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Local Trade Events Calendar

The Bean in Chicago's Millenium Park

NOVEMBER EVENTS - 2009

November 9, 2009: Chicago ExporTeams & Doing Business with Serbia - Rolling Meadows, IL
The Serbian-American Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, the International Business Club, Agrobanka - the Serbian Diaspora Bank, and the U.S. Commercial Service Illinois, is hosting "Chicago ExporTeams & Doing Business with Serbia, on Monday, November 9, 2009 from 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM at The Meadows Club, 2950 W. Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. Congresswoman Melissa Bean (IL-08) will be the keynote speaker. This event will focus on trade opportunities with Serbia and it will also serve as the launch of the new Chicago ExporTeams Initiative which was designed to share information and to encourage collaboration among the organizations in the Chicagoland area that offer assistance to U.S. companies that are doing business internationally. The fee is $35 for members of the Serbian-American Chamber of Commerce, the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, and the International Business Club; $50 for non-members. Please click here for the program agenda and registration information.

November 10, 2009: Exports Live! Real Deals/Real Profits - Chicago
An interactive seminar created by six federal agencies to demonstrate how local businesses can successfully leverage government export assistance to expand sales of U.S. goods and services in foreign markets and increase their bottom lines. The eight-city "Exports Live!: Real Deals, Real Profits" seminar series will review strategies and partnerships used by local small and medium-size businesses that have already discovered how to increase profitability through exporting. Export-Import Bank Chairman and President, Fred P. Hochberg will be among the featured speakers. The seminar will include presentations and Q & A sessions by successful small-business exporters that have benefitted from export services and solutions provided by federal, state and local trade organizations. Representatives of these organizations also will be on the program and available later in the day to offer one-on-one sessions. Participating agencies include: Export-Import Bank of the U.S.; U.S. Department of Commerce; U.S. Trade Development Agency; U.S. Treasury; Small Business Administration; Overseas Private Investment Corp.; and U.S. Department of Energy. 8:00am - 3:30pm. Fee: $99; after October 26: $129. Fee includes light breakfast and lunch. The Fairmont Chicago, 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago. Direct recipients of this e-mail may enter the code "Real" for 50% reduction in registration fee. For details and registration, please see. For more information, call 888.966.2009 or e-mail stephen.maroon@N0SPAM.exim.gov .

November 10, 2009: NAFTA Certificate and Rules of Origin - Effingham, IL
This seminar will discuss Schedule B numbers, Advanced Rulings, NAFTA Rules of Origin, Preference Criteria, Regional Value Content Calculations, and Completion of the NAFTA Certificate of Origin. The speakers are Jim Foley-Director of the International Trade Center and Beatriz Poloney-NAFTA Trade Specialist. Program is sponsored by the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Bradley University, US Commercial Service-Peoria, International Trade Center at Kaskaskia College, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and the Small Business Administration. 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Thelma Keller Convention Center in Effingham, 1202 North Keller Drive, Effingham. Fee: $65. For agenda, speaker information and registration, please see. E-mail questions to shari.stout@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .

November 11, 2009: The European Bank for Reconstruction & Development: Open For Business! - Chicago
First Vice President Varel Freeman of the EBRD, London, will give this special breakfast briefing at Baker & McKenzie LLP in Chicago. Mr. Freeman will address the EBRD’s response to the current economic crises; the lack of capital in the 30 markets in the region; opportunities for U.S. companies in EBRD procurements; as well as fielding questions regarding the most active EBRD Countries – Russia, the Ukraine and Georgia. Sponsoring organizations include the U.S. Commercial Service, the International Trade Association of Greater Chicago, the Illinois District Export Council, and the Organization of Women in International Trade – Chicago Chapter. Presentation by Varel Freeman, First Vice President, EBRD, London. Also present will be: Gilles Mettetal, EBRD Director for Agribusiness; Sanford Owens, of the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service EBRD Business Liasion Office, and Alison Kutler, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce Advocacy Office. Time: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. Venue: 130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3900, Chicago. Registration is $25 for members of sponsoring organizations and $35 for non-members. Make reservations by calling the ITA/GC at 773-725-1106 or by email at rsvp@N0SPAM.itagc.org .  

November 12-13, 2009: Seeking Electronic Systems/Components for Autos: Opportunities in Germany - Chicago
European automobile manufacturers are looking for new U.S. original equipment (OE) automotive parts and systems suppliers. Representatives from Volkswagen approached Commercial Specialist Paul Warren-Smith, from the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt, to help them identify new U.S. suppliers. Specialist Warren-Smith has been involved in the European automotive industry for 30 years. He will be bringing a team of OE engineering agencies that deal with global automobile manufacturers to the midwest. The Chicago stop is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 12 and Friday, Nov. 13, 2009. Please find below details of the highly qualified organizations that will be available for meetings in Chicago. A look at their websites should help to determine which company could suit your needs:

- Wolfsburg AG, Germany: www.izb-online.com/bin/php/frontend/index.php3
- Schulze & Partner, Belgium: www.schulzepartner.com
- Fractal Technologies, Germany: www.fractal-technologies.de
- Global Alliance Automotive SA, Switzerland: www.ga-automotive.com

U.S. exporters interested in meeting any of the above companies, click on the following to register.  Questions:  Robin Mugford, Commercial Service Libertyville by phone at 847-327-9082 or by e-mail at robin.mugford@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov . Appointments will be approximately one hour and made on a first-come-first served basis. They will take place at the Commerical Service Chicago office at 200 W. Adams, Suite 2450, Chicago, IL beginning at 8:30 AM.

November 16, 2009 - March 15, 2010: Trade Winds 2010: The Americas - Webinar Series on Exporting to South America

  • Monday, November 16, 2009 Exporting to South America - Best Prospects in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela
  • Wednesday, December 16, 2009 Doing Business in Brazil - Financial and Legal Considerations
  • Friday, January 15, 2010 Exporting to Central America - Best Prospects in Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala
  • Monday, February 8, 2010 Doing Business in Brazil – Negotiation and Partner Agreements
  • Monday, March 15, 2010 Exporting to North America/Caribbean - Best Prospects in Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago

The Americas regions of the world encompass the fastest growing economic partners of the United States. Many experts forecast this growth continuing over the next few years. Position your business to take advantage of this growth by attending the complete Trade Winds 2010: The Americas Webinar Series and learn more about which markets offer the most lucrative opportunities for your products or services. Each must-take webinar is designed for new and experienced exporters to gain knowledge of the export opportunities, financing options and best prospects in a specific region, as well as to understand cultural differences, economic conditions and technological capabilities of potential partners. For more information contact Diego.Gattesco@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .

Venue: Your Computer,
Time: 10:00AM-11:00AM CST,
Cost: $45 per company for each webinar ($225 per company for entire series). 
Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/westvirginia/twws.html

November 18 - December 2, 2009: A Basic Guide to Exporting - Webinar Series
Learn valuable skills for growing your business by selling to international buyers. Based on the popular, newly-updated in 2008 Department of Commerce book, "A Basic Guide to Exporting", register now for one or the complete series of seven interactive and authoritative sessions. $40 per webinar. Register now for two or more webinars and get a complimentary copy of the official guide to exporting.

  • Nov 18, 2009 @ 1:00-2:00pm CDT: Understanding Documentation -Click here to register
  • Dec 02, 2009 @ 1:00-2:00pm CDT: Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights - Click here to register.

November 19, 2009: U.S.-India Trade and Investment Business Seminar - Chicago
In conjunction with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit to Washington D.C. to meet with President Obama, the first state visit for the new administration, The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are organizing a Business Seminar on  "US-India Trade and Investment." The program is cosponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service and the Consulate General of India in Chicago. The program will be keynoted by Sam Pitroda, who is an Advisor to Prime Minister on Infrastructure, Innovation and Information. The program will include Three Sessions that will discuss US-India opportunities for business partnerships and collaboration in manufacturing and green energy. The seminar will be attended by US business executives and an India business delegation, led by CII’s Director General. The delegation will be comprised of 15-20 senior business executives from major firms in India. The executives are traveling to meet with US businesses and explore opportunities of trade investment and collaboration.  7:30 am Registration; 8:00am – 10:30am Program. Fee: Complimentary; includes light breakfast.  InterContinental Chicago, 505 North Michigan  Avenue. For Delegation list click here.  For details and registration, click here.  For questions, please contact Erik Brejla of CCGA at 312-821-7527.

November 19, 2009: Hong Kong - A Premier Intermodal Logistics Hub – Lombard, IL
Join a panel of policy makers and business leaders from Hong Kong’s logistics industry to learn more about the dynamics of Hong Kong as a regional logistics center. Find out what new developments are in place to help enhance your international trade efforts with Hong Kong and the rest of Asia as markets emerge from the global economic downturn. Sponsored by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and The Traffic Club, and supported by the U.S. Commercial Service - Chicago. The seminar session will be followed by the Chicago Traffic Club Executive Luncheon Series featuring keynote speaker, Mr Michael E. Uremovich, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pacer International who will speak on developments in the U.S. Freight & Inter-modal Industry. Register with HKTDC by phone at 312-726-4515 or email at Chicago.office@N0SPAM.hktdc.org  ($35 for Seminar, $45 for Luncheon, or $70 for both).

November 23-24, 2009: Midwest Clean Tech 2009 - Chicago
Based on the success of the first Clean Tech event in 2008, the Global Midwest Alliance, the Economic Development Council (EDC), the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, the Midwest Research University Network (MRUN), Bryan Cave law firm and the U.S. Commercial Service- Chicago and Libertyville offices are pleased to announce a day-and-a-half program exhibiting excellence in Clean Technology innovation, products, and services – connecting innovators with financiers, business management expertise, and the international community. Sectoral Breakout Sessions will include following topic areas: Renewable/Alternative Energy, Greener Building Sciences and Infrastructure & Community. Program includes: a business marketplace, exhibit areas, facilitated one-on-one business development meetings, leading speakers from academia, trade groups, policy makers, corporate entities, and financial firms. A reception will be held at IIT’s University Technology Park, including a tour of the facility, which has a focus on Clean Technology company tenants and special "soft landings" area for international entities to set up a virtual presence in North America. Second day will include the Innovation Competition, highlighting emerging Clean Tech companies, and an optional tour to Argonne National Laboratory – one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s largest research centers. Venue: Federal Reserve Bank Chicago. For more information. E-mail: dwillett@N0SPAM.globalmidwestalliance.org or glongmore@N0SPAM.globalmidwestalliance.org .

DECEMBER EVENTS - 2009

December 10, 2009: Opportunites in the Bulgarian Rail Sector - Chicago
The U.S. Trade Development Agency is sponsoring an Orientation Visit to the United States for eight Bulgarian officials from the Ministry of Transport, the National Railway Infrastructure Company and the Bulgarian State Railway. U.S. companies can meet with high level delegates and hear about the planned railway projects in Bulgaria. Delegates are interested in U.S. equipment, services and practices that could benefit from the $825 million worth of planned railway infrastructure improvement projects. U.S. Dept. of Commerce Trade Specialist Monica Toporkiewicz will highlight U.S. Commercial Service export promotion services available to U.S. companies considering the market. Optional one-on-one meetings with delegates will follow. Registration for the briefing and one-on-one meetings is $50 per person. For online registration and further details click here. For more info, contact Ellen Declerck at (703) 691-0380 x122 or ekdeclerck@N0SPAM.decisionanalysis.net .

MARCH EVENTS - 2010 

March 9 - 11, 2010: Complying with US Export Controls and Developing an Export Management & Compliance Program - Chicago
Save the Date! This U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry Security (BIS) training seminar will give you the opportunity to learn first hand from experienced U.S. Government officials about export control policies, regulations and procedures. BIS will be in Chicago conducting two days of training on how to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods, with an optional third day program on how to develop an export management and compliance program. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service. Location, Cost and Registration information to be announced. For more information or to add your name/contact information to an email notification list once program registration link is available, please contact Jeff Graber at jeffrey.graber@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov  or 312-353-7711.

OTHER EVENTS 

November 11-12, 2009: Europe Showtime Program at Greenbuild 2009 Expo - Phoenix
U.S. Commercial Service Europe-based Senior Commercial Officers and Industry Commercial Specialist from Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, France, and the United Kingdom, as well as the EU Standards Specialist from the U.S. Mission to the European Union will conduct private one-on-one consultations with U.S. exhibitors at the Greenbuild 2009 Expo, to discuss current and future market opportunities in the $900 billion European market, how to comply with CE Mark and other EU regulations and standards, and how the U.S. Commercial Service can help U.S. firms locate new business partners in Europe. In addition to the Europe-based officers, industry specialists and standards specialist, we will have representatives from the U.S. Commercial Service office in the UAE and Israel. Private consultations are available from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 11, and Thursday, November 12. Registration is required, but there are no fees for participation. For more information on the Showtime Program or to request an appointment, please contact Deborah Doherty at Deborah.Doherty@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov , or visit our Showtime Website at http://www.buyusa.gov/europe/greenbuild.html.

Increase your Exposure to PRC Clients
"AccessAmerica" is our new online Chinese-language directory of U.S. firms that provide customized services to Chinese companies that want to conduct business in the U.S., including finding partners and setting up offices. The "AccessAmerica" Service Provider directory gives U.S.-based companies and economic development agencies access and exposure to Chinese clients who seek U.S. expertise in global logistics, trade finance, HR, site selection, tax, insurance, legal and regulatory issues, marketing, and other support related to investing in the U.S. It is promoted in China, in Chinese, in cooperation with our partners including the Council of American States in China, CCPIT, Shanghai Overseas Investment Development Board, the U.S.-China Business Council and the American Chambers of Commerce in China, among others. State partners include Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi and New York. AccessAmerica is featured on the U.S. Embassy Chinese webpage which has 100,000 hits per month. It is also featured at Invest in America programs in the U.S. and China, such as the China Overseas Investment Fair and Invest New York events in November. AccessAmerica was featured in China Business Review, Xinhua and China Trade News and is generating actionable leads for subscribers. Your listing will include company information, company logo, and contact details, all translated into Chinese, for a one-year subscription fee of $400. Increase your firm's visibility in China and boost your service exports! Visit "AccessAmerica" at http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/ and direct questions to julie.carducci@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .

PARTNERS' EVENT CALENDARS 

Visit our partners' event calendars for additional international trade and policy-related events:

Alliance for Illinois Manufacturing - NORBIC Calendar

Global Midwest Alliance - Global Midwest Alliance Programs 

International Trade Club of Chicago - ITCC Events

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs - Council Programs

The International Trade Association of Greater Chicago - ITA/GC Calendar

For a complete listing of upcoming Domestic and International Trade Events supported by the U.S. Commercial Service, visit the Trade Events Calendar.