A full day NAFTA seminar will discuss the principles of tariff classification, how to identify, interpret, and apply the appropriate Rule of Origin and how to correctly complete the NAFTA Certificate of Origin. Ted Murphy, Partner at Baker & McKenzie, and Holly Files, Associate at Baker & McKenzie, will be presenting. The workshop will be held on November 13, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Eden Resort in Lancaster. The cost is $75 for members and $125 for non-members.

The WTC of Central Pennsylvania partnered with the Central Penn Business Journal to publish an international business supplement in the August 28 issue of the Central Penn Business Journal. If you are not a Business Journal subscriber, you can access the online version by clicking on the link below. Special thanks to everyone that provided content as well as the advertisers that made the publication possible.

Exporting exposes businesses to unfamiliar laws and regulations. It is important for exporters to understand their rights and obligations when complying with US laws, resolving disputes, selling goods and services, and protecting intellectual property. The WTC will be hosting a legal issues series focusing on these important topics. Join us for the first informative breakfast on November 6, at the Holiday Inn Holidome in York, focusing on Export Compliance. Attend the program and learn your rights and responsibilities as an exporter. Mark Sullivan, Esquire, of Dilworth Paxson LLP will be the presenter.

WTC Members can receive 12 complimentary issues of the Central Penn Business Journal. In addition, if you choose to subscribe, the Central Penn Business Journal will offer $15 off of the cost of a yearly subscription. WTC Membership does have its privileges.

Are you seeking to do business in the United Arab Emirates? PIAN Company is a business development consultancy with a successful track- record in Abu Dhabi that specializes in international business start-up and expansion in the United Arab Emirates. PIAN Co. provides in-country presence, market research, and business development strategies and services. The goal from Day 1: revenue generation. PIAN Co. brings critical assets to your team: a life-time of experience in the Middle East; a Masters in International Management; experience designing strategies in harsh and/or rapidly changing business environments; practice building, staffing, and transforming multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary organizations; and a current network of Emirati contacts. Please visit www.pian-co.com for more information about PIAN Company or contact Robert Pianka directly at rp@pian-co.com, (717) 725-4305, or (+971) 050 262-2806.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued notice that it is seeking comments to be included in its 2009 annual report on foreign trade barriers. USTR each year prepares a "National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers" (or "NTE"). This report catalogues significant barriers to U.S. exports of goods, services, and overseas investment. The preparation of this inventory of barriers-which will be issued during the first quarter of 2009-helps to facilitate negotiations between the U.S. and its trading partners that are designed to reduce or remove these barriers. The report also provides the government with an important tool to enforce U.S. trade laws, and to expand trade to the benefit of U.S. producers and consumers. Proper advocacy cannot be initiated on behalf of PA firms if the government is not made aware of the nature and breadth of the trade barriers that companies encounter in different markets. Pennsylvania firms that have confronted, or that continue to experience foreign trade barriers that hamper their ability to sell products, or otherwise do business abroad, should consider filing comments on these problems with USTR. The deadline for submitting comments for inclusion in the 2009 NTE is Thursday, November 6, 2008. Submissions by electronic mail: FR0717@USTR.EOP.GOV. Submissions by facsimile: Gloria Blue, Executive Secretary, Trade Policy Staff Committee, Office of the United States Trade Representative (202-395-6143).

The WTC, in conjunction with MANTEC, will be hosting a marketing roundtable on October 28 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the WTC Office in York. The cost is free for WTC members or $10 for non-members. The topic for discussion will be the impact of technology on marketing.

The WTC of Central Pennsylvania is proud to support Kristin Bookhamer, WTC Trade Program Manager, in her campaign to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association. Kristin will be running the Disney Half Marathon in January to support research and services for families that are battling blood cancer. Show your support for Kristin and this great cause by making a donation. Thank You.