April 2011 News from the World Trade Center of Central PA

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations and enforcement is being significantly increased by the Department of Justice and the SEC, and both agencies expressed the determination to increase criminal prosecutions against individuals.

In addition, the UK just passed an FCPA of its own, and the UK law does not permit facilitating payments. Their law applies to private bribery as well as the bribery of foreign officials and it imposes strict liability - unless you can show that you have adequate policies and procedures in place that are designed to prevent the bribe.

The UK law applies to any company that is doing business in the UK. Therefore, if you have operations in the UK and one of your agents on behalf of a U.S. division makes a facilitating payment in Africa (which is legal under the FCPA), the UK law would still be violated even though the transaction has no nexus to the UK whatsoever.

If you do not have an FCPA policy in place, you need one. If you have a current policy, it may need to be updated to address the new UK law.

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April Newsletter

Care Package for PA's Japan Office

Melissa gets ready to ship our care package.

The WTC team pooled donations with those from the State's Center for Trade Development and made up a "care package" for Coco Watanabe and her team in the PA trade office in Tokyo.

The people and the country of Japan continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as they recover from this horrible disaster.

Events Recap

cam2

March Showcase Tour: CAM Innovation

Over 25 people joined us for a tour of WTC member CAM Innovation in Hanover last month. This was our first in a series of "Innovation and Trade Showcase Tours", offered in conjunction with MANTEC .

CAM Innovation is a manufacturer of equipment for the railway, mining, power generation, steel manufacturing and other industries, both domestically and internationally. This small company with 30 employees exports their products to 64 countries. CAM Innovation is also celebrating their 100th year of manufacturing excellence this year. Congratulations!

Marketing Roundtable Focused on Social Media

Our March marketing roundtable featured Stephanie Gehman from Harrisburg International Airport, Matt Brommer from Turkey Hill Dairy, Jennifer Peterson from Wavelength Marketing, and Susie Christensen from the PA Australia Trade Office as panelists. Each shared how their business is using social media to promote their brand as part of their marketing strategy. Approximately 25 people participated in this information sharing session and topics ranged from the new facebook application format to use of social media at trade shows. Special thanks to our panelists for participating and HIA for hosting the roundtable!

Trade Policy Outlook Luncheon

We were fortunate to again welcome Daniel Griswold, Director for Trade Policy Studies at the Cato Institute in Washington DC, to our region. Dan spoke at a recent WTC luncheon event about current trade policy issues and how they affect the competitiveness of PA products in a global economy.

WTC Team with Daniel Griswold

HIA Extends Special Offer to WTC Members

We are excited to offer our members access to the Harrisburg International Airports' Flyer Rewards program. As a member of the WTC and HIA Flyer Rewards program, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of Saving Time and Relaxing. Once you sign up, you will gain access to the employee/crew entrance of the security checkpoint line during the busiest weekday morning hours. You will also be able to relax in the Susquehanna Club (across from gate A2), where you can enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, read the paper, watch the news on the big screen TV, or get some work done before your flight. When you arrive at the Club, present your HIA Flyer Rewards card and the Club attendant will provide you a trip data form to be completed during your stay. Click here to sign up and receive your HIA Flyers Rewards program card.

Members in the News: Gannett Fleming Sponsors Disaster Response & Recovery Summit

Last month, WTC member company Gannett Fleming, an international engineering consulting firm, participated in the 2011 Disaster Response and Recovery Summit in Orlando, FL. This summit brought together individuals who are able to assist in the aftermath of natural, environmental, and man-made disasters around the globe.

Senior Project Manager Frank Swit, who is also one of the WTC Board Members, served as the chair for the Reconstruction and Recovery panel, which was focused on long-term reconstruction in Haiti.

We Live Tweet from Events

If you follow the WTC on Twitter (@wtccentralpa), you may have noticed that we started live-tweeting from events late last year. Following our event tweets is a great alternative if you can't participate in person - we will even try to have your questions answered if you tweet at us. Use #wtcevents to find previous tweets or to follow along.

Business Journal Names Tina Weyant a Central PA Woman of Influence women

WTC's Executive Director Tina Weyant has been named one of Central Pennsylvania's most influential women in the Central Penn Business Journal's Women of Influence Awards program. Twenty-five local women business leaders have been selected to receive the 2011 award recognizing their outstanding leadership, integrity and accomplishments in the midstate's business community.

Upcoming Partner Events

PA Chamber Presents International Roundtable

Join a panel of experts and learn more about basic guidelines, financial aspects and available services to help you grow your business through international trade during a half day seminar on May 6. The event will be held at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey and is scheduled from 8:00 am to noon. Cost for this event is $85, but WTC members will be eligible for a $25 discount, courtesy of the PA Chamber of Commerce. To take advantage of this discout, please register via the Chambers toll free number or fax in your registration form, indicating that you are a WTC member and the discount will be honored. More details are available on the PA Chamber website

The World Trade Center of Central Pennsylvania is a licensed member of the World Trade Centers Association and one of 320 World Trade Centers located in 96 countries, connecting local companies with global opportunities. We promote global trade, deliver relevant educational programs, up-to-date trade information, practical trade assistance, and research & referral services for our members and clients to help them compete and prosper in a global economy.