Bold business owners sought for Asian trade
Ted Escobar/The Sun Tribune - Alan Peterson, right, and Vern Jenkins talk international trade with Gingko Forest Winery Manager Charlie Guthrie. Gingko has sold wine in China in the past, and the Mandarin speaking Jenkins may be able to help revive Chinese interest.
MATTAWA — Alan Peterson and Vern Jenkins stopped by Ginkgo Forest Winery recently on a tour of grant county aimed at finding business owners who might like to market their products in Japan, Korea and/or Taiwan.
Peterson and Jenkins are putting together a trade mission for June or July. Peterson said the mission may include operators from adjoining counties.
Peterson is a certified business advisor in the employ of Washington State University, contracted to the Grant Count Economic Development Commission. Jenkins works for the Washington State Small Business Development Center in Spokane.
Peterson and Jenkins are considering small business as anything with fewer than 500 employees. Both will be on the trip to guide potential Asian marketers through the process.
This will not be a blind hunt for markets, Peterson said. There will be a collection of buyers receiving the mission in each country. Jenkins said he and Peterson are shooting for a 12-15 member mission.
The same two men took a mission to Korea last year. Four of the businesses that participated are doing business there now.
“There’s going to be even more success this year,” said Jenkins, who speaks fluent Mandarin and understands the Asian markets.
Jenkins worked in China for several years, managing international businesses. He’s managed business in the U.S. Peterson also has business experience, managing a chain drug store.
So far, Peterson said, the mission has found interest at a flour mill, wineries, hay growers, a lavender grower and a bottled water company.
“We also want to attract foreign products coming here,” Peterson said.
Peterson may be contacted at 509-764-6579. Jenkins’ phone number is 509-358-7998.