Trade Bridge "Outreach-to-Exporters" Program Debuts

TBI participated in two major events for exporters in May: Trade Winds Forum: Africa, Europe, and India, May 15-16 and World Trade Week New York City, May 21-25. TBI was a Bronze Marketing Partner for the Trade Winds event and displayed materials promoting its free charter memberships at a table top exhibit. TBI Chairman Bruce Wilson represented TBI at the two-day event. TBI had an Awards Breakfast Expo Booth at World Trade Week New York City to promote memberships in TBI. TBI representative Chris Akerstrom also travelled around New York City to attend various World Trade Week events highlighting and promoting international trade in the Big Apple. 

     The Trade Winds Forum was produced by the U.S. Commercial Service and was created to "Identify Export Market Opportunities and Contacts in Europe, Africa and India." Copies of the PowerPoint presentations from this event are available for download here. This unprecedented event was described by the U.S. Commercial Service as follows: 

     "35 U.S. Senior Commercial Service Officers will arrive from U.S. Embassies across Europe, Africa and India. Currently stationed overseas, these Commercial Officers are in a unique position to deliver the most up-to-date information on developing opportunities for U.S. business. While at the conference you will have the opportunity to meet privately with the U.S. Senior Commercial Officers to discuss business opportunities for your company...Trade Winds Forum will also feature leading experts from the private sector and key U.S. government officials. Representatives of Boeing, General Electric, and CarGill will address important industry trends and trade topics critical to all successful U.S. exporters...This extraordinary two-day event will feature plenty of networking opportunities with all panel speakers. Access to this many markets in one location is absolutely unique!" 

     World Trade Week New York City focused on small business success in the global marketplace. "The mission of World Trade Week NYC is to underscore and promote the importance of international trade to the New York City metropolitan area economy. New Yorkers depend heavily on international commerce for their jobs, standard of living and the myriad goods and services available to the area’s diverse population. 

     The theme of World Trade Week NYC 2007 reflects the important contribution that small and medium size businesses make to the vitality of the region’s economy. The dynamic quality of the metropolitan area’s diverse small and medium sized businesses drives job creation and innovation. To fuel further growth, they need the strategies, resources and networks that will enable them to successfully expand into the global marketplace..." 

     Look for TBI to show up at more events to reach out to U.S. SME exporters.

     »This is a link every exporter needs to bookmark! John McDonnell's newsletter "Really Useful Sites for International Trade Professionals" featured this site about corruption recently: 

     "Corruption is an unfortunate cost of doing business in some countries. Transparency International ( http://www.transparency.org ) is a nonprofit organization that monitors worldwide corruption, and their Web site is a place you should visit as part of your research into markets and countries. The site has unbiased information that will help you see what's really going on in various countries. There are regional and national surveys and indices, a Bribe Payers Index, a Global Corruption Barometer, the latest news, a Corruption Perceptions Index, tips on how to fight corruption, and much more. You'll get the inside dirt on corruption here." 

     »Here is a link to The Export Channel. Listen to international business webcasts produced by the US Commerical Service.

The 2006 National District Export Council Conference will convene October 30 - November 1 in New Orleans: “Adversity and the Benefits of International Trade.”

The District Export Councils contribute leadership and international trade expertise to complement the U.S. Commercial Service’s export promotion efforts through counseling businesses on the exporting process and conducting trade education and community outreach.

Exporters and District Export Council Members - REGISTER TODAY!

Hosted by:
Louisiana District Export Council

In Cooperation with:
District Export Councils from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Houston, Maryland-Washington D.C., Mississippi, North Carolina, North Louisiana, North Texas, San Diego, Southern Ohio, Texas Camino Real, Virginia-Washington D.C. and West Texas and the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce

Celebrate the rejuvenation of New Orleans and the role of international trade. Learn more about topics important to small and medium sized exporters such as:

• What Doesn't Destroy You Makes You Stronger: Overcoming Adversity Through Trade
• Innovations in Government Export Assistance
• Finding Friendly Faces for Financing
• The Golden Rule: Know Your Customer as Yourself
• Avoiding Shipping Pitfalls -- Understand Documentation
• Successful Export Tax Strategies
• Shipping It Out - Navigating Port & River Systems

Join your international business colleagues and enjoy networking and trade education at the 2006 National District Export Council (DEC) Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year's conference will address relevant and timely topics– overcoming trade challenges, government assistance, due diligence, trade tax, trade marketing, and finance and logistics. Speakers, panelists, and exhibitors will include exporters, local, state and federal government officials, trade service providers, trade financers, and trade group representatives. Each presentation and breakout will be interactive and informative– sure to give you “news to use.”

On the last night of the conference, enjoy networking while you experience Halloween Crescent City-style in the heart of New Orleans. Registration is $325 until September 30, 2006; $425 thereafter. Sign up today and save!