Magic Seasoning Sees Success with SUSTA

A recent story by WDSU News covered Magic Seasoning, a company owned by chef Paul Prudhomme and its success nationally and internationally. The company, located in southeast Louisiana, is finding much success in exporting and expanding their reach to more and more countries. SUSTA received recognition as a major part of Magic Seasoning's export success.

"Anna Zuniga, Magic Seasoning's director of international sales and marketing, said SUSTA's assistance has been vital for its export process....""Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to afford it," said Zuniga. "It's a huge expense but they reimburse 50 percent [for travel], so that's a great help.""

We at SUSTA are thrilled to be part of a great success story like Magic Seasoning. Watch the report here at WDSU.com. To learn how you can receive help for exporting activities, visit SUSTA's Services page. 

Jerry Hingle
CEO and Executive Director
Southern United States Trade Association

West Virginia takes Landscaping to China - Jerry Hingle

Good morning,
Recently there's been very interesting activity in West Virginia, where landscaping has gone from being a hobby to becoming a billion dollar industry in China. For many West Virginia farmers, the Chinese market looks very promising, and we don't want to let that opportunity slide by. The Southern United States Trade Association, in conjunction with the state Department of Agriculture and the West Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association plans to host six Chinese agricultural company delegates to show them the value of W. Virginia green house technology.

"West Virginia has been making a name for itself with marketing and promotion of our farmers that have developed from local activities to full-blown industries," he [state Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass] said. "Some you see here [at Capitol Market] started out in the back of a pickup truck and now they have commercial greenhouses."

To read the rest of the article, visit WVGazette.com. 

Jerry Hingle
CEO and Executive Director
Southern United States Trade Association

Infographic: SUSTA MAP Branded Program from Start to Finish

The MAP Branded Program can seem confusing to those who have never participated before. There are many steps involved in the application alone, and more steps to follow once you are accepted. However, the program's benefits and funding far outweigh the initial confusion. Don't be overwhelmed by the process, instead, refer to this infographic to help you stay on target and reap the benefits of being a MAP Branded Program participant. This infographic explains the program from start to finish.

For more details, visit SUSTA's MAP Branded Process page.

New Video: How to Evaluate a Distributor

In our last video, we showed you the various ways exporters can find importers, distributors and agents. But once you find a distributor, how do you know if they are right for your company? SUSTA has you covered.

Our next video shows you what you need to know in order to properly evaluate your distributor before hiring them. Grab a pen and notepad, and take notes!



For more detailed information on what to look for in a distributor, visit our website:
Evaluating a Distributor | SUSTA.org

Southern United States Trade Association Honored by the USDA

Here at SUSTA, we're always striving to make a difference in the lives of small business owners and farmers in the hopes of creating a stronger southern economy. Day after day our team works hard to help these small businesses flourish, and we are rewarded when we see southern products become successful in overseas markets, and when our efforts are recognized. We are very proud to say that our efforts were recognized this month by the USDA.

"The Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) recently was awarded the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “Secretary’s Honor Award,” the highest award granted by the department, for its role in helping small businesses increase exports of American food and agriculture." – HeraldOnline.com

This is the first year that we received an honor such as this, and we are very excited to uphold this recognition by working harder than ever. If you'd like to be a part of this great success, visit our page About the Southern United States Trade Association to learn about all our activities.  

 
Jerry Hingle
Executive Director and CEO
Southern United States Trade Association 

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/10/15/4338773/southern-us-trade-association.html#storylink=cpy"