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

Taking a CBP-Wide Approach to ACE
02/11/2008

The Office of International Trade is playing a vital role in creating Automated Commercial Environment entry summary capabilities, which are expected to automate business processes, streamline operations and dramatically change the way U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducts business. Created to consolidate all CBP trade policy and coordinate efforts to achieve the agency’s vision for trade modernization, the Office of International Trade bears primary ownership of the CBP entry summary business process. Using entry summary process expertise and a collaborative approach, the Office of International Trade is leading efforts to define and develop these ACE capabilities.

“Modernizing the entry summary business process is a complex endeavor that touches many facets of CBP,” said Steve Hilsen, director of trade modernization and ACE coordination within the Office of International Trade. “Our goal is to ensure ACE entry summary capabilities fully support CBP and the trade community while aligning with the tenets of shared responsibility and informed compliance set forth in the 1993 Customs Modernization Act.”

To develop ACE entry summary capabilities, the Office of International Trade is working closely with other agency offices, including the Office of Field Operations and the Office of Information and Technology, to ensure the capabilities are designed to meet all agency and trade community needs. Field experts regularly assist the Office of International Trade and ACE system developers with defining the business requirements necessary in order for future entry summary capabilities to fully support field operations. This coordination provides the field insight and expertise that is essential to the development of ACE entry summary capabilities.

CBP modernization includes not only automated systems but every aspect of the agency, from policy to business processes. The collaboration facilitated by the Office of International Trade is expected to result in more robust entry summary capabilities. As owner of the policy and processes that define these capabilities, the Office of International Trade will be the driving force behind the development process.

“Essentially we’re making sure the right people are involved throughout the development cycle, from the headquarters office that owns the business process to the technology people building the system and the field personnel who will be using it,” said Lou Samenfink, executive director of the Office of Information and Technology’s Cargo Systems Program Office.

With the first phase of entry summary capabilities, scheduled to be deployed in 2009, the entries filed by an initial group of voluntary trade partners for the most common entry types – entry types 01 and 11 – will be processed through ACE. As development efforts continue, the ongoing collaboration within CBP, as well as with the trade community through the Trade Support Network, will continue to ensure that future entry summary capabilities are designed to support the needs of all ACE users.

Click here for the ACE application for on the CBP website.

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CBP Moves to New Online Applications for Members of Trade Program
Friday, February 15, 2008

Washington — Beginning April 1, 2008, applicants for the southern border Free and Secure Trade, or FAST, Commercial Driver Program will be permitted to enroll online at the CBP website. This enhancement is limited to new southern border (U.S./Mexico) FAST Driver applicants. This is the first step in a phased migration to full online account management, which, by late summer 2008, will afford FAST Commercial Drivers on both borders on-demand account access similar to that enjoyed by NEXUS and SENTRI members.

In the April release, U.S./Mexico FAST will offer automated application and fee payment for new members through the Global Online Enrollment System at the CBP website. ( Apply Online or Check and Update My Address for NEXUS and SENTRI ) However, account updates, card replacements, conditional approval notifications, and interview scheduling will remain manual. These functions, as well as application and fee payment for northern border (U.S./Canada) FAST, and renewals for both borders are tentatively scheduled for online deployment in the second half of calendar year 2008 in cooperation with the Canada Border Services Agency.

The current paper application process for southern border FAST will become invalid on April 1, 2008. Applications received at the address below will not be processed. Would-be applicants are encouraged to use the online process beginning April 1.

FAST Commercial Driver Program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Box 371124, Pittsburgh, PA 15251-7124

There are currently 92,604 FAST drivers on both borders. This program serves the dual goals of both facilitating legitimate trade, and securing our nation’s borders. FAST membership documentation is also acceptable proof of citizenship and identity now required for U.S. and Canadian citizens crossing the border at land and sea ports of entry. A FAST membership card will also be acceptable under full implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, expected to go into effect no sooner than June 2009.

Country Music Artist Sets Travel Document Message to Song
01/30/2008

Shirley Myers is a Canadian country music artist based in Nashville, Tenn. She knows what it takes to cross the border efficiently.

So it was a natural for her to volunteer to produce a short public service announcement to remind citizens on both sides of the border that providing the proper documents will speed the inspection process when entering the U.S. ( Border Crossing PSA )

"I cross the border a lot," Myers says during the 30-second announcement meant for radio play. "The rules are changing and you should know the documents you’ll need."

Listeners are encouraged to visit CBP.gov for information on the changes. (see below - Ready, Set... Go!)

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a transition where U.S. and Canadian citizens crossing into the U.S. from either Canadian or Mexican, via land or sea, will be asked to provide proof of identity and citizenship. This can be as simple as a driver’s license and a birth certificate, but a complete list of options is posted to cbp.gov, and is also being distributed to travelers at ports of entry. As early as June, 2009, all who enter the U.S. will be required to present secure documents. This will help make the border crossing process secure and more efficient.

"We are thrilled that Shirley agreed to help CBP and our counterparts in Canada get the word out," said Jeffrey Robertson, CBP’s assistant commissioner for public affairs. Robertson said he was particularly grateful that Myers was able to record the song in French as well as English. ( Border Crossing PSA – French version )

"We are distributing this to radio stations on both sides of the border," Robertson said. "We’ve done a lot of work to make sure travelers are aware of how best to speed the inspection process when crossing the borders, but this by far was the most fun."

The lyrics for the jingle were written by William Anthony of CBP’s public affairs office.

For more information on Shirley Myers, visit her Web site.

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S H I P P I N G

St Lawrence Fees Freeze

TOLLS for using the St Lawrence Seaway are to be frozen for three years as part of a plan to boost traffic on the waterway which saw a decline in use last year. The St Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) has also announced a revised tariff structure which will provide a significant boost to new business growth.

A statement says: “With the goal of maximizing the volume of existing commodities, while at the same time attracting new cargoes to the Seaway / Great Lakes System, the new tolls structure underscores the commitment of the SLSMC and Transport Canada to increased use of the Seaway. “

“By maintaining stable rates through the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons and by introducing targeted incentives, we are setting the stage for our stakeholders to aggressively seek new business in an era of escalating costs, and to advance their business plans with a greater degree of certainty” said Dick Corfe, SLSMC President and CEO.

A New Business Incentive Program targeted at carriers and shippers will allow for a 20% discount on cargo tolls over the course of three years for commodity / origin / destination combinations approved by the Corporation as “new business”. To be eligible, a carrier will have to submit to the SLSMC an application for the proposed cargo / origin / destination combination. Notably, all containerized cargo movements are eligible for the discount, from 2008 to 2012.

A Volume Rebate Incentive Program targeted at shippers has also been introduced. Offering a 10% reduction on cargo tolls applicable to incremental volumes meeting a set of criteria, this program is designed to stimulate movement of the Seaway’s traditional staple cargoes. Applicable criteria can be found within the full 2008 Schedule of Tolls.

To encourage smaller cargo vessels and shipments to come into the system, the Welland Canal lockage fees have been restructured, with a net benefit applicable to all vessels. The fixed charges per lock transit have been replaced with charges proportional to a vessel’s GRT. This change will benefit small and medium sized vessels. Larger vessels will benefit from a cap placed on the maximum charge per vessel.

In a bid to promote short sea shipping within the Seaway / Great Lakes System, the definition of domestic cargo now includes all movements between any combination of Canadian and American points within the Seaway / Great Lakes System. This will allow these intra-system movements to be subject to advantageous bulk rates.

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The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway 2008 navigation season is set to start on March 20 at 8 a.m. with the opening of the Welland Canal.

The Montreal-Lake Ontario section will open at the same time on March 22, while the U.S. Sault Ste. Marie locks and canals will open March 25.

In the Welland Canal, a maximum allowable draft of 26 feet-6 inches will be in effect from the start of the navigation season for all vessels.

Zero Growth for US Container Ports

Many years of non-stop growth in US containerized imports came to a halt in 2007, but a modest recovery now appears to be under way.  Latest figures from Piers Global Intelligence Solutions, which compiles its data from ship manifests, show that inbound volumes fell by a provisional 1.1% in 2007 to 18.96m teu.  This compares with 8.6% growth in 2006 and 10.5% in 2005.  The numbers confirm what container lines already know from first-hand experience, with a large number of ships moved off the Pacific over the past year in response to much slower growth.  That speedy action has kept ship utilization high and left carriers hopeful that they will be able to obtain higher rates during the forthcoming round of annual contract negotiations.  Transpacific Stabilization Agreement members will be seeking increases of $400 per 40 ft container for shipments from Asia to the US west coast, and $600 for intermodal and east coast all-water cargo.  Total capacity fell slightly in 2007, but TSA lines expect slots on the Pacific to increase by around 2% - 4% this year, slightly less than projected cargo growth.  However, they are warning that their operations could be scaled back again if economic conditions do not improve.  But for the shipping lines, it is the much larger transpacific trade that really matters and here the volumes are broadly flat.  (Lloyd’s List, 2/7/2008.)

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W O R L D   T R A D E 

Guidelines for New Importers and Exporters

To avoid potential problems in the clearance of your merchandise, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that you familiarize yourself with CBP policies and procedures prior to actually importing/exporting your goods. You should also be aware of any entry requirements specific to the particular commodity you are importing/exporting, including those of other federal agencies. To assist you, we offer the following tips for new importers and exporters.

What kind of license is required to import merchandise into the United States?

CBP does not require an importer to have a license or permit, but other agencies may require a permit, license, or other certification, depending on the commodity that is being imported. CBP acts in an administrative capacity for these other agencies, and you may wish to contact them directly for more information. There is a listing of other government agencies in the appendix section of the publication, Importing into the United States. You may also need a license from local or state authorities to do business. CBP entry forms do ask for your importer number: this is either your IRS business registration number, or if your business is not registered with the IRS or you do not have a business, your social security number will be sufficient. As an alternative, you may request a CBP assigned number by completing a Customs Form 5106 and presenting it to the Entry Branch at a CBP port of entry.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Web site contains valuable information for the new or experienced importer.

We recommend that importers review the topics on the CBP import page (select the Import tab on the CBP home page). In particular, we suggest viewing the information contained in the section titled infrequent importer/traveler. There are many topic-specific links to explore, but you may wish to start with U.S. Import Requirements,found in the box titled Publications in the SEE ALSO column. This will lead you to information on CBP import requirements, arrival of goods, formal entry vs. informal entry, classification, protest, mail shipments, restricted merchandise and more. For other agency requirements you may need to meet, and if you become a frequent importer with higher valued shipments, we recommend you read Importing into the United States. ( Importing into the United States (doc - 1,588 KB.) (pdf - 467 KB.) ) This publication, available on-line and in hardcopy, contains more in-depth information and is valuable reading for anyone seriously venturing into the importing business. From the CBP home page, select the Import tab, select either Communications to Trade (on the left side of the page) then Publications, or infrequent importer/traveler then select the Importing into the United States document.

We also urge you to read the informed compliance material on the CBP Web site. CBP has prepared a number of Informed Compliance publications (ICPs) in the "What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About..." series on a variety of issues. Select the Import tab on the CBP home page and then on the left, scroll down to the link titled Informed Compliance. The staff at M.E. Dey can help answer your questions on trade related issues.

If your business will cause you to travel in and out of the country, we recommend that you review the traveler information in the Know Before You Go! - online brochure: ( Know Before You Go ) . From the CBP home page, click on the tab, Import, scroll down to select the link Infrequent Importer/Traveler and select the Know Before You Go! - online brochure link in the SEE ALSO column on the right.

Prior to importing, you may contact the CBP office at the port of entry where your merchandise will enter the United States.

A complete directory of the various ports of entry can be found on the CBP Web site. Select the Ports tab on the CBP home page, and then the state and service port you are looking for. If you are unsure of or haven’t decided the port where your shipment will arrive, or you are looking at importing through multiple ports, you may contact a port of entry near you. Ask to speak with a CBP import specialist assigned to the commodity you are importing. Import specialists are a valuable resource for commodity specific knowledge and can provide classification advice, commodity specific requirements, advisory duty rates, and respond to questions you may have about filing an entry. At many ports, entry specialists handle questions regarding entry filing. Entry specialists work closely with import specialists and provide the technical processing expertise required to file the necessary paperwork.

When calling the port, the importer should be able to provide as much detail regarding the transaction as possible. In order for the Import Specialist to best assist you, it is important you be able to exactly describe the merchandise you are planning to import. You should be able to provide a full and complete description of the article and answer specific questions such as: 1) the country of origin of the merchandise and manufacturer; 2) the composition of the merchandise; 3) the intended use of the item; and 4) pricing/payment information (in order to properly determine the value of the shipment). For more information on the classification of merchandise select Import, then select Duty Rates/HTS link, ( Duty Rates/HTS ) then the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) which contains the actual HTS and Tariff Classification guidelines that explain how to properly classify merchandise. You can also find the electronic version of the HTS online by selecting Import, then selecting Duty Rates/HTS.

Importers can request a written ruling from CBP for the proper HTSUS classification and rate of duty for their merchandise.

M.E. Dey can assist you in applying for binding rulings.

For information on CBP ruling letters, select the Legal tab on the CBP home page, then select the link Rulings, and finally the link, What are Ruling Letters. ( What are Ruling Letters ) When requesting a binding ruling, importers should follow the procedures outlined in Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). The Customs Regulations may be accessed via the Legal tab. Research the results of previous ruling requests by using the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS). CBP may have already issued rulings on products similar to yours that you can use for guidance. To access CROSS, select the Legal button on the CBP home page and then select the CROSS link. CROSS also addresses other issues such as value, country of origin marking,and applicability of trade preference programs. The CROSS database is searchable by key word.

The CBP Website also contains valuable information regarding exporting.

If your future plans call for exporting merchandise from the U.S., you should review the information found in the Export section of our website. This section contains links to information on export issues such as: the New Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) Form Required Starting January 18, 2004, the Automated Export System (AES), Exporting a Motor Vehicle,and Industry Alerts.

Although CBP enforces many export regulations for various other government agencies, specific questions pertaining to licensing requirements for a particular commodity should be directed to that lead agency. Other agency contact information as well as commodities that may require export licenses, can be obtained by visiting the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security Web sites. ( U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security ) Questions regarding export licenses may also be directed to CBP officers at the port where the merchandise will exit the country. A complete directory of the various ports of entry can be found on the CBP Web site. Select the Ports tab on the CBP home page, and then the state and port you are looking for.

You should research general quota information and quota requirements for certain commodities prior to importing into the United States.

M.E. Dey can assist you in this process.

Import quotas control the amount or volume of various commodities that can be imported into the United States during a specified period of time. United States import quotas may be divided into two main types: absolute and tariff-rate. Absolute quotas usually apply to textiles and strictly limit the quantity of goods that may enter the commerce of the United States during a specific period. Tariff-rate quotas permit a specified quantity of imported merchandise to be entered at a reduced rate of duty during the quota period. Once a quota has been reached, goods may still be entered, but at a higher rate of duty.

Quota information is available on the CBP Web site. Select the Import tab and then the link, textiles and quotas. This section contains links to information on subjects such as determining whether imported goods are subject to quota restraints ( Are My Goods Subject to Quota? ) . A Guide to Import Quotas provides additional quota information. Apparel and textile importers can monitor restraint fill levels by viewing the Textile Status Report for Absolute Quotas. ( Textiles and Quotas ) Fill levels for agricultural quotas and textiles eligible for trade preference programs are tracked on the Commodity Status Report for Tariff Rate Quotas. General quota information and instructions for specific quotas are available to CBP field offices and the trade as Quota Book Transmittals ( Quota Book Transmittals (QBTs) ) .

You may receive a bill if your shipment is examined by CBP.

Under Title 19, section 1467, of the United States Code (19 U.S.C. 1467), CBP has a right to examine any shipment imported into the United States and it is important to know that you, the importer, must bear the cost of such cargo exams. Per the CBP regulations, it is the responsibility of the importer to make the goods available for examination-- "The importer shall bear any expense involved in preparing the merchandise for CBP examination and in the closing of packages" (19 C.F.R. 151.6). ( 19 C.F.R. 151.6 ) Household effects are not exempt. No distinction is made between commercial and personal shipments. In the course of normal operations, CBP does not charge for cargo examinations. However, there may still be costs involved for the importer. For example, if your shipment is selected for examination, it will generally be moved to a Centralized Examination Station (CES) for the CBP exam to take place. A CES is a privately operated facility where merchandise is made available to CBP officers for physical examination. The CES facility will unload (devan) your shipment from its shipping container and will reload it after the exam. The CES will bill you for their services. There are also costs associated with moving the cargo to and from the exam site and with storage. Rates will vary across the country and a complete devanning may cost several hundred dollars. The CES facility fulfills the needs of both CBP and the importer by providing an efficient means to conduct exams in a timely manner. CES facilities are discussed in part 118 of the Customs Regulations and are available for viewing on the Customs Web site (19 C.F.R. 118). ( 19 C.F.R. 118 ) ) Select the Legal tab, then select Customs Regulations (CFR, multiple years) in the What's New column under Quicklinks, and scroll down to Title 19 - Customs Duties.

If M.E. Dey is arranging the Customs exam, we can advise you of additional charges incurred.

Some information requested from CBP can only be provided through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) procedures.

When members of the trade community or individuals from the public request information from CBP, there are circumstances when the information being sought can be provided only if the request is pursuant to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The CBP Web site has a comprehensive explanation of the agency FOIA program, including background and general information about FOIA law, specific instructions making a FOIA request. A link to the CBP FOIA information appears at the bottom center of the CBP main web page. The web site also has a link to the Department of Justice FOIA web page.

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Wisconsin's International Exports are Soaring

Wisconsin's exports increased by 11.8 percent to a record $19.2 billion in 2007, and Wisconsin now ranks as the 19th-largest exporting state in the nation, an improvement from its 21st ranking in 2006.

Exports to Canada, Wisconsin's largest international market, grew by 7.3 percent to $5.8 billion. Mexico continued as Wisconsin's second-largest export market, as exports grew 2 percent to $1.9 billion. China took third place with a 35.4 percent increase to $1.2 billion, topping $1 billion for the first time ever. The United Kingdom took fourth place with a 6 percent increase to $722.8 million. Germany ranked fifth with a 13.4 percent increase to $660.8 billion.

Industrial machinery, including computer equipment, continues to be Wisconsin's top manufacturing export commodity, growing by 11.8 percent to $6.2 billion. Electrical machinery ranked second with a 5.7 percent increase to $2.7 billion. Medical and scientific instruments ranked third with a 0.1 percent decrease to $2.1 billion.  Agricultural exports ranked fourth with a 45.1 percent increase to just under $2.1 billion.  Transportation equipment ranked fifth with a18.4 percent increase to $1.7 billion.

The state's agricultural exports have nearly doubled in the past three years, up from $1.1 billion in 2004 - nearly a 100 percent increase. Dairy exports skyrocketed 131 percent, up from $84.7 million in 2006 to $195.8 million in 2007, driven by demand for cheese, whey, and butter.

A relatively new export, dried distillers grains, jumped 245 percent, up from $6 million in 2006 to $19.2 million in 2007, driven by strong demand in Asia. A byproduct of the state's burgeoning ethanol industry, dried distillers grains (DDGs) are sought as a high-protein livestock feed.

"This has largely been driven by strong demand in Asia," said Joshua Morby, executive director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA).  "Distillers grains are sought as a high protein livestock feed. The ethanol industry has certainly taken its fair share of hits in the past few weeks.  It's finally nice to receive some recognition for the role our industry plays in growing not only the Wisconsin economy, but the globally economy as well."

"I salute Wisconsin companies for aggressively seeking new markets around the globe," said Gov. Jim Doyle. "As governor, I'm committed to doing all I can to support a climate that encourages success for our exporters."

Each year, the governor recognizes Wisconsin firms and organizations that have achieved extraordinary results in international markets or have contributed to Wisconsin's ability to compete globally. This year's nomination deadline is April 11. The 2008 awards will be presented May 13 at the 44th annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference in Milwaukee. For more information, visit http://commerce.wi.gov/IE/IE-ExportAwards.html. Small Business Times

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Metro Milwaukee Export Data Now Available

According to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of the Census and Manufacturing and Services on January 24, the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis metropolitan area ranked #30 nationally for exports in 2006. Milwaukee-area companies shipped $6.8 billion worth of products to other countries. That represented nearly 40 percent of Wisconsin’s total exports. Racine County ranked #89 with $1.5 billion. Kenosha County is considered part of the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet Metropolitan Area for statistical purposes. Madison ranked #100.

Leading destinations for Milwaukee area exports are Canada (25%), Mexico (19%), China (6%), Japan (5%), and Germany (4%). Leading Product categories are industrial machinery (27%), computers and electronics (26%), transportation equipment (10%), electrical machinery (7%), and fabricated metal products (4%).

Seven metro areas posted 2006 export sales of $25 billion or more. These metro areas were responsible for 30 percent of total U.S. merchandise exports in 2006. The top 30 metro areas accounted for 58 percent of total U.S. merchandise exports in 2006. The New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island metropolitan area was the nation’s top exporting metropolis in 2006, shipping a total of $66.2 billion in merchandise to foreign markets. In 2006, 116 metropolitan areas recorded product sales of $1 billion or more.

Available for 2005 and 2006, the data series contains merchandise export values for 369 metropolitan areas. Service export values are not included in this series. All metropolitan merchandise export numbers were tabulated by matching the Origin of Movement (OM) five-digit ZIP codes entered on U.S. export declarations with counties that are assigned to specific metropolitan areas by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). For additional information and to view the complete data series and methodology, visit www.trade.gov/metrodata.

A S I A  

Chinese Designer Labels

In January, the Chinese retailers at Beijing's Silk Street Market, which is a notorious supplier of knock-off merchandise such as Louis Vuitton, announced that they would begin creating clothing and other items under their own SilkStreet brand, and they naturally issued the warning, "Anyone using the brand (without permission) will be held liable." [Reuters, 1-24-08]

 E V E N T S / S E M I N A R S

WI Department of Commerce: Trade Show Grant Program

The Trade Show Grant Program encourages smaller Wisconsin companies (companies with annual sales of less than $25 million, including affiliates and subsidiaries) to become exporters, and helps existing smaller exporters seek out new international markets. Under the program, Wisconsin companies can be reimbursed up to $5,000 for specific expenses for participating in an approved trade show or matchmaker trade delegation event outside the United States. Wisconsin companies marketing new hi-tech products with worldwide application may be approved for shows held within the United States that have significant international participation. A company can be approved for up to $5,000 in a 12-month period and no more than $15,000 total under this program. For more information about the program and an application form, visit http://www.commerce.state.wi.us/IE/IE-TradeShowGrant.html

March 18, 2008 "A GATEWAY TO DOING BUSINESS IN NORTH AFRICA"

Davians Conference Center, Menomonee Falls WI

Click Here For Meeting Notice
Online Registration Click Here
List of Meeting Attendees

Could this be the final frontier? An untapped market? But what situations and requirements in each of the following countries, existing and future, affect our exports and collections? Our presentation in the morning, led by JIM WALKER, with British Arab Commercial Bank Limitied (BACB), joining us from England will provide coverage of:

Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia

Following lunch, join in the Roundtable Forum & Discussion - Any Topic, Region or Country! BE SURE TO INVITE OTHERS FROM YOUR COMPANY WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS VALUABLE SESSION!

MWTA  April 3, 2008  http://mwta.com/

Dinner Meeting
Program I: Technology for International Business
Program II: TBA
Location: GE Healthcare Training Facility, Pewaukee

March 18 - Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton
6th Annual Northeastern Wisconsin Global Trade Conference
Taking Wisconsin to the World

The Sixth Annual Northeastern Wisconsin Global Trade Conference will provide business professionals with tools and skills need to compete in the expanding  global marketplace. The daylong conference will be held Tuesday, March 18 at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton. This year's event is presented in conjunction with U.S. Representative Tom Petri (R-6th District) and U.S. Representative Steve Kagen (D-8th District). Keynote speakers are Robert G. Bohn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Oshkosh Corporation and Israel Hernandez, Assistant Secretary for Trade  Promotion, U.S. Department of Commerce.  

Additionally, there will be 8 one-hour sessions on  individual topics related to international commerce, including such topics as: Export-Import Documentation and Procedures; Global Supply Chain Management;  International Trade Intelligence; Export Compliance Overview, and others.  The individual registration fee is $70 for individuals who register before March 8, 2008 and $80 thereafter.  Student registration fee is $15 until March 8th and $17 thereafter. To obtain conference registration materials, please contact Fred Monique at 920-496-2118 or via e-mail at  monique@titletown.org

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

44^th Annual Wisconsin International Trade Conference
Italian Community Center, Milwaukee

Stop by our booth - M.E. Dey will be there!

Registration starting soon