<img class=" wp-image-60082 alignleft" src="https://theenterprise.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2022/01/forestry_1641900780-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="418" height="277" />Virginia forestry and wood product companies are encouraged to apply for a program that will provide up to 50 percent reimbursement of costs associated with promoting their brand in foreign markets. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) <a href="https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/marketing-international-marketing.shtml">Office of International Marketing</a> is pleased to announce that funding through the <a href="https://www.susta.org/">Southern United States Trade Association</a>’s <a href="https://www.susta.org/whatwedo/costshare/">50 percent CostShare program</a> is now available to all Virginia forestry and wood product companies. Virginia forestry and wood product companies must apply for the 50% CostShare program annually. Program participants can receive reimbursement for up to 50% of eligible international marketing expenses aimed at increasing their exports. Eligible reimbursement activities for the promotion of a business to foreign buyers, distributors, consumers, and press include advertising, in-store sampling, exhibiting at international trade shows, and much more. Additional information is available in the <a href="https://www.susta.org/downloads/files/costshare/2022-costshare-manual-v39.pdf">50% CostShare Program manual</a> and within this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9STILLzsqvg">pre-recorded webinar</a>. VDACS sponsors exhibits at several international forest product trade shows throughout the year and also has international trade representatives available to provide on-site support to exhibiting companies. The 50 percent CostShare program can assist Virginia forestry companies with expenses related to these trade shows. VDACS will sponsor booth space at the following trade shows in 2022: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.woodshowglobal.com/dubai">Dubai WoodShow</a>, March 15-17, 2022</li> <li><a href="https://www.ifmac.net/">International Furniture Manufacturing Component Exhibition</a>, Indonesia, September 21-24, 2022</li> <li><a href="https://www.chanchao.com.tw/VietnamWood/">VietnamWood</a>, October 18-21, 2022</li> </ul> Virginia forestry and wood product companies that are interested in participating in any of these shows may contact Amy Miller, VDACS’ International Marketing Specialist, at <a href="mailto:amy.miller@vdacs.virginia.gov">amy.miller@vdacs.virginia.gov</a>.
