recent work

The following is a representative sample of projects successfully completed by International Strategies. References are available upon request.

2009

  • Researched and identified foreign manufacturers of specialty garments for a Canadian distributor with the distributor now sourcing directly (Asia and South America), rather than via an American wholesaler, resulting in significant cost savings. The Canadian distributor is now able to win more tenders and customize the garments for each client.
  • Wrote and implemented a communications strategy for a Canadian importer of tires. The strategy primarily consisted of educating Canadian customers of the value and quality of the tires via an electronic newsletter (ezine) sent out once per month. International Strategies designed the ezine and wrote the content.
  • Researched a comprehensive North American marketing and distribution plan for a manufacturer of a unique garage organization product. In a subsequent contract, International Strategies collaborated with the client to prepare a presentation package for submission to Canadian Tire and their line review process. The package consisted of price quotations, market research and sales projections as well as a retailing strategy.  

2008

  • Developed and delivered (Edmonton, Grande Prairie and Whitehorse) a two-hour globalization symposium for BDC Consulting. The seminar was intended to introduce clients to the impacts globalization can and will have on their businesses. It encompassed importing, exporting, outsourcing and foreign partnerships, as well as a special section on China.  
  • Consulted with two separate clients to prepare a Distribution Agreement for their use with distributors. The first company manufactured a truck accessory and streamlined its Canadian distribution system with varying tiers of distributors. The second company, based in Florida, required Distribution Agreements for France and Barbados.
  • Provided guidance to a company investigating the Chinese market for raw wood (logs). After the due diligence process the company learned that it was not a credible trade lead, but was left with a better understanding of the requirements for exporting to China - export certificates, export number, insurance and legal ramifications. The client was left with a small collection of resources (magazine articles, government reports) regarding export to China.

2007

  • Developed an International Business Development Plan for the Toronto Fashion Incubator. The project involved identifying activities and programs that coult be implemented by TFI, to increase the export capacity of their designer members.
  • Coaching and mentoring contract to assist a small manufacturer in British Columbia. The deliverables encouraged the client to develop a strong export sales network, including the formation of several partnerships in South Africa. Provided a customized dealer application and dealer agreement to formalize those partnerships. Positive results from this work has developed into significant new business on an international scale.

200-6 - Present

  • Gender Equality Consultant for the Canada-Ukraine Grain Quality and Rural Agriculture Credit Systems Project (funded by the Canadian International Development Agency). Provide assistance to the Kiev-based Gender Equality Consultant on the development and implementation of the project's gender equality strategy with the primary objective of ensuring men and women have equal access to the benefits of the project.

2006

  • Assessment of existing North American dealer program for a forestry equipment manufacturer, with an emphasis on a dealer survey, which was used as the baseline for the development of a more effective dealer program.
  • Evaluated manufacturers and suppliers of manicure/pedicure products in South Korea, China and Pakistan, reducing wholesale costs up to 60% for the Canadian client.
  • Developed a full U.S. market development plan, including identification of top prospects, for a specialty manufacturer of mail room equipment.

2005

  • Conducted an export readiness assessment for an inventor of a machine to be used in the construction industry; including a U.S. market brief specific to the product.
  • Compared and analyzed five European markets for a Canadian manufacturer of chef's apparel, allowing them to identify the country with the best immediate prospects.

2004 - 2006

  • Traveled extensively to Bali, Indonesia to deliver a program of export capacity building with members of that island's garment manufacturing sector. Technical assistance included introduction to export, branding in the international marketplace, attracting and retaining foreign customers, design (i.e. what tourists buy in Bali, they won't buy at home!) and cross-cultural business communication.

2004

  • Created a marketing strategy for the newly established British offices of a Canadian consulting firm specializing in asbestos abatement.

2003

  • Organized and participated in an exploratory trade mission to Botswana with an Alberta college, resulting in a Memorandum of Understanding with the Botswana Ministry of Agriculture.

Prior to establishing International Strategies, Cheryl worked for several years with the federal government in the agriculture and food sector. Her activities there included:

  • Incoming Trade Missions: Cheryl successfully organized the itineraries for several commodities and food buyers seeking Canadian suppliers. Two such missions consisted of senior purchasers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. For example, in February 2002 six buyers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain met with committed exporters in Moncton, Montreal and Vancouver. Their program consisted of one-on-one meetings as well as a visit to the Canadian International Food and Beverage Show.
  • Outgoing Trade Missions: With many markets for Canadian products being blocked in the Middle East, outgoing trade missions by senior government staff and politicians, as well as agri-food companies, were an important component in gaining access. Working with the Canadian Embassy in Tehran, Cheryl organized and participated in a mission to Iran for 30 company executives as well as the Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in 2000. She also facilitated and took part in the visit to Egypt by Canada's agriculture minister in 2001.
  • Market Research: Recognizing the opportunities for halal products in the Middle East, Cheryl was the lead on researching and writing a report introducing Canadian processors to the concept of halal certification. The report higlighted the growing Muslim populations in Canada and the rest of the world and the dietary needs of this group of consumers. It was first presented at a halal seminar in Toronto and was subsequently made available online.