Events

Are you an importer? Do you pay customs duty? Would you like to defer, reduce, or eliminate that duty? Join World Trade Center Savannah and ISCM Inc. for a program to explore the benefits of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) program, how to get started, and what you need to know to grow your business with an FTZ. The FTZ program is available to U.S.-based companies and can be established at your warehouse, distribution, or manufacturing facility. Who should attend: importers and exporters, economic development professionals, commercial real estate brokers, customs brokers and freight forwarders, commercial bankers, accountants.

Join us for an insightful seminar led by Rick Walker, a seasoned expert with extensive experience as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), a Tier 1 Supplier and the founder and leader of G eorgia Automotive Manufacturers Association (GAMA) for the past fourteen years. This presentation will delve into the expectations that OEMs have from their suppliers. Drawing from his personal experiences, Rick will highlight some of the common characteristics shared by OEMs, despite their unique business cultures and procedures. Attendees will gain valuable insights into key factors that influence OEM-supplier relationships and learn best practices to help meet and exceed OEM expectations. Whether you are a current supplier or aspiring to become one, this seminar will provide attendees with knowledge and strategies needed to succeed in the competitive automotive industry. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact Antwone Mohammed at amohammed@wtcsavannah.org for more information.

Are you looking for ways to finance your global sales, access working capital and protect your supply chain? If so, you don’t want to miss this upcoming event hosted by World Trade Center Savannah, Regions Bank, Export-Import Bank of the United States, the U.S. Small Business Administration , the U.S. Commercial Service, and the UGA SBDC International Trade Center. Global Trade Finance: Tools & Resources is an interactive in-person program highlighting the tools and resources you can use to grow your international business. Guests will hear from experts in global trade finance including Thomas Matthias from Regions Bank, Susan Kintanar from the U.S. Export-Import Bank, David Leonard from the U.S. Small Business Administration, Todd Gerken fom the U.S. Commercial Service and Darrel Hulsey from the UGA SBDC International Trade Center. Speakers will share their insights and best practices on leveraging financial solutions for global expansion. This program is ideal for exporters, importers, distributors, manufacturers, retailers and anyone who wants to learn more about the opportunities and challenges of doing business internationally. Guests will also have the chance to network with other industry leaders and potential partners. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to take your business to the next level. Register now and secure your spot.

How to Enter and Succeed in the Indian Market: A Guide for U.S. Businesses Are you looking for a way to grow your business in one of the world’s most dynamic and emerging economies? India is waiting for you! World Trade Center Savannah and Crescendo Worldwide invite you to a webinar where you will discover the latest trends and opportunities of doing business in India. Crescendo Worldwide is a leading business consultancy and financial advisory firm with a global network and clients in over 150 countries, offering a variety of services, solutions, and products to help you grow your international trade and investment. You will also learn about the World Trade Centers Association’s 54th Annual Global Business Forum: “Empowering Progress through Innovation & Collaboration” happening from Sunday, March 3 to Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Bengaluru, India and how you can participate. This is a unique opportunity to gain experience from experts and connect with potential partners in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Register now and get ready to explore the amazing possibilities of doing business in India!

Join World Trade Center Savannah for our fourth annual Prosperity Through Trade Luncheon on Wednesday, May 3, 11:30 a.m. at the Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Dr. This year’s luncheon will feature former 1st Chief Market Intelligence Officer for the U.S. government and economic futurist Andrew Busch. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) charged Busch with improving and enhancing the government’s understanding of the markets and the economy. His job was to take all the news, information and data on the economy and markets and filter it into condensed, easily understood research and communicate it to the government and public. Busch provided economic and market briefings to White House, U.S. House, U.S. Senate, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Treasury staff on a wide range of issues including interest rates, inflation, China’s influence on trade and the impact of technology on the economy. Prior to joining the CFTC, Busch was CEO and founder of a boutique financial markets and policy research firm, Bering Productions, Inc (BPI). Before BPI, he was the Global Currency and Public Policy Strategist for Bank of Montreal (BMO) in Chicago. He is author of the book “World Event Trading” covering large crises, like infectious disease outbreaks and war, and their impact on the economy and markets. Today, Busch is a consultant and keynote speaker with a wide range of clients including chemicals, financial services, energy, real estate, manufacturing, construction and agriculture. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of our luncheon, please find more information in our sponsor form. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Georgia Ports Authority. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Georgia Southern University.

International trade is the driving force of the world economy, providing goods and services across borders to foster wealth and prosperity throughout the globe. Trade finance helps importers and exporters mitigate financial risks by providing exporters with receivables or payments according to the agreement while extending credit to importers to fulfill trade orders. Mitigating supply chain disruption, ensuring business continuity, and assurance of price and service are vital to safeguarding long-term business viability and remaining competitive and profitable. Learn how to do so from Regions Bank Senior Vice President of the Global Trade Finance Group Thomas Matthias, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Export Finance Manager David Leonard, and U.S. Export-Import Bank Regional Director Susan Kintanar. Topics to include: Supply chain financing Identifying payment methods Accessing working capital Strategies to safeguard your supply chain Building resilient supply chain models This program is sponsored by Regions Bank. Contact Antwone Smoak for more information.

Join World Trade Center Savannah and Barlow & Company, LLC to learn how your company can utilize duty benefits to reduce payments on imported products through free trade agreements, foreign-trade zones, preference programs, and miscellaneous tariff bills. Barlow & Company, LLC Customs Lawyers Myron Paul Barlow and Erik Autor will share tools you can take leverage to minimize or eliminate duty payments, classify products in the U.S. tariff schedule and assigned duty rates, value products subject to ad valorem duties, and apply duties under trade remedies, such as Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act. This program will help importers maximize U.S. Customs duty benefits for better cost-efficiency.

The global supply chain has experienced disruptions since the start of the pandemic. This panel discussion includes importers, manufacturers and industry experts on how they have operated their global supply chains, managed freight disruptions, adapted procurement processes and how they are strategizing their demand planning under volatile conditions. The discussion will be led by Blue Tiger International Managing Director Tom Cook. Panelists will include Sparx Logistics Vice President Jason Manganaro, Supreme Transportation Group CEO Anitra McCall, Qosina Corporation Director of Logistics Joe Mantello, Dastech International Operations Manager Luz Cazeneuve, Apex Logistics International Vice President Mike Piza and Georgia Ports Authority Director of Business Development and International Marketing John Petrino. This virtual program is sponsored by Sparx Logistics and is hosted by World Trade Center Savannah. Advance registration required.

The Georgia-Japan relationship is strong and bound for future growth. Join World Trade Center Savannah as we host representatives from the Japan-America Society of Georgia for an in-person business networking lunch and panel discussion to highlight ways your company can engage and leverage trade opportunities with Japan. Japan is the sixth largest export market for Georgia. In 2020, Georgia’s exports to Japan totaled $1.24 billion, with top commodities including aircraft, gas turbines, medical instruments, chemical wood pulp, and kaolin. Similarly, Japan ranks fifth among Georgia’s importer nations with $5.88 billion in imports in 2020. Guests will hear from the Japan External Trade Organization Assistant Director of International Business Development Trevin Dye, Hodge Consulting Services President Al Hodge, the Georgia Economic Developers Association’s Chair and CEO of the Development Authority of Bulloch County Benjy Thompson, Georgia Ports Authority Director of Business Development and International Marketing John Petrino, and Fuji Vegetable Oil Vice President Barry Yamada. Panel discussion topics to include: Secrets to international trade with Japan Primary industries Top export/import commodities State of Georgia resources and support This program is free, but registration is required as seating is limited.

Do you have what it takes to become a successful international business? Are you ready to make international sales? Expanding your business globally offers great opportunities but requires careful preparation and planning. This workshop will help you gain the knowledge to develop and implement an international plan. You will become acquainted with the key components of an effective import / export plan. Topics include: Organizational and product readiness Market research Guidance for developing your strategy and marketing plan Promoting your products in target markets Complying with U.S. and foreign regulations This four-hour course is taught in two parts by international experts from the Georgia Small Business Development Center, a resource partner of World Trade Center Savannah. Part one will aid you in assessing your readiness, understanding what you need to know and considering all options before pursuing an international strategy. Part two will introduce you to those topics needed to develop and implement your strategy: international pricing and cost issues, proforma export quotations, payment terms and risk assessment. Each part is two hours in length, with a one-hour lunch and networking break between sessions. Hybrid option available.

As markets reopen and companies return to “business as usual,” U.S. companies will grow by exporting products through international markets. However, mitigating supply chain disruption, ensuring business continuity and assurance of price and service are vital to safeguarding long-term business viability and remaining competitive and profitable. Learn how to do so from Regions Bank Vice President of the Global Trade Finance Group Thomas Matthias. Topics to include: Supply chain financing Identifying payment methods Accessing working capital Strategies to safeguard your supply chain Building resilient supply chain models Additional speakers include the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Export Finance Manager David Leonard and U.S. Export-Import Bank Regional Director Susan Kintanar. This program is sponsored by Regions Bank.

With nearly 96 percent of consumers living outside of the United States (U.S.), and two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power in foreign countries, leaders must develop the executive competencies needed to lead and manage effectively in today’s environment. Part one of the World Trade Center Savannah Global Leadership Certification will help you identify global skills, navigate the ever-changing work environment, embrace diversity and develop managerial best practices for regional businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises and minority and women-owned businesses. Topics will include: Keys of global leadership Leadership preparation and adaption Leadership attitude Decision-making and cultural actions Diversity in many shapes and forms