Author: World Trade Center Harrisburg
Another Successful Fancy Food Show Experience!
July 9, 2014Posted by Tina Weyant
The World Trade Center Harrisburg partnered once again with Pennsylvania’s Center for Trade Development in organizing a “Pennsylvania Pavilion” at the Summer Fancy Food Show, North America’s largest show for the specialty food and beverage industry. The show was held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City and featured over 180,000 products including confections, cheese, snacks, spices, ethnic, natural and organic products.
The “Pennsylvania Pavilion” was one of ten State Pavilions, and included 12 different companies – four of them from the southcentral region.
| Bella Lucia |
bellaluciaglutenfree.com |
Bookbinder Specialties |
|
Davis & Davis Gourmet Foods |
|
DelGrosso Foods |
|
Giogio Foods Inc. |
|
Irene’s Bakery & Gourmet Kitchen |
|
My Boy’s Baking |
|
Naked Granola |
|
Neat Foods |
|
Nuts About Granola |
|
Pretzel Pete |
|
The Warrell Corporation |
Pennsylvania’s specialty food industry was well represented, with 50 different food exhibitors.
The show attracts many foreign buyers, including organized food buying delegations from all over the globe. Pre-scheduled appointments with foreign buyers took place the day before the show opened.
In addition to pre-arranged meetings, the “PA Pavilion” companies were each featured in the “What’s New – What’s Hot” showcase, providing additional exposure to potential buyers.
This year’s show featured more than 2,730 exhibitors representing 49 countries, and over 24,000 visitors from 80 countries attended the show, making it the largest Fancy Food show to date.
International Trade Conference Event Recap
May 20, 2014SAFETY, SECURITY, AND COUNTERINTELLIGENCE
Corporate and Personnel
Protection in a Global Economy
Posted by Hannah Copenheaver
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, we held our
15th annual international trade conference at the Eden Resort and Conference
Center in Lancaster, PA. The conference was focused on Safety, Security
and Counterintelligence and featured experts from the FBI and local
companies.
15th annual international trade conference at the Eden Resort and Conference
Center in Lancaster, PA. The conference was focused on Safety, Security
and Counterintelligence and featured experts from the FBI and local
companies.
Two breakout session tracks were offered in the morning,
allowing attendees to choose sessions to meet their individual needs.
allowing attendees to choose sessions to meet their individual needs.
Breakout Sessions Included:
.JPG) |
| Mike Allocca from Allocca Enterprises |
Cyber Security; Special Agent Michael C. Poston,
FBI
FBI
Agent Poston discussed criminal invasions into laptops, personal
computers, and wireless devices via hacks and bits of malicious code. Since
most sensitive data is stored onto computers, companies learned how to protect
their data, money, and ideas that are often stolen through cyber intrusions.
computers, and wireless devices via hacks and bits of malicious code. Since
most sensitive data is stored onto computers, companies learned how to protect
their data, money, and ideas that are often stolen through cyber intrusions.
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: Understanding
Export & Import Compliance; Mike Allocca, President, Allocca
Enterprises
Export & Import Compliance; Mike Allocca, President, Allocca
Enterprises
This session strengthened attendee’s understandings of
.JPG) |
| Jim Budd from John S. Connor, Inc. |
reasonable care, due diligence, and overall import/export
compliance
procedures. US export regulations and controls,
procedures. US export regulations and controls,
including the Foreign Corrupt
Practices Act and ways your
Practices Act and ways your
product might be licensed, was also covered.
Visitor Risk Mitigation: Hardening the Target; Special
Agent L.T. Seals, Counterintelligence Specialist, FBI
Agent L.T. Seals, Counterintelligence Specialist, FBI
Special Agent Seals discussed common elicitation techniques and
protective measures to take for hosting visitors, during
protective measures to take for hosting visitors, during
facility tours, and
during long-term & joint venture scenarios.
during long-term & joint venture scenarios.
.JPG) |
| John Maffey from M3T Corporation |
Assessing Threats in Your Global Supply Chain; Jim
Budd, John S. Connor, Inc.
Budd, John S. Connor, Inc.
This session provided a variety of information for companies to
create their individual risk assessment plans, including mapping cargo flow,
identifying business partners, conducting threat assessment, conducting
vulnerability assessment, preparing an action plan, and documenting how
create their individual risk assessment plans, including mapping cargo flow,
identifying business partners, conducting threat assessment, conducting
vulnerability assessment, preparing an action plan, and documenting how
risk
assessments are conducted.
assessments are conducted.
Establishing a Safety and Security Program; John Maffey, CPP, PSP, Business Development Manager &
Angela Starner, Chief Operations Officer, M3T Corporation
Angela Starner, Chief Operations Officer, M3T Corporation
 |
| Our Experts from the FBI: Agent Seals, Agent Poston & Agent Kelly |
M3T’s session took a strategic security approach to both
physical and digital security. Attendees learned how to circumvent limitations
through security surveys, policies and procedures. They also learned how to
create a security oriented company culture so that meeting compliances such as
PCI DDS, HIPPA/HITECH, STIG, NIST and FDCC best practices are integrated into
the forefront of their businesses.
physical and digital security. Attendees learned how to circumvent limitations
through security surveys, policies and procedures. They also learned how to
create a security oriented company culture so that meeting compliances such as
PCI DDS, HIPPA/HITECH, STIG, NIST and FDCC best practices are integrated into
the forefront of their businesses.
Economic Espionage: Internal & External Threats; Special Agent Charles Kelly, Strategic Partnership Program Coordinator, FBI
Special Agent Kelly taught that companies with competitive edges need to know that their technology, and those with access to it, might be targeted by criminals. If a company developed a process to manufacture an item at less cost than others, then that manufacturing process may be targeted too. Attendees learned how to protect their company from economic espionage and keep their programs and systems secure.
Keynote Luncheon Presentation:
.JPG) |
| Agent Kelly presenting the Keynote Presentation |
The keynote
luncheon presentation “Safety & Security while Traveling & Working Abroad” was given by Special Agent Charles
Kelly, Strategic Partnership Program
Coordinator, FBI. The presentation focused on how business travelers should take
measures to ensure not only the safety and security of themselves but also
their business information while traveling outside the United States. The luncheon program started and ended with a networking reception within our “Bringing Resources to YOU!” exhibit area. Many took the opportunity to network with our breakout session speakers, sponsors and other attendees and visited the conference exhibitors to learn more about their products or services.
luncheon presentation “Safety & Security while Traveling & Working Abroad” was given by Special Agent Charles
Kelly, Strategic Partnership Program
Coordinator, FBI. The presentation focused on how business travelers should take
measures to ensure not only the safety and security of themselves but also
their business information while traveling outside the United States. The luncheon program started and ended with a networking reception within our “Bringing Resources to YOU!” exhibit area. Many took the opportunity to network with our breakout session speakers, sponsors and other attendees and visited the conference exhibitors to learn more about their products or services.
.JPG) |
| Enjoying the Luncheon Program |
Exhibitors Included:
– Fulton Bank
– John S. Connor, Inc.
– MANTEC
– MTM Linguasoft
– PA’s Office of International Business Development
– Susquehanna Bank
– The Keller Law Firm, LLC
– UPS
– World Trade Center Harrisburg
World Trade Center Harrisburg sends a special thank you to UPS for
sponsoring the event at the silver level and Fulton International Group for
sponsoring at the bronze level. In addition, thank you to MANTEC and PA’sOffice of International Business Development for partnering with us on the
event.
sponsoring the event at the silver level and Fulton International Group for
sponsoring at the bronze level. In addition, thank you to MANTEC and PA’sOffice of International Business Development for partnering with us on the
event.
Special Thank You to our Sponsors:
Silver Level Sponsor:
Bronze Level Sponsor:
Partner Organizations:
WTC Intern Presents at Lebanon Valley College’s Inquiry 2014!
April 16, 2014
Posted by Luke Stouffer
On Thursday, April 10, I was given the opportunity topresent my internship here at World Trade Center Harrisburg as part of the “International
Internship Corner” at Lebanon Valley College’s Inquiry 2014. Inquiry is a symposium dedicated to
celebrating the scholarly, scientific, and creative achievements of LVC students. There were several intriguing presentations
of scientific experiments, psychological studies, and even a student run record label business to name a few. However, the
“International Internship Corner” was unique in that it brought
together three students with international business-based internships to
present such possibilities to their peers.
I was fortunate to be presenting with former WTC Harrisburg Intern Cody
Richard (currently with Assistive Technology Products) and current World Affairs Council of Harrisburg Intern Christian Eisenhour. Together, we created a display booth to best
integrate our respective internships as one presentation.
Left to Right: Myself, Christian Eisenhour, Cody Richard
We spoke with several curious visitors throughout the
evening, including a few students who were interested in succeeding us in our
positions. Each of us happily informed
the visitors of our job responsibilities and accomplishments. I shared several of the “Member Spotlights”
that I developed, which can be found on WTC Harrisburg’s website. I also discussed some of the cultural
reports, trade leads, events, and market research such as the Harrisburg
International Airport Travel
Survey that I have worked on during my time as an intern. Overall, it was a very successful and
rewarding night to display what I have learned through my internship as it
comes to a close.
evening, including a few students who were interested in succeeding us in our
positions. Each of us happily informed
the visitors of our job responsibilities and accomplishments. I shared several of the “Member Spotlights”
that I developed, which can be found on WTC Harrisburg’s website. I also discussed some of the cultural
reports, trade leads, events, and market research such as the Harrisburg
International Airport Travel
Survey that I have worked on during my time as an intern. Overall, it was a very successful and
rewarding night to display what I have learned through my internship as it
comes to a close.
International Water Company Welcomes Liberian Delegation
March 12, 2014Posted by Hannah Copenheaver
 |
| Marc Ward, COO, welcoming Mayor Mvogo |
On March 5, 2014, International
Water Company hosted a delegation from Monrovia, Liberia, which included the
city’s Mayor, Clara Doe Mvogo, and other government officials. The country
continues to search for ways to give their citizens clean water and heard about
International Water Company’s portable water purification machines as a
solution to end this struggle.
Water Company hosted a delegation from Monrovia, Liberia, which included the
city’s Mayor, Clara Doe Mvogo, and other government officials. The country
continues to search for ways to give their citizens clean water and heard about
International Water Company’s portable water purification machines as a
solution to end this struggle.
International Water Company (IWC)
is a York county based manufacturer who takes pride in their main mission: to
give clean drinking water to children everywhere. In 2010, the company was
launched to provide a solution for just that. From that idea sparked two
versions of the Mobile Water Purification System (MWPS). The smaller MWPS can
pump 2.5 gallons per minute and the larger can pump 18 gallons per minute. The
MWPS machine can operate not only from a generator, but also from solar or wind
power. Other unique factors include a simple set up, a backup system in every
machine, and only one replacement part, which extras are included.
is a York county based manufacturer who takes pride in their main mission: to
give clean drinking water to children everywhere. In 2010, the company was
launched to provide a solution for just that. From that idea sparked two
versions of the Mobile Water Purification System (MWPS). The smaller MWPS can
pump 2.5 gallons per minute and the larger can pump 18 gallons per minute. The
MWPS machine can operate not only from a generator, but also from solar or wind
power. Other unique factors include a simple set up, a backup system in every
machine, and only one replacement part, which extras are included.
 |
| The Mobile Water Purification System… |
 |
| … can be solar powered … |
 |
| … or can be wind powered! |
International Water Company decided
to make the event a “grand opening celebration” after hearing the Liberian
delegation will be visiting. Stephen Strachan, CEO and Managing Partner, and
Marc Ward, COO, welcomed everyone, thanked them for attending, and read letters
of congratulation by Governor Tom Corbett and US Senators Bob Casey and Pat
Toomey. Tours of the facility and demonstrations of the machines occurred
during the afternoon. IWC has demonstrated their machines in several different
countries, including China and Mexico, and has several installations overseas.
IWC remains hopeful that this trip will spark interest for the Monrovia,
Liberian officials to purchase one of their purification machines in the near
future.
to make the event a “grand opening celebration” after hearing the Liberian
delegation will be visiting. Stephen Strachan, CEO and Managing Partner, and
Marc Ward, COO, welcomed everyone, thanked them for attending, and read letters
of congratulation by Governor Tom Corbett and US Senators Bob Casey and Pat
Toomey. Tours of the facility and demonstrations of the machines occurred
during the afternoon. IWC has demonstrated their machines in several different
countries, including China and Mexico, and has several installations overseas.
IWC remains hopeful that this trip will spark interest for the Monrovia,
Liberian officials to purchase one of their purification machines in the near
future.
 |
| Stephen Strachan, CEO, thanking everyone for coming |
.JPG) |
| “Welcome to the Grand Opening!” |
To view pictures of the “Grand Open
House Celebration”, please go to World Trade Center Harrisburg’s Facebook page
by clicking here.
House Celebration”, please go to World Trade Center Harrisburg’s Facebook page
by clicking here.
To read more about the event from
the Central Penn Business Journal, please click here.
the Central Penn Business Journal, please click here.
Export Credit Insurance Seminar
February 28, 2014
Posted by Keith Wiley, Intern
On February 19th the World Trade Center Harrisburg hosted an
Export Credit Insurance Seminar. Our speaker, John Strayhorn, President of
Global Insurance Services, gave a very informative presentation.
Attendees learned an extensive amount about Export Credit Insurance and
how to expand sales as well as borrowing capacity.
Export Credit Insurance Seminar. Our speaker, John Strayhorn, President of
Global Insurance Services, gave a very informative presentation.
Attendees learned an extensive amount about Export Credit Insurance and
how to expand sales as well as borrowing capacity.
The following topics were covered:
- Introduction
to Short-Term Export credit Insurance - Requirements
for Short Term Credit Insurance - Single
Sale vs. Multi-Buyer (Portfolio) Approaches - Permits
Expansion of Borrowing Case - Private
Sector Credit Insurance Providers - U.S.
Export Import Bank Credit Insurance Policies - Agricultural
Products - How
to expand your bank credit line using credit insurance
A note on the Export Import Bank of the United States:
Ex-Im Bank does not compete with private sector
lenders but provides export financing products that fill gaps in trade
financing. They will assume credit and country risks that the private sector is
unable or unwilling to accept. They also help to level the playing field for
U.S. exporters by matching the financing that other governments provide to
their exporters. With 80 years of experience, Ex-Im Bank has supported more
than $600 billion of U.S. exports, primarily to developing markets worldwide. To
contact the Eastern Region Office for more information please visit their website.
lenders but provides export financing products that fill gaps in trade
financing. They will assume credit and country risks that the private sector is
unable or unwilling to accept. They also help to level the playing field for
U.S. exporters by matching the financing that other governments provide to
their exporters. With 80 years of experience, Ex-Im Bank has supported more
than $600 billion of U.S. exports, primarily to developing markets worldwide. To
contact the Eastern Region Office for more information please visit their website.
For more detailed information regarding the above topics covered
at the seminar please feel free to visit the Global Insurance Services Website.
at the seminar please feel free to visit the Global Insurance Services Website.
Consider Cultural Differences Before Exporting Your Product
February 3, 2014
Posted by Luke Stouffer, Intern
If you believe you have a product that can be successfully
exported, and you need a primer on exporting know-how, check out the “Pennsylvania International Trade Guide“. This useful resource was developed by our sister organization, the WTC Philadelphia, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development. The website features a number of export tutorials that provide a great overview and practical solutions for making sales around the world.
exported, and you need a primer on exporting know-how, check out the “Pennsylvania International Trade Guide“. This useful resource was developed by our sister organization, the WTC Philadelphia, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development. The website features a number of export tutorials that provide a great overview and practical solutions for making sales around the world.
My personal favorite tutorial can be found in the Culture
section titled “Business Travel Abroad”.
My experience of a semester abroad truly highlighted how significant
variances in culture can affect relationships and communication. The ability to adapt to these variances was
the key for me to successfully navigate Europe, and is the key for you to
successfully export your product. In
most countries, there is a preference to conduct business in person before
concluding a transaction, therefore, as an exporter you should count on
traveling abroad at least once. This
tutorial provides a list of necessary travel documents, pre-departure tips, and the effects cultural differences can play on the ultimate success of a business
deal.
section titled “Business Travel Abroad”.
My experience of a semester abroad truly highlighted how significant
variances in culture can affect relationships and communication. The ability to adapt to these variances was
the key for me to successfully navigate Europe, and is the key for you to
successfully export your product. In
most countries, there is a preference to conduct business in person before
concluding a transaction, therefore, as an exporter you should count on
traveling abroad at least once. This
tutorial provides a list of necessary travel documents, pre-departure tips, and the effects cultural differences can play on the ultimate success of a business
deal.
Essential travel documents include a passport, visa, and
vaccination records. Allow six to eight
weeks to acquire these documents.
Another valuable document for your travels is the ATA Carnet, which is a
standardized international customs document that allows duty-free temporary
admission of sample goods.
vaccination records. Allow six to eight
weeks to acquire these documents.
Another valuable document for your travels is the ATA Carnet, which is a
standardized international customs document that allows duty-free temporary
admission of sample goods.
Some pre-departure tips include scheduling meetings prior to
leaving the United States and familiarizing yourself with the means of
transportation, whether public or private, the area offers in order to allot
your time effectively. Another key point
to address is the effects language barriers will have on your
negotiations. If you do not already know
the local language and do not have the time to learn it, you may want to
consider hiring your own translator for your negotiations as opposed to solely
relying on the customer’s translator, which can put you at a disadvantage. Furthermore, you should print business cards
in the local language to exchange with your customers.
leaving the United States and familiarizing yourself with the means of
transportation, whether public or private, the area offers in order to allot
your time effectively. Another key point
to address is the effects language barriers will have on your
negotiations. If you do not already know
the local language and do not have the time to learn it, you may want to
consider hiring your own translator for your negotiations as opposed to solely
relying on the customer’s translator, which can put you at a disadvantage. Furthermore, you should print business cards
in the local language to exchange with your customers.
Cultural differences can turn a friendly gesture into onethat damages a business relationship.
These differences can also be found in negotiating styles, the meanings
of colors and numbers, and attitudes towards punctuality among others. For example, in German culture one is
expected to be highly punctual, whereas in Italian culture it is not unusual
for someone to be 15 minutes late to a meeting.
Similar differences can be seen in greeting styles (handshake, hug, or
kiss) and gift giving norms. The
exchange of gifts is routine for the first business meeting in Japanese
culture, but not customary in the United Kingdom. Read up on cultural differences in travel
guides or contact us for information.
Tutorials are available for the following topics:
· Export Basics
· Culture
· Finance
· Legal
· Logistics
· Marketing
For tutorials as well as an Export Readiness Assessment visit the website
17th Annual Holiday Luncheon and Reception
January 15, 2014
Posted by Keith Wiley, Intern
On December 6th, the World Trade Center Harrisburg Team
hosted the 17th annual Holiday Luncheon and Reception. This year we had
a particularly interesting luncheon program focused on the Dominican Republic. WTC member Irma Olivo, Sales
Manager for Latin America at Integra
Life Sciences was our presenter.
Check out our photos from the luncheon on Facebook! For more information on traveling and doing business in the Dominican Republic feel free to take a look at the cultural report for the Dominican Republic. These reports are prepared periodically for WTC members traveling to specific countries.
Below is a brief overview
and some fast facts about the Dominican Republic:
and some fast facts about the Dominican Republic:
Capital City: Santo
Domingo
Domingo
Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Dominican
Peso
Peso
Land Area: 48,442
km2
km2
Population: 10,219,630
Climate: Tropical
Religions: Catholic 95%, Other 5%
Irma began her presentation with an
overview of the various Holidays celebrated in the Dominican Republic and
shared cultural as well as culinary highlights that
one can experience while visiting the country. A list of these Holidays
are as follows:
overview of the various Holidays celebrated in the Dominican Republic and
shared cultural as well as culinary highlights that
one can experience while visiting the country. A list of these Holidays
are as follows:
January 1st- New Year’s
Day/Año Nuevo
Day/Año Nuevo
January 6th- Day of the
Epiphany/ Three Kings Day
Epiphany/ Three Kings Day
January 21st- The Virgin of
Altagracia
Altagracia
January 26th- Duarte’s
Birthday
Birthday
February 27th- Dominican
Independence
Independence
March 29th- Good Friday
April 29th- Dominican Labor
Day
Day
May 30th – Corpus
Christi
Christi
August 16th- Dominican
Restoration Day
Restoration Day
September 24th- The Virgin
of Mercedes
of Mercedes
November 4th- Constitution
Day
Day
December 25th- Christmas
Day/ Navidad
Day/ Navidad
It is important to understand cultural differences when visiting a
foreign country and especially while conducting business. For example, for
Navidad, or Christmas, businesses in the Dominican Republic are
mostly closed from December 20th– January 7th (with
limited work hours if not closed). It is customary to receive and
give cards and small gifts (Nothing Personal) such as Gift baskets, Rum,
Whiskey and Eggnog (Ponche).
foreign country and especially while conducting business. For example, for
Navidad, or Christmas, businesses in the Dominican Republic are
mostly closed from December 20th– January 7th (with
limited work hours if not closed). It is customary to receive and
give cards and small gifts (Nothing Personal) such as Gift baskets, Rum,
Whiskey and Eggnog (Ponche).
Fast forwarding to Independence Day, which is celebrated on
February 27th, Irma explained that this is arguably the best time to
visit and experience the Dominican Republic. Each region has their own carnival
while many businesses sponsor dance teams/ floats and operate on limited hours
and days.
February 27th, Irma explained that this is arguably the best time to
visit and experience the Dominican Republic. Each region has their own carnival
while many businesses sponsor dance teams/ floats and operate on limited hours
and days.
A final note on Religious Holidays is that during Semana Santa (Holy
Week) most businesses are closed while families pack up and go to the beach for
the week. During this week do not expect to have many meat dishes because it is
customary to not consume meat during Holy Week.
Week) most businesses are closed while families pack up and go to the beach for
the week. During this week do not expect to have many meat dishes because it is
customary to not consume meat during Holy Week.
Beyond these Holidays the presentation touched on other important
cultural realms, perhaps one of the most important, Dominican cuisine! There
are many different options to choose from when concerning food in the Dominican
Republic, the various mixtures and blends of recipes stretch across the Globe
and can exemplify the deepened history this area has experienced. Just a brief
list includes Puerco Asado (roasted pork), Arros/ Morros (rice & beans), Pavo
(turkey seasoned with sour oranges), Ensalada Rusia (potato salad with beets),
Telera (holiday bread), and Flan (pictured right).
cultural realms, perhaps one of the most important, Dominican cuisine! There
are many different options to choose from when concerning food in the Dominican
Republic, the various mixtures and blends of recipes stretch across the Globe
and can exemplify the deepened history this area has experienced. Just a brief
list includes Puerco Asado (roasted pork), Arros/ Morros (rice & beans), Pavo
(turkey seasoned with sour oranges), Ensalada Rusia (potato salad with beets),
Telera (holiday bread), and Flan (pictured right).
As always, we give many thanks to our sponsors UPS, FultonBank, MANTEC and
all other supporters who helped to make this event possible. The World Trade
Center Harrisburg Team wishes you happy holidays!
all other supporters who helped to make this event possible. The World Trade
Center Harrisburg Team wishes you happy holidays!
Oakworks Tour Success!
November 7, 2013Posted by Cody Richard, Intern
On October 25, WTC members had the opportunity to tour the manufacturing facility and showroom of Oakworks Inc, Since 1977 Oakworks Inc. has been committed to providing safe, durable, comfortable and ergonomic equipment to industries supporting the health and well being of people all over the globe. Oakworks produces tables for medical, massage, and spa uses and currently sells their products in all 50 States and to distributors in 35 countries worldwide. Oakworks recently received notoriety for their international success as recipients of the “Excellence in International Trade” award at Mantec’s 2013 Awards Breakfast.
Thirty one individuals attended the event from seventeen different companies. The event included an introduction of Oakworks’ staff, a detailed story of the origins of the company from Oakworks President Jeff Riach, and a brief description of how the company handles business internationally from a financial and marketing standpoint.
The main portion of the event centered around a detailed tour of the 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility that showed all in attendance the finer details of the creation of their state of the art tables. Members of the tour were granted access to the upholstery, metal working, research and development, marketing, and assembly stations of the manufacturing facility in order to fully grasp the amount of detail and care that goes into the creation of each and every table that leaves Oakworks’ facility.
The event concluded with a short tour of Oakworks’ showroom that allowed tour members to examine the finished products of the tables they saw being assembled on the manufacturing floor as well as an opportunity to ask their tour guide any questions they might have had.
Overall, the tour was a great success and enjoyed by all those who attended. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Oakworks for their willingness to host this event and for all their time and effort involved in doing so.
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If you missed our tour, you can still enjoy a
virtual tour of Oakworks on the company website!
Risk Management Seminar
October 17, 2013
by Cody Richard, Intern
As part of our annual “Bringing the World to YOU!” on September 20th s in Lancaster we offered a “Managing Trade Payments and FX in Global
Markets”, which was presented by Amy Sahm, Senior Vice President and
Manager of Fulton International Group.
Markets”, which was presented by Amy Sahm, Senior Vice President and
Manager of Fulton International Group.
 |
| Amy Sahm |
The
numerous topics discussed in Ms. Sahm’s presentation included:
numerous topics discussed in Ms. Sahm’s presentation included:
- Risks
of international trade - Advantages
and disadvantages of paying with foreign currency - Current market trends
- Tips
for avoiding fraudulent payments - In-depth
analysis of the Middle Eastern markets - Valuable trade statistics
- Analysis
and overview of the finer points of Foreign Exchange - Hedging tools
Great information was shared by all who participated in the
presentation and there were many topics discussed. All attendees learned
something new from the presentation and developed a clearer understanding of
the management processes and activities of conducting foreign exchange in
Middle Eastern markets.
presentation and there were many topics discussed. All attendees learned
something new from the presentation and developed a clearer understanding of
the management processes and activities of conducting foreign exchange in
Middle Eastern markets.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about
any of the highlighted topics please e-mail Amy and the Fulton International
Group at asahm@fult.com.
any of the highlighted topics please e-mail Amy and the Fulton International
Group at asahm@fult.com.
If you wish to view Amy’s presentation click here.
“Bringing the World to YOU!” Recap
October 2, 2013
Posted by Cody Richard, Intern
Our 15th annual “Bringing the World to
YOU!” event was held on September 20th at the Best Western Premier Eden
Resorts & Suites in Lancaster. In
this event we hosted several representatives from Pennsylvania’s overseas trade
offices and offered regional companies the opportunity to meet one-on-one with
the State’s trade reps. We look forward to this event each year, despite the
fact that it involves a great deal of pre-event planning and post-event follow
up and at times resembles speed-dating, but in the end everyone involved has a
good time and establishes great contacts for overseas trade. Pennsylvania’s trade reps are a great group
of individuals who are fun and easy to work with in a business or casual
setting. This event has no shortage of
smiles and laughter.
YOU!” event was held on September 20th at the Best Western Premier Eden
Resorts & Suites in Lancaster. In
this event we hosted several representatives from Pennsylvania’s overseas trade
offices and offered regional companies the opportunity to meet one-on-one with
the State’s trade reps. We look forward to this event each year, despite the
fact that it involves a great deal of pre-event planning and post-event follow
up and at times resembles speed-dating, but in the end everyone involved has a
good time and establishes great contacts for overseas trade. Pennsylvania’s trade reps are a great group
of individuals who are fun and easy to work with in a business or casual
setting. This event has no shortage of
smiles and laughter.
Here are this
year’s event numbers:
year’s event numbers:
·
104 attendees
104 attendees
·
23 overseas trade representatives
23 overseas trade representatives
·
30 different companies
30 different companies
|
·
152 meetings between companies and
trade representatives
Similarly to last year, this year’s corporate
sponsor for the event was UPS and we thank them for their continued
support. The program was partnered with
MANTEC and the Fulton International Group, as well as funded in part through a
STEP grant award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
sponsor for the event was UPS and we thank them for their continued
support. The program was partnered with
MANTEC and the Fulton International Group, as well as funded in part through a
STEP grant award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
In addition to the Trade Rep meetings, this year’s
event featured two speakers as a part of our luncheon program. Bhavna Tahilramani, from PA’s Arab Gulf
Office, and Sheldon Kauffman, from Gannett Fleming each presented as the
Keynote Speakers of the program. Their presentations were focused on the golden
opportunities that the Arab Gulf region presents for PA companies to export
their products and services. Bhavna currently
serves as the Business Development Manager at Channels, the authorized trade
representative office for
event featured two speakers as a part of our luncheon program. Bhavna Tahilramani, from PA’s Arab Gulf
Office, and Sheldon Kauffman, from Gannett Fleming each presented as the
Keynote Speakers of the program. Their presentations were focused on the golden
opportunities that the Arab Gulf region presents for PA companies to export
their products and services. Bhavna currently
serves as the Business Development Manager at Channels, the authorized trade
representative office for
Pennsylvania in the Arab Gulf, where she heads the PA
trade representation group, while Sheldon oversees Gannett Fleming’s
international business development and the establishment of international offices,
including Abu Dhabi and Doha. Both
individuals shared their best tips and experiences in relation to conducting
business in the Middle East that they have acquired through extensive
experience in conducting business in the region.
In the end, this year’s “Bringing the World to YOU!”
event was a success, as all who attended left satisfied with newly established trade leads with Pennsylvania’s Trade Representatives and valuable knowledge in conducting business in the Middle East.
event was a success, as all who attended left satisfied with newly established trade leads with Pennsylvania’s Trade Representatives and valuable knowledge in conducting business in the Middle East.