When Illinois Governor Pat Quinn congratulated a dozen companies with the 2013 Governor’s Export Awards, Lamboo, Inc., of Springfield was one of three businesses cited in the New Exporter of the Year category. The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville played a significant role in the young company’s success.
The Governor’s annual awards, which were handed out in late July in Chicago, are for outstanding accomplishments in the export of Illinois goods and services. The ITC at SIUE has served Lamboo since 2007 and has its own award-winning history. The ITC was named 2011 International Trade Center of the Year and also received the Governor’s Export Award that same year.
Lamboo manufactures performance-based engineered bamboo for structural, architectural and industrial applications worldwide. Products include structural components, beams, window and door components, panels and veneer.
Lamboo began exporting in 2009. During 2012, the company increased its export sales 63 percent over 2011. Primary international markets include Europe, Africa/Middle East, Canada and Latin America/Caribbean.
“Lamboo has maintained a dynamic relationship with the International Trade Center that has proven to be extremely fruitful over the last few years,” said Lamboo, Inc., President Luke Schuette. “It began with an international market research project utilizing the aggressive and thorough skills of graduate students from the SIUE School of Business.
“That research, as well as the ongoing and guidance from the ITC, has helped Lamboo to solidify countless business relationships worldwide. As a result, we’ve established the Lamboo brand in innovative markets globally.”
Director Silvia Torres points to many ITC success stories:
- Advanced Power International, Carterville
- Elastec, Inc., Carmi
- MSSC, LLC.,Collinsville
- Natural Enrichment Industries, Herrin
- The ROHO Group, Belleville
- Turner Electric, Edwardsville
- V-Tec, Inc., Glen Carbon
The Illinois International Trade Center at SIUE has been in operation since 1984 providing trade assistance and resources to Illinois exporters. The ITC reported over $186 million in economic activity for the southwestern region as a result of the export assistance provided in the last two years, having contributed to the creation of 117 jobs and over 400 jobs have been retained. Learn more by visiting the ITC website.
Photo: Iwona Bochenska (Illinois Trade Office), Luke Schuette (Lamboo, Inc.) and Silvia Torres (International Trade Center at SIUE).