From Greenville, Illinois to the Global Stage: Nevco Eyes Its Next International Markets

From Greenville, Illinois to the Global Stage: Nevco Eyes Its Next International Markets

Already present in more than 10 countries, Greenville manufacturer Nevco is partnering with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students and the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center to identify new markets and advance its international expansion strategy.

Founded in 1934, Nevco has grown from a scoreboard pioneer into the largest privately held scoreboard manufacturer in the world. Today, Nevco is a complete sports technology solutions provider, delivering LED video displays, electronic scoreboards, scoring technology, sound systems and integrated game-day systems that connect every part of the fan experience.

For an experienced exporter like Nevco, the challenge was not simply how to export, it was determining where to focus next. The ITC connected Nevco with SIUE Economics Instructor, Laura Wolff, and her students for a hands-on international market research project. Two teams comprising 10 students evaluated potential markets, customer segments, competitors, industry trends, regulatory considerations and market-entry strategies. The research provided Nevco with market intelligence that management could use to compare opportunities and begin developing a more focused strategy for its international division.

"Working with the SBDC has been a game changer for Nevco," said Marc Fritsche Jr., Sales Consultant at Nevco. "Schneidine has been great to work with throughout the process, and the students delivered thorough research that helped us begin developing a strategy for building our international division. Their market research gave us a strong foundation to build on."

The students' research was only the beginning. Following the project, the ITC worked directly with Nevco to review the findings, evaluate additional international opportunities and identify the next practical steps for continued global growth.

The ITC also connected Nevco with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Office of Trade and Investment, providing access to additional export resources and international market-development support. As Nevco evaluates potential markets, ITC is also assisting with buyer identification, international trade-show research, market-entry considerations, and potential export funding opportunities through the Illinois State Trade and Export Promotion (ISTEP) program.

"Our work with Nevco is about moving from information to execution," said Schneidine Louis, Director of the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE. "The students provided market intelligence, and the ITC helps Nevco determine what comes next, whether that is evaluating a market-entry strategy, identifying the right international trade show, identifying potential buyers, connecting with the Office of Trade and Investment, or exploring ISTEP resources that could reduce the cost of international expansion."

The collaboration demonstrates how university expertise and export assistance can work together to support Illinois companies. Ten SIUE students gained hands-on experience addressing a real international business challenge, while Nevco received market intelligence and recommendations to support its global strategy.

"My role is to guide students in applying the concepts and analytical tools they learn in the classroom to real business decisions," said Laura Wolff. "Working with companies like Nevco challenges students to analyze complex market information, think strategically and develop recommendations that businesses can actually use."

The ITC then helped translate that research into actionable next steps and connections to additional export-development resources.

Already present in more than 10 countries, Nevco is not beginning its export journey, it is preparing for its next phase of international growth. With more than 90 years of Illinois innovation behind it, Nevco is using research, strategy, university expertise, and export resources to evaluate where its technology can go next.

About Nevco Sports
Founded in 1934 and headquartered in Greenville, Illinois, Nevco Sports provides electronic scoreboards, LED video displays, scoring technology, sound systems, and integrated sports technology solutions. The company serves customers in the United States and international markets and continues to explore opportunities for global expansion. Visit their website for more information. Electronic Scoreboards for Every Sport | Nevco

About the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE
The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville helps Illinois small and medium-sized businesses compete successfully in the global marketplace. For more than 40 years, the ITC has provided export counseling, market intelligence, export compliance guidance, and connections to trusted state, federal, and international partners.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or call (618) 650-3851 or visit International Trade Center - School of Business | SIUE

Read the full success story
Learn how the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE partnered with Nevco Sports to develop its export strategy, connect the company with international trade resources, and prepare for global expansion. Visit the full story.