Orlando, Fla. – On May 19th, as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s annual Small Business Week celebrations, the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Central Florida held its 2015 Small Business Awards Luncheon. Winning the award for Small Business Exporter of the Year for the eight-state Southeast US Region, the State of Florida, and the North Florida District was Douglas J. Worswick, CEO of Certified Slings & Supply, headquartered in Casselberry, Florida.
In making the award presentation Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, District Director, recognized Worswick and his company for its “expansion into foreign markets, growth in the number of employees, increase in export sales, and creative overseas marketing strategies.” In his remarks at the luncheon, Worswick credited his company’s resolve to explore new markets following the 2009 downturn in the US economy. He also cited his company’s creation of a new internal marketing team that today includes an International Director of Operations and two International Sales Managers.
According to Worswick, his company’s entry into international markets began with establishing relationships in countries where prospects were promising. Initially, it was trial and error. However, with the advice and assistance of the SBDC and Enterprise Florida, the economic development organization for the State of Florida, Certified Slings created a comprehensive marketing plan that now includes a consistent presence in 12 Latin and Central American countries. At the awards luncheon Worswick thanked the SBDC for the Exporter of the Year award, saying it will enhance his company’s stature both in the United States and overseas.
For companies interested in expansion into international markets Worswick advises a five-year timeline for achieving both profitability and return on investment. He also advises getting advice from experts, assembling a qualified international team, and making a genuine commitment of time, money and energy.
Established in 1958, Certified Slings & Supply is a leading, award-winning manufacturer, distributor and retailer of lifting products, rigging, contractor and industrial supplies. The company possesses an impressive level of industry expertise within the industrial, power, marine, mining and general contracting areas. Products include; wire rope, chain and nylon web slings, safety and fall protection equipment, lifting and hosting assemblies, cargo tie downs, excavator/drag line buckets and replacement parts. Locations: Jacksonville – Fort Myers – Miami – Ocala – Orlando – Tampa – West Palm Beach.
