Demand for U.S products continues to increase across all major global markets - creating a unique opportunity for local companies looking to jumpstart growth. As a result, the Georgia Manufacturing Summit has added its first international manufacturing panel designed to discuss global market trends, export program best practices, and key marketing and communication considerations that drive success.    

The new panel, titled “International Manufacturing: Building Domestic Growth and a Competitive Edge Through Exports” will be moderated by Joanne Sanders, President of EWISE Communications. Ms. Sanders will be joined by Mary Waters, Deputy Commissioner, International Trade of The Georgia Department of Economic Development and Robert Fabbrini, General Manager of Red Brick Brewing Company.

“For U.S. companies of all sizes looking to take their company to the next level, this is a tremendous opportunity to learn from the best and get an understanding of the possibilities and tangible steps necessary to achieve success when working in international markets,” said Jason Moss, CEO of the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance and producer of the Georgia Manufacturing Summit.

This panel also officially kicks-off the formation of a new global group, within the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance, designed to foster the growth of both international and U.S. manufacturers across the state. Lead by Joanne Sanders, recently appointed International Manufacturing Liaison and Market Leader for GMA, the new group will coordinate education programs as well as connect executives to peers and resources that will strengthen their footing within target markets.

“Our goal is to provide international and U.S. executives with meaningful insights, culturally-sensitive approaches, as well as tangible resources and directions that allow them to anchor and grow in domestic or global markets,” said Joanne Sanders. “The fact that GMA is investing in developing such a program for its members really shows their commitment to helping their network grow,” she added.

The speaker and presenters for the International Manufacturing Session include:

Joanne Sanders – International Market Overview & Panel Moderator
President, EWISE Communications

Ms. Sanders won the 2017 Georgia Latina Excellence Award for Leadership in Business and Technology, is a board member of the World Trade Center Atlanta, and serves as International Manufacturing Liaison and Market Leader for the Georgia Manufacturing Alliance. She brings over 15 years of experience as the President of EWISE Communications – a target marketing and communications firm specialized in helping companies tap growing industries, launch new products, expand into new markets and grow locally and internationally. She and her team have worked with a variety of industries including Construction, Entertainment, IT, Medical, Manufacturing and Tourism.

Mary Waters - Georgia’s Strength in Exports and Getting Started
Deputy Commissioner, International Trade -- Georgia Department of Economic Development

Ms. Waters oversees the state’s International Trade program which provides services that contribute to the expansion of Georgia’s exports, the creation and retention of jobs attributable to exports and the continued internationalization of Georgia’s economy. She previously served as Senior International Trade Manager with their Global Commerce division, managing medical and biotech exports statewide, and helping healthcare companies and manufacturers successfully export to international markets. Most recently, Ms. Waters worked as an International Account Manager, helping to develop Latin America & Latin initiatives, with Guided Therapeutics, Inc. a medical device manufacturer and exporter located in Norcross, GA.

Robert Fabbrini – Export Success Story & Recommendations
Red Brick Brewing Company, General Manager - Program Sales

Red Brick Brewing Company was recognized by Georgia’s Governor Nathan Deal with a GLOBE Award for being Georgia’s first craft brewery to export. Mr. Fabbrini serves as General Manger leveraging resources to profitably grow distribution at southeastern off-premise chain retailers with over 2,000 locations in 6 states. He is also responsible for distribution via national sales programs, large box retailers, and international markets building an international sales channel that grew from zero to 6 countries as well –representing 21% of the total company sales in the first 4 years. Red Brick Brewing Company were finalist in Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce’s 2017 “Global Impact Awards” for international sales growth and won the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce’s 2016 MEC grant, securing additional international marketing funds.

Considered the “Manufacturing Event of the Year,” the Georgia Manufacturing Summit allows attendees to make face-to-face connections with other manufacturers, customers, service providers, and suppliers. This year’s event will have over 20 top industry leaders provide an educational forum to discuss International Manufacturing as well as Manufacturing a Better Bottom Line, Supply Chain Trends, IT & Technology Advances, Marketing & Sales Tips, Workforce Development. Keynote Presentations from Debra Shankle, V.P. of Supply Chain for Coca-Cola North America, and Rob Dugas, the Chief Procurement Officer and V.P. of Chick-fil-A, will address The Manufacturing Trends to Track for 2018