March 2 Forum to Provide Information on International Trade Opportunities Assistance Programs

The Trade Connect Regional Trade Forum: How to Grow Your Business through Export will take place on March 2 from 9 a.m. – noon at the San Bernardino International Airport, International Terminal. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Offered by the Port of Los Angeles in strategic partnership with the EDCT Foundation of the San Bernardino Community College District, and in co-sponsorship with the City of San Bernardino and the San Bernardino International Airport, the event will bring together experts to inform Inland Empire businesses and entrepreneurs of the multitude of international trade opportunities and assistance programs available to them. The Trade Connect Regional Trade Forum will introduce Inland Empire manufacturers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to the myriad services, programs and resources available from international trade experts, financial institutions, business providers, and local, county and federal government agencies designed to assist them in starting, expanding and diversifying their businesses through entry into the International Trade sector. Speakers and panelists from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Administration, Export-Import Bank, LA Custom Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, LA County Bar Association, Centers for International Trade, San Bernardino County, the MicroEnterprise Collaborative of Inland Southern California, Bank of America, and numerous small business lenders and providers such as the Entrepreneurship Institute of San Bernardino will present the most current information available. SBCCD Board of Trustees President John Longville said: “The San Bernardino Community College District, through its Economic Development and Corporate Training Foundation, is pleased to sponsor this event which will provide timely and specialized information to those interested in doing business in international trade.” Businesses, educational institutions and government agencies interested in sponsorship opportunities for the event including vendor booths (free of charge), wall banner sponsorships, program advertising and listings and various donations sought in support of the event should contact Ashley Gaines, EDCT Foundation Interim Director at 909.382.4074 or by email at againes@sbccd.org. Chancellor Bruce Baron explained, “The topics to be covered at this Forum, such as “Export Readiness,” “Finding and Expanding Overseas Markets,” and “Financing and Insuring Overseas Markets” will make the nuts and bolts of international trade readily understandable and open up commerce in a way we have not made available before. This is also a terrific networking opportunity for business people and government personnel.” For information, contact Jean Coronel at jcoronel@portla.org or visit http://tinyurl.com/IntroTC30216 to register. The event is free for attendees and the media are welcome to attend.