February 17, 2022 — Export Compliance and Distributor Agreements
Various laws and regulations require US companies doing business internationally to comply with a wide variety of export and anti-bribery restrictions. Failure to comply with these laws can result in costly investigations, high penalties and reputational loss. Local attorney Grant Leach will cover what these laws and regulations require and when they do and do not apply to your company. This presentation will also discuss common red flags to look out for and how to operate reasonable, risk-based compliance programs.
Meredith Bond will discuss that when you do decide to expand your international business, you’ll want to consider an in-country sales partner. This can be a local sales agent, representative or distributor with expertise in your industry. They should also be skilled in identifying opportunities and familiar with local regulations, logistics, and after-sales service.
January 20, 2022 — eCommerce Strategies to Grow Globally
eCommerce has become a term that covers everything a business does online to sell to consumers, both domestically and overseas. It includes: the sale through a website,the online advertising that leads to a sale, and the brand building that helps tie it all together as a narrative for consumers. As a small business this can seem daunting, but what are some simple and inexpensive first steps you can take to grow your online presence to attract buyers? Learn more about how implementing a business digital strategy can help you focus your business technology to achieve your overseas ecommerce goals.
Cross-border ecommerce focuses online sales to overseas consumers and includes promoting your brand awareness in addition to generating sales. Speak to a global audience by avoiding the potential traps of machine translation and optimize international growth through high-quality, culturally adapted content and translations that connect you to your target audience.
Speakers:
*Joshua Erickson, Program Manager, Rural Export Center, Contractor
U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce
TOPIC: Website Globalization – How to Help International Companies Find You!
TOPIC: How E-commerce is Navigating the Global Supply Chain
Webinar Recording HERE
November 18, 2021 — In-Focus Country Series: Japan
This is one of a continuing series of country-focused seminars organized by MITA. Japan is the focus for this edition of the series, as we present expert speakers from Japan and the Midwest to highlight the rich and productive trading relationship between our countries. The seminar will feature keynote speakers Tony Goins, Nebraska’s Director of Economic Development; and Hiroshi TAJIMA, the Consul-General for Japan to Chicago (and the Midwest).
Among the issues to be presented and discussed are: the dynamic trade relationship between Japan and the US, with particular emphasis on Nebraska as an exporting state; the impact of foreign direct investment in the region, highlighted by the Kawasaki production facility in Lincoln; the fertile ground for business start-ups in Nebraska, including Japan-oriented enterprises; and the role of Nebraska’s trade representative in Tokyo in fostering and facilitating trade and investment between our countries.
Speakers:
*Hiroshi TAJIMA, Consul-General of Japan in Chicago
*Anthony L. Goins, Director, Nebraska Department of Economic Development
*Ralph A. Inforzato, Chief Executive Director, JETRO Chicago
*Hisami IMAGAWA, Director, The Nebraska Center Japan
*Jason Hellbusch , Corporate Director of Administration, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A.
*Kirk Zeller, Founder, Silicon Prairie Center, Founder & CEO, Progressive NEURO, Inc, Council Leader, U.S.-Japan Council
Recording Coming Soon
October 21, 2021 — October is CyberSecurity Awareness Month – Beware of Threats
Cyber threats are attacking us at every level, from homes, to businesses, to critical infrastructure including the recent attack on the Colonial Pipeline. Who are these cyber actors and how are they getting into our systems? How can we protect ourselves in an age of wanting information at our fingertips and wanting applications to conveniently control everything?
Speakers:
*Jeffrey C. Weeks, Senior Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer
First National of Nebraska, Inc.
*Kenneth A. Schmutz, Supervisory Special Agent (SSA), FBI Omaha, Cyber Task Force
Recording Coming Soon
September 30, 2021 — MITA’s Historic, In-Person Annual Meeting with Banking and Logistical Updates in the Midst of Covid
MITA’s annual meeting provided an update on supply chain and international payments disruptions. A panel of experts shared their perspectives and discuss how the pandemic and the supply chain chaos has impacted their industry. Speakers included experts in finance and logistics. There was also extended networking time so everyone could catch up and reconnect after this extended break. In addition, the 2021-2022 Board of Director Slate was presented for all members in attendance to cast their vote!
Speakers:
*Terry McMullen, Branch Owner of AIT Worldwide Logistics/Omaha
President of Cargo Zone LLC, AIT Worldwide Logistics/Cargo Zone LLC
*Zach Severin, Director of Strategic Accounts / Business Development
Ascent Global Logistics
*Pat Lodes, National Account Executive OMA, Pegasus Logistics Group
*Hasan Hyder, General Director – International Intermodal Sales, Union Pacific
*Michael Salerno, Vice President, Global Banking Group, First National Bank
*Brian Gordon, Senior Vice President & Manager, Commerce Bank
Recording https://youtu.be/rd-Lw8IZg1Y