|
|
|
|
|
Mark Your Calendar!
for Upcoming
WTC Events | |
1/17/2012
Mandarin Level 1
York, PA
10 week course
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
1/19-20/2012
Understanding Trade Financing and Using Letters of Credit
8:30 am - 4:30 pm
York, PA
2/9/2012
Import Compliance
full day workshop
Lancaster, PA
2/15/2012
Social Media Club of Harrisburg Meeting
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
WTC offices in York, PA
4/2/2012
Annual Trade Conference
and PA Trade Rep Visit
all day event
Reading, PA
6/17-19/2012
Fancy Food Show
Pennsylvania Booth
Washington, DC
for more events and registration information visit our website | |
|
|
|
Trade Tidbits
U.S. and EU Officials Announce Mutual Recognition of Supply Chain Security Programs | | Courtesy of
Ted Murphy, Partner
Baker & McKenzie LLP | |
The EU and the US have agreed to mutually recognize each others' "secure traders" programs, C-TPAT and AEO. Specifically, the announcement, which was released on November 29th, states: "The EU's authorised economic operators' programme, and its US equivalent, allow security certified operators to benefit from quicker and simpler customs procedures. The mutual recognition decision will bring huge benefits for certified businesses and traders, when it will become operational in June 2012, in terms of reduced costs and time delays, less red tape, greater ease and predictability in the movement of their goods, and new trade opportunities. It will also allow customs on both sides of the Atlantic to focus their resources on real risks, thereby ensuring greater supply chain security."
|
|
|
Wishing you a very happy holiday season and a
New Year filled with peace and prosperity
 | |
Melissa, Tina & Jan |
|
Event Recap: 20th Anniversary Celebra tion
Members and friends joined us at the Valencia Ballroom in York on December 1st for our 20th Anniversary Celebration. Everyone enjoyed an evening of great food, networking and a dance performance by Pasos Caribenos. Winners of our year long "WTC Passport" initiative were announced and prizes were awarded to those who had earned the most "stamps" during the year.
For more event pictures, visit our blog. |
|
In-depth Trade Financing Seminar in January
During this 2 day workshop, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how to really use trade financing tools such as letters of credit & government resources; offer competitive terms & yet receive payment upon shipment; protect balance sheets from the risks of international trade; and create win-win client relationships that increase international sales. Chip Thomas, a global trade and banking expert, will lead the program.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Use INCOTERMS 2010
- Increase Sales
- Improve Cash Flow
- Make Banks Work for YOU
- Use Letter of Credit: the 20 Critical Do's and Don'ts
- Use Drafts and Acceptances
Download the events flyer for more information. |
|
Still Time to Register for Mandarin Class  We partnered with Penn State York to offer a 10 week beginner's course "Mandarin for Business." Classes will be held Tuesday evenings, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the WTC offices in York, starting on January 17.
This class will not only focus on language, but also offers cultural tips, especially in a business setting. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a Penn State certificate of completion as well as a non-degree transcript and 20 Continuing Education Units (CEU's). Join us in learning one of the fastest growing languages in the world! Download the flyer. |
|
Grant Programs Expand
Global Access Grant Program Launched
The State of Pennsylvania recently was awarded a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration which resulted in the expansion of the Market Access Grant program. The new program, called Global Access Program (GAP) provides up to $5,000.00 in 1:1 matching funds per year to qualifying Pennsylvania companies. GAP is designed to provide flexibility and encourage innovative use of funds to meet the specific international needs of PA companies. Qualifying activities include: overseas trade mission or trade show participation, domestic trade show participation, foreign market sales trip, subscription to USDOC service, independent consultant assistance for CE mark, CSA, ISO, REACH, CITRA, etc., export training workshops, product certification, international marketing media design, website internationalization and marketing literature translation fees. Contact the WTC for more information.
New Trade Adjustment Assistance Guidelines Qualify More Manufacturers
The Trade Adjustment Assistance program was established by the U.S. Department of Commerce to balance global competitiveness and to help those manufacturers that lost business due to foreign competition. The federal guidelines were recently updated to make the application process easier and allow more manufacturers to qualify for the grant dollars, even if they tried unsuccessfully once before. Qualifying companies can be approved for matching dollars up to $75,000. Locally, manufacturers can access the grant dollars through the Mid-Atlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (MATAAC). Our partner and WTC member MANTEC has established an effective process with MATAAC to make the paperwork as painless as possible and help manufacturers access the funds sooner. For more information, please contact Leigh Ann Wilson at MANTEC: (717) 843-5054 x223 or wilsonla@mantec.org |
|
Members in the News
WTC Members Featured in New "Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands" Book
Author and speaker Terri Morrison just co-authored a new book in her "Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands" series. The newest edition focuses specifically on sales and marketing issues. Several WTC members were interviewed as part of Terri's research and are mentioned in the book: PJ Delaye, York Wallcoverings, Kim Willing, WTC Chair, and Michael Cordier, Fizika Group.
First Energy Offers Incentives for Energy Efficiency Equipment
Commercial and industrial customers can save money and energy with energy efficiency programs from Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power. Eligible customers can apply for incentives and rebates on high-efficiency equipment, and also enjoy saving on energy bills into the future! Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply today. Visit www.energysavePA.com, call 866-554-4430, or email energysavePA@saic.com. |
Welcome New WTC Intern
John Englebert joined the WTC team last month as our newest intern. He will be supporting various WTC initiatives and assist with client and member research. John is currently a sophomore at Lebanon Valley College, where he majors in Economics and Actuarial Science. |
|
Upcoming State Trade Events and Missions
February 5, 2012
Bangalore India Bio 2012
February 22, 2012
Trade Mission to South Africa
March 4, 2012
Trade Mission to New Zealand and Australia
March 19-24, 2012
Trade Mission to Indonesia and Vietnam
June 12-14, 2012
Global Petroleum Show
For more details, please visit our website |
|
|
|
|
|
The World Trade Center of Central Pennsylvania is a licensed member of the World Trade Centers Association and one of more than 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
