The California Centers for International Trade Development would like to invite you to participate in our International Trade Symposium at the 2012 World Ag Expo which focuses on preparing you for the future in a global marketplace. We will explore the best export markets for agricultural equipment, export compliance and regulatory overview, gaining small business capital, and foreign buyer matchmaking. Our experts are here to tell you what your company can do to prepare for tomorrow's global markets.

Best Export Markets for Agricultural Equipment

The agricultural equipment industry is a strong, highly successful manufacturing and exporting sector of the U.S. economy.  Some of the most dynamic markets for U.S. agricultural equipment are overseas.  As the world's population grows and demands an ever greater variety of higher quality food products, U.S. agricultural equipment manufacturers face growing opportunities-as well as some significant challenges-selling internationally.  Mr. Padraic Sweeney of the U.S. Department of Commerce will discuss the key opportunities and challenges facing U.S. agricultural equipment exporters, in the context of the National Export Initiative.  Presentation: 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Export Compliance and Regulatory Overview

In October 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau (Census Bureau), Foreign Trade Division (FTD) developed the Automated Export System (AES) Compliance Review Program. It is imperative that you and your company understand the requirements of the Automated Export System (AES) and the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) and how to avoid possible penalties and seizure of cargo. In accordance with the FTR, all parties to the export transaction are subject to penalties and fines. This session will provide you with information to assist you with the exporting process. Presentation: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Small Business Capital and Fast!

Looking to capture 92 percent of the buying market, think outside our borders? Capital is available for you and your business to do just that. Sue Malone is the founder of Strategies for Small Business and responsible for closing over 20,000 loans, making her the Small Business Administration's top lender. She can provide loans between $5,000 and $25,000 with a turnaround in 5 days or less. Sue is interested in the success of your small business and will work efficient and effectively for you. Please come and find out about these opportunities and how easy it is!  Presentation: 1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Foreign Buyer Matchmaking

Reaching buyers in markets worldwide can be challenging. Come to this seminar to meet and greet a myriad of buyers from around the globe and potentially expand your customer base. You will have the opportunity to learn about buyers who are attending the World Ag Expo from various places including Canada, Mexico and Chile.   These buyers are ready and anxious to learn about your products.  Available on hand for your convenience will be support staff from California Centers of International Trade Development, U.S. Department of Commerce, Export-Import Bank and an international business team who can help you increase sales through exporting. Presentation & Meetings: 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.

If you have any questions about the seminar, please contact Frank Nuñez at (559) 324-6401 or via email at [email protected].  Information on the World Ag Expo can be found at www.worldagexpo.com.