CURRENT NEWS
Spring, 2008
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RESOURCES
FITA Global Trade Portal - Source for international import export trade leads, events, and
links to 8,000 international trade (export import) related Websites.
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 World eTrader
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Quarterly WTC Newsletter |
Spring, 2008
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The World is Becoming More Global
by Peter M. Guyer
This ironic quip was overheard recently in an elevator.
It struck me that not only Thomas Friedman, author of "The World is Flat,"
is thinking about the world differently now, but also so are many others.
Americans are finally beginning to understand that there are both opportunities and pitfalls outside our own borders, a fact Europeans and Asians have understood and exploited for decades.
There are four main trends impacting today's global mileu.
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Upcoming World Trade Club Events
May
8: Membership Reception
May 28: China and the Global Economy - The New Reality
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Welcome to the Spring issue of the World eTrader, the World Trade Club's quarterly newsletter. The Puget Sound Region is one of the most internationalized regions in the United States, intricately tied to international business and the global economy. The World Trade Club’s aim is to provide you with news and information on a variety of international trade topics. In this issue, we hope you enjoy reading our feature column on global trends impacting business and the economy. We are also pleased to provide you with several event updates, including the 2008 Governor’s Trader of the Year Awards, as well as our recent programs on the changing landscape of importing and doing business in Saudi Arabia. Please be sure to visit the World Trade Club website for our full calendar of programs and events. Happy reading!
Sincerely,
The World Trade Club
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Global Technology and Manufacturing Companies Receive World Trade Club's 2008 Governor's Trader of the Year Awards
The World Trade Club congratulates the winners of the 2008 Governor's Trader of the Year and Emerging Trader of the Year Awards. Each award recognizes a Washington-based company that has significantly contributed to the
expansion of Washington's international trade. The Governor's Trader of the Year is PACCAR Inc, based in Bellevue, WA. PACCAR is a Fortune 150 global technology company that manufactures high quality commercial vehicles around the world under the Kenworth,
Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. nLIGHT Corporation, based in Vancouver, WA, is the winner of the Governor's Emerging Trader of the Year Award.
nLIGHT Corporation is a privately held company established in 2000 that develops and manufactures photonics modules for industrial, defense, and medical applications.
"The World Trade Club takes great pride in being able to present the Governor's annual awards," said Mike Trail,
President of the Club. "Washington State has a thriving trading business community and the World Trade Club has been integral in helping build and shape that community for over 60 years now."
Washington Governor Christine Gregoire presented the awards to these impressive companies during Washington State
Trade Week 2008 at the Governor's Trader of the Year Awards Reception on March 20 in Tacoma, WA.
The World Trade Club received applications from companies representing a variety of industries, and all with a strong
presence in the international marketplace. Applicants consistently demonstrated innovation, commitment to community service, and strong international market penetration.
Click here to view photos of the awards reception.
About the Award winners
PACCAR Inc. - Recipient
of the Governor's Trader of the Year Award
nLIGHT Corporation - Recipient of the Governor's Emerging Trader of the Year Award
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 Saudi
Arabia - Your Land of Good N Plenty!
The World Trade Club launched its programs for the year with a sold out event in January, "Greatest Business Opportunities in the History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
Ed Burton, President of the US Saudi Arabian Business Council and Lee Monson, Sr. Vice President of Boeing Commercial Airplane Sales, presented information on the growing market opportunities in Saudi Arabia, now estimated at $1.4 trillion to potential
investors through 2020. The liquidity, the growth and opportunity is staggering. U.S. companies have a huge market opportunity made even more compelling by the weak dollar.
The sold out event was enriched with excellent networking,
delicious Moroccan food, a hosted bar complements of the US Saudi Business Council and informative, engaging presentations. Our many thanks to our sponsors, presenters, and all those that helped make it a success!
Click here to enjoy event photos.
As was mentioned, there are a number of students from Saudi looking for home visits, home stays and a chance to experience Americana family style. This is a great way to learn more about the culture and give you an edge
in business while making friends.
As Lee Monson suggested: Is Saudi Arabia your land of
good n plenty?!? I have just returned from a trip to the Kingdom, and my answer is a definite Yes, the Saudi economy is booming! The US Saudi Business Council leads delegations every year. Please
contact me regarding questions about the event, the Council, and Saudi student opportunities,
Nohl Martin Fouroohi, Founder of Ignite Biz, Inc and WTC Board member, email
contact: nohl@ignitebiz.com.
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The Changing Landscape of Importing
The World Trade Club's February event focused on the ever-changing landscape of importing. Our panel of speakers featured Deborah Li, Import Manager with
SUPERVALU International, Christopher Priddy and Joshua DeCristo from the firm of
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, and Jennifer Jolley of Jennifer L. Jolley PLLC.
All four speakers have extensive backgrounds in dealing with importing and shared several "real world" examples of both the opportunities and potential pitfalls of entering the import arena. Among the many topics covered at the event were strategic sourcing,
the impact of the internet as a sourcing tool, reducing product liability, challenges of foreign litigation, protecting your company's intellectual property rights and anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
We'd like to thank those who attended this dynamic event!
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About the World Trade Club
Established in 1946, the World Trade Club is one of the oldest as well as one of the largest international trade organizations in Washington.
Its mission is to provide a forum for the business community to acquire practical skills for international business; give briefings on international trade issues; expand the understanding of business practices of U.S. trading partners; and develop long-term
strategic contacts to advance international business. The Club has regular meetings in a downtown Seattle or Eastside locations. The meetings feature noted experts who make presentations on international trade topics. The Club also organizes skill sessions
and seminars to provide in-depth information on very specific issues of interest to our members. For more information, visit the World Trade Club at
www.worldtradeclub.net.
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