International News and Events from the U.S. Commercial Service in Fargo, North Dakota

 

International Trade News and Events - February 2016

Newsletter of the U.S. Commercial Service in Fargo, North Dakota

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS
- Local Success Story: Grouser Bulldozes into International Market
- U.S. Commerce Secretary Appoints Five New Members to ND District Export Council
- U.S. Commercial Service Supports ND Trade Mission to Egypt and Israel
- EZ-Spot-UR Expands Space
- RDO Partners with Australian Equipment Manufacturer
- 2016 USA Pavilions for Ag Machinery
- FREE: February Trade Talk Series: Tax Savings through the R&D Tax Credit and IC-DISC Webinars
- Global Business Connections 2016 - March 30-31 at Avalon West in Fargo, ND
- Mike Allocca Training: Introduction to HTS / Schedule B Classification
- Mike Allocca Training: ACE & International Documentation
- SBA Emerging Leaders Initiative

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS
- 2016 Global Infrastructure Report Shows Promise in the UK
- Zika Virus Raises Travel Concerns
- TradeSource ePublication
- Cargo Ship Projected to Crash into French Coast

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
- Lower Mekong Initiative Best Practices Exchange - February 17 in Singapore
- Complying with U.S. Export Controls Seminars - February and March in San Diego, Tampa, and Pittsburgh
- FIDAE Potential Partners Program in Chile - No Travel Necessary!
- Study Abroad Recruiting Fair - April 5-11 in Tel Aviv, Israel

WEBINARS
- Trade Winds - Latin America Webinar Series - February to May 2016
- Best Practices and Opportunities for Central American Student Recruitment Webinar - February 17
- FREE: Opportunities in UK Infrastructure and the I3 Forum Webinar - February 17

 

LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS

Grouser Bulldozes into International Market
Grouser Products, based in West Fargo, manufactures tractor-mounted dozer blades used primarily in beef and dairy feedlots to push silage. Grouser is the leader in high performance tractor-mounted dozer blades. Grouser recently had a great experience participating in Agritechnica, the world's largest trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment. Read more about Grouser's experience at the trade show!

U.S. Commerce Secretary Appoints Five New Members to North Dakota District Export Council
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker has appointed five new members to the North Dakota District Export Council (ND DEC), including Dean Atchison of Spectrum Aeromed, Jon Engelstad of Superior Manufacturing, John Hertsgaard of SpaceAge Synthetics, Ron Martin of Midwest Motor Express, and Barb McConn of Dakota Air Parts. Pritzker also renewed the terms of ten members of the ND DEC. Learn more about the ND DEC.

U.S. Commercial Service Supports ND Trade Mission to Egypt and Israel
A North Dakota trade mission to Egypt and Israel was conducted in January with the goal of strengthening relationships with Israel and Egyptian governments as well as connecting with business leaders in an array of industries, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), agriculture, cyber security, defense, and foreign investment. The U.S. Commercial Service in Tel Aviv was heavily involved in organizing dozens of on-the-ground meetings to promote local connections for the UAS sector, agriculture sector, educational institutions, and investment opportunities within these sectors in North Dakota. Learn more about the trade mission. The CS is also supporting the upcoming ND Trade Mission to India with 10 matchmaking services for participating companies.

EZ-Spot-UR Expands Space
EZ-Spot-UR, a global company based in Fargo, manufactures attachments for skid-steer loaders. After experiencing significant growth for over ten years, the company has moved from their home in south Fargo to a much larger facility in north Fargo, according to the Fargo Forum. The move is expected to lead to additional hires.

RDO Partners with Australian Equipment Manufacturer
RDO Equipment Co., Fargo, has recently partnered with Vermeer Equipment Holdings, a world-leading manufacturer of agriculture, construction, surface mining, tree care, organic recycling, and wood waste processing equipment. According to the Fargo Forum, RDO has acquired 50 percent interest in five of Vermeer's eastern Australian locations.

2016 USA Pavilions for Ag Machinery
Maximize your presence at overseas agricultural machinery shows through USA Pavilions supported by the U.S. Commercial Service Agribusiness Team. With these USA Pavilions, you can access booth exhibition spaces, market research through catalog promotion, logistics support, in-country matchmaking assistance, and many other support services. Learn more and register your interest today.

February Trade Talk Series: Tax Savings through the R&D Tax Credit and IC-DISC Webinars
Date: February 9 and February 11
Time: 10:00am CT
Cost: FREE
With tax season underway, it's time to explore whether your company can benefit from the R&D Tax Credit and the Interest Charge Domestic International Sales Corporation (IC-DISC) savings. The R&D Tax Credit is not an income tax deduction - it is a bottom-line, dollar-for-dollar credit against income taxes due (and in addition to the deductions you are already claiming). An IC-DISC is an entity that is not subject to the regular U.S. corporate income tax. U.S. exporting companies have the ability to create an IC-DISC and pay a commission for selling products internationally. To see if your company is missing out on savings, be sure to attend these webinars. Learn more and register for the R&D Tax Credit Webinar held February 9 at 10:00am and the IC-DISC Webinar held February 11 at 10:00am.

Global Business Connections 2016 
Date: March 30-31
Location: Avalon West, Fargo, ND
Cost: NDTO members - first attendee free, $150 per additional attendee; Non-members - $200; Students & Government - $75
Global Business Connections (GBC) connects North Dakota businesses with international trade professionals from around the world. The conference will include keynote speeches, panel discussions with leading exporters and international business professionals, break-out seminars, networking events and an industry trade show. The conference also will include the presentation of North Dakota's most prestigious international business awards - the North Dakota Exporter of the Year and the North Dakota Service to Exporters Award. Learn more and register now!

Mike Allocca Training: Introduction to HTS / Schedule B Classification
Date: April 14, 2016
Location: West Fargo, ND
Cost: $225 per person (pre-register by March 31), $275 to register after March 31
Back in North Dakota for the third time by popular demand, Mike Allocca will be covering the topic of Harmonized Tariff System / Schedule B classification. Proper classification can be one of the hardest parts of importing/exporting. This program will help you begin to understand how to use the Harmonized Tariff System for imports and the Schedule B listing for exports. After the training you will know where to go for help and what to look at when beginning to look at your own products. Many companies are exposing themselves unnecessarily by not regularly reviewing or understanding their own classifications. Importers and exporters are required to use reasonable care and due diligence in determining accurate classifications. Why not learn how to begin that process and keep your company in compliance? Learn more and register now!

Mike Allocca Training: ACE & International Documentation
Date: April 13, 2016
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Cost: $225 per person (pre-register by March 31), $275 to register after March 31
In 2016 they will be phasing out the old legacy AES system for exporters. It will become mandatory to use then new ACE system for filing of the EEI for exporters (as well as using ACE for import filings). This program will help you understand when and how you should be filling out certain international documents for exporters listed below. We will go through each document step-by-step, and you will know where to go and what to look for in your own documents to be able to fill them out accurately and know when they are required. Learn more and register now!

SBA Emerging Leaders InitiativeThe SBA is now accepting applications for the 2016 Emerging Leaders program. This is a high-level training program geared for business leaders who are ready to move their businesses into next-stage growth. The program consists of 13 sessions where participants receive training on topics that help them create a strategic growth plan, leverage peer relationships, and interact with experts who can provide relevant guidance. The only cost is the time and commitment to complete the curriculum over the course of seven months.

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL NEWS

2016 Global Infrastructure Report Shows Promise in the UK
CG/LA Infrastructure recently published its 2016 Global Infrastructure Report, which is a list of international infrastructure projects ranked by how well they are projected to contribute to a region's economy. The projects are evaluated by competitiveness, productivity, sustainability, business opportunity, and job creation. The final list provides the infrastructure business community an idea of the location and type of upcoming opportunities. The list put UK at the top for project opportunities, beating out China, United States, Japan, and Indonesia. The report also shows a large amount of opportunity in high speed rail, heavy rail, and urban mass transit and $125 billion in Southeast Asian projects.

Zika Virus Raises Travel Concerns
The recent outbreak of the Zika virus has been raising serious concerns about international travel. The virus, which is spread to people through mosquito bites, has been reported in much of Central and South America. Although there have not been any locally transmitted cases in the continental United States, cases have been reported in returning travelers. To learn more, visit the CDC's up-to-date Zika pages. Please check the travel notices if you are planning to visit an at-risk area.

TradeSource ePublication
U.S. Census Bureau recently released its latest edition of the TradeSource ePublication, sent to its 90,000+ subscribers. This two-part issue features both the Census Bureau's transition to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and the theme "Local Export Counseling Resources" (starting on page 7). The issue will help U.S. companies with the key resources that can assist in the planning of global business strategies.

Cargo Ship Projected to Crash into French Coast
A 535-foot Panamian freighter, the Modern Express, is projected to crash into the southwestern coast of France this week, according to the Washington Post. The ship started severely listing in late January. Since the crew members were rescued from the topside railing a few days later, the vacant ship has drifted in the Bay of Biscay, between Spain and France. Spain and France have been trying to gain control of the ship, but mother nature has been hindering the process with strong winds. It is expected that the cargo - mostly timber and construction equipment - will only cause a limited environmental effect, but the ship's 300 tons of diesel could contaminate the coastline. Read the full story from the Washington Post.

NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

Lower Mekong Initiative Best Practices Exchange
Date: February 17
Location: Singapore
Cost: $150 for attendees, $700 for small companies to present, $2,300 for large companies to present
Join us to learn more about civil aviation infrastructure opportunities in the Lower Mekong Region - Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam! In conjunction with the Singapore Air Show, the U.S. Commercial Service, in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and the U.S. Department of State, will be conducting "The Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Best Practices Exchange - Aviation Infrastructure" at the Fairmount Hotel, Singapore. During this workshop, you will hear directly from LMI Officials on the opportunities, gaps, and challenges in their respective markets. Learn more and register today!

Complying with U.S. Export Controls Seminars
Dates: February 17-18 (CA and FL), March 16-17 (PA)
Locations: San Diego, CA; Tampa, FL; Pittsburg, PA
Cost: $495
The U.S. Commercial Service (CS) and District Export Councils (DECs) around the country will be hosting Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) export control seminars in three cities over the next three months. Each program will be led by BIS professional counseling staff and provide an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The programs will cover the information exporters need to know in order to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. Seminars will be held February 17-18 in San Diego, February 17-18 in Tampa, and March 16-17 in Pittsburgh.

FIDAE Potential Partners Program in Chile - No Travel Necessary!
Cost: $900
Date: March 29 - April 3
Registration deadline: February 28
Are you an aerospace/defense company looking for a business partner in Chile? We'll find them for you! Provide us with information about your company and on the business partner you are looking for in Chile. We will contact prospective partners and invite them to review your company's information and literature at the CS Booth in the U.S. Pavilion in FIDAE 2016, Latin America's largest aerospace, defense, and security event. At the end of the show, you'll receive a brief report containing a list of companies that have seen your product literature indicating those that have expressed interest in working with you, as well as general background information on each. Companies may be eligible to apply for STEP funds towards the cost of the program. For more information and to register, please contact Isabel Valenzuela at Isabel.Valenzuela@trade.gov.

Study Abroad Recruiting Fair - Israel
Date: April 5 - 11
Location: Tel Aviv, Israel
Cost: $600
The U.S. Commercial Service in Israel, in collaboration with Ustudy, LLC, will be holding its annual recruiting fair on April 5, 2016 in Tel Aviv. Israel has the highest number of GMAT takers per capita of any country in the world and provides the seventh largest number of takers of any country in the world, ahead of France and Germany. In 2015, a total of 25,000 Israelis requested information and showed interest in study programs in the United States. Capitalize on this untapped market by attending the fair, which in 2015 attracted over 1,000 potential students. Learn more and register today!

WEBINARS

Trade Winds - Latin America Webinar Series
Dates: February 5, February 10, March 2, March 16, April 6, April 27, and May 18
Cost: $40 per webinar or $200 for entire series
In preparation for the Trade Winds - Latin America Business Development Conference and Trade Mission in September 2016, the U.S. Commercial Service is hosting a webinar series on business opportunities in Latin America. Our webinar series will provide valuable insights to new and experienced exporters who will gain knowledge of export opportunities in this dynamic region. Companies will learn about best prospects, financial and legal considerations, and marketing strategies in seven countries in Latin America. The webinars will cover Chile, Mexico, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay. Register for individual webinars by clicking on the country name or register for entire webinar series.

Best Practices and Opportunities for Central American Student Recruitment Webinar
Date: February 17
Time: 1:00pm CT
Cost: $30
Is your institution interested in the Central American Market, which attracted nearly 7,350 students in the 2014/2015 school year? Between Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, there is an incredible market for higher education recruitment just south of our border. This webinar will cover topics your institution will need to consider to conduct recruitment efforts in Central America. Topics will cover student visas, outreach for various scholarships/grants as well as information on each market including general facts on the country/population, number/profile of students attending higher education institutions in the U.S. and market entry strategies/opportunities. Learn more and register now!

Opportunities in UK Infrastructure and the I3 Forum Webinar
Date: February 17
Time: 10:30am CT
Cost: FREE
The UK has announced massive transportation projects valued at $160 billion, and the 2016 Strategic 100 Global Infrastructure Report by CGLA put UK at the top of its list of locations for project opportunities. The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commercial Service UK) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will be hosting a webinar for U.S. firms looking to secure opportunities in the UK and beyond. This webinar will provide detailed market analysis by Frost & Sullivan, discuss project implementation and opportunities, educate U.S. firms how to leverage the U.S. Embassy in the UK to increase business opportunities, and more! Register now!

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Your U.S. Commercial Service / North Dakota Office 

	Heather Ranck Office Director and International Trade Specialist Ph: 701-239-5080 Email: Heather.Ranck@trade.gov
	Megan Klosterman Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Megan.Klosterman@trade.gov
	Kate Roehrich Export Assistant Ph: 701-239-5033 Email: Kate.Roehrich@trade.gov

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US Commercial Service | United States Department of Commerce | 811 Second Ave. N | Suite 436 | Fargo | ND | 58102