Below are upcoming U.S. Commercial Service initiatives designed to connect you to business opportunities around the world. Please scroll down to learn more about each opportunity.

1) Event: IncoTerms 2010 Seminar in Pittsburgh

2) Webinar: Logistics, Incoterms and FTAs considerations when Exporting to Mexico
3) Event: Futurallia Kansas City 2011
4) Event: Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference
5) Commercial News USA Offers Free Arabic Translation and 2-for-1 Special
6) Promote Your Products in 178 Countries Worldwide for $499

If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html

Event: IncoTerms 2010 Seminar in Pittsburgh
Venue: Pittsburgh, PA and Erie, PA
Dates: March 10, 2011 and March 11, 2011
Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/pittsburgh/incoterm.html

IncoTerms, the standardized trade terms commonly used in international sales contracts, are updated every 10 years by the United States Council for International Business. The revisions to IncoTerms 2000 came into enforcement in January 2011. This seminar is to get up to date on IncoTerms 2010. Topics include: Overview of Incoterms® rules, the revision process, useful definitions, role in sales/purchasing contracts, hurdles and contracts, an American perspective, Incoterm-by-Incoterm analysis, and relation to payment terms. For more information, please contact Erin.McBride-Lovas@trade.gov or Erin.McBride-Lovas@trade.gov.

Webinar: Logistics, Incoterms and FTAs considerations when Exporting to Mexico
Venue: Your Computer
Date/Time: March 17, 2011; 11:00AM-12:15PM EST
Cost: $40 per company
Learn more/register: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=1Q2D

Mexico is the United States’ 3rd largest trade partner and 2nd largest export market for U.S. products. Learn from experienced exporters, Commercial officials, and others experts about the logistics involved when exporting to Mexico, the new Incoterms 2010 and how your company can benefit from the Free Trade Agreements in the Americas such as CAFTA-DR and NAFTA. This webinar is part of our Trade Winds 2011 Webinar Series focusing on how to successfully do business throughout the western hemisphere region. For more information please contact Diego.Gattesco@trade.gov.

Event: Futurallia Kansas City 2011
Venue: Kansas City, Missouri
Date: May 18-20, 2011
Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/kansascity/futurallia2011.html

In its 20th year, Futurallia KC 2011 will allow small to medium exporters to select up to 16 one-on-one meetings in two days with companies of their choice. This is not a conference, but a disciplined event for the sole purpose of matching small to medium exporters and entrepreneurs from all over the world in one place to develop international business relationships and export opportunities. The U.S. Commercial Service will assist U.S. companies in the Expert Village with questions on exporting to particular countries.

Event: Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference
Venue: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
Date: March 28-29, 2011
Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/pacificsouth/apbo.html

The APBO conference, hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles with the support of the U.S. Commercial Service, is the longest-running, most successful regional conference focusing specifically on Asian markets. It is a rare opportunity for U.S. exporters to meet with thirteen senior commercial officers (SCOs) from throughout the Asia Pacific region and from India at one venue. The SCOs from American embassies, consulates and institutes in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam will speak in small group workshops and be available for private one-on-one consultations with APBO participants. Space is limited so sign up today.

Commercial News USA Offers Free Arabic Translation and 2-for-1 Special
Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an inexpensive way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. This does not include Showcase section). Moreover, advertises in the May-June issue will receive a free listing ad online in Arabic. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter-million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, please call 1-800-581-8533, x 822, visit http://www.thinkglobal.us, or email advertise@thinkglobal.us.

Promote Your Products in 178 Countries Worldwide for $499
Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, you can advertise in the USA Product Showcase section of the magazine for just $499. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, please call 1-800-581-8533, x 822, visit http://www.thinkglobal.us/499, or email advertise@thinkglobal.us.
The U.S. Commercial Service – Your Global Business Partner. With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/home/us.html .

Turn-In-Date extended to February 11, 2011

Wittenberg and WorkPlus are partnering to complete a comprehensive Wage & Benefit Study for the Clark County community. You should have received a letter from Amy Donahoe asking for your participation.  Please read this letter carefully and follow the instructions.  This is important data for our community businesses, and for the attraction of new business to our region.

As a thank you for your participation, you will receive the outcomes in June of 2011, while the information will be released to the public in January 2012.  We look forward to receiving your confidential responses.

Access the survey here at www.surveymethods.com. The company code required can be found in your letter, or you can request the code with the W&B Team at wage.benefit.survey@gmail.com.

Ohio Export Trade Missions in 2011

Trade Managers in the Global Markets Division will lead Export Trade Missions in 2011. The purpose of the missions is to assist Ohio-based companies in exporting their products and services to these dynamic and growing markets.

Southeast Asia - March 18-26, 2011

China – April 4-13, 2011

Germany – April 30 to May 6, 2011

India – April 30 to May 8, 2011

For more information, contact the Global Markets Division at (614) 466-5017.

Photo from Danilo Ruzzito

I received this information from ODOD’s Global Markets Division and thought I would pass it on.

US Department of Commence conducts numerous Webinars and local seminars on various topics and industries, in addition to trade missions and trade shows around the world.  Visit the USDOC website for more details on their programs, or click here for events of interest in Ohio.

For a comprehensive list of US Department of Commerce trade missions, please click here.

January and February 2011 – Grow Your Business Through Exports is a series of workshops for companies that are new to international trade. The workshops are being held in Dayton and conducted by EMTEC’s International Services and the International Trade Assistance Center (ITAC), along with the US Commercial Service Office-Cincinnati. More information is available online or contact Kathy Marshalek at (937) 253-0033.

January and March 2011 – The Ohio Israel Agriculture Initiative of The Negev Foundation is recruiting Ohio companies to participate in the Ohio booth at two agricultural trade shows in Israel:Arava MoPatuach, January 19-20; and AgroMashov Agricultural Tradeshows, March 2-3. For additional information and registration form, contact Sarah Horowitz at (216) 691-9997 or access the details online.

January 24, 2011 – One-on-One Counseling Sessions with Commercial Service Specialist Wanwemol Charukultharvatch will be in Cleveland to meet with Ohio companies interested in doing business in Thailand. One-on-one appointments can be made by contacting Jay Biggs at (216) 522-4750.

January 28, 2011 - The Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the Year of the Rabbit during the Annual Lunar New Year Gala. For more information, contact the GCCCC by email, phone (513) 852-4100, or view details online.

February 17, 2011 – MVITA Executive Luncheon will honor local companies that received the 2010 Governor’s Excellence in Export Awards. To register, contact Jim Ireton at (937) 226-8482.

February 17, 2011 – Incoterms® 2010 Rules Seminar will be held in Columbus at TechColumbus. On January 1, 2011 the 2010 revision to Incoterms® will take effect. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms® are global rules that clarify the costs, risks and responsibilities of both buyers and sellers. More information is available online or call (212) 703-5066.

February 28, 2011 – Doing Business with Colombia: Current and Future Market Opportunities for U.S. Exporters will be in Cincinnati and feature Senior Commercial Officer in Bogota, Margaret Hanson-Muse. For more information, contact Penny Toschlog at (513) 684-2944.

March 22, 2011 -The Cleveland U.S. Export Assistance Center is organizing a day-long seminar in Independence, Export Controls Seminar – Complying with U.S. Export Control Laws, An Overview for Ohio Companies. More information is available online or call Jay Biggs at (216) 522-4750.

March 27-April 1, 2011 – Israel Unmanned Systems 2011 is an International Trade Mission jointly organized by Airlift and the United States Embassy in Israel. The mission will focus on Unmanned Systems (aerial, ground, and naval autonomous systems). Details are available online.

This is part of an email I received this morning.  Thought it was worth sending on.

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Dear International Business Executive,

I am pleased to introduce myself to you as the new Director of the Global Markets Division at the Ohio Department of Development.  By way of background, I have been working with the Ohio Department of Development for the past six years, and have served as the Assistant Director in Global Markets for the past three and a half years.  I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead this division in our efforts to attract and retain jobs in Ohio by supporting Ohio exporters and attracting new investment to Ohio.

On behalf of our entire team in the Global Markets Division, both here in Columbus and throughout our network of 11 international trade and investment offices, we will continue to strive to provide our clients and stakeholders with an exceptional quality of service. If you have questions or comments, I would like to hear from you. I can be reached at (614) 466-5800 or Scott.Kuehn@development.ohio.gov.

Wishing you all the best and a very happy and successful 2011!

…

Thank you.

Scott Kuehn

The Ohio Department of Development’s Global Markets Division is recruiting Ohio-based companies to join the Export Trade Mission to South Africa from February 23 to March 3, 2011. The mission is being coordinated by a team comprised of Sean Corson in the Global Markets Division, the Ohio Southern Africa Regional Office, and the Council of Great Lakes Governors. The mission will make stops in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town. The deadline to register is January 10, 2011. More information is available online or contact Sean Corson at (614) 728 4775.

SAVE THE DATE – More export trade missions are planned in 2011 to the regions and dates listed below. Additional information will be announced soon.

Germany – April 30 – May 6, 2011

Southeast Asia – May 2011

India – May 2011

China – May/June 2011

SUBJECT: One Page Form for Health Care Tax Credit for Small Businesses

December 2, 2010

Dear Small Business Owner,

As I’ve traveled the country this year, I have heard from many of you who are looking forward to the new tax credits, health insurance exchanges, and other tools that will help you provide health insurance coverage to your employees as a result of the Affordable Care Act.

The most immediate benefit of the new law is a tax credit that will help America’s smallest employers and nonprofit organizations (less than 25 full-time equivalent employees with average annual wages below $50,000) who have been hit hardest by premium increases in recent years.  Today, I’m pleased to announce that the Administration is releasing a one-page form and instructions (available at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=231928,00.html?portlet=7) on how to claim this credit for the 2010 tax year.   In addition, new guidance released today answers questions that many of you have asked related to: your current contribution arrangements, eligibility for certain religious institutions, and participation by multiemployer health and welfare plans. In each case, the Administration has worked to ensure that a broad range of small businesses can qualify.

These credits are available for tax years 2010 through 2013 and for any two years after that.  Through 2013, the maximum tax credit is 35 percent of premiums paid by small employers and 25 percent for eligible tax-exempt organizations.  Beginning in 2014, those levels increase to 50 percent and 35 percent, respectively.  Importantly, these credits are just one of many benefits in the Affordable Care Act.  Most notably, in 2014, firms with up to 100 workers will be able to pool their buying power and reduce their administrative costs by purchasing coverage through a health insurance exchange.

Finally, the new law strengthens America’s entrepreneurial spirit, overall.  For example, it outlaws discrimination against those with pre-existing conditions, giving more Americans the ability to break out of “job lock” and start their own companies.  The new law also prohibits insurance companies from dramatically increasing premiums for a small business just because one worker gets sick.

Overall, the Affordable Care Act is a critical tool that will help millions of small business owners provide health insurance to people who you often consider to be members of your extended family – your employees.  As a nation, we owe you nothing less as you work to grow, create jobs, and lead us toward full economic recovery.

Warm regards,

Karen Mills

SBA Administrator

>> Main SBA website

SBA Webchats

Many people don’t know that the SBA has experts on various small business topics make themselves available to talk and answer questions on the internet.  The next one is tomorrow and deals with how to reduce taxes for small business.  In addition, the transcripts of previous sessions are kept online.  Here the most recent:

“Cash Flow Management” – 9/30/2010 – Julie Brander, Past Chapter Chair, SCORE New Haven
“Health Care and Small Business” – 8/12/2010 – John Tuzynski, Chief of Employment Tax, IRS
“Disaster Preparedness for Business Owners: An Inside View” – 6/24/2010 – Genma Holmes, Small Business Owner, Holmes Pest Control
“Small Business Start-Up – Ask the Expert” – 4/22/2010 – Barry McKinley, SCORE Counselor
Orange County Chapter 114
“Contracting Opportunities & Surety Bonds“- 3/4/2010 – Karen Hontz, Director of Government Contracting; Pam Swilling, Program Review Analyst, Office of Surety Guarantees at the U. S. Small Business Administration
“Small Business Exports & Access to Credit” – 1/28/2010 – Richard Ginsburg and Patrick Tunison, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration

Tomorrow’s Webchat – Year-End Tax Planning for Small Business Owners

SBA’s Web Chat to Focus on Year-End Tax Planning for Small Business Owners

Thursday, December 9, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., ET

WASHINGTON – It is not too late for business owners to reduce their 2010 tax bills and plan ahead for 2011.  The U.S. Small Business Administration’s December web chat will focus on tax preparation for small business owners.  Participants can get useful year-end tax tips and information, and learn more about tax deductions and credits that can help to reduce their taxes.

WHO: Edward S. Karl, vice president of Taxation for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), will host the December web chat on “Year-end Tax Essentials for Small Business Owners.”  Chat participants can get valuable information on how to prepare now with useful tax savings tips and mistakes to avoid.  Karl will answer questions on how to get the most out of year-end tax planning.

WHAT:           SBA’s web chat series provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.  Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session.

WHEN:           December 9, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. ET

Karl will answer questions for one hour.

HOW: Participants can join the live web chat by going online to www.sba.gov, and clicking “Online Business Chat.”  Web chat participants may also post questions before the December 9th chat by visiting http://web.sba.gov/livemeeting/chat.

To review archives of past web chats, visit online at http://www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.html.

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Here are some of the more interesting comments he made (read yesterday’s post and/or review the SBA programs to get more information on the programs):

• The 7a program can guarantee (starting on 1/1/2011) 85% up to $150,000 and 75% over that.

• Two of the “delegated” products of the SBA are the Preferred Lender and SBA Express programs.  With the Preferred Lender program, you have to use the SBA forms and follow the SBA rules, but you have the authority to approve the loan subject to final SBA approval.  With the SBA Express program, which came out about 10 years ago, you can use your own approval system (as long as you document it in the file).  For banks like Huntington and PNC, when encountering a business loan under $100,000, would include the ability to do the program through the credit card application.  The SBA Express is a 50% guarantee up to a maximum of $1 million, which will drop back to $350,000 next year unless the current policy is extended.

• The Community Express program is not likely to continue.

• The Patriot Express program is for vets and their families and can provide a guarantee of up to 85%, for up to $500,000.

• For the 504 program, the federal government requires that the deal cannot be done conventionally.  Oftentimes, though, there is a collateral shortfall that makes a private bank unwilling to do the deal without some help.

• Refinancing is now possible, if it is a total refinance.

• With an SBA 504, the bank participant has to be willing to do at least ten years on a term.  The upfront origination fee will start back again beginning the first of the year.  It is 50 basis points, and the lenders need to be cognizant of this.  Regarding equity requirements, ten percent is not a hard, fixed requirement.  There are cases where 100% might be possible – an existing profitable manufacturer looking to buy new equipment, where an equity injection would require them to go get additional working capital.

• With 504 job requirements, this is an area that has  some flexibility.  The standard rule is one job for every $65,000 lent, unless it’s a manufacturer, and then it’s one job per $100,000. One example of an exception is the rural rule, which says that if the deal is taking place in a rural area, then you don’t need to worry about job creation.

• With respect to signing personally, the rule is still that anyone with over 20% ownership has to sign personally.  There was some discussion about to what extent you go after getting mortgages on the house – psychological benefit versus not collecting the full amount of the loan on the back end.

• Information required is spelled out in their “Form 4.”

• It was also stressed that the SBA closes when  the business has obtained their occupancy permit.  In other words, a bank using the program may need to have temporary financing in place before this can take place, say a 120-day note.

Tomorrow, I’ll share my notes from the meeting.

>> SBA Home Page