Hays will be one of five sites to host a free video conference June 12 by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas State University Institute for Commercialization (KSU-IC) for businesses interested in learning more about marketing and shipping products to Mexico.

Mexico is the second biggest export market for the state. In 2011, Kansas companies shipped more than $1.6 billion in goods and services to Mexico.

The conference, is geared toward marketing/sales staff, freight managers and business development professionals.

Presenting information will be Rick Held, president, Held & Associates (a freight forwarding company); Nathalie Scharf, STEP grant manager, Kansas Department of Commerce; and Jose Jimenez, managing partner, Kansas Mexico Office.

The conference will be broadcast 1-3p.m., by KSU-IC from Manhattan.

Hays area businesses can participate in the interactive conference at the KANSASWORKS Hays Workforce Center.   Interested individuals should register with Dan Steffen:  (785) 217-3252,  [email protected].

Other viewing sites are available in Colby, Dodge City and Garden City.