Export Montana
International Trade and Relations Bureau
The Bureau provides information and technical and marketing assistance to help Montanans pursue business opportunities, both domestically and worldwide. Export trade and marketing specialists provide consultation and training for companies to successfully compete in new markets.
The Bureau highlights Montana made products via an Online Products directory as well as a "Made In Montana" marketing initiative to identify and promote Montana products. It also offers a trade show assistance program.
Overseas trade offices are maintained in Taipei, Taiwan and Kumamoto, Japan to promote agriculture, tourism, value-added products, and higher education opportunities to markets in East Asia.
The Bureau also serves as the protocol and international liaison for the Governor's Office and the Department of Commerce.
Bureau Staff
Bureau Chief /Mr. Mark Bisom
Manages International Trade & Relations Bureau for the Department of Commerce. Duties include program administration and planning, personnel administration, budgeting and fiscal administration, as well as diplomatic and public relations.
International Trade Officer/ Mr. Carey Hester
Provides technical assistance on exporting, including payment options and international finance, shipping, negotiation, business relationship development, as well as cross-cultural considerations for Montana businesses, educational institutions, organizations, and associations. The officer conducts export training workshops and one-on-one consultations.
Marketing Officer/Ms. Lonie Stimac
Assists Montana companies in developing marketing strategies to increase sales and market share in the U.S. and abroad. Duties include overseeing the Made In Montana Marketing Program, the Trade Show Assistance Program, and the Montana Marketing Technical Assistance Partnership between the Department of Commerce, Montana Economic Developers Association, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, and the University of Montana.
Administrative Assistant/Ms. Sarah Raz
Provides support for the Bureau's professional staff, daily office management, development and maintenance of databases and websites.
Asia Pacific Trade Office/ Mrs. Mei Mei Wang, Representative
The Montana - Asia Pacific Trade Office is managed by a contracted representative position that is subject to annual renewal. The contractor serves as the official representative of the State of Montana in Taipei, Taiwan to promote the interests of the state in international trade, agriculture, tourism development, and educational and cultural exchanges in Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong and mainland China. The office is located in the Taipei World Trade Center.
Japan Trade Office/ Ms. Mako Sakaguchi, Representative
The Montana- Japan Trade Office is managed by a contracted representative position that is subject to annual renewal. The contractor serves as the official representative of the State of Montana in Japan to promote the interests of the state in international trade, agriculture, tourism development, and educational and cultural exchanges. As part of a reciprocity agreement, the Japan office is located rent-free in the Kumamoto capitol building.
