International Trade: May Newsletter

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international trade team - michigan economic development corp

MichiganBusiness.org

May 1, 2019

Bohning Product

Small Archery Business Takes Down
Chinese Counterfeit Operations

Michigan Company Protects Intellectual Property in China

After years of investigations and significant expense, Chinese police and Bohning's CEO/Owner, Larry Griffith, have taken down several Chinese counterfeit operations. Significant amounts of counterfeit archery goods were seized as a result of early morning raids conducted April 11th.

It all began a few years ago when archers from around the world notified Bohning of what appeared to be poor-quality Blazer vanes. Upon receiving the vanes, Bohning quickly identified them as counterfeit. All Bohning vanes are, and always have been, manufactured at the Bohning facility in Lake City, MI.

Bohning worked collaboratively with lawyers in Beijing and Chinese police, whose assistance was instrumental.

Click here to keep reading Bohning's story.


Upcoming Events

Legal Essentials Event Registration

Legal Essentials to Export Toolkit

Hosted by Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC

Join us for an educational program designed to help businesses identify legal and compliance issues that are relevant as businesses pursue export opportunities. Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC and special guest speakers host an interactive workshop to learn tips and tools to ensure compliance. Seminars are free but registration is required. Topics and dates include:

May 9 | Traverse City "Export Control Overview Compliance"

September 19 | Grand Rapids Combination of "Intellectual Property & Business Partner Due Diligence" and "Export Control Overview Compliance"

Click here for details and registration for each event.


Celebrate World Trade Month!

Check out the upcoming events and webinars that celebrate May as World Trade Month:

Doing Business in China and Thailand Event Registration

Doing Business in China and Thailand

May 7, 2019
Automation Alley
Troy

Join Automation Alley, Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center, and a lineup of international business experts for a discussion on the opportunities and challenges of doing business in China and Thailand. This event is open to small-to-mid size companies interested in doing business in China and Thailand, and is a precursor to Automation Alley’s trade mission to the region on September 13-20, 2019. Ning Shao, Chief Executive at the Michigan China Center, is the keynote speaker.

Topics will include the changing dynamics of doing business globally, including manufacturing trends and fiscal and legal reforms. The event will also include case studies and information on industry sectors with a high demand for Michigan-made products, services and technologies. Learn from experts about market entry strategies and how to identify reputable business partners.

Click here for details and registration. 


International Trade Webinars

International Trade Webinars

May 7 – Export Credit Insurance – Export Import Bank
May 9 – Find New Buyers, Finance Deals and Get Paid – US Census Bureau
May 14 – Export Mechanics – International Trade Administration
May 16 – Managing Challenges in the Global Marketplace – US Census Bureau
May 22 – Financing Export Development Activities – Small Business Administration
May 23 – Online Tools for Finding New Markets – US Census Bureau
May 30 – Opportunities in International Development – US Census Bureau


World Trade Week Registration

West Michigan World Trade Week
Business Conference

May 15, 2019
Van Andel Global Trade Center
Grand Rapids

West Michigan World Trade Week is a celebration of international trade and business growth for the West Michigan region. For 34 years, area businesses and community leaders have worked together to share international business knowledge and resources at the annual business conference and key networking events scheduled throughout the week. The conference highlights the link between international trade and Michigan's economic well-being, recognizes the contributions of international trade to job creation in Michigan, and commends companies succeeding in global markets.

Click here for details and registration. 


Partner Events

China Emerging Market

China Market Assessment:
Racing Towards Transformation

May 15, 2019
Original Equipment Suppliers Association
Troy

Industry executives interested in the China market or doing business with Chinese companies domestically are invited to attend this event at the MSU Management Education Center, in Troy, Mich. This briefing will offer deep perspectives into the dynamic Chinese vehicle market with engaging discussions on economics, policy, product strategies, legal insight and partnering expertise. 

Conference attendees can expect to gain insight on:
• Product strategies for best positioning
• Economic drivers fueling the outlook in China
• Policy factors impacting product strategies and investment decisions
• China’s vehicle sales and production environment as well as competing product segments
• Legal considerations in protecting intellectual property and structuring long-term partnerships
• Operational excellence, including qualifying and working with alliance partners
• New competitive realities

Click here for details and registration. 


Michigan Space Forum Registration

Michigan Space Forum

May 31-June 1, 2019
Traverse City Space Accelerator
Traverse City

The Michigan Space Forum brings together industry experts ranging from space, aerospace, engineering, academia, and entrepreneurial backgrounds. The Michigan Space Forum is a two day interactive platform for exciting and substantive discussion regarding Michigan's role in shaping the next generation of space architecture. Topics include how the state can entice businesses to develop space technology on "The Third Coast," the cultivation of the "Astropreneur," and how innovations in space can be used to study Earth and improve communications on a global scale. 

Click here for details and registration. 


EcoMotion 2019

EcoMotion 2019 Conference

June 11, 2019
Pure Michigan Business Connect
Tel Aviv, Israel

The biggest week in smart mobility is one of the best places to meet innovators in transportation with hundreds of start-ups, dozens of senior executives and policymakers in EcoMotion’s unique atmosphere, fostering brainstorming, networking, and innovation.

The EcoMotion conference will offer speed-networking with local Israeli Startups through MEDC's PlanetM platform. There will be 130 Israeli startups exhibiting and over 4,000 attendees this year. Final details on the timing and logistics of the speed-networking are being determined, but we have solidified that it will take place the afternoon of June 11, 2019.

Airfare and other travel expenses will be your responsibility, and lodging information is available upon request. Eligible companies may qualify for MI-STEP Grant funds to offset 50% of the cost to travel (including airfare). For more information, contact your International Trade Manager or visit www.michiganbusiness.org/services/international-trade

For information on the startups attending and how to get involved with Match Meetings, please contact Bobby Chasnis, Pure Michigan Business Connect Development and Operations Manager, at 517-599-4074 or chasnisr@michigan.org.


BIS Event Registration

Complying with U.S. Export Controls & How to Build an Export Compliance Program

June 11-13, 2019
Bureau of Industry and Security & East Michigan District Export Council
Detroit

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the East Michigan District Export Council, with the support of the U.S. Commercial Service, are hosting this one, two, or three-day, hands-on workshop. The event is designed for all levels of expertise on export control issues and a great opportunity to learn directly from BIS regulatory experts. 

The event will cover U.S. Government export controls including:
• Types of Controls
• Classifying your product
• Developing an export management compliance program
• Changes under the Export Control Reform initiative
• Laws and policies on U.S. economic and trade sanctions worldwide
• Licensing requirements and more!

Click here for details and registration. 


For more information about the MEDC International Trade Services
visit our website, contact export@michigan.org, or your regional International Trade Manager.
Follow us on LinkedIn!