The City of Mentor is a manufacturing and retail leader in the state of Ohio with a strong concentration of research and development, engineering, and metalworking firms serving the advanced manufacturing, aerospace, polymer, and biomedical industry clusters. Nearly 300 manufacturers have chosen Mentor as their home. The mission of the Mentor International Trade Initiative is to assist Mentor-based companies who seek to expand or develop new export markets as well as foster trade relationships with international partners.
Numerous companies doing business in international markets call Mentor home. STERIS Corporation (which was founded in Mentor in 1985), Avery-Dennison, Lincoln Electric, Parker Hannifin, Component Repair Technologies, DeNora Tech, Orbis Corporation, PCC Airfoils, Buyers Products, Volk Optical, Siemens – all have a presence in the City of Mentor.
Internationally recognized research institutions, including the prestigious Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University, provide Mentor companies a world-class platform for research, design, and innovation.
STUDY TRIP ITINERARY
Please note: Exact itinerary dates are adjustable and may also be constructed to closely coincide with travel to other US-based conferences or expos.
The City of Mentor will work with you to design a bespoke itinerary oriented to your business development needs, including meeting with potential partners and customers, organizing meetings with experts in your field, and learning about how to approach investment in the US.
A sample itinerary may include:
SUNDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER
Arrival in Mentor, Ohio, USA
MONDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER
Morning Sessions – briefings from local government officials, Team NEO, JobsOhio on opportunities for companies and incentives for investment and growth in Mentor and Northeast Ohio.
Luncheon Session – with area workforce development partners including review of workforce development, apprenticeship, and labor development programs with area experts.
Afternoon Sessions – scheduled around specific meetings with important players from the specific economic ecosystem, (for example, healthcare would include meeting with the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals) venture capital information, and area experts to discuss and review products. Proposed tours of area companies.
TUESDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER
OHIO VC FEST (www.ohiovcfest.com)
Your visit to Mentor includes registration for the Ohio VC Fest, presented by Jumpstart Ventures – a unique opportunity for international companies looking to locate in our area.
Ohio VC Fest is a high-energy, two-day event that celebrates Ohio’s growing technology, innovation and investing community while showcasing the region as THE destination for startups and venture capital investments.
Build connections and establish partnerships with investors, institutions, corporations and entrepreneurs across Ohio.
Companies will be matched with potential investors and other founders for 1:1 meetings.
WEDNESDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER
OHIO VC FEST
VC Fest continues – and participating companies may still be able to continue with B2B business meetings or choose to explore other opportunities.
THURSDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER
Morning Session – reserved for business-to-business (B2B meetings and opportunities specifically tailored and organized to each company through discussions with the City of Mentor’s International Trade Initiative personnel.
Afternoon Session – proposed tours of area companies including STERIS and Avery-Dennison North American HQ in Mentor and the newly-completed Cleveland Clinic Mentor Hospital. Meet directly with regional higher educational institutions, including nationally-recognized research powerhouse Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and learn about collaborative opportunities.
REGISTRATION & INQUIRIES
To learn more about the Ohio Study Trip and to register for additional information, please contact Mr. Kevin Malecek, Director of Economic Development and International Trade, at +1 440.974.5736 or malecek@cityofmentor.com.