May 2011 News from the World Trade Center of Central PA

The recently released Fiscal Year 2010 CPB Financial Report contains some interesting information on audits and penalties: In terms of audits, FY2010 was a big year for CBP. It completed 379 Focused Assessments and identified $49.7 million in recommended recoveries. It collected $33.8 million in duties, user fees and penalties from audits (this includes recoveries made in FY2010 stemming from audits completed in FY2009 or earlier). There were 267 active audits on-going at the end of the fiscal year.

In terms of penalties, CBP collected $61.8 million in FY2010. This was about the same amount that was collected in FY2009 ($61.3 million).

This heightened level of commercial enforcement is expected to continue throughout 2011 and beyond. There has been a renewed focused by CBP in recent years on commercial enforcement matters and it is recommend that all importers review their internal controls to ensure that they are working effectively!

The report can be downloaded here.

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May Newsletter

International Trade Conference 2011

"You Export What?... To Where?"

showcasing Southcentral PA's Exporting Success

June 22 at the Lancaster County Convention Center

This year, the WTC Annual Trade Conference highlights the success and expertise found right here in the Southcentral PA region. Four breakout sessions will be presented by panels of local companies who will share their experience and knowledge:

To Adapt or Not
Building Relationships: Traveling and Hosting Customers & Partners
Tools for Qualifying and Managing Your Distributors
Getting the Most Out of International Trade Shows

The luncheon features two prominent local companies telling their story of exporting success: Jeanmarie Nobile, International and Entertainment Venue Sales for Turkey Hill Dairy and Pierre-Jean Delaye, COO of RoomMates, a division of York Wallcoverings.

The conference again includes a Bringing Resources to YOU! exhibition area, showcasing resources and services to support international trade. Embassies from around the world have been invited to make you aware of opportunities in their countries. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are still available and you can download the form.

Sponsors to date include Gannett Fleming, MANTEC and UPS and we thank them for their generous support!

Additional details are available on our website

PA's Export Program Recognized with 2 Awards

Accepting the award were CTD Executive Director Peter O'Neill, DCED Policy Director Lisa Hughes, PA Northwest Commission's Intl. Trade Manager Dorte Heffernan (representing PA's ten Regional Export Network partners) and State Senator Mike Brubaker.

On May 16, US Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke presented the President's Award of Export Excellence to the Commonwealth's Center for Trade Development.

Now in its 50th year, the "E" Award provides national recognition to persons, firms, or organizations which contribute significantly in the effort to increase United States exports. Pennsylvania was recognized for the performance metrics system it developed and utilizes to measure and manage the spectrum of activities and outcomes across the state and around the world to drive more Pennsylvania firms into international markets and expand their global reach and capacity.

Earlier this month, Corenet Global, the world's leading professional organization for corporate real estate and economic developers, awarded Pennsylvania's Center for Trade Development its 2011 Economic Development Leadership Award.

Members in the News

Best Companies Group Expands Internationally

Best Companies Group, a subsidiary of Journal Publications, has recently expanded their "Best Places to Work" program into Morocco. Best Companies Group President Peter Burke traveled to the Kingdom of Morocco last month to finalize negotiations for a launch of the "Best Places to Work" program later this year. Best Companies Group also does business in Canada.

Keystone Human Services Hosting Russian Delegation

A delegation of Russian social service professionals is visiting southcentral PA to observe programs offered by Keystone Human Services and meet with other social services agencies in the area. Keystone Human Services International, based in Harrisburg, PA, promotes strong community-based human service systems in Azerbaijan, Moldova, Russia and beyond.

York Wire & Cable

Robert Wilson, President of York Wire & Cable, Inc. will serve as an official accredited member of the United States delegation to the Second APEC Senior Officials Meeting and Related Meetings that will be held in Big Sky, Montana from May 7 through May 21. APEC, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region; which consist of 21 member economies.

New Export Tutorials Available

Pennsylvania International Trade Guide

Our sister organization, the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia, with support from the State, has launched a new website: exportingPA.org. The site, called "Pennsylvania International Trade Guide", provides export tutorials, FAQ's, an Export Readiness Assessment, a statewide calendar of export-related events and connects PA companies to their Regional Export Network partner. Even if you are an experienced exporter, this site can be useful for training new employees, interns, or members of your team who might benefit from a better understanding of exporting issues. There are 20 tutorials to choose from and topics range from developing "Pricing, Quotations and Terms", to "Shipping Your Product" and "Legal Considerations".

Upcoming Partner Events

Reduced Rate for WTC Members at York Chamber Trip to Spain

The York County Chamber of Commerce's Business & Cultural Tour of Spain will take place from October 28 - November 4, 2011. Don't miss out on this great opportunity! Trip cost is $2,599 per person for Chamber and WTC members, family and friends; $2,899 for non-members.

Deadline for trip registration is June 1. Click here for more information.

Harrisburg World Affairs Council "First Anniversary Conference"

June 5th at Messiah College

The topic of the World Affairs Council conference is "People of the Book: Modeling Civility in an Uncivil World". The conference starts at 2:30 pm and does include a dinner. More information is available on the World Affairs Council website.

Southern Cone Infrastrucure Summit to be Held in Santiago

October 12-13, 2011

BNAmericas is organizing the 2^nd Southern Cone Infrastructure Summit to be held in Santiago, October 12-13, 2011. The Summit is designed to foster the development and proliferation of new energy, transport, water and social infrastructure project investment and development. This is the only executive level Summit focused exclusively on the major energy, transport, water and social infrastructure project challenges and opportunities in the Southern Cone of Latin America. Pennsylvania companies interested in attending this event will get a 15% discount on the registration fee. Further details can be obtained directly through the event web site or Pennsylvania's TradeChile office.

PA Booth at MEDICA

November 16-19, 2011

PA's Center for Trade Development is again offering a low-cost, turnkey package for PA companies to exhibit in the "Pennsylvania" booth at MEDICA, the world's largest trade show for the medical industry. The PA Booth will be in the electro-medical area of the fairgrounds, in the same hall as the U.S. Pavilion. Products on display in this area will include medical devices and equipment, commodities and consumables and medical technologies. Cost for the turnkey package is $2,800 per panel. Please click here for more details and registration information.

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.