Center of Excellence and Highline Community College Continuing Education
introduce new Customs Broker Exam Preparation Course

Director of International Trade at Microsoft to facilitate and offer expertise

Des Moines, Wash. – The Center of Excellence for International Trade, Transportation, and Logistics and the Highline Community College Continuing Education department are introducing a new course for individuals who plan to sit for the U.S. Customs Broker’s License Examination next fall.

The ten week course, one of the first in-class Customs Broker’s Examination prep course options available in the region, will occur from July 18 – September 19, 2012, and will feature a high-profile facilitator, Microsoft’s Director of International Trade, John Soares. A leading trade expert with more than twenty years of experience in the industry and a licensed Customs Broker himself, John possesses an in-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance, customs procedures, and trade management. The Customs Broker Exam Prep Course at Highline offers students a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.

Licensed Customs Brokers are certified and empowered by the U.S. Government to assist businesses with meeting Federal requirements related to importing and exporting. They are widely recognized as experts in the industry and provide significant value to companies seeking to better navigate the complexities of international trade laws and regulations.  Currently, there are approximately 11,000 active licensed Customs Brokers in the U.S. and demand for the Customs Broker License is growing.

Administered through the US Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP), the test is offered twice a year, with the next test taking place in October. The examination is an open book test consisting of 80 multiple choice questions and lasts 4 hours. Individuals taking the test must meet certain minimum score, citizenship, and employment requirements in order to be granted the license.

For even the most experienced professionals in the industry, taking a preparation course is often a necessity as the landscape of importing and exporting regulations is notoriously intricate, comprehensive, and fluid; rules regarding the importation of even simple products, such as seafood or fruit, may require that the importer receive permission and verification from several different Federal agencies. Successful test takers must be able to demonstrate expertise in the entry procedures, admissibility requirements, classification, valuation, and the rates of duty and applicable taxes and fees for any imported merchandise.

The new course at Highline will offer comprehensive preparation for the exam. Students will read key source material, learn sound test-taking strategies, take past exams, and engage with fellow classmates in a classroom setting. The course is formatted to encourage student learning and retention of testing material through real-world applications and peer-to-peer discussion, options unavailable through many similar online courses. Additionally, Highline will offer student discounts on required testing materials.

Combining subject-focused curriculum with insights from a well-respected professional in the industry, the new course at Highline represents one of the most unique and exciting Customs Broker Exam preps available in the region.

For registration, classroom information, course updates, and cost information, visit: http://ce.highline.edu

Course brochures will soon be available on the website.

Highline Community College was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 18,900 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening and weekend classes. Alumni include former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, entrepreneur Junki Yoshida and Washington state poet laureate Sam Green.

PRESS RELEASE:  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2012

U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council President to Speak on Opportunities in the Saudi market for Washington Companies

TACOMA, WA & VIENNA, VA – March 13, 2012 – Edward Burton, President and Managing Director of the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC) will be the featured speaker on Friday, March 23^rd at the World Trade Center Tacoma’s (WTCTA) monthly briefing to discuss business opportunities in the Saudi market for Washington-based companies. The program will take place at the Law Offices of Gordon Thomas Honeywell 7:45 am – 9:00am.

Mr. Burton will be joined by the President of SUPERVALU International, Charles Witzleben, and Regional Manager Sandi Funk. SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest companies in the U.S. grocery channel with annual sales of approximately $37 billion. SUPERVALU serves customers across the U.S. through a network of approximately 4,300 stores supported by their traditional food distribution business.

Mr. Witzleben and Ms. Funk recently returned from the Kingdom and will discuss the company’s partnership with Tamimi Markets, one of the largest grocery retailers in Saudi Arabia. SUPERVALU International is a member of the Business Council and Mr. Witzleben serves on WTCTA’s Board of Directors.

“I am pleased to have the Business Council and SUPERVALU International share their insights on this strategically important market,” said Anthony Hemstad, President of WTCTA. “Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region are often overlooked markets that nevertheless present untapped potential for our companies in the Puget Sound region.”

With Washington’s heavy focus on international trade, Saudi Arabia serves as a key emerging market for companies in the State. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious national development plan has committed to spending $385 billion on projects through 2014, presenting significant opportunities for companies involved in aviation, healthcare, ICT, power generation, wastewater treatment, and construction (engineering, architecture, design, supplies, and services).

Exports from Washington to Saudi Arabia totaled over $270 million in 2011, with agricultural products and food manufacturing accounting for nearly 65 percent of the total. In fact, the Kingdom is in the process of phasing out production of water-intensive crops and will supplement the balance with imports, creating massive opportunities for Washington farmers. With a demonstrated preference for American products, technologies, and services, Washington companies are well-positioned to capitalize on the Kingdom’s need for foreign exports and expertise.

“In 2011, Washington ranked 17^th in terms of the volume of exports to the Kingdom, which is a jump from its ranking of 22^nd last year,” said Mr. Burton. “However, with the diversity of Washington’s economic base and the innovative nature of the companies in this region, I believe there is significant growth potential for this commercial relationship.”

Mr. Burton’s visit to the Puget Sound Region is part of the Business Council’s dedicated outreach to the State to assist companies in developing and expanding business in Saudi Arabia. In July, the Business Council signed a memorandum of cooperation with Washington State Department of Commerce to develop the bilateral business relationship. The two organizations are working to organize a business development mission to Saudi Arabia December 8-12, 2012. Participating companies will have a unique opportunity to develop or increase business and acquire key contacts in the Saudi market by joining the mission.

The seminar and the mission are open to all Washington companies. Registration for the seminar is $10 for members of WTC Tacoma and $15 for non-members.  Please register at http://www.wtcta.org/connect/upcoming-events.

About the U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council

The U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council (USSABC) is a non-profit organization that works to improve the mutual knowledge and understanding between the private sectors of the U.S and Saudi Arabia and promote and facilitate increased bilateral trade and investment. Established in December 1993, the USSABC has built a membership base of approximately 400 leading companies in the two countries. For more information about the USSABC, please visit www.us-sabc.org.

About the World Trade Center Tacoma

As part of a worldwide network of World Trade Centers, the World Trade Center Tacoma (WTCTA) helps local businesses succeed in the global market. As a trade association for exporters, importers, and service providers, and supported by the private and public sectors via memberships, sponsorships and contracts, WTCTA offers a variety of programs and resources to stimulate international trade. For more information about WTCTA, please visit www.wtcta.org.

About the Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) is the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. Established in 2009, Commerce administers a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several boards and commissions, all focused on achieving one clear and simple mission: to grow and improve jobs in Washington. Commerce’s key customers include businesses and employers, local governments and community-based organizations. It also plays the crucial role of convening numerous local, state, regional and federal partners and stakeholders, public and private. Together Commerce works to support the Governor’s priorities and achieve shared goals and objectives for the citizens of Washington. For more information on WADC, please visit www.commerce.wa.gov.

Contact:

Anthony Hemstad
President
World Trade Center Tacoma
Tel: (253) 396-1022 x101
Website: www.wtcta.org
E-mail: ahemstad@wtcta.org

David Callahan
Vice President, Business Development
U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council
Tel: (703) 962-9300
Website: www.us-sabc.org
E-mail: dcallahan@us-sabc.org

World Trade Center Tacoma adds three new board members.

http://blog.thenewstribune.com/business/2012/02/02/world-trade-center-tacoma-adds-three-board-members/

WTC Tacoma in the Pacific Northwest Local News

World Trade Center Tacoma has quadrupled it’s membership since 2009! The organization’s growth demonstrates the positive influence they are gaining in Pacific Northwest trade. The following article honors this impressive development:

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/business/131296759.html

WTC Tacoma in the Reporter

A steel beam from the 9/11 aftermath at the World Trade Center in New York was on display at the 2011 Globe Awards in Tacoma. The beam will soon become part of a permanent display on Federal Way.

http://www.maplevalleyreporter.com/business/129274513.html

WTC Tacoma Globe Awards on South Sound Business Report

Watch the full episode. See more South Sound Business Report.

Watch WTC Globe Awards on PBS. See more from SOUTH SOUND BUSINESS REPORT.

In-studio guests include Anthony Hemstad, World Trade Center Tacoma; Pierson Clair, CEO of Brown & Haley candy named Exporter of Year; and Skip Smith, president of Smith-Western Co., Importer of the Year.

World Trade Center named five companies winners of Globe Awards recognizing accomplishments in International Trade by firms based in Washington state.

WTC in the Tacoma News Tribune

WTC executive director talks trade  http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/09/04/1809326/director-talks-trade.html

WTC on South Sound Business Report

Watch the full episode. See more South Sound Business Report.

 In-studio guests include Riley Moore, Ph.D., assistant professor of Economics at Saint Martin’s University, and Anthony Hemstad, executive director of World Trade Center Tacoma. Moore has traveled to China with local business and government leaders. Hemstad posits that South Sound connections have real impact in developing export and export opportunities.

NEWS

Check out WTC Tacoma in the News and our Press Releases for the newest happenings at WTC Tacoma.

EVENTS

More Upcoming Events! Seminar: Using the New FTAs – South Korea, Colombia and Panama (May 8th), WTC Tacoma Monthly Speaker Series (May 18th, June 22nd), NAIOP Boeing Property Tour (July 26th), and 19th Annual Globe Awards (Sept. 6th).
Partner Events - Sales Missions to China and Japan for EBPA Wood Products Suppliers (May 14th-19th & May 27th-June1st), EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (May 16th), Connecting Europe: Opportunities in Bulgaria (May 16th), Seminar: Complying with U.S. Export Controls (June 14th & 15th)
Events calendar – Including all prior and upcoming events! Please note that a recording of select portions of the Port of Tacoma Annual Breakfast is available here.

TRADE MISSIONS

We are exploring a mission to China in May 2012.  Please click here for further information.

ON EXPORTING

Take a look at our Import/Export page for information on the new Washington Export Initiative from Washington Department of Commerce.  They have posted a series of vignettes to showcase the economic benefits of exporting and promote state export assistance services.  Absolutely worthwhile for businesses looking to export!

President and CEO of the WTC Tacoma, Anthony Hemstad, is featured in an article along with WTC members, Vijay Mathur, G.R. International, Inc., and Michael Mattox, principal of Access the USA. The rise of foreign investment in the Puget Sound region is discussed.

Read the full article here

Market Reports from CBRE

Brazil: Recovery Choppy, but More Vigorous Expansion Ahead

Read the full report here

U.S. Industrial Availability Expected to Decline Next Year

Read the full report here

Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)

WTC Tacoma member, the Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (State) (EFACW) will receive the City-State Partner of the Year award from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). The award will be presented at the Bank’s 37th Annual Conference, “Ex-Im –Your Competitive Edge,” on April 12 in Washington, D.C. EFACW provides export-finance counseling to current and prospective exporters based in Washington State. EFACW also helps clients identify prospective overseas buyers and assess their creditworthiness.

Click here to see the full press release

Almond Roca Ad Sweep in Hong Kong

WTC Tacoma member Brown & Haley has invested a high-profile advertising campaign in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year, including a TV commercial and pink bus advertisements. Exports represent 40 percent of the company’s business, with 20 percent of that in China. Brown & Haley hope to expand their business through international trade in the coming years through increased advertising and recognition world-wide.

Click here to see the full article.

TagMaster North America, Inc.

WTC Tacoma member TagMaster North America Inc.’s RFID products are now used in conjunction with Coencorp’s automated fuel management system, FuelZone Transit, at all six of the Coast Mountain Bus Company’s service locations.  Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) is based in Burnaby, British Columbia and is a vital link in the Metro Vancouver multi-modal public transportation network.  Known formerly as BC Transit, it is an operating subsidiary of TransLink, the South Coast BC Transportation Authority.

Click here to see the full press release.

In October of 2011, the WTC Association held its 42nd Annual General Assembly in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  WTC Tacoma Vice President and COO, Sandra Forero Bush, attended the event and was pleased to travel with WTC Member Sygnet Rail Technologies.  Sygnet Executives David Swanson, CEO, and Leah Gray, CFO, participated in several general panels at the event and in several individual meetings with current and potential business partners.  Sygnet was also able to draw on the WTCA network to help establish new connections with both local businesses and other WTCs in Latin America which will help facilitate business in other countries in the region.

How can WTC Tacoma help you?