Connecticut Export Week 2016: The World is Open for Business

Date: Monday, March 14, 2016
Time: 1:00pm-1:30pm Eastern
Cost: FREE
Venue: Webinar (At your desk)
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3E

The World is Open for Business webinar will discuss why Connecticut companies that have exportable products or services should consider exporting and how the USDOC and CT SBDC can assist your firm throughout the export process.

For more information contact: Anthony.Sargis@trade.gov

Connecticut Export Week 2016: Export 101-Going Global

Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Time: 8:30am – 11:00am Eastern
Venue: UCONN Stamford Campus 1 University Place, Stamford, CT
Cost: FREE
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3K

Please join us for an introduction to exporting, find out how exporting can help to increase your business. We will discuss how to determine if exporting is right for your company and the process of exporting. Information will be provided about the free support available to Connecticut companies through the Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Department of Commerce. We are also pleased to have the Small Business Administration provide an overview of the export finance programs available through approved financial institutions. In addition, we will have a representative from Purolator International provide insights to their experience exporting to Canada.??

For more information contact: Jacqui.Torcellini@trade.gov 

Connecticut Export Week 2016: Market Research Resources

Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm Eastern
Cost: Free
Venue: Webinar (At your desk)
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3J

This is a 60-minute webinar concerning the market research aspect of exporting. This webinar will introduce companies to various export resources to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information about a targeted market. Having a good grasp on these tools is essential to choosing the correct market to export your products or services.

Among the resources we will identify: 

  • Country Reports
  • Country Commercial Guides
  • Industry Guides
  • Resource Guides
  • UN Comtrade/Global Trade Atlas
  • Trade Statistics & Rankings
  • Countries with Free Trade Agreements

For more information contact: Cheryl.McClellan@trade.gov

Connecticut Export Week 2016: Global Advertising Techniques

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Time: 8:30-11:30am Eastern
Venue: United Illuminating Company -Administration Building 180 Marsh Hill Road Orange, CT
Cost: FREE
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3L

Marketing abroad has its unique challenges, many of which tie back to strategic business decisions that can make or break a company’s export plan.  Brands who are thinking about entering foreign markets should attend this session to learn about branding and marketing strategy – how to make a plan, how to produce the assets, and how to manage the marketing cycle to increase the odds of success.

For more information contact: Melissa.Grosso@trade.gov

Connecticut Export Week 2016: Cyber security: Threats and Countermeasures in Today’s Export Environment

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm Eastern
Venue: Webinar
Cost: FREE
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3V

While many executives are aware of some of the risks relating to cyber security, these risks continue to evolve with the increase in technological capabilities.  In addition, the manufacturing and export industry remains a target for cyber attacks as cyber criminals continue to hack processing facilities, commerce systems and networks , to obtain sensitive information.  Alert companies have recognized the enterprise-wide implications and, in response, have elevated Cyber security to a Board-level issue. Unfortunately, directors and many senior executives may not have sufficient backgrounds to understand the risks and establish effective cyber governance, leaving companies overconfident and unprotected.

As a result, many directors and senior executives need a better understanding of the cyber risk landscape and how a cyber-program can best protect assets and preserve shareholder value.

Join us and learn about key strategies your company should follow now to protect against cyber threats. We’ll discuss:

  • What caused hacking to reach to its current state
  • The evolving cyber risk landscape
  • Tactics of hackers from high-profile breaches
  • Myths and misconceptions of cyber programs
  • Critical elements in a successful cyber program
  • Actions to increase cyber resiliency

For more information contact: Melissa.Grosso@trade.gov 

Connecticut Export Week 2016: Globalize your Website

Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm Eastern
Cost: Free
Venue: Webinar (At your desk)
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3G

Did you know?? You’re Website Drives Business domestically and internationally!

  • 94% of B2B buyers conduct internet research before buying*
  • 50% of Internet traffic in the United States originates overseas as of 2010***

If you look at your website traffic statistics, your website may be drafting even higher numbers.  If not, why not?  Can you afford to ignore 50% or more of your “walk-in” traffic?

Learn from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the SBDC-Exporting team how you can globalize your website to attract customers from around the world.

Learn how to: * Build an international website * Promote your company internationally * Showcase and sell your products and services on a B2B global platform

For more information contact: Anthony.Sargis@trade.gov 

Connecticut Export Week 2016: Export Finance Basics

Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016
Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm Eastern
Venue: CERC, 805 Brook Street, Building 4, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Cost: FREE
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3H

Come and join us to learn:

  • How to finance your exports via SBA and Exim Bank export loan programs
  • How to insure against non-payment by your international buyers
  • How to grow your exports via SBA STEP, USDA and USTDA grants programs

Panel:

  • John Joyce, SBA Export Finance Manager presents on SBA Export Loan Programs
  • Greg Smith, Exim Bank New York City Regional Director presents on Exim Bank Export Loan Programs
  • John Xu, CT District International Trade Officer presents on SBA STEP, USDA and USTDA grants for exporters
  • Jenny Norris, Regional Manager of Meridian Finance Group presents on export credit insurance
  • Daniel Schobel, Authorized Agent for Coface North America presents on foreign accounts receivable and political risk insurance
  • Vincent  Bocchimuzzo, Senior Int’l Relationship Manager, Vice President of HSBC Bank USA presents on its global trade finance programs
  • Andrea Ratay, CICP/ VP / Global Trade Finance of TD Bank  presents on its global trade finance programs

For more information contact: John.Xu@sba.gov

Connecticut Export Week 2016: Export Round Table with Congresswomen Elizabeth Esty

Date: Friday, March 18, 2016
Time: 10:00am-11:00am Eastern
Cost: FREE
Venue: New Britain Chamber of Commerce 1 Court St, New Britain, CT 06051
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3P

For more information contact: Anne.Evans@trade.gov

Connecticut Export Week 2016: Cultural Considerations for Doing Business in China

Date: Friday, March 18, 2016
Time: 1:00pm- 2:00pm Eastern
Cost: FREE
Venue: Webinar
Registration: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/event/editWebReg.do?SmartCode=6Q3W

Despite recent economic downturn, the Chinese market continues to exist as a global economic powerhouse. Furthermore, China is still the second largest trade partner of the United States. In order to be successful in this tradition-driven market, one must have a modest understanding of its unique culture. The U.S. Commercial Service is proud to present this educational webinar to impart key cultural factors that could affect your business venture in China.

The “Cultural Considerations for Doing Business in China” webinar aims to study the cultural concerns when interacting with a Chinese commercial entity. The topics to be covered by this program include:

  • Pre-departure checklist
  • Business etiquettes
  • Post visit expectations
  • Q&A Session

For more information contact: Ye.Hu@trade.gov