Big
Ass Fans,
www.BigAssFans.com,
of Lexington, KY, has developed the greatest improvement in
high - volume / low - speed fans, and has been providing companies
worldwide with big solutions for their indoor comfort problems
since 1999. Since that time, thousands of 6' to 24' diameter
Big Ass Fans have been purchased by facilities including factories,
distribution centers, retail stores and shopping malls.
For
the past 4 year Big Ass Fans has been providing energy efficient
commercial and industrial grade ceiling fans for 25 countries.
In 2005, international sales represented 10% of the company's
total annual sales. In fact, over the past 4 years, Big Ass
Fans' international sales have either doubled or tripled annually,
replicating their total sales growth over the same period. The
10 employee based company has grown to over 60 employees and
is still hiring with new jobs in such areas as engineering,
marketing, sales and production to name a few.
Big
Ass Fans recently faced an export challenge in Venezuela with
utmost dexterity. Big Ass Fans provided the overheated MAKRO,
a Sam's Club type store, with much needed relief. Their fans
provided tremendous relief in helping to cool shoppers overheated
by the stifling tropical climate. The fans were a big success
and afforded Big Ass Fans the approval of MAKRO engineers and
corporate executives.
Briggs
& Stratton Corporation, www.briggsandstratton.com,
of Murray, KY, is the largest manufacturer of small, air-cooled
engines for lawn and garden and other outdoor power equipment.
They offer customers over 100 different models of engines ranging
from 3.5 to 25 horsepower which can be serviced at more than
32,000 authorized service facilities in over 102 countries.
In
2002 Briggs & Stratton identified the Asian market as having
the greatest long term potential to grow its general-purpose
engine business. The company decided to build a new facility
in Chongqing (Chong-Ching), China by reformulating an existing
joint venture relationship with PUYI-B&S. This re-organized
JV is called "Bai-Li-Tong Engines" (By-Lee Tong) and
is 90% owned by Briggs & Stratton. The company continues
to pursue low cost international manufacturing options for both
engines and end products in these markets.
Due
to the explosive growth of lower priced smaller displacement
engine needs in the European and other international markets
the Company has recently broke ground to build a small assembly
plant in the Central European city of Ostrava. This Greenfield
facility will be operational by January 2007. This European
manufacturing facility will build engines detailed for growing
international markets.
Kentucky
Community & Technical College System, www.kctcs.edu,
of Hopkinsville, KY, enhances learning opportunities for all
Kentuckians through continuing education. From personal improvement
to cultural activities, community development programs at KCTCS
institutions are tailored to local needs. Through all programs,
they touch the lives of more than 230,000 people a year.
KCTCS
has been successfully conducting international business for
approximately 4 years in Barbados, China, Denmark, Germany,
Ghana, Mexico and Vietnam. KCTCS has collaborated with these
countries in areas such as training and scholarly exchange.
For example, students have the opportunity to better understand
the Mexican culture in the health field by studying at the Universidad
Autonoma de Guadalajara for summer nurse training.
The
college is committed to preparing the workforce and the citizens
of the commonwealth to think globally and to expand personal
relationships abroad. KCTCS is working to prepare businesses
and industries to reach new horizons by improving foreign relations.
In doing so, KCTCS continues to broaden our horizons by preparing
and supporting the means to global opportunity.
Papa
John's International, www.papajohns.com,
of Louisville, KY, is recognized around the world. As the third
largest pizza company in the world with franchises in over 23
countries, Papa John's International has acclaimed over eight
years of success and continued growth in international markets.
In
2005, international sales represented 5.46% of the company's
total annual sales, with international sales growth exceeding
domestic sales grow over the past five years, Papa John's has
been able to provide invaluable opportunities to its employees
and suppliers.
For
Papa John's the year 2005 has been "the year of China"
by successfully undertaking the challenge of penetrating China's
market unaccustomed to delivery and pick-up concepts. After
a complete re-imaging of the Papa John's brand, a new upscale,
full-service dine-in restaurant appeared on the streets of China.
The upscale décor and new menu offerings were so well
received by the Chinese that the new image was eagerly offered
to other foreign markets. Papa John's currently has 28 restaurants
in China with development commitments in the works for approximately
400 new restaurants in China and an additional 40 in Hong Kong.
The
Papa John's story has been driven to remain true to its traditional
style pizza. With a booming international market the story of
Papa John's pizza is loaded with success.
