The latest episode of “Talking Trade” is with Susan Meyer, Norwegian honorary consul for Illinois and Wisconsin.

Meyer, who’s also a partner at the law firm UB Greensfelder in Chicago, discusses the ties between Nordic countries and the Midwest and calls for more collaboration between the regions.

Along with the existing Norwegian community in Wisconsin, she points to Swedish and Danish heritage in nearby Illinois.

“We already know each other, so now is the time to leverage those cultural connections to drive strategic growth,” she said. “Wisconsin, for instance, has a lot of manufacturing, skilled labor, logistics, of course as well as being centrally located. While Nordic technology, automation and capital can compliment and support local manufacturing facilities.”

Meyer says Norway and other nearby countries are very interested in exporting physical products to the United States, as well as entertainment and other cultural assets.

The discussion also explores intellectual property considerations for international trade, hurdles around using trademarks elsewhere that were established in a given country, and differences in patent regulations.

“So where industrial designs are protected in the EU, we don’t recognize those in the United States,” she said. “We do have design patents, but they’re not enforced in the same way.”

Meyer highlights her work with the organization Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global, supporting women-owned businesses. She serves as an intellectual property advisor to the group and holds a position on its board.

“The idea is that you bring together industry leaders, business owners, supporting experts … This creates a valuable ecosystem, support, inspiration and expertise, in WEG’s case to help wojmen grow their businesses,” she said. “But the advice I would give to all business owners … is no matter what stage you’re in, activate your network. Ask for help.”

Talking Trade is hosted by E.M Wasylik Associates Managing Director Ken Wasylik and M.E. Dey & Co. President and Managing Director Sandi Siegel.