May 7, 2012

On April 19, the World Trade Association of Utah hosted an event on what you should know but don’t know about importing.  Guest speakers at the event were Holly Garza from High Desert CHB and Scott Ogden from Cargo-Link.  The speakers addressed importing documentation and requirements, importing strategies, and advantages connected with using importing companies.

Holly Garza, an expert in importing, spoke of the importance of adhering to the Customs Modernization Act which includes categories such as the shared responsibility, informed compliance, and reasonable care.  She also shared information regarding general questions for all transactions as well as outlining the different requirements regarding air shipments and ocean shipments.  She also spoke about special programs with customs including the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).

Scott Ogden, President of Cargo-Link, addressed the panel about “the fine art of getting things here.” He explained that logistics is more than just a catchy song, it is a vital part of importing and exporting goods.  Scott discussed the major advantages of using freight forwarders, stating that the two biggest advantages to consumers are lower costs and more information.  Freight forwarders are able to answer the who, what, when, where and why questions, helping shipments clear customs timely and orderly.  He also spoke about how because of existing contracts and relationships with shipping companies, freight forwarders are able to ship for less and pass that saving to their customers.

The World Trade Association of Utah encourages international trade by facilitating networking and providing educational monthly events. Contact Abby at wtaofutah@gmail.com for more information.

Come join us on February 16th as we discuss international procurement and subcontracting with a panel of experts! The World Trade Association of Utah brings you this breakfast meeting and panel in partnership with various local businesses, institutions of learning, and individuals. This panel will consist of: Ralph Cutler, Vice President of WesTech Engineering, Inc., Elizabeth Goryunova, a World Bank Private Sector Liaison Officer and Executive Vice President of World Trade Center Utah, and Jonnie Wilkinson of PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center), Regional Manager of South Salt Lake and Tooele counties.

We will discuss lessons learned and best practices for international procurement, and have an expert provide a general context of the multilateral procurement environment and opportunities for SMEs. In addition, we will discuss what PTAC (http://ptac.utah.gov/) does and how they can help SMEs pursue public procurement opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels (which can open doors internationally).

If you wish to attend or want to learn more, you can e-mail wtaofutah@gmail.com or look at our calendar event (http://www.wtaofutah.org/calendar/february-breakfast-meeting/). Hope to see you on February 16th!

Date: Thursday, February 16th
Time: 8:00-9:00 am (Registration begins at 7:30 am)
Place: Salt Lake Community College (9750 South 300 West, Sandy, UT) Miller Professional Development Center (MPDC), Room 213
Cost: $12–WTA of Utah Member / $15–Not a member of the WTA of Utah
RSVP: To wtaofutah@gmail.com by Mon., Feb. 13th

August 30^th, 2011

The World Trade Association of Utah and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development hosted a meeting with speaker Senator Orrin Hatch on Tuesday, August 30^th. At the meeting, Senator Hatch expressed his gratitude for the mission of the WTA and GOED, stating that “International trade is a key pillar to our past and present economic success.”

Gary Harter, Managing Director for Business Creation at GOED, introduced Senator Hatch by talking about Hatch’s stellar six terms in the Senate and his current position as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Finance. Trade issues go straight through the Finance Committee, and Senator Hatch began his speech by touting three pending free trade agreements with Columbia, Panama, and South Korea. Under NAFTA, Utah’s exports to Mexico increased 154%, and because of a free trade agreement with Peru, Utah trade has more than doubled. Hatch cited these examples to draw support for the pending FTAs, stating that “these exports mean jobs…lower tariffs mean more exports, and more exports mean more jobs.”

Hatch said “Utah is one of the most dynamic states in the union – yes, we’re small, but we’re important – and it’s entrepreneurs and job creators like you that make it that way.” He asked for input from business leaders on important legislation. “Utah is the only state in the country to double exports in the last five years,” Hatch stated. “Thank you for your steadfast commitment to making these things work.”

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As a new affiliate of the World Trade Center Utah, led by President & CEO Lew Cramer, the World Trade Association of Utah continues its operations as a non-profit organization whose members include individuals, corporations, government, academic institutions, service providers to the international business community in Utah, and many others. The World Trade Association of Utah provides a forum for exchange of ideas and information through a schedule of monthly luncheons with key speakers and special events to strengthen the knowledge and value of their global association.

To find out more about the World Trade Association of Utah visit http://www.wtaofutah.org

In making the announcement, Savage noted taht, “Cynthia brings a wealth of knowledge and diversity to the WTA, reflecting her background and experience with Latin America, her prior work in international business, and now her academic perspective.” Halliday has served a s a member of the WTA’s board of directors since 2005. As First Vice President, Halliday will become WTA president next year. “I am excited about the opportunities for international trade in Utah,” commented Halliday, “and I look forward to working with the World TRAde Association of Utah, the newly organized World Trade Center Utah, and other trade and government organizations to help Utah companies succeed in the global marketplace.”

“We see the WTA filling a valuable niche in Utah by providing a forum for sellers of goods, sellers of services, and academic and government leaders to compare notes on how to increase international trade in our region,” Savage indicated. “Cynthia’s perspective and energy in this new role should prove an invaluable addition to the WTA and to the State of Utah.”

For more information on the World Trade Association of Utah, please visit the website at http://www.wtaofutah.com, or contact President Paul Savage, at 801.350.7618.

The WTA’s board of director’s meeting was held in connection with the WTA’s March luncheon sponsored by Neways International, Inc., the Springville-based manufacturer of personal care and nutritional products which has distribution in more than 23 countries and boasts annual revenues exceeding 750 million dollars. The luncheon also included a tour of the Neways facilities and presentations by Neways executives sharing best-practices in international trade. “It is events like this that make the WTA such a powerful force in the Utah business community,” suggested Epps. “When companies come together to promote their mutual interests in developing global markets, everybody benefits,” added Savage.

“The WTA plays a unique role in Utah because of its member focus, providing engaging opportunities for businesses, academic and government leaders to compare notes on how to increase international trade in our region,” Golly indicated in announcing future events for this year. “There are many great organizations in this state with common goals, and we are proud of our ability to work with them in a spirit of cooperation while filling a special need for these kinds of activities for our members.”

For more information on The World Trade Association of Utah please visit http://www.wtaofutah.org.

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Founded in the 1950’s, the World Trade Association of Utah is a non-profit organization of individuals, corporations, government, academic institutions, and others with a common interest in promoting international commerce. WTA provides a forum for exchange of ideas and information through a schedule of monthly luncheons, speakers, seminars, workshops, publications, and special events to strengthen the knowledge and value of the global association.