Companies that would like to export their products and services to new markets, or expand existing exports, are invited to a free Export Forum on March 2, 2011.

The forum will be hosted by the Pierce County Economic Development Division and the World Trade Center Tacoma. It will be held from 8 a.m. to noon in the Pierce County Environmental Services Building, 9850 64th St. West in University Place.

Topics will include identifying and researching the right markets for your products or services; finding and qualifying customers; financing and insuring export sales; and accessing the public and private resources that are available to assist in the planning process.

Speakers include presenters from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington State Department of Commerce, the Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington, Impact Washington and private companies that will share their experiences.

A question-and-answer period will follow panel presentations, and there will be ample time for networking at hosted display tables.

There is no charge to attend. For more information and to register, please go to the Economic Development Division’s Web site at http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/exec/ecd/Forums_home.htm or call Hans Kueck at (253) 798-2335.