News & Events

The ITC at SIUE and the CARES Act

Financial Assistance Did you know your business could be eligible to receive up to $27,000 (per year) to help start or increase your exports and reach new international buyers? In addition, thanks to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress on March 27, 2020, there is financial assistance available to you and your company along

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Go Global!

The Education Committee will take the lead in developing an annual in depth export training program for Southwest Illinois companies. This is a cooperative effort between SWITIC and the International Trade Center at SIUE.    

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Foreign Trade Zones

America’s Central Port became a grantee of the FTZ program for the economic development benefits it can bring to companies in our region. Many companies, especially those in manufacturing, import items in order to produce the product that they are looking to export. Duties on imported items are eliminated when they are exported. In some instances, this may be a

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Quarterly SWITIC Meeting

Hope everyone is staying safe. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, President Eversmann thought it was prudent to cancel the April 23rd Quarterly SWITIC meeting. Our next Quarterly meeting will not be until July 23rd at Mid America Airport. In the meantime, we will continue to do committee work by phone, so we ask that you get in touch with

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With Traveling Trade Missions Out, Virtual Exchanges Might Be Next

By its very nature, international trade is subject to understanding the needs of other countries, and now, perhaps for the first time ever, every country is wanting the same thing — a sense of calm. The team met for a roundtable in March to discuss the results of a recent survey of local businesses to determine where those companies are

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New $5,000 Grant Available April 20, 2020

If you own a small business, with 3-20 employees, and fall within a qualifying zip code, there is a new $5,000 grant that will be available starting Monday, April 20, 2020. You can visit the following website to see if you qualify.    

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Illinois Trade Events and Opportunities

View Upcoming Webinars and Trade Missions as well as other Events and Opportunities sponsored or supported by the International Trade Administration.

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Southwest Illinois Showcases Region’s Assets, Investment Potential to Foreign Trade and Investment Visitors

Southwest Illinois Showcases Region’s Assets, Investment Potential to Foreign Trade and Investment Visitors

On May 15-16, business and government leaders across Southwest Illinois led international trade representatives from 11 countries on a first-hand tour of the resources – and the relationships – that this region offers global trade partners and foreign direct investors. “Discover Southwest Illinois” was the title of the event. The two-day summit, hosted by the Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment

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Council Plans “Discover Southwest Illinois” to Showcase Region to Foreign Trade & Investment Commissioners

Council Plans “Discover Southwest Illinois” to Showcase Region to Foreign Trade & Investment Commissioners

A nonprofit organization actively assisting Metro East companies in exporting and attracting foreign investment is preparing to host international trade delegates in a 2-day inbound trade mission aimed at showcasing the region’s manufacturing, warehouse and distribution assets. The Southwest Illinois Trade & Investment Council (SWITIC) will host “Discover Southwest Illinois,” a 2-day inbound trade mission promoting Madison, St. Clair and

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Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council Launches Website

Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council Launches Website

A nonprofit organization that is actively assisting Metro East companies in exporting is now equipping them with a brand-new online resource. The Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council (SWITIC), a regional organization formed nearly three years ago to equip area businesses with the expertise and contacts to export their products globally, announces the launch of its website, www.swillinoistrade.org. St. Clair

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