Enterprise Florida-led mission provides life science companies with international opportunities

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 21, 2016) – Hospitalar 2016 proved to be the most successful yet for the small businesses exhibiting in the Florida Pavilion. Pavilion exhibitors reported more than $42.8 million in actual and projected export sales. The annual trade show, held May 17-20 in Sao Paolo Brazil, is the third largest medical trade show in the world.

“Enterprise Florida has organized and hosted small and mid-size Florida businesses at the Hospitalar trade show for the last nine years, and we again had the largest U.S. state presence,” said Manny Mencia, senior vice president of international trade and development at EFI. “This year, we hosted 12 outstanding companies that helped us demonstrate Florida’s strong life sciences industry. Hospitalar proved to be an incredible opportunity for small businesses to grow through international markets, and served as a springboard to enter the South American market.”

The Hospitalar medical trade show is the 3rd largest medical trade show in the world. The annual event draws an estimated 89,000 attendees and more than 1,250 exhibitors from 54 nations.

EFI’s presence in the U.S. Pavilion allowed the 12 Florida small businesses to cost-effectively exhibit their products. Of the companies attending, four were awarded a Target Sector Trade Grant. Without the assistance of EFI’s International Trade and Development efforts, many of the companies would not be able to attend or be as successful and efficient in reaching such a large target audience.

“This was our second year participating in Hospitalar and our experience has been very positive,” said Alberto Aure, president of America Energy, Inc. in Pembroke Pines. “Hospitalar allowed us to build and strengthen our brand presence not only in the Brazilian market, but also regionally since this show reaches all South America regions. Having the support of Enterprise Florida is a key tool for success in the export market development of our products.”

“Hospitalar was very beneficial for Atlas, we had the opportunity to greet our customers either from Brazil as well as Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Costa Rica and Panama,” said Eva Salazar, international marketing manager with Atlas Specialty Lighting in Hialeah. “Likewise, we obtained new customers and new representations. This wouldn’t be possible without the great cooperation and support from Enterprise Florida to expand our sales in South and Central America. Hospitalar is the biggest and best medical show in Latin America.”

“At this show our main objective was to extend our advertising throughout the world, familiarize customers with our products and develop friendly, professional relationships with present and future business opportunities,” said Alex Teplitsky, president of Kollsut-USA in North Miami Beach. “As such, our company will grow as a result of the opportunity that we had at this show and we will increase employment for candidates. We were very much satisfied with the assistance provided by Enterprise Florida officials.”

Twelve companies exhibited with EFI this year:

• America Energy, Inc.– Pembroke Pines
• Bulbtronics– Miami
• Demetech Corporation – Miami Lakes
• Endoscopy Replacement Parts, Inc.– Newberry
• Gaumard Scientific Company, Inc.– Miami
• Kollsut USA – North Miami Beach
• Pharma Supply – West Palm Beach
• Princemed – Pembroke Pines
• Pro Battery Specialist dba: Atlas Specialty Lighting – Hialeah
• Sysmed, USA – Doral
• Velmat – Miami
• Wholesale Medical Supply – Pensacola

Florida has the second highest number of exporters in the nation and accounts for 20 percent of all U.S. exporters. EFI organizes nearly 40 international export development events annually with almost 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) participating. Learn more about Enterprise Florida’s export assistance programs.

Florida has a number of strengths to leverage to foreign companies and investors, including one of the fastest growing international economies, strong air and seaport infrastructure, and a large and well-qualified multicultural workforce.

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Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is a partnership between Florida’s businesses and government leaders and is the principal economic development organization for Florida. EFI facilitates job growth through recruitment and retention, international trade and exporting, promotion of sporting events, and capital funding programs to assist small and minority businesses. EFI recently launched “Florida – The Future is Here” to promote the state as the nation’s premier business destination.

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