With a mission to attract investment and create jobs, the World Trade Center Savannah’s three-pronged approach is to help regional businesses expand internationally, identify more foreign direct investment opportunities for the region and generate revenue to support those activities.
The organization, an affiliate of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, has announced 10 new educational programs for 2015.
Topics range from branding for international business to import/export compliance, from protocol training to how small agribusinesses can export U.S.-made food and agriculture products around the world.
These classes will be on the fourth floor of the World Trade Center Savannah building on Hutchinson Island, beginning in late January:
• Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) — Does your business understand the “terms of sale” of your international transactions? It is critical to comprehend the rights and obligations of both the importer and exporter. Learn how to mitigate the costs and risks associated with the transfer and delivery of goods. Seminar attendees will earn 4 CES / CCS Points. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 29. Cost: $100.
• Agricultural exporting — The Southern United Trade Association is a nonprofit that helps small businesses based in the southern United States export U.S.-made food and agriculture products around the world. Learn how SUSTA can help your small agricultural business grow internationally. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 26. Cost: $15 includes light breakfast.
• C-PAT Security Training — This interactive training course covers all aspects of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism certification and ongoing responsibilities of a C-TPAT participant. The World Academy, a nationally recognized training organization, will lead the seminar, and attendees will earn 6.5 CCS points. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 30. Cost: $75.
• Importer’s Roundtable I — What are the first things you need to know when you start importing? Join World Trade Center Savannah for lunch and discussion with other importers in the Savannah Region. Noon-2 p.m. May 28. Cost: $25 includes lunch.
• Branding for International Business — In the evolving world of digital marketing, having a strong, social media and Web presence for your markets is essential. Learn from experts what you can do to brand your business for the global stage. 12:30-5 p.m. Aug. 27. Cost: $30.
• Importer’s Roundtable II — Join World Trade Savannah for lunch and a discussion on what you need to know when you start importing. Noon-2 p.m. Sept. 17. Cost: $25 includes lunch.
• Export Compliance and Documentation — Earn the skills needed to export goods and services to foreign markets. The World Academy, a nationally recognized training organization offering import/export trade compliance education and training, will lead the seminar. Attendees will earn 6.5 CES points. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24. Cost: $75.
• Protocol Training — When meeting with international clients, should you bring a gift? How should you greet and address them? When should you negotiate?
This training session will provide professionals who require knowledge in international protocol with current methods for doing business and coordinating events where international order of precedence, customs and cultural differences are critical. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 13. Cost: $35
• Foreign Trade Zones — Foreign Trade Zones provide a secure and profitable platform to compete in domestic and global markets. Learn the benefits of the FTZ program, how it can help your business and how you can get started — everything you need to know to grow your business through a Foreign Trade Zone. 12:30-5 p.m. Nov. 5. Cost: $30.
• Establishing Import/Export Compliance — Many international supply chain participants have to create and implement corporate operating procedures to assist in the company’s management of global sourcing and distribution. This seminar is a one-of-a-kind forum to learn how to establish procedures that will reflect the focus of companies and security within your international supply chain. Attendees will earn 6.5 CES points. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 17. Cost: $75.
ON THE WEB
For program updates, registration and more information, visit the Events section of www.wtcsavannah.org