Hong Kong and China closures for the New Year’s Celebration!!!

Most Hong Kong offices and factories are closed February 7-10

Most China offices and factories are closed February 6-12

PLAN EXTRA TIME FOR YOUR IMPORT CARGO

There is typically a shipping surge to move as much cargo as possible out of China prior to the holiday, and space is at a premium. Often cargo is “bumped” as vessels and aircraft overbook. You can expect a backlog of freight once business resumes after the holiday.   Please allow extra time for your cargo moving during this period. If you have particular concerns on expected delays, please call our Logistics Division who will work with you to mitigate delays.

Space will be at a premium, be sure to book your cargo early!

C U S T O M S / S E C U R I T Y

U.S. Customs & Border Protection Intercepts Counterfeit Computer Products
December 13, 2007

Savannah, GA — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Savannah Port of Entry have seized over $100,000 in computer keyboards with counterfeit Microsoft “flag” logos.

CBP Officers and Import Specialists discovered shipments of counterfeit merchandise in a container that was selected for an examination. A total of 2,575 pieces were seized with a domestic value of $108,459.00. CBP will continue to vigorously enforce our trade laws and is committed to facilitating and stimulating the flow of legitimate international trade.

Assistant Port Director Lynn Brennan stated, “As the primary U.S. border enforcement agency, CBP plays a key role in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement. IPR violations hurt not only the American public but companies lose billions of dollars in revenue each year from trademark violations. CBP is committed to combating the illegitimate trade in fakes by seizing counterfeit and pirated goods at our borders, identifying business practices linked to IPR theft and working with their enforcement counterparts to eliminate IPR fraud.”

To address the ongoing threat to domestic industries and the need to identify and interdict counterfeited goods, CBP works closely with private industry, U.S. government agencies and foreign governments to stem the flow of illegal goods to protect consumers and the economy. In FY 2006, CBP made more than 14,000 seizures of pirated goods that violated intellectual property rights with a domestic value of $155 million.

If you are importing any products with logos or trademarks, you must have written authorization to use or import that product.  Authorization must be filed with each entry filed.  Failure to file proper paperwork, could result in seizure of the cargo.  If you have questions regarding  Intellectual Property Rights, please call one of the licensed brokers at M.E. Dey to discuss your shipments.

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CBP Textile Enforcement 2007 Fiscal Year in Review
December 13, 2007

Washington - During fiscal year 2007, CBP continued to focus on its textile enforcement strategy on imports of high risk textiles and apparel. CBP uses a variety of actions, ranging from verifying foreign production to targeting suspect supply chain movements to auditing high risk firms to seizing violative goods. Among this year’s accomplishments are:

     In FY 2007 CBP increased foreign factory visits by 57%. CBP visited 671 foreign factories to monitor for illegal transshipment by sending textile production verification teams (TPVT) to confirm actual country of origin and compliance with trade preference programs. These teams examine production documents at foreign factories to ensure that potentially violative shipments are stopped before being shipped to the United States.

     CBP visited 168 foreign factories in 10 countries in FY 2007 to verify claims involving Free Trade Agreements like the Central America - Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement and other trade preference programs such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

     CBP auditors conducted 66 audits on textile importers and recommended additional revenue collections of $5.61 million in FY 2007 - an increase of 57% in audit activity.

     CBP officers at the ports of entry examined 13,327 shipments in FY 2007 and found more than 2,300 shipments where discrepancies were identified.

     Further, Import Specialists initiated 1,905 reviews of entry documents resulting in 959 detained shipments and 314 seized shipments worth $48.1 million for violations of China quota restraints.

     CBP also initiated 68 actions totaling $50.1 million in penalties for commercial fraud.

In FY 2008 CBP will continue its robust enforcement efforts focusing on textile quota evasion and improper claims for duty-free preference using Free Trade Agreements and other trade preference programs. CBP will apply a multi-layered approach to identify and address the areas of greatest risk.

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CBP Expands Filer Support as Part of ACE Transition
December 31, 2007

By January 2008, U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans to add 11 new client representatives across three new offices in Detroit, Otay Mesa, Calif., and Champlain, N.Y. The additional staff are intended to provide additional customer support for the trade community as CBP continues to implement its new commercial trade processing system, the Automated Commercial Environment.

Client representatives assist importers, exporters, brokers, software vendors, transportation providers and others with electronic submission of trade and transportation data to CBP. The new client representatives at these new offices will provide added support for trade partners.

Representing a vital link between CBP and the trade community, client representatives assist trade community users of existing CBP automated systems. They help ACE participants with account initiation, application testing, training and conversion to operational status. Client representatives rely on their strong operational backgrounds as inspectors, entry officers and import specialists with the former U.S. Customs Service, now CBP, to resolve issues and answer ACE-related questions or problems. Their record of quickly working to resolve client issues is widely recognized as vital to the partnership between CBP and the trade community.

In addition to working with the trade community, client representatives are integral to ACE development. Client representatives have participated in all phases of ACE system development, from design to testing and implementation. The knowledge gained from this experience helps client representatives identify programming errors and make recommendations to ensure the system runs more efficiently. Drawing from their extensive knowledge of Automated Commercial System and ACE technical and operational processes, client representatives help local trade representatives submit electronic data and resolve complex system problems. Client representatives also work outside of the agency by facilitating communication between CBP and other government agencies’ automated systems.

ACE Help Desk Has New Email Address

Due to the conversion to Outlook by U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the ACE Help Desk’s email address has been changed to acehelpdesk@cbp.dhs.gov and the email address ace.helpdesk@customs.treas.gov is no longer valid.

Participation in the ACE program can help you monitor and manage your import cargo.  You have access to information on duties, compliance, classification or liquidation for all your shipments handled by any broker nationwide.  ACE can be a wonderful tool for your Import Operations or Logistics Group.  If you have not applied for ACE, call our office to discuss how we can help you with the application process or to learn more about the benefits of participation.

Cargo tracking and security market needs major catalyst, says ABI
12/20/2007

While there is healthy activity in cargo tracking and security, it is difficult to determine where the market is headed, as it hinges on whether or not a set of requirements and mandates is placed on shippers.

Which entities will provide the push when there is little pull in the market, especially for increased security? Who will be responsible for this role - the US government or the World Customs Organization?

“Pilots and tests are being performed by the US government and by commercial companies within the sector,” says ABI Research director Michael Liard. “The defence sector wants to secure and maintain visibility of its goods, while companies in the commercial sector invest in solutions that provide visibility as well as decreased pilferage of those goods.”

Markets showing an interest in visibility and security will consist of those that ship containers with high-valued assets, hazardous material, pharmaceuticals, or containers coming from suspicious origins that look to gain quicker entry into the US.

Solutions will aim at tracking containers, as opposed to securing them.

“Closed-loop supply chains are considered potential markets; but outside of the military, few are known,” continues Liard. “Open-loop supply chains with many players need standards. Pilots will be announced and conducted over the next couple of years.”

Until there are enforceable mandates, the market will move slowly, and activity will be limited. Although DHS mandated the use of ISO 17712 mechanical seals for securing containers, there are no incentives in place. And despite the promise of faster customs inspections via ‘green lanes’ for companies certified Tier 3 under the C-TPAT program, these benefits have not spurred shippers into adoption.

Liard adds: “Unfortunately, it may take another tragic act of terrorism or major incident before the government or the WCO sets any mandates – particularly for electronic seals, pushing the industry toward wider implementation.”    Author: Newsdesk / eyefortransport.com

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CBP Officers in Atlanta Intercept Counterfeit Handbags Worth More Than $4 Million
December 20, 2007

Atlanta — U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Atlanta made a significant seizure of handbags bearing the counterfeit trademarks for “Louis Vuitton.”

CBP officers and import specialists discovered counterfeit merchandise in a shipment that was selected for examination. Handbags were seized with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of more than $4 million and a domestic value of $478,032. The shipment also contained jewelry that lacked the required country-of-origin markings.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintains an aggressive intellectual property rights enforcement program which devotes substantial resources to target, intercept, detain, seize and forfeit shipments of goods that violate U.S. property rights laws.

Enforcement is accomplished through the cooperative efforts of trained enforcement personnel, other government agencies and the trade community.

CBP port director Stephen Kremer stated “CBP officers and import specialists continue to maintain a strong enforcement posture and will continue to review shipments to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing imports. These copy violations will continue to be a priority."

CBP RELEASES PROPOSED “10+2” SECURITY PROGRAM

The long anticipated notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)—the Advance Trade Data Initiative otherwise known as “10+2” was formally published in yesterday’s (January 2) Federal Register.  The proposal would require both importers and carriers to submit additional information on cargo to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the cargo is brought into the United States. The NPRM is focused on imports entering the U.S. by water. The due date for comments is March 3, 2008.

Under the proposed program importers will have to file 10 data sets with CBP at least 24 hours prior to foreign lading of the cargo onto a vessel bound for the United States. Carriers will have to file an additional two data sets. All carriers (except for ships exclusively carrying cargo in bulk) would be required to submit a vessel stow plan not later than 48 hours after departure from the last foreign port. For voyages of less than 48 hours, the stow plan would be submitted prior to arrival in the first U.S. port.

For importers, the proposal sets forth 10 elements that are required for shipments consisting of goods intended to be entered into the U.S. and goods intended to be delivered to a foreign trade zone (FTZ). These 10 data elements must be transmitted by the importer and consist of the following:

o       manufacturer (or supplier) name and address;

o       seller name and address;

o       buyer name and address;

o       ship to name and address;

o       container stuffing location;

o       consolidator (stuffer) name and address;

o       importer of record number/ FTZ applicant identification number;

o       consignee number(s);

o       country of origin; and,

o       commodity harmonized tariff schedule of the United States (HTSUS) number (provided up to the 6 digit level).

For freight remaining on board (FROB) five elements must be provided and include:

o       booking party name and address;

o       foreign port of unloading;

o       place of delivery;

o       ship to name and address; and,

o       commodity HTSUS number.

The purpose of the new rule is to better evaluate the potential risk of smuggling weapons of mass destruction through the use of oceangoing cargo containers before goods are loaded on vessels destined to the U.S.

The League through the Select Committee on Security (SCS) will be evaluating the 24 page NPRM in detail for developing formal comments. League members interested in sharing their views should contact SCS Chairman Bill O’Connor. To view a copy of the NPRM, click here: http://www.nitl.org/E7-25555.pdf. 

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S H I P P I N G

Ports of Long Beach and Long Angeles Approve $35 per TEU Clean Truck Fee

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have approved a new a Clean Truck Fee of US$35 per TEU on all loaded containers moving in and out of the ports by truck effective June 1, 2008.  This fee will support the ports’ Clean Trucks Program which will ban all pre-2007 model trucks from the ports by 2012.  The ban will be phased in starting in October 1, 2008, with a ban on all trucks built before 1989.  By January 1, 2010, only trucks built after 1993 will be allowed, and by January 1, 2012 all trucks serving the ports must meet 2007 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission standards. The new tariff rules adopted by both ports will also require trucks to register with the ports and to be fitted with radio frequency identification devices (RFID) by June 30, 2008, which will provide emission compliance information and other details.  The truck ban and RFID requirement represent only a portion of the originally proposed Clean Trucks Program.  In addition to the ban on older trucks, and the new Clean Truck Fee, the plan also called for sweeping changes to the harbor trucking industry.  These portions of the program are still under consideration by the Ports.  The Federal Maritime Commission is also currently reviewing the program for any possible violations of the Shipping Act of 1984.

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Panama Canal lock bidding process start

THE Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has released a Request for Proposal (RFP) on the “design-build” contract for the new locks under the Canal’s Expansion Program. Four global consortia will now move forward with their bids on what will be the largest and most important project under the $5.25 billion expansion.

The Expansion Program will build a new lane of traffic along the Panama Canal through the construction of a new set of locks, doubling capacity and allowing more traffic and longer, wider ships.

The ACP says it will meet with consortia representatives in February 2008 regarding the content of the RFP for the construction of the new set of locks. Proposals are due in August 2008. The ACP will evaluate bids based on the best value concept, with emphasis on technical components (60%) and price (40%). Following a thorough review, the ACP expects to award the contract in December 2008.

“Releasing the RFP for the new locks is a major step forward in the creation of the new lane, as it is the most significant contract in the Expansion Program. We have some of the world’s most reputable and skilled contractors competing for the opportunity to take part in this prominent project. We’re highly confident in their ability and we’re looking forward to receiving their proposals in the third quarter of next year,” said ACP Executive Vice President of Engineering and Program Management Jorge Quijano.

Far East Carriers Announce Strategy for 2008 - 2009 Contract Period

Carrier members of the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) have published a five-point plan for the 2008-2009 contract period.

TSA’s five-point plan for 2008:

·         Freight rate increases of $400 per 40-foot container for U.S. West Coast port-to-port and door cargo, and $600 per FEU for all other traffic, including intermodal and U.S. East Coast all-water shipments.

·         Restoration of a floating bunker fuel surcharge -- broken out from base rates and adjusted on a regular basis to reflect bunker fuel price fluctuations -- in all contracts that have had bunker surcharges mitigated, capped or folded into base rates.

·         A $400 per FEU peak-season surcharge on all shipments during the period from June 1 through Oct. 31, 2008. The surcharge would be subject to adjustments relating to the timing, duration and strength of the peak season.

·         Modify the timing of service contracts, extending 2008-09 contracts by an additional two months, to expire on June 30, 2009. The TSA intends that all future 12-month contracts will have July 1 start dates.

·          Include provisions in upcoming contracts that will enable them to recover increased West Coast trucking costs which may arise from legislative and/or regulatory changes, such as implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential and the proposed Los Angeles-Long Beach clean-truck plan.

The TSA contract announcement in the fall months is standard operating procedure for them.

Of special concern to all shippers is their desire to move contract negotiations back two months from April 30 to June 30.  Negotiations during peak season would almost always be a disadvantage for the shipper. 

TSA Member Carriers

·         APL Limited, American President Lines, Limited and APL Co. Pte Ltd. (collectively "APL")

·         CMA CGM

·         China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company

·         Evergreen Marine Corp. (Taiwan) Ltd.

·         Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd.

·         Hapag-Lloyd AG

·          Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd.

·         “K” Line America, Inc.

·         Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd.

·         MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, S.A.

·         NYK Line

·         Orient Overseas Container Line Limited

·          Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp.

·         ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.

Note:  Maersk is no longer a member of the TSA.  Indications are that China Shipping will join the TSA in the near future.

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ST. LAWRENCE SEAWAY FEELS THE CHILL

The 2007 commercial shipping season on the St Lawrence Seaway is winding down under the toughest early winter in years, following heavy snowfalls and winds as well as ice formation in the channels.  But what was more significant was the possible double-digit drop in traffic that had not been anticipated.  However, major developments in transportation and trade trends — notably the drying up of steel imports from Europe and high ocean rates — changed the evolution of cargo shipments on the waterway connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the industrial heartland of North America. The cautious optimists seem to outnumber the pessimists when considering the outlook for 2008, despite the persisting credit crisis in the United States. As one shipping executive said: “Steel depends on a healthy manufacturing, where a weak US dollar stimulates exports, and aggregates depend on a healthy economy.”  Figures to the end of November put total Seaway cargo at 38.7m tonnes, compared to 43.6m tonnes a year earlier. Lloyd’s List, 12/21/2007.

W O R L D   T R A D E  

Statement by USTR Schwab on today’s signing of the U.S. – Peru Trade Promotion Agreement
12/14/2007

"This agreement solidifies a relationship with a critical ally in Latin America.  For over 14 years, Peru has enjoyed duty-free access to the U.S. market under the Andean Trade Preference Act, which will now be made permanent.  And finally, U.S. farmers, ranchers, manufacturers and service providers will enjoy the same access to Peru’s growing market.

“The overwhelming House and Senate votes in support of the U.S. – Peru Trade Promotion Agreement reflect the May 10 agreement on labor and environment between the Administration and Congress, which created a path forward for bipartisan cooperation on trade.

“With exports accounting for 40 percent of U.S. economic growth this past year, I look forward to working with Congress to build on the momentum of today’s events in advancing our pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama and South Korea.  Passage of these three pending agreements will provide substantial opportunities for U.S. producers and consumers to compete in the global economy – opportunities we cannot pass up.”

Background:

Currently, the U.S. and Peru enjoy a two-way trade relationship of nearly $8.8 billion dollars.  Upon implementation of this agreement, 80 percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial goods to Peru will enter duty-free immediately, with remaining tariffs phased out over 10 years.  Additionally, more than two-thirds of current U.S. farm exports will become duty-free immediately.  The U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement will level the playing field in a trade relationship that has provided duty-free access to Peruvian products under preference programs such as the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA) and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).  Peru’s people will be able to continue this economic growth and enjoy greater economic and political stability by locking in Peru’s trade relationship with the largest market in the world.

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United States and Vietnam Hold First Meeting Under Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
12/17/2007

Washington, D.C. - United States Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab met in Washington today with Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of Vietnam's Office of Government for the first ministerial meeting under the U.S.-Vietnam Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).  The meeting was focused on Vietnam’s implementation of its World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments as well as ways to further deepen trade and investment relations between the United States and Vietnam.

“We are pleased with Vietnam’s progress to date in implementing its WTO commitments and domestic reform agenda, which have generated striking economic gains and steadily enhanced Vietnam’s regional and global economic competitiveness,” Ambassador Schwab said.  “We intend to remain actively engaged with Vietnam to support its ongoing work and help ensure that implementation efforts stay on track.”

During the discussions, Ambassador Schwab underscored U.S. interest in ensuring that the commitments Vietnam made regarding its distribution and other service sectors are implemented in a transparent and timely manner.  She also urged Vietnam to take additional steps to improve its enforcement of intellectual property protection.  In addition, the two ministers discussed agriculture, telecommunications, textiles, and other trade and investment issues, as well as Vietnam’s requests for further technical assistance to support its reform efforts. 

Ambassador Schwab and Minister Phuc welcomed the significant growth in bilateral trade during the past year and the opportunity to further strengthen U.S.-Vietnam trade and investment relations.  Two-way goods trade between the United States and Vietnam totaled $10.2 billion during the first 10 months of 2007, an increase of 25 percent over the same period the previous year.

The United States plans to continue building our trade and investment ties with Vietnam, which is among the most dynamic markets in the world.  The two countries have developed a cooperative relationship under the TIFA and plan to explore new initiatives over the coming year that will create additional opportunities for U.S. and Vietnamese businesses.

Background

U.S. exports to Vietnam totaled $1.4 billion between January and October 2007 (the most recent available data), a 62-percent increase over the same period in 2006.  Key U.S. export categories included machinery, motor vehicles, plastics and cotton.  Vietnam became the WTO’s 150th Member on January 11, 2007.  With a market of over 85 million people, Vietnam is the 13th most populous nation in the world and has experienced economic growth in excess of 7 percent per year for each of the last five years.

The United States and Vietnam signed the TIFA on June 21, 2006.  The TIFA was negotiated under the Enterprise for ASEAN Initiative (EAI).  President Bush launched the EAI to further strengthen ties with countries in the commercially and strategically significant Southeast Asian region, and the United States now has TIFAs with Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, and an FTA with Singapore.  The United States also is negotiating an FTA with Malaysia and will hold the next round of negotiations in Malaysia during the week of January 14.  The U.S. FTA negotiations with Thailand have been suspended until a democratically-elected government is in place.

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U.S. and China Announce Memorandum of Understanding on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade at SED III
12/12/2007

Washington, D.C. - The United States and China concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Illegal Logging and Associated Trade on the occasion of the Third Meeting of the Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED III).  This MOU is a first ever between the two countries in focusing on the role of international trade in illegal logging.

The MOU reflects the two countries’ decision to establish a bilateral forum for cooperation in support of efforts to combat illegal logging.  The forum will identify priority activities for cooperation, promote trade in forest products from legally-harvested resources, encourage public-private partnerships, and pursue negotiations on a detailed bilateral agreement to be completed by SED IV.  U. S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab hailed negotiation of the MOU “as a positive step forward in using the trade agenda to address an important environmental and conservation issue that has significant implications for climate change.”

Forests are a major factor in the global effort to address climate change, with deforestation worldwide accounting for approximately 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

Background:

The U.S. effort to conclude a cooperative MOU on illegal logging and associated trade was co-led by the State Department and the Office of the United States Trade Representative.  Representation in the bilateral forum will include multiple agencies on both sides to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing challenges presented by international trade associated with illegal logging.

Illegal logging contributes significantly to the high rates of deforestation currently occurring worldwide.  Deforestation not only threatens the health and survival of forests and the humans and wildlife that depend on them; it is also estimated to contribute 20 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.

China and the United States are the world’s two largest consuming nations of forest products and are also major exporters.

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H O L I D A Y S / S E M I N A R S

Chinese New Year

Hong Kong – 7 to 10 Feb 08     China – 6 to 12 Feb 08

Central Europe Trade Mission
April 19 – 23, 2008

MISSION DESCRIPTION:
Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, along with our co-sponsors, JP Morgan Chase, The Horton Group, e|n|w|c law firm and InterLaw seek to open doors for Wisconsin companies looking to establish or expand business contacts in Prague and elsewhere in Eastern Europe. During this trade mission, your appointment schedule will be tailored to your company’s specific needs. Your schedule may include the following:

• Briefings from the U.S. Department of Commerce
• Economic and political updates
• Meetings with financing sources
• Financial institutions
• Manufacturing plants
• One-on-one visits with potential suppliers, agents, distributors and other targeted entities

For more infomation:
PragueTrade_Mission_Brochure_12.07.pdf
RBPragueItinerary12.07.pdf
RBTravelArr12.07.pdf

Half-Day Seminar   January 18th, 2008 (Friday)   12:45pm to 4pm

CSCMP-Milwaukee Roundtable,

Milwaukee World Trade Association and the Wisconsin Institute Jointly Present:

Government Contracting:  Business Opportunities and Supply Chain Challenges

Speakers:

* Aina Vilumsons, Executive Director, Wisconsin Procurement Institute  
* Chris McGovern, Materials Mangement Director, Derco Aerospace Inc
* Mark Going, Logistics Programs Director, Derco Aerospace Inc
* Philip Bail CPCM, US Gov’t Contracts Manager, Derco Aerospace Inc

Place:          RADISSON WEST HOTEL
Directions:  (Intersection of Hwy 45 north & North Ave.)  2303 N. Mayfair Road,  Milwaukee, WI 53226    

Cost:    $40.00 pre-paid with RESERVATION    $50.00 paid AT-THE-DOOR
Last minute call-ins and cancellations must be made prior to noon on MONDAY, January 14^th, 2008.

ON-LINE RESERVATION:
CSCMP-Milwaukee offers on-line registration and payment via PayPal.  
Access PayPal through the Programs page on CSCMP Milwaukee's website: www.cscmp-mke.org                            
Or Mail To:    CSCMP-Milwaukee Roundtable
                       Attn:  Bob Schmidt
                       1390 E. Bolivar
                        St. Francis, WI 53235

                       Bob_Schmidt@Wixon.com

Make check payable to  “CSCMP-Milwaukee Roundtable”

“GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT”

The Delafield Hotel, Delafield WI

Session Moderator:  Guy Kwaterski, The Vollrath Co LLC

The Global Supply Chain begins with the selection of suppliers and proceeds through the preparation of documentation, movement of goods and concludes with the collection of the obligation to pay.  Senior Management is thinking in terms of the Global Supply Chain, and so should we in the ICE Group.

The program will begin with an introduction to the concept of Global Supply Chain Management as it relates to US corporations and suggest the role the Credit Manager should play in the design and operation of a corporate program.

Program Session 1:  SOURCING

     Selection of the Supplier & Qualifying the Supplier

Program Session 2:  FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Program Session 3:  LOGISTICS AND TRACKING

     Physical Transfer of Goods, Documentation & Record Keeping, and Compliance

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  Attendance at the ICE Meetings is open to others from your company.  Please make this notice available to them if they too will benefit.  This meeting in particular will apply to a variety of functional areas, please invite traffic, logistics, sales, and management.  They all register as member representative. 

For an online meeting notice, click here.

To register online, click here.

Your ICE Group offers Timely Topics year after year!  Join us on January 23...
"ICE--It's all about education & networking"! 

MARCH 18, 2008 - Davian's Conference Center, Menomonee Falls WI:

DOING BUSINESS IN NORTH AFRICA  Jim Walker, of the British Arab Commercial Bank's Head office in London, will join us and provide a thorough review of countries in this region.  More details to follow.

MWTA Ethnic Social
January 24, 2008     4:30-7:00PM
Tulip Restaurant ,    117 N. Jefferson St. Milwaukee, WI
deadline date for reservations: January 12, 2008

http://mwta.com/
 

February 7, 2008  Dinner Meeting

Program I: Global Supply Chain (co-sponsored by CSCMP)
Program II: Manufacturing Critical-path Time
Speaker: Roxanne Baumann, WMEP
Location: Radisson Hotel, Wauwatosa