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V. Getting Started / Available Resources *As Chinese business enterprises begin to explore the U.S. market, they will find various government agencies, nongovernmentalorganizations and private companies that are willing and eager to work with them. In this mature market, thereis a wide range of specialized professional services that will contribute significantly to the success of a business enterprise.While top professionals may charge premium rates, their services are often indispensable and part of the cost of doing businesshere. Occasionally, some business enterprises opt to do things on their own and are able to get by; but the risks are substantial.Professional services, such as business advisory and management consulting, can positively impact a company’s success;while non-compliance with accounting, tax and legal requirements can result in hefty fines, penalties and monetary liabilities.Below is a description of services offered to Chinese companies.State of Michigan China OfficeThe State of Michigan is among the few states in the U.S. with an official State office in China. The State of Michigan ChinaOffice is a non-profit government office that works in cooperation with the US Consulate in Shanghai. This office providesvaluable services, information and professional referrals for Chinese enterprises. Its mandarin-speaking director and staffrespond to inquires, and organize events and programs tailored to serving the needs of potential Chinese investors. The Stateof Michigan-China Office (Shanghai) welcomes visits and phone calls from prospective Chinese investors. Please see Guide’sback cover for contact details.Economic Development OrganizationsChinese companies interested in investment, incentive and market entry assistance should contact and work with economicdevelopment agencies early in the process of exploring the U.S. market. Economic developers maintain offices and personneldedicated to work in confidence to address the needs of foreign investors, and provide objective information about the marketincluding specific local incentive programs and other investment support. These organizations also provide introduction topotential partner firms. Economic development agencies can be governmental or non-governmental. In Michigan, the stateagency dedicated to economic development is the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. In addition, there areregion, county and city based economic development agencies and organizations, some of which are members of the MichiganGlobal Partnership (MGP). See directory of MGP members in this manual.U.S. Commercial ServiceDoing business in MichiganThe U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International TradeAdministration. One of its primary missions is to assist U.S. companies in exporting products into foreign markets, such asChina. Pursuant to the U.S. Department of Commerce's "Invest in America" initiative, the U.S. Commercial Service promotesand facilitates foreign direct investment into the U.S. and reaches out to foreign governments and potential investors. U.S.Commercial Service trade specialists are in 107 U.S. cities and more than 80 countries, including China (with 6 officesin China), and are ready to provide relevant information and assist Chinese companies in exploring business and investmentopportunities in the U.S. For a directory of the U.S. Commercial Services' China staff, please visit http://export.gov/eac/intl_staff_list.asp?CPostName=156.* This Chapter co-edited by Jannette A. Burland, Battle Creek Unlimited, Inc., Ray DeWinkle, The Right Place, Inc., Janice Karcher, GeneseeRegional Chamber of Commerce, Kendra Kuo, U.S. Commercial Service, Thomas Maguire, U.S. Commercial Service, Aaron M. Perrault, ComericaBank, Albert Vincent Y. Yu Chang, Esq., Warner Norcross & Judd LLP.45