the seven counties of Northwest Indiana, primarily the counties of Lake, Porter, and LaPorte, as well as the south suburbs of Chicago. We are located wherever we meet, but our mailing address is 6100 Southport Road, Portage, Indiana. Our phone number is 219.670.3018.

Q: What can you do for my company?
A: In short, help with exporting, importing, foreign investment, anything dealing with international trade. We are a source of referrals, a forum for networking, and a clearing house for ideas. Visit the Resource Links web page for a list of international services available in our area.

Speakers from around the world give presentations to our members

Q: What has the Council done that's useful?
A: For five years, we have held monthly luncheons featuring speakers on international topics, including Consul Generals and Trade Commissioners, local service providers, and businesses who are doing it. We have held and cosponsored many international seminars. We have provided direct assistance to many, including CPF 1Shot, a specialty paint company in Gary, which was featured in an article in The Times newspaper on August 18, 1994. This was, in part, the basis for our "Exporters Module."

Q: What's the point in joining NWIWTC?
A: It's good for global tade and it's good for you. For a complete listing of benefits and to get an application, visit the Join NWIWTC web page.

Q: What does it take to get started?
A: Consider your management, your product, and your organization. Again, review the Export Questionnaire web page. Some say, above all, it takes commitment; then an exportable (attractive or useful) product (you'd be surprised what's being exported - would you believe popcorn machines to Russia?); and finally, the capacity to be flexible.

Q: What about all the paperwork?
A: Think of exporting as selling across state lines, only with more attention to detail. But don't let the detail get in the way of making a sale, shipping a product and collecting the money, just like right here at home.

Q: Does it cost a lot?
A: The usual number thrown around is $10,000 per new market. That's probably a little low for the first overseas market and high for the rest. But of course, it depends....Just be ready to spend some money. (The Indiana Department of Commerce's International Trade Division helps a lot with the cost of attending overseas trade shows.)

Q: Is it worth all the work, etc?
A: That's up to you. There's a lot of money to be made by exporting. It takes dedication, patience, and, as we said, some money, but for many, it's worth it.

Q: Can I do it myself?
A: Yes, lots of exporters have. It takes time and persistence, but the information is all out there if you look. For example the National Trade Data Bank at the Lake County Public Library.

Q: What is the National Trade Data Bank?
A: The NTDB is a listing of exports from the US. It will tell you where products similar to yours are being exported (a good place to start.)

Q: Where is it?
A: The NTDB is on CD ROM at the Lake County Public Library. Ask for Ana Grandfield at the reference desk; she'll help you.

Q: Other Resources?
A: See Ana Grandfield or visit the Resource Links on this web site.

Q: Same for importing?
A: There's less attention paid to importing simply because of its apparent lower or reverse impact on the balance of trade. But if it creates jobs, you won't be turned away. Again, see Ana at the Lake County Library, or phone us at 219.670.3018.

Q: What about foreign investment in Northwest Indiana?
A: Some say it funnels profits overseas. True, just like foreigners investing in US securities does. (Thank goodness they do!) And of course we've been doing it for years overseas, funneling profits here. So, let's turn to the criterion: Does it create jobs? You bet! The Northwest Indiana World Trade Council is actively encouraging foreign investment in the region.

Q: How do I join NWIWTC?
A: Fill out our Membership Application and either print the web page and mail it along with your check to us or submit the application online and the Council will send you an invoice.