South Dakota Trade

South Dakota Trade, in collaboration with various South Dakota companies, associations, and universities, has completed the first phase of the East Asia trade mission to Japan. Learn more about the journey from Luke Lindberg, President and CEO of South Dakota Trade, below.

"Japan is a crucial ally and the #1 foreign direct investor in America’s economy. As a top 5 trading partner with South Dakota, we benefit from exporting significant agricultural products to Japan and have many opportunities on the horizon.

It was an honor to join Lt. Governor Rhoden in leading a number of South Dakotan companies, associations, and university leaders to Tokyo this week… now off to Taiwan!"

The full delegation to Japan and Taiwan includes:

South Dakota Biotech Association
Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development
South Dakota State University
SD Soybean
Midwest Dairy
H-S Precision
Viaflex
VRC Metal Systems
BlackFork Farms
Houdek: https://houdeknature.com/
Rensberger Technologies: https://www.rensbergertech.com/

“South Dakota makes the best products in the world, and I’m proud to say that our delegation comes from all across the state.” Luke Lindberg, President and CEO of South Dakota Trade.

The full delegation includes:

South Dakota Biotech Association
Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources South Dakota Governor's Office of Economic Development
South Dakota State University
SD Soybean
Midwest Dairy
H-S Precision
Viaflex
VRC Metal Systems
BlackFork Farms
Houdek: https://houdeknature.com/
Rensberger Technologies: https://www.rensbergertech.com/

Read more about our East Asia Trade Mission on Sioux Falls.Business.

East Asia trade mission this week to highlight S.D. biotech, food, defense exports A South Dakota delegation led by Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden this week will visit Japan and Taiwan in an effort to strengthen trade in key sectors, including biotech.

Are you envisioning a global leap for your business? It all begins with a single step, and our team at South Dakota Trade is here to help guide you along the way.

At South Dakota Trade, we administer South Dakota’s STEP Grant program, conduct export education, facilitate trade missions, and offer free and confidential consulting services to South Dakotan companies.

Contact us today. https://southdakotatrade.com/contact-us

Luke Lindberg, our President & CEO, is honored to be a part of South Dakota State University's R1 Champions Committee! The committee is working alongside President Dunn and his leadership team to further position the university as a premier research destination nationwide - and worldwide!

We have a full day of events, including visiting the Medgene Lab and SDSU's Animal Disease & Research Diagnostic Lab.

Here's how these two organizations impact agriculture. ⬇️

SDSU Research helped start Medgene, and now they produce targeted, USDA-licensed vaccines using platform technology to protect animals from diseases, supporting veterinarians and producers with safe and effective solutions. SDSU's ADRDL provides diagnostic services, research, and disease surveillance to support animal health and public safety.

Medgene's innovative vaccines and the diagnostic services of the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory are crucial for safeguarding animal health, enhancing disease prevention, and ensuring public safety. The work these two South Dakota-based companies are doing is helping feed our country - and the world - safely.

The energy in Huron at the 2024 Governor’s Agricultural Summit, hosted by South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, was incredible!

Our President & CEO, Luke Lindberg, moderated the panel on "Strengthening South Dakota’s Economy Through Trade." Panelists included our esteemed partners: Advanced Sunflower Export Sales and Warehouse Manager Cesar Garcia, SD Soybean Executive Director Jerry Schmitz, and Houdek Vice President & General Manager Dennis Harstad.

It’s an honor to bring together industry leaders and innovators to discuss the future of agriculture. Together, we're not just discussing the future of agriculture – we're shaping it through strategic partnerships and visionary trade initiatives.

Join us next week, June 10-11, for an exceptional opportunity to network with industry leaders, academic researchers, and government officials at the IEEE-USA event!

Don't miss our SD Trade President and CEO, Luke Lindberg, and Dr. Griffiths in a fireside chat on AI and the Dakotas. Discover the future of innovation, technology, and connect with others.

📅 June 10-11, 2024
📍 Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, SD
🔗 Learn more: https://iwrc.ieeeusa.org/dakotas/

Did you know that almost 2 out of every 3 rows of rows of soybeans get exported? 🌱 Our SD farmers for helping feed the world!

Thank you, South Dakota Soybean Processors for your partnership and support of South Dakota Trade, and for helping businesses grow their global sales and creating high-quality jobs in South Dakota.

We are excited to introduce you to our West River Trade Specialist, Kallie Ruland. 👋

Ms. Ruland joins us in our partnership with Elevate Rapid City, where she currently serves as the Business Development Manager. Kallie's passion lies in igniting expansion opportunities for businesses and providing strategic guidance in international trade. She's a true motivator, dedicated to coaching companies toward success.

With her background as the Executive Director for the Wall Economic Development Corporation, Kallie has already made significant contributions to our community, helping local businesses thrive in the heart of South Dakota. In addition, her experience in U.S. Senator John Thune's Constituent Services Office has further honed her skills in community development and advocacy.

A proud South Dakota native, Kallie holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in business administration from Black Hills State University.

Outside the office, Kallie and her husband Riley embrace ranch life, indulging in rodeoing, golfing, and cherished moments with family and friends.

Kallie's expertise and international perspective are invaluable in driving our initiatives forward! Connect with her today. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kallie-ruland-19a4ba126/

Meet Edward Newburn, the Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff at South Dakota Trade! Edward brings a wealth of international business expertise, cultivated across the private, non-profit, and government sectors.

His journey began in commercial and corporate banking with First Union National Bank and The Industrial Bank of Japan, Ltd. Edward's passion for global development led him to Arthur Andersen LLP's Emerging Markets Group, where he spearheaded international projects in diverse developing countries.

Prior to joining our team, Edward served as Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President of international affairs at AARP, the world’s largest non-profit organization. In 2019, he took on the role of Senior Advisor to the President and Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, where he received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award in 2020.

Edward's academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Bachelor of Science in finance from Clemson University, an International MBA from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina, and a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Beyond his professional achievements, Edward is dedicated to giving back to his community, volunteering with the Army Distaff Foundation and his local public school system.

Edward's expertise and dedication are helping South Dakota businesses make a global impact. Connect with him today. https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardnewburn/

Are you ready to take your South Dakota business to international heights? Schedule a consultation with our team of trade experts and start charting your course in the global market. Let's transform your vision into a worldwide venture.

https://www.southdakotatrade.com | (605) 338-3424 | [email protected]

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor the courageous men and women who have served our nation with unwavering dedication and sacrifice. 🇺🇸 Their selflessness has preserved the freedoms we cherish and the opportunities we pursue.

Let us join together in remembrance and appreciation for our nation's heroes. Their legacy of service will forever inspire us to uphold the values they fought to defend.

Six South Dakota companies showcased their products in South Africa last week! Participation at Grain SA/Graan SA's NAMPO Harvest Day Agricultural Trade Show - the largest agriculture technology and manufacturing show in the southern hemisphere - facilitated new foreign sales opportunities for Made-in-South-Dakota products across the African continent and beyond! 🌍

Companies leveraged the expertise of Kathleen Ireland, South Dakota Trade’s STEP Grant Program Director — who is a South African native — to increase buyer interactions and drive traffic to their products.

Meet Kathleen Ireland, the STEP Grant Program Director at South Dakota Trade! Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Kathleen brings a wealth of experience from her diverse background.

Prior to joining our team, Kathleen spent over 14 years as the legal advisor for Comair, a publicly listed airline operating in Southern Africa under license for British Airways. She played a key role in crucial decisions regarding aircraft leasing and purchases, as well as vetting, drafting and negotiating a variety of international contracts across various divisions of the airline. Additionally, Kathleen also operated her own legal practice as an attorney, notary and conveyancer and remains a registered and admitted attorney, notary and conveyancer in South Africa.

Upon moving to the United States, Kathleen transitioned into the manufacturing sector, where she managed international transactions for Astec Industries' global divisions.

Kathleen's academic achievements are equally impressive, with a Bachelor of Arts in law and international relations, as well as a J.D. equivalent law degree (LLB) from the University of the Witwatersrand. She furthered her education with a Masters degree in law (LLM) focusing on international trade from the University of Stellenbosch.

Kathleen is a qualified, registered and admitted attorney in New York, South Africa, and a practicing solicitor in England and Wales. Kathleen has furthermore, achieved designation as a Global Business Professional (CGBP) through NASBITE, refreshing her knowledge and keeping up to date with all matters pertaining to international trade.

Kathleen's expertise and international perspective will be invaluable in driving our STEP Grant Program forward! Connect with her today. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-ireland-038b641a/

In South Dakota, an impressive 82% of exports originate from small businesses! This statistic showcases the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation thriving within our state. From family-owned farms to local manufacturers, small businesses play a vital role in driving South Dakota's export economy.

Thank you for having us on the Drive Line podcast and helping share about South Dakota Trade, Christine Vinatieri-Erickson and South Dakota Auto Dealers Association.🎙️

We discussed imports of electric vehicles from China which has become a recent ‘hot topic’ in the news — listen to the full episode with the link below!

🔗 https://youtu.be/UVFFY4bI4PA?si=Or6MyzyKCNSQ4g46

Luke Lindberg | Drive Line Luke Lindberg is the President and CEO of South Dakota Trade and has been for the last year and a half.

Nearly one-third of South Dakota's pork products are exported overseas. 🌍

From farms to global consumers, South Dakota farmers and organizations such as the South Dakota Pork Producers Council, which is a valued member of South Dakota Trade, are feeding the world.

Let's celebrate the global reach of our state's agriculture and the hard work of those who bring our pork products to tables around the world!

Did you know that South Dakota companies are attending the largest agricultural technology & manufacturing show in South Africa this week?

The South Dakota State Export Strategy — a document adopted by the South Dakota Trade Steering Committee — specifies Africa as a medium-to-long-term market of strategic importance. We are building relationships there today, in anticipation of tomorrow.

The South African trade mission comes a year after South Dakota Trade President & CEO, Luke Lindberg, traveled to Kenya in support of increasing trade with the region. The U.S. government and the Kenyan government are in active negotiations on a trade and investment framework. 🇺🇸🇰🇪

Our President & CEO, Luke Lindberg is at the National Association of District Export Councils 50th Anniversary Conference in D.C. this week, representing the South Dakota DEC. He is on the NADEC Board of Directors and serves as Co-Chair of the Trade Policy Committee.

Today, Luke opened the conference with a plenary fireside chat featuring James Roscoe (Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the United Kingdom, Washington, D.C.), discussing trade and export opportunities with the UK, and tomorrow, he will moderate the Special Legislative Training Session.

South Dakota is leading the national conversation to grow high-quality jobs here in the United States.

At South Dakota Trade...

✔️ We are industrious.
✔️ We think globally.
✔️ We have integrity, always.
✔️ We create solutions.
✔️ We thoroughly collaborate.

Our core values reflect our core focus: commitment to navigating international trade for South Dakota.

In the complex world of international trade, having a knowledgeable and supportive ally by your side can make all the difference. This is where South Dakota Trade excels. We provide FREE and confidential international trade consulting to businesses across our state.

If you need help with international trade, contact us today. https://southdakotatrade.com/contact-us

Exports play a crucial role in our state's economy, such as providing over 27,000 jobs across various industries, from agriculture to manufacturing and beyond. 🌍

Each job supported by exports represents not just economic growth, but also the dedication and hard work of individuals contributing to our local communities.

We live in an era where borders are less of a barrier to business than ever before. South Dakota Trade stands as your steadfast partner, propelling your business beyond local confines and into the international arena for a competitive edge. We’re committed to fostering your success across the global marketplace.

Please join us in congratulating one of our very own nominees, H-S Precision who was awarded "Small Business Exporter of The Year" by the U.S. Small Business Administration of South Dakota. 🎉

Out of the 90,000 businesses in South Dakota, 9 were awarded "Small Business of the Year" in different categories during at the Small Business Exporting, Contracting, Manufacturing Seminar at Black Hills State University in Rapid City, SD earlier this week.

If you want to hear more from them, tune into the statewide virtual awards ceremony event on Tuesday, 7 May at 10 am CT.

Yesterday, our Board of Directors spent the day in Brookings, talking with industry leaders in the agriculture and research spaces: Houdek and South Dakota State University's Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory.

Houdek is a research, development, and innovation powerhouse, and they are setting the standard for producing premium protein for fish and pets through an innovative method...fermenting soybeans! 🙌

ADRDL is crucial in safeguarding our food supply and enhancing export opportunities for our local farmers and ranchers. The lab serves as a first line of defense and enhances human and animal health by detecting and controlling diseases, including food safety concerns and zoonotic diseases. 🦠

With both and being key industries in South Dakota, the work both of these organizations do is vital to feeding the world, safely. 🌍

Thank you for having us!

We are proud to offer the South Dakota State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), which provides grants to eligible small businesses to promote export-related activities.

The $5,000 grants provide up to 75% reimbursement for a project’s total activity cost. The STEP Grant is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration and managed by South Dakota Trade (SDT).

If you know businesses interested in expanding their products or services internationally, tag them below or share this resource with them.

Browse FAQs and learn more today. https://southdakotatrade.com/step-grant-overview

We are pleased to introduce you to the South Dakota Trade team, which is dedicated to navigating international trade for our state!

First, meet Luke Lindberg, our President & CEO. Luke brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously served as the Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer at the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

During his tenure, Luke spearheaded initiatives that opened new markets for American products, secured vital resources like Critical Minerals & Rare Earths, and played a pivotal role in international agreements such as the Abraham Accords.

Luke's commitment to advancing global trade doesn't stop there. He serves on the board of directors of the National Association of District Export Councils and the Children’s Home Society, while also holding advisory roles with esteemed organizations like the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue University. His 'Thought Leadership' on international affairs and agriculture policy has earned him recognition from prominent media outlets and institutions.

With his extensive background in business, public policy, and government, Luke is a driving force behind our mission to empower South Dakota businesses in the global marketplace.

Connect with Luke on LinkedIn or Twitter, and check in weekly as we introduce the rest of our dynamic team!

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukejlindberg/
🔗 https://twitter.com/TheUSA