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| A Monthly Small Business International
Trade Resource Published by the UTSA International Trade Center |
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October 22, 2004
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Volume 3, Issue 10
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| © International Trade Center, University of Texas at San Antonio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Inside This Issue: |
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| Global Hot Spots | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Texas Firms Saddle
Up to Discover Vast Dutch Logistics Network Austin
SMSA Exports
Austin is increasingly becoming an international city. High levels of foreign direct investment, the presence of representative offices of organizations such as the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, international university links, and the recent creation of the International Center of Austin attest to growing internationalization. Within this mix, the importance of exporting, while realized, is understated. |
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| Trade Basics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Choosing the Right Foreign
Distributor - Is Your Product Their Focus? |
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| Country Spotlight | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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New
Doors Open Up and Certainly Others Will Follow
On September 20th, through an executive order, President Bush lifted trade, commercial, and travel sanctions on Libya by putting an end to the national emergency that had been declared by former President Ronald Reagan in January 1986. |
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| International Trade Center (ITC) Client Profile | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Mission
Golf Cars
Many South Texas exporters would envy Mission Golf Cars position in the Mexican market. The San Antonio distributor of golf cars and industrial vehicles has been selling to buyers in Mexico for a decade, and already has calculable share of both U.S. exports and Mexican imports of these vehicles. |
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| International Leadership Focus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Raul
Rodriguez, Managing Director, Chief Executive Office, North American
Development Bank
The success of the North American Development Bank rests on the prominent and culturally diverse Raul Rodriguez, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. It is no easy feat but his strong economic background and the outstanding staff; the NADB is able to contribute to the success of various environmental projects throughout the US-Mexico border. |
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| International Trade Center News | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Upcoming Certified Global Business Professional
Training Series ITC Consultant Graduates from San Antonio
Hispanic Chamber's Leadership Program A New Addition to
the International Trade Center Team |
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| Upcoming Events | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Oct 26, 2004: DR/CAFTA Seminar: Outlook and Business Opportunities for San Antonio and South Texas Nov 4, 2004: Managing Expectations - Voluntary Disclosures and Traps for the Unwary in the Context of the US Export Control Regime in Austin, Texas Nov
10, 2004: ABC's of International
Trade in Corpus Christi, Texas Jan 26, 2005: Global Marketing Seminar in San Antonio, Texas Feb 9 , 2005: International Trade Logistics Seminar in San Antonio, Texas Feb 23 , 2005: Global Business Management Seminar in San Antonio, Texas Feb 23 - Mar 5, 2005: Texas Economic Development Trade Mission to Central America Mar 9, 2005: International Trade Finance & Payment Methods Seminar in San Antonio, Texas Mar 20-23, 2005: North American Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) 18th International Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana |
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| The
UTSA International Trade Center Our Mission : Assist companies in exploring and developing business opportunities in global markets. UTSA-Downtown • 501 West Durango • San Antonio, TX 78207-4415 • 210.458.2470 |
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| Global
Hot Spots
The Netherlands has long been considered the logistics hub of Europe, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that outsource their logistics requirements. In recent years, dozens of companies in the latter category, including some from Texas, have been matched with third-party logistics providers in the Netherlands. The free service is provided by the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), a branch of the Dutch government, in conjunction with the Holland International Distribution Council (HIDC). Third-party logistics providers can handle a variety of administrative functions, including customs clearances, VAT administration, warehousing and shipping of products to destinations throughout the European Union, according to Michael van der Woude, NFIA Area Director – Austin. Approximately 80 percent of U.S. companies matched by HIDC with logistics providers in the Netherlands fall into the small and medium size category. That's because outsourcing of logistics is an economic necessity for smaller exporters. But larger companies, including many that staff their own logistics operations, have also found the Netherlands to be a strategically inviting destination for their European operations. The Lone Star State is represented by a broad spectrum of industries whose companies operate headquarters operations, logistics centers, distribution facilities and sales/marketing offices in major Dutch economic centers, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Tilburg, and Utrecht. Texas-based operations in the Netherlands include:
Typical of the smaller Texas firms that are finding an inviting business climate in the Netherlands is Platinum Health Products of Irving, a manufacturer and distributor of organic health care products made primarily from barley, wheat grass and other natural plants, fruits and vegetables. The company's line of anti-aging, weight-control and "healthy living" super foods is sold as powders, capsules and tablets and marketed directly to consumers, as well as through a network of independent distributors. A division of Organic By Nature of Long Beach, Calif., Platinum Health Products, has just launched its first dedicated distribution venture in Europe, teaming up with Dutch logistics provider Freightways, Inc. of Katwijk to service customers primarily in Austria and Germany. "We wanted to be near our customers, and shipping products from the Netherlands just made a lot of sense," said Platinum CEO Nelson Rogers. "Besides, the Netherlands, with its vast network of logistics providers, offered us some very attractive choices." With the assistance of HDIC and the Austin area office of NFIA, Rogers selected Freightways from a list of eight prospective logistics providers. "We were looking for a relatively small-sized company that would give us the attention and turn-around we need," Rogers explained. "Given that we're a start-up operation in Europe, that's very important to us." At the Freightways warehouse, Platinum products are picked, packed and shipped via regular mail and ground express to more than 300 independent distributors, including a handful in the Netherlands. "We're looking to expand our distribution force in the Netherlands, and, perhaps, add new countries to our customer base as well," Rogers projected. "Our long-range goal is to build a network of more than 10,000 distributors throughout Europe." For the time being, the Freightways warehouse in Katwijk is more than adequate to accommodate the nine pallets of merchandize that Platinum has shipped in to date. Within the next six to nine months, the company plans to expand its product offerings in Europe from the current 25 and, in the process, more than double the number of pallets to be shipped monthly to the Netherlands. For small companies like Platinum Health Products, the Netherlands "makes perfect sense," suggests NFIA's van der Woude. "Not only can they count on a helping hand from the Dutch government, but they'll benefit from our two renowned entry points—Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and the Port of Rotterdam— as well as our vast road and rail network," he said. "Regardless of the mode of transportation they choose, the Netherlands is within easy reach of the largest markets of Europe, including the UK, France, Germany and, since May 1, Central and Eastern Europe." Rotterdam is Europe's largest container seaport, with 80 percent of all cargo handled originating from or destined for a country in Europe other than the Netherlands. A steady stream of Dutch trucks transports cargo from the port to destinations as far-flung as Moscow and Istanbul. At the same time, Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport is among the top four most active cargo centers in Europe, providing specialized distribution facilities on a free-port basis. Together, the two gateways comprise "Mainport Europe" –the continent's largest and most sophisticated distribution hub. More than 65 percent of all EU residents—some 244 million consumers—can now be reached from the Netherlands on a "next-day delivery" basis, according to van der Woude. Not surprisingly, the Netherlands has become home to more than half of all European logistics centers for North American companies, a development that van der Woude attributes to the country's accessibility, sound transportation infrastructure and customs officials experienced in dealing with a myriad of logistics issues. The array of logistics service providers in the Netherlands is extensive, and ranges from small operators to giant organizations offering a wealth of specialties. Many of the larger logistics enterprises provide a variety of "value-added" incentives, in addition to warehousing, "pick-and-pack" and other basic services. These add-ons often include tax handling, re-labeling, invoicing and repairs. "The more services you can provide under one roof, the more valuable you become to your clients," van der Woude said. "It's what Europeans have come to expect." - By Michael van der Woude at The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency in Austin (For more information on business opportunities in the Netherlands, contact Michael van der Woude at The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency in Austin, Tel: (512) 719-3800, or visit the NFIA website at www.nfia.com).
Merchandise Exports:
The model also provides some additional information on Austin SMSA manufacturers and wholesalers:
For area wholesalers and distributors:
Employment Implications: The model also estimates employment that is directly dependent on export manufacturing, i.e. jobs that would not exist without exports:
Service Exports: Nearly 30 percent of U.S. exports come from service exports. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of Commerce does not provide state service export data, let alone metropolitan area service export statistics. Service exports include more than 73 categories of exportable services, but many of these are not easily amendable to being recorded on a transaction basis--hence, no local or state service export data. Service exports are particularly important to Austin:
A model used to roughly estimate Texas service exports suggests that Texas service exports could be in the $21.9 billion range for 2003, an amount equal to about 8 percent of U.S. service exports. The Austin SMSA includes 6 percent of state population, 7 percent of the non-farm workforce, and 8 percent of state non-farm payrolls in 2003. This range suggests that a ball park figure for Austin might be in the $1.533 billion range. This estimate probably understates Austin’s service exports, given the importance of research and technology locally. Collectively, the two estimates of merchandise and service exports total $5.147 billion. Total economic activity in the Austin SMSA is probably around $80 billion, based on adjusted Census statistics. If correct, this means about 6 percent of all economic activity is export-dependent, before any multiplier effect is taken into account. Austin is increasingly becoming an international city. High levels of foreign direct investment, the presence of representative offices of organizations such as the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, international university links, and the recent creation of the International Center of Austin attest to growing internationalization. Within this mix, the importance of exporting, while realized, is understated. Exports are important to the Austin economy. - By Doug Smith, Senior International Business Consultant |
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| Trade
Basics
A distributor may be dying to carry your product, but it is important to ask what products actually drive the distributor's business. Most distributors carry more products than they actively sell. A smaller number of products determine where the distributor spends his time and what he actively seeks to promote. Some basic rules: If a product is primary to a distributor's business, you can be assured that he will focus his efforts on maximizing sales of these product lines. Primary products determine where the sales force spends its time and what types of customers it seeks out. If your product is a secondary product line, a distributor will promote your product to primary product customers when there is an opportunity. Secondary products are carried for the convenience of the customer and for the distributor to be a full-line supplier. If a product is tertiary, a distributor will push your product only when a customer asks about it. Inventory levels are kept low intentionally and are carried for the convenience and occasional purchase by major customers. Most imported products do not end up as tertiary product lines. However, it is not hard to become a secondary product and remain outside the distributor's main market focus. Your product needs to drive the distributor's business, not simply fit in to it. If this is the case, your product may not be presented to many potential customers. This situation is particularly true to distributors with an order-taking sales force mentality. Performance agreements can result in a minimum level of sales. It is better to determine ahead of time where a potential distributor focuses his time and effort. If his product mix differs significantly from those of your U.S. distributors, there may be valid market-driven reasons. It may also be a sign that the potential for your product through this distributor may be sub-optimal. A profile of the distributor's customer base and geographic coverage may also indicate that potential market coverage is less than required. In most foreign markets, the customer base should be similar to yours at home. If it differs, you may be talking to the wrong type of distributor. The same question applies geographically. If the distributor's sales force, in terms of where they spend their time geographically, does not cover areas required, additional distributors in other parts of the country may be needed. A distributor in Hamburg, for example, may not be able to adequately cover the potential in the Munich area, even if he indicates he sells there. Thus the question of applicable resources for Munich is highly relevant. Otherwise, you will not gain effective market coverage through your distributor. Applying a few basic rules of channel marketing to your distributor selection decision could be the difference between marginal sales and the development of a major new market. - By Doug Smith, Senior International Business Consultant |
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| Country
Spotlight
On September 20th, through an executive order, President Bush lifted trade, commercial, and travel sanctions on Libya by putting an end to the national emergency that had been declared by former President Ronald Reagan in January 1986. The executive order states that Libya's commitments and actions to eliminate its weapons of mass destruction programs and missile technology have significantly decreased the potential threat to U.S. national security that the 1986 executive order sought to address. What
does this mean to U.S. companies? The executive order has
opened up Libya to U.S. products as well as ended the need of U.S.
companies to seek special licenses for trading with this country.
The order also lifted the sanctions on the importation of refined
Libyan petroleum products into the United States. Furthermore, businesses
are now able to seek assistance from U.S. government agencies to
trading and investing in Libya. You can reach the newly opened U.S.
liaison office in Tripoli at Tripoli@diplobel.org.
For example, the exportation of software and technology (including technical data or other information) to Libya from the United States is authorized, provided that the exportation is licensed or otherwise authorized by the BIS under the Export Administration Regulations, commonly referred as EAR. To learn about the list of other countries that do still have in place trade restrictions for U.S. companies, as well as to know about recent changes in regulations to trading with these countries, you may contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The OFAC administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, and those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. You can visit its website at: www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/.
Progress is also happening in markets already opened to U.S. goods, as new trade treaties are being ratified. This past August, President Bush signed the legislation to implement both the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Australia as well as the FTA with Morocco. The Australian FTA, which will eliminate duties on 99 percent of all U.S.-manufactured exports to this country, should go into effect on January 1, 2005. On the other hand, the U.S.-Morocco FTA makes Morocco the first African nation and second Arab country, after Jordan, to enjoy such a preferred trade status with the United States. The agreement fits within the administration's goal of establishing a Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA) by 2013. To learn more about business opportunities in both countries you can check the American Chamber of Commerce website in Australia at www.amcham.com.au and the one in Morocco at www.amcham-morocco.com. This Chamber has a full program of business information, advisory services, and business community networks. Both Chambers work very closely with the US Embassy and country’s U.S. Commercial Service. - By Monica Alcoz, International Business Consultant |
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Mission Golf Cars sells four basic types of vehicles: golf cars, shuttle vehicles, and industrial and utility vehicles to golf courses and resorts, manufacturing facilities, and other re-sellers. The company represents E-Z-GO, Cushman, Club Car, Taylor-Dunn, and Vantage cars, and is the only E-Z-GO and Cushman dealer in South Texas. The company has built up a strong regional marketing position based on high levels of customer service and after-sales support, volume buying power, and ability to recondition and to modify equipment to customer specifications. For Mission Golf Cars, Mexico represents a major new avenue for growth. The company wanted to proceed carefully, both build-on and to preserve its existing relationship with its Mexican distributor and to be sure that any Mexican marketing plan was both well-thought-out and achievable. The plan also must allow the company sufficient control over its expansion into Mexico. Sufficient control has been maintained thus far due to the high level of trust between Mission Gold Cars and its Mexican distributor. The problem is to maintain this level as the export effort expands both geographically in Mexico and more deeply into new end-user segments. Mission Golf Car’s current Mexican distributor is a family business that covers a substantial portion of Central and Northern Mexico and is highly focused on industrial plants. Another family business is focused on golf courses and resorts. Mission is working with both companies to develop plans to increase market coverage geographically, particularly for the industrial markets. It is also working with smaller re-sellers in Mexico where such activity does not conflict with the company’s primary Mexican distributor. If successful, the company will have a more systematic approach to the Mexican market and gain planned access to a far greater customer base. As a first step, Mission Golf Cars also took a look at itself. It had learned a lot during its ten years of exporting to Mexico. However, there were many things that the company did not know about exporting—at least at the level the company felt was required to expand its Mexico business. As a starting point, sales manger, Jeff Mankins, who spearheaded Mission Golf Car’s efforts in Mexico, joined the San Antonio Export Leaders Class of 2004. The program allowed Jeff to increase his technical knowledge of exporting and a better understanding of doing business in Mexico. The San Antonio Export Leaders Program, jointly sponsored by the City of San Antonio’s Office of International Affairs, the International Trade Center, and the U.S. D.O.C. Export Assistance Center, also allowed Jeff Mankins an opportunity to get additional first hand experience talking to potential Mexican customers. Participation in Export Leaders and additional assistance provided by the International Trade Center have allowed Jeff Mankins to broaden his vision in Mexico and to develop a marketing plan that is manageable, but has the potential to make significant inroads in Mexico. For more information on Mission Golf Cars, go to www.missiongolfcars.com. - By Doug Smith, Senior International Business Consultant |
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The North Development Bank’s mission is to serve as a bi-national partner by being a mechanism available for communities along the U.S.-Mexico border in order to enhance the affordability, financing, long-term development and successfully generate the operation of infrastructure that promotes a clean, healthy environment for the citizens of the region. The North American Development Bank has various departments that make up the core of the North American Development Bank and each one respectively handles significant environmental projects. As stated in a June 2003 report, more than $29.92 US million has been subsidized with technical support from Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC) that has aided in the development of 219 environmental infrastructure related to water, sewer, and municipal waste in 127 communities on both sides of the border region. As of June 2004, the NADBank has authorized just under $662.4US million loans/and or grant funding to partially finance 80 infrastructure projects estimated to cost a total of $2.26 US billion. The NADBank is working diligently with sponsors of 87 certified projects that have requested financial assistance. NADBank participation in these projects is estimated more than $717US million, with 48.5 percent going to projects in Mexico and 51.5 percent will attribute to projects in the United States. The success of the North American
Development Bank rests on the prominent and culturally diverse Raul
Rodriguez, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Raul Rodriguez was born in Tampico, Mexico in 1955. He holds a degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Monterrey Tech, and a Master’s Degree from Harvard University, where he graduated with the Littauer Fellow Academic Award. Prior to joining the NADBank, some of the diverse positions in which Mr. Rodriguez held included Executive Director of the Mexican Foreign Trade Bank; Mexico’s Trade Commissioner in Canada; Secretary of Economic Development for the Mexican border State of Tamaulipas; and Professor and Research Fellow at Monterrey Tech. He has also been a business consultant and the chairman of the market research and information firm. In addition to his prestigious background, Mr. Rodriguez has served on various boards and associations. He is actively participates in community affairs as Chair Elect of the World Affairs Council, Co-Chair of the “Latino Resource Center” project of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, member of the boards of the Free Trade Alliance and the San Antonio – Mexico Friendship Council, member of the Advisory Council of the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies. Mr. Rodriguez was featured in the Latino Leaders Magazine August-September 2004 issue, in which he was portrayed as “bicultural and bi-national, equally at home in Mexico and the United States”. Linda G. Martinez: Please tell the International Trade Times readers your background, how long have you been with NadBank? Mr. Raul Rodriguez: I have been with NADBank for 9 years, a year after in which it was established. My background is in international finance. I was the technical director for the Mexican Foreign Trade Bank. Before that, I worked in different venues in the business promotions and always with an international business scope. I’ve worked in Canada, US, and Mexico. I have studied in the US, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Linda G. Martinez: Since its conception, through NAFTA, what major changes have you seen come about for the NADBank? Mr. Raul Rodriguez: Big changes. The original design was constrained in terms of the sectors that we could attend or cater to. In terms of the financial instruments or tools that we had at the time. Essentially, we were initially doing market rate lending of water, wastewater, and solid waste projects. Today we have an array of programs, many of which are grant based not only to finance projects but also to prepare, design and provide technical assistance to utilities or public utilities that require this. In addition, we have training for the staff of these public utilities. The bank has a much wider array of programs and therefore is better prepared to respond to the needs of these communities and project sponsors. Linda G. Martinez: The Mexico border regions that include Baja California, Tamaulipas, Sonora, Coahuila, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon and the US border states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas has there been any discussion of expansion? Mr. Raul Rodriguez: We have gone through many reforms that have allowed the bank to expand the number of sectors it covers. We can basically cover any type of environmental sector out there; so we are able to include air quality, clean energy, etc. Recently, we went through a legislative process on both sides of the border to approve additional reforms that will allow the bank to beyond the 100-kilometer jurisdiction on each side, expanding 300 kilometers in the case of Mexico from south of the border. This will allow us to be present in a number of important cities that are close to the border. And if we have a role there in terms of improving their infrastructure, it will act as a buffer for the border itself. Linda G. Martinez: With the implementation in process for the expansion of the zone along the Mexican border, do you see this expansion again in 5-10 years? Mr. Raul Rodriguez: I don’t know, but I believe we have an important role along the border. The bank was initially a bank for the border and that was the original design for the bank in the beginning. The concept of this bank was discussed in academic and political circles years before it was established under NAFTA negotiations. The idea was to have an institution that would respond to the needs of the border itself, which are unique. The border itself is prone to economic growth and investment and this feeds back into the lags of infrastructure that already exist there. The bank must respond to that backlog of needs and there is a lot still to be done along the border itself. I believe the expansion to 300-kilometers was the right move to make. There was too narrow of a jurisdiction. I don’t know if 5-10 years it will be deemed appropriate to expand it further. The concept of development banks that focus and cater to specific needs is a trend of the future and it that regard we are well positioned and a well-focused institution. Linda G. Martinez: Would you please provide me a brief snapshot of where you would like or possibly see the NADBank heading? Mr. Raul Rodriguez: The NADBank will have to build on what we have established to begin with and that means not only financing more projects but also being able to influence the changes, structures that operate these projects. Design, build, and operate these projects, in which we would have a direct impact on utilities and the sponsors that bring these projects to fusion. In other words, the bank needs to continue providing technical assistance and training to the utilities so that they are more proficient, so that the structures are more conducive to projects that are properly build and operated for the future. Linda G. Martinez: Are there any other types of environmental projects that you would like to see NADBank become a part of or take on? Mr. Raul Rodriguez: Yes. We are now in the new sectoral scope of the bank, which covers everything having to do with the environment. Our first few projects that we are working are for clean air. For example, street pavement, in communities that are not paved is an important pollutant. We are already working in new sectors beyond those that we had originally, water, wastewater, and solid waste. There is still a lot more to do. There is a huge problem with dumped tires. First and foremost it is an environmental hazard. This specific type of area is not easy to respond to because there is no real business that deals in recycling tires. There needs to be some element of subsidy. We are working with different agencies to move forward and respond to this particular challenge. Linda G. Martinez: What are some projects that NADBank is working on at this time? Mr. Raul Rodriguez: We have 83 projects now. These projects are all over the border region area. We are working in large cities and small communities alike. Most importantly, was that in the past you saw fewer projects and they were highly concentrated on the larger cities. Today what you will see is ‘dots’ all across the border in terms of the projects that we are involved with. We are making improvements in very small and very poor communities. Linda G. Martinez: How would a typical International Trade client benefit from the NADBank in regards to business opportunities? Mr. Raul Rodriguez: With development of more than 80 projects thru financing, designing, and building the different phases of a project. There are a number of business opportunities, for example for suppliers, contractors, or even as consultants. The NADBank keeps an open bidding policy. I would suggest that your readers visit our website, www.nadb.org, in order to keep in touch with the business opportunities that may arise through the various projects. There are also two electronic newsletters that are available. One of which is specifically for the purpose of announcing contracting and bidding. The best thing that anyone can do that may be interested in doing business with the bank and also to keep up with the most current project or news is to subscribe to the banks newsletter, NADBank News. The North American Development Bank has progressed significantly since 1993 and is continuously seeking other avenues to provide cities and communities with the resources to improve the environment. The International Trade Center would like to commend Mr. Raul Rodriguez and his staff at the NADBank on all their hard work and wish to continue our valuable partnership. For additional information regarding business opportunities with NADBank you may visit their website at www.nadb.org. If you would like to refer a leader to be featured in the International Leadership Focus section, please contact Linda G. Martinez at lmartinez@utsa.edu or 210-458-2470. - Interview conducted by: Linda G. Martinez, International Trade Center Office Manager |
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| International
Trade Center (ITC) News Prepare Yourself for Future Success The Certified Global Business Professional designation (CGBP) is the only national recognized professional designation that demonstrates an individual's ability to conduct global business. Created by industry professionals and nationally recognized credentialing services, the CGBP will create a much needed professional designation for global trade professionals. This Certified Global Business Professional training series will prepare individuals seeking to become CGBP certified as well as provide companies with up-to-date information to better compete in international markets. The Certified Global Business Professional Series is as follows:
Program tuition for the entire Certified Global Business Professional Series is $399. Individual program tuition is $139 per person or $119 for three or more people from the same company. Tuition includes all materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Registrations completed after early registration dates are $159 per person. All seminars will be held at the International Trade Center, 2nd Floor Training Room, 501 Durango Blvd., San Antonio, Texas, 78207. For more information and program registration, please contact Linda Martinez of the International Trade Center at (210) 458-2470. Please visit the Upcoming Events section of the International Trade Times for registration information. Congratulations to Rey Cano, Senior International Business Consultant, on successfully completing the Alexander E. Briseno Leadership Development Program on October 15th. The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce leadership program is designed for small business owners, senior or mid-level managers who have demonstrated involvement in community affairs. Sessions with the program include topics on personal and workplace pathways to success; cultural implications of leadership; past, present and future of leadership; ethics in the workplace; parliamentary procedures; and conflict resolution and negotiating skills. The ITC proudly welcomes back Jennifer T. Martinez as our newest addition on staff. Jennifer will serve as an International Business Consultant for the center’s 79 county South-West Texas Border Region and provide consulting, training and market research assistance for its small business clients. Jennifer's previous experience in trade and marketing includes textile manufacturing and industry research to advocating activities for the U.S. - Dominican Republic/Central American Free Trade Agreement. She holds a B.B.A. in International Business with a Focus on Economic Development and Latin America from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has vast experience in web/graphic design. In addition, she was the founding editor of the ITC’s own monthly newsletter - The International Trade Times. Please welcome Jennifer as the newest addition to our team! |
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Oct 26,2004 : DR/CAFTA Seminar: Outlook and Business Opportunities for San Antonio and South Texas
Nov 4, 2004: Managing Expectations - Voluntary Disclosures and Traps for the Unwary in the Context of the US Export Control Regime in Austin, Texas
Nov 28, 2004 - Dec 2, 2004: Texas Trade Mission to Brazil and Chile (Sur America 2004)
Jan
26, 2005: Global Marketing Seminar in San Antonio, Texas Utilizing a hands-on and case study approach in conjunction with presentations by successful international executives, the Global Marketing Seminar will teach participants the secrets of developing an effective and comprehensive marketing plan. Understanding available resources, analyzing market information and developing a strategy to capitalize on market opportunities will be featured in this session. This seminar is the first of the Certified Global Business Professional Series that is designed to train individuals seeking to become CGBP certified as well as provide companies with up-to-date information to better compete in international markets.
Individual program tuition is $139 per person or $119 for three or more people from the same company. Tuition includes all materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Registrations completed after the early registration - January 21st - is $159 per person. Program tuition for the entire Certified Global Business Professional Series is $399. All seminars will be held at the International Trade Center, 2nd Floor Training Room, 501 Durango Blvd., San Antonio, Texas, 78207. For more information and program registration, please contact Linda Martinez of the International Trade Center at (210) 458-2470. Feb
9, 2005: International Trade Logistics Seminar in San Antonio, Texas Presented from the perspectives of both the importer and exporter, the International Trade Logistics Seminar will provide attendees with the first-hand insight and knowledge necessary to succeed in the global marketplace. Industry professionals such as freight forwarders, customs brokers, and third party logistics providers will impart their expertise and experience on how to efficiently ship your products internationally. This seminar is the second of the Certified Global Business Professional Series that is designed to train individuals seeking to become CGBP certified as well as provide companies with up-to-date information to better compete in international markets.
Program tuition for the entire Certified Global Business Professional Series is $399. Individual program tuition is $139 per person or $119 for three or more people from the same company. Tuition includes all materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Registrations completed after the early registration - February 4th - is $159 per person. All seminars will be held at the International Trade Center, 2nd Floor Training Room, 501 Durango Blvd., San Antonio, Texas, 78207. For more information and program registration, please contact Linda Martinez of the International Trade Center at (210) 458-2470. Feb
23, 2005: Global Business Management Seminar in San Antonio, Texas Preparing a sound global business plan is essential for any firm that is participating in international trade. The Global Business Management Seminar will help determine the feasibility of global ventures, identify the factors that affect international strategies and assist in developing a strong legal and regulatory compliance program are important for international trade active firms. This seminar is the third of the Certified Global Business Professional Series that is designed to train individuals seeking to become CGBP certified as well as provide companies with up-to-date information to better compete in international markets.
Program tuition for the entire Certified Global Business Professional Series is $399. Individual program tuition is $139 per person or $119 for three or more people from the same company. Tuition includes all materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Registrations completed after the early registration - February 18th - is $159 per person. All seminars will be held at the International Trade Center, 2nd Floor Training Room, 501 Durango Blvd., San Antonio, Texas, 78207. For more information and program registration, please contact Linda Martinez of the International Trade Center at (210) 458-2470. Feb 23 - Mar 5, 2005: Texas Economic Development Trade Mission to Central America
Mar 9, 2005:
International Trade Finance & Payment Methods Seminar
in San Antonio, Texas The International Trade Finance & Payment Methods seminar will provide you with the information on analyzing and mitigating the many financial risks in global trade. This includes analyzing your buyer, selecting the appropriate payment method and identifying potential financing opportunities. Presented by industry professionals, this International Trade Finance & Payment Methods Seminar will provide attending trade professionals with the essential information necessary to better negotiate with and serve global clients. This seminar is the fourth of the Certified Global Business Professional Series that is designed to train individuals seeking to become CGBP certified as well as provide companies with up-to-date information to better compete in international markets.
Program tuition for the entire Certified Global Business Professional Series is $399. Individual program tuition is $139 per person or $119 for three or more people from the same company. Tuition includes all materials, continental breakfast and lunch. Registrations completed after the early registration - March 4th - is $159 per person. All seminars will be held at the International Trade Center, 2nd Floor Training Room, 501 Durango Blvd., San Antonio, Texas, 78207. For more information and program registration, please contact Linda Martinez of the International Trade Center at (210) 458-2470. Mar 20-23, 2005: North American Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) 18th International Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana
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International Trade Times is a monthly e-publication of the International
Trade Center at UTSA. Content and design are made possible through the hard work of the ITC team.
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Selecting
a new foreign distributor is never easy. For this reason, multiple
checklists have been developed over the years to ask the right
questions and avoid hidden pitfalls. Conspicuously absent from
most lists are some basic rules of marketing channel management
revolving around one question: where does your product fit into
a distributor's business?
