Delta Chamber of Commerce

Introductory seminar aimed at entrepreneurs planning, starting or expanding their business in the USA  — with continental breakfast

The USA represents a huge market that is very receptive to Canadian ideas and products, whether manufactured in Canada or imported into the USA from lower-cost international countries. With the reduction of trade barriers under NAFTA, combined with the availability of low-cost imported product and components, the opportunities for profit are substantial.  However, unless a company has a $1+ million marketing budget, its management will need to learn and employ practical, cost effective methods and strategies.

Key Topics include:
•    Overview of the USA Market Place
•    Basic Sales and Marketing Strategies
•    Canada USA Distribution/Logistics
•    Brokerage and Cross Border Lessons

Jim Pettinger

Jim Pettinger is president of International Market Access, Inc. (www.UCanTrade.com). He is a Canadian citizen who has owned a business in Washington State since 1984. His company provides office, warehouse, distribution and return/repair services for more than 130 Canadian companies that market and distribute to USA markets. Jim is a frequent speaker on the topic of “Doing Business in the USA”, and has participated in several export seminars conducted by the British Columbia and Canadian governments. He is currently a director of PACE – Pacific Corridor Enterprise Council, a private-sector cross-border trade association.

April Collier

April Collier is a Senior Compliance Adviser with Pacific Customs Brokers USA. Her import background encompasses commodities from around the world, arriving into the United States via all modes of transportation. April is a broker licensed by U. S. Customs & Border Protection, and a Certified Customs Specialist with 25+ years of industry experience. April has conducted many seminars and workshops on importing, in addition to classes on “Preparation for Customs Broker Licensing”.

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Schedule:
08:00 – 08:30:     Registration (Continental Breakfast)
08:30 – 08:45:     Welcome and Introductions – Delta Chamber of Commerce
08:45 – 09:00:     Overview of the U.S. Market
09:00 – 09:25:     USA Marketing and Distribution (Strategies, Lessons & Pitfalls)
(International Market Access, Inc.)
09:30 – 10:00:     U. S. Custom Clearance Guidelines (Procedures and Issues)
(Pacific Customs Brokers Ltd.)
10:00 – 10:30     Roundtable: Question, Answers, and Discussion