Office of Trade &
International Relations
Helping Montanans Compete at Home
and Around the Globe
The office provides export information as well as technical and marketing assistance to Montana companies pursuing commercial opportunities here and abroad. We want to help Montanans prosper by diversifying their customer base and increasing their sales of Montana products and services.
Resources offered include:
- Made in Montana Marketing Initiative
- Export Assistance & Training
- Protocol and Diplomatic Relations
- Trade Office in Japan
Bureau Staff
Bureau Chief - Mr. Mark Bisom
Manages the International Trade & Relations Bureau. Duties include program administration and planning, personnel administration, budgeting and fiscal administration, as well as diplomatic and international relations.
Senior Marketing Officer - Ms. Lonie Stimac
Assists Montana companies in developing marketing strategies to increase sales and market share in the U.S. and abroad. Duties include overseeing the Made in Montana Marketing Initiative, the Trade Show Assistance Program, and the Montana Business-to-Business Marketing Program as well as bureau marketing and publicity including development and maintenance of websites.
Export Marketing Officer -Mrs. Sara Warren
Helps to promote export opportunities to companies that are export ready and assists in identifying potential markets for those companies. Provides assistance on the mechanics of exporting, consultations, and training to assist Montanan's to successfully export their products and services to international markets.
Made in Montana Program - Mrs. Sue Clark-Jones
Coordinates the Made in Montana Program, which includes member services, MIM on-line products directory and MIM logo usage. Provides support for the Bureau's staff and daily office management.
Japan Trade Office - Ms. Mako Sakaguchi, Representative
The Montana - Japan Trade Office is managed by a contractor that serves as the official representative of the State of Montana in Japan to promote the interests of the state in international trade, agriculture, tourism development, and educational and cultural exchanges. As part of a reciprocity agreement, the Japan office is located rent-free in the Kumamoto Prefectural capitol building.
Business-to-Business Marketing Consultant - Ms. Leesa Kennedy
Provides technical marketing consultation to program participants to help them expand their business-to-business sales. This program is funded by the Montana Legislature and is a partnership with the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center.
Montana International Marketing Assistance Grant - Ms. Katie Cole
Provides assistance to Montana small businesses interested in participating in international trade shows, foreign language translation of websites and technical/promotional materials, and subscription to U.S. Commercial Service programs and market research.