4th Annual Fortune Festival

Saturday, June 7

10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Sears parking lot

5901 Florin Road (NE corner of Florin & 65th Street )

Sacramento , CA 95823  

Cost: Free

The Fortune Festival Committee led by Asian Resources has planned an event filled with cultural entertainment from a Vietnamese Fashion Show and Martial Arts to Polynesian dances.  A Health and Safety Fair will be sponsored by law enforcement, firefighters will showcase a Safe House display and various community and job vendor booths are included.

Festival goers can enjoy ethnic food, carnival rides and games for children.  Business vendors will exhibit insurance, jewelry, fortune telling, and car stereo accessories, etc.

For more information, contact Nai Saechao at Asian Resources Inc.

Sponsorship Packet 

Thursday, June 5

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Location: One Capitol Mall, Ste. 300, downtown Sacramento

Cost: $55 members, $70 non-members

Registration form | Certificate Program

Tuesday, May 20

11:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Hyatt Regency at Capitol Park
1209 L Street, Sacramento, 95814

Cost: $65 members, $85 non-members

For the past 10 years, the Northern California World Trade Center has been honoring Consuls and Trade Commissioners at this high profile luncheon in an effort to provide opportunities to create and promote business relationships and foster increased international trade between California and its international partners. Last year's luncheon featured diplomatic representatives from over 40 countries and hundreds of business leaders from the Northern California Region.

Come network with California trade representatives, elected officials and local business leaders at the pre-event Networking Reception. Then stay for lunch and hear from government and business leaders in Northern California.

Thursday, May 8

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Location: One Capitol Mall, Ste. 300, downtown Sacramento

Cost: $55 members, $70 non-members

Registration form | Certificate Program

The trade show this year will feature the opportunity to meet with procurement managers of large organizations and to become certified as small business with government agencies. More than 100 tabletop exhibitors will be on hand. A special showcase will enable nonprofit organizations to display their programs and activities to attends.

For further information and registration visit the website: http://www.metrochamber.org

The Apparel Sourcing Show provides the ideal forum to make business and meet manufacturers and contractors in just three days and under the same roof. The show includes a full range of international suppliers in the exhibition floor (textiles, trimmings, services and machinery), specialized seminars and conferences, and the opportunity to have appointments between manufacturers from CAFTA-DR garment factories with the contractors from U.S.A. by participating at the Matchmaking Meeting Program.

For further information and registration:                                                           call 213-383-6938 or visit the website http://www.apparelexpo.com.
 

Friday, April 25

8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Cal Chamber Offices
1215 K Street, 14th Fl, Sacramento

The fifth annual conference will bring together small to mid-sized businesses, trade and financial service organizations in both the public and private sectors with trade experts from across the state to dialog on the current issues and opportunities facing California's global trade community. More info

Register online

Monday, April 7
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
University of the Pacific, Stockton CA                                                             Grace Covell Hall     

Cost: FREE!   

Learn how to successfully access the Global Market Place to help expand your business opportunities and sales.  You will also learn how to leverage U.S. trade agreements in getting new business.  Discover financing programs to help you finance these new business opportunities.  You will become familiar with federal, state and local and logistic resources that support small business.

Opening Remarks

Congressman Jerry McNerney

Featured Guest Speakers Include  

Colleen Litkenhaus, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Domestic Operations for the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce

Jim O’Neal, SBA District Director

Jim Lucchesi, Senior Business Development Officer U.S. EXIM Bank

Jerry Avila, Senior International Trade Specialist, SBA

Bill Lewicki, Marketing Director, Port of Stockton  

Patrick Brown, Marketing Manager, UPS

For further information and registration contact the San Joaquin Delta College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at (209) 954-5089 or email.

Understanding Incoterm Applications 

Thursday, April 3

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Location: One Capitol Mall, Ste. 300, downtown Sacramento

Cost: $55 members, $70 non-members

Registration form | Certificate Program | More Info

In keeping with the Peninsula's increasingly global reach, the Monterey Institute of International Studies hosts a conference on trade policy and trade regulations between China and the U.S. China attracts major investment from the West and offers huge business opportunities. This trade conference will dispel the common myth that such opportunities are for large corporations by increasing awareness of the rules and the range of economic opportunities for SMEs. Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, the US Trade Representative's Office, and other local and foreign trade officials will educate conference participants about how to find business partners in China, how to manage transportation and logistics in China, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection, and how to find markets in more dispersed and small urban areas. More info. 

To register for the conference, please send your name, physical mailing address, organizational affiliation, and telephone number to MIISTradeConference@gmail.com.

Thursday, March 13

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Cal Chamber Offices
1215 K Street, 14th Fl, Sacramento

Cost: $ 45 members, $ 55 non-members

This event invites local business , port management and city economic development managers to discuss overall status of international logistics throughout the Northern California region. The event creates an environment for everyone to review future issues an create plans for logistical success throughout Nor Cal

The luncheon will feature speakers from the seaports of Sacramento and Stockton as well as the Sacramento County Airport System. 

Topics:

• Overview of the Northern California ports and int'l goods movements

• Future challenges faced by each port and plans to overcome issues

• How ports are connecting to new markets - focus on FTA countries

Wednesday, March 12

5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

McGeorge School of Law, Classroom "G"                                                                

3200 Fifth Avenue, Sacramento                                                                             

Professor Brian Fagan, will speak to the Council, discussing how the earth's previous global warming phase-a millennium ago-might have reshaped human societies and how these subtle changes in the environment had far-reaching effects on human life from the Arctic to the Sahara to the Indian Ocean. With lessons for our own time, Fagan recounts how the earth experienced a rise in surface temperature from the tenth to the fifteenth centuries and the drought and famine that ensued-perhaps a preview of today's global warming. He warns that the history of the Great Warming, particularly our vulnerability to drought, suggests that we may yet be underestimating the power of climate change and the potential for severe disruption in our lives in the years to come.

For more info call 916.739.7271 or e-mail

Thursday, March 6

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Location: TBD

Cost: $55 members, $70 non-members

This course is designed to cover the key requirements for U.S. commercial importing, providing a broad overview as well as opportunities to discuss your specific areas of interest

World Affairs Council of Sacramento - Upcoming Speaker Programs           "Africa: The Challenge of Darfur

Wednesday, March 5

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

McGeorge School of Law, Courtroom                                                                  

3200 Fifth Avenue, Sacramento                                                                  

Justice Richard J. Goldstone, will speak on the subject of the Darfur Conflict. The conflict has been raging from 2003 to the present, and has resulted in and estimated 200,000-400,000 deaths and 2,500,000 refugees.  He will address how the ongoing tragedy in Darfur presents challenges to Sudan , its neighbors, and the international community.

For more info call 916.739.7271 or e-mail .

Wednesday, February 27

9 a.m. to 12 noon

One Capitol Mall, Ste. 300 (Sacramento Room)

Sacramento, CA 95814

Cost: $395 (Pre-register by Feb. 15), $450 after Feb. 15

Exporting to the Global Marketplace

Thursday, February 21

Time: 9 a.m. to 12 noon

Location: One Capitol Mall, Ste. 300, downtown Sacramento

Cost: $55 members, $70 non-members

Join the Northern California World Trade Center for the first workshop of the International Business certificate Program!

Introduce yourself to the basics of exporting by learning the fundamental drivers of export success. This workshop will familiarize you with a wide variety of concepts and issues critical to your success in the international marketplace. Lear from Director of U.S. Commercial Services, George Tastard, how to: 

• Assess export readiness;
• Use the Internet to research new markets and potential customers;
• Find available resources in governments, non-profits and the World Wide Web;
• Identify the best international markets for your products;
• Learn how to establish a new customer base and relations with overseas distributors and agents; 
• Interact effectively with freight workers and customs agents; and
• Navigate through common challenges and cross cultural differences

Wednesday, February 20

5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

McGeorge School of Law

Classroom G

3200 Fifth Avenue

Sacramento, CA 95814

Free

Gillian Sorenson described by the New York Times as "a diplomat's diplomat," will speak to the World Affairs Council about the United Nation's role in the development of international law on February 20, 2008.

Ms. Sorenson is the Senior Advisor to the United Nations Foundation, a public charity that implements partnerships to address the world's most pressing problems, and also works to broaden support for the UN through advocacy, education and public outreach.  Before joining the UN Foundation as a Senior Advisor and National Advocate, Mrs. Sorensen served as Assistant-Secretary General and Special Advisor for Public Policy with the United Nations.

She is a member of the Council of Foreign Relations and a Fellow at the University of Southern California Center on Public Diplomacy, and the wife of Ted Sorenson, President John F. Kennedy's Special Counsel & Adviser, legendary speechwriter, and "alter-ego."

Thursday, January 31

1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

One Capitol Mall, Ste. 300 (Sacramento Room)

Sacramento, CA 95814

Cost: FREE

The World Trade Center and I.R.D.I. Business Group will be hosting a roundtable gathering to discuss international market development for boutique wineries in northern California. 

Contact Dion Dwyer at ddwyer@norcalwtc.org or 916-319-4276.

Thursday, February 14

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Cal Chamber Offices
1215 K Street, 14th Fl, Sacramento

Cost: $40 Cal Chamber members, $ 45 non-members

Thursday, December 13

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Cal Chamber Offices
1215 K Street, 14th Fl, Sacramento

TOPIC:  US/CA - Canada Trade and Economic Relations

Canada continues to be California’s number two export market. California exports to Canada increased by $1 billion in 2006, from $13.2 billion to $14.2 billion.  California’s exports to Canada are driven by computers and electronic products, which account for 32 percent of all California exports to Canada. Key exports to Canada showing growth in 2006 include chemicals and crop production.

Tuesday, December 4

5:30-8:00 p.m.

Sacramento Grand Ballroom

629 J Street, Sacramento

Cost: $20 Members, $30 Nonmembers

Join the Northern California World Trade Center and the Sacramento metro Chamber for our annual Holiday Mixer, where members of both organizations come together to network and celebrate the holiday season. The event will feature a silent auction, regional wine tasting, and showcase food and beverages from our member caterers and restaurants. 

International Legal Essentials

Thursday, Nov. 29

9:00 a.m. - 12 noon

One Capitol Mall, Ste. 300

Downtown Sacramento

Fee: $55 members, $70 non-members, $25 students

Understand the legal risks that companies need to be aware of when doing business abroad. Topics to be covered include: 

• Legal options available to small/medium sized businesses. What is the most effective way of resolving legal disputes in an international forum?

• International contracts

• How to find the right legal representation.

• U.S. and foreign government regulations on trade

• Export controls

• Risk of IP loss. How to protect your company’s Intellectual Property when doing business with a foreign entity. 

Thursday, November 15

7:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Union Square

San Francisco, CA 94108

As minority and women-owned small businesses grow by participating in the global marketplace, they face unique challenges. Lack of knowledge about government programs available to support overseas investment, the scarcity of private sector capital to pursue opportunities abroad, or concern over political risks in emerging markets can prevent minority and women-owned businesses from expanding overseas. The EXPANDING HORIZONS Workshop addresses these concerns by providing participants with an understanding of the programs and resources provided by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which is the U.S. government agency responsible for supporting private sector investment in developing countries. This is a unique opportunity to learn about:

• The Challenges and opportunities of overseas and cross-border investment

• U.S. government programs offering assistance to minority and women- owned business planning to go global

• Political risk insurance and how it can protect your business

• Accessing capital for your overseas project

• Special opportunities in franchising and the housing sector

• OPIC's special projects for small businesses

Speakers will include senior government officials from OPIC and other agencies, international bankers, and representatives from businesses investing overseas who will share their insights and experiences. Networking opportunities will be available and participants will be able to arrange one on one meetings with OPIC officials. 

September, 2007

Cancún, Quintana Roo, México

Latin American Food Show

The Latin-American Food Show is an event designed to promote the Latin-American food industry within international markets, as well as create new business opportunities between Mexican producers and distributors from around the world. A complete listing of attendees is available at the Latin American Food Show's website.

Website | Contact | Email

Doing Business with China

Thursday, September 6

One Capitol Mall, Ste. 300

Sacramento, CA 95814

Fee: $55 members, $70 non-members, $25 students 

You'll learn firsthand accounts from local business owners who have successfully entered these markets. Participants will gain an understanding of: 

• The effect of culture on business practices 

• The influence the Chinese government has on business operations

• Finding, Evaluating and Motivating your Chinese Partner

• Critical Logistics and Supply Chain Considerations

• Successful Sales Strategies 

• Risk management

• U.S. and foreign government service providers and resources

Thursday, August 16, 2007

12:00 -1:30 p.m.

California Chamber of Commerce

Esquire Plaza Building

1215 K Street, 14th Floor

Sacramento, CA  95814

Topic:  "Why Invest in Sonora?"

An International Luncheon Forum exploring possibilities in Sonora, Mexico.  Issues such as agriculture, border crossings, education, environment, tourism, economic dev- lopment, health, energy, water and wildlife will be addressed.

Speaker:

The Honorable Eduardo Bours Castelo, Governor of Sonora, Mexico

Cost:  $40 per person

R.S.V.P.:  Fax attached reply form: (916) 325-1284

Email:  events@calchamber.com

Phone:  (916) 444-6670 ext 233

Deadline:  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 at 12 p.m.

International Business Mixer & Market Briefing

Tuesday, August 14

4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

1215 K Street (14th floor)

Sacramento, CA 95814

The Northern California World Trade Center and the Guatemala Trade Offices Program invite you to join us at an International Business Mixer. Network with other internationally-minded business people from the Sacramento region, including importers, exporters, and business service providers. Expand your international contacts locally! 

Speakers:

Julio Orozco , Program Manger , Guatemala Trade Offices Program

Moises Merida, Trade Commissioner, Guatemala Trade Office Los Angeles

(Former Commercial Attaché , Washington D.C.)

Cost:  $10 for members,* $15 for non-members 

Registration Form | Sponsorship Opportunities

Direct questions to Jennifer Younathan at 916-319-4277 or jyounathan@norcalwtc.org

*Eligible Members and Clients of our Event Partners include: U.S. Commercial Service, Sacramento Export Assistance Center, California Chamber of Commerce, Sacramento Metro Chamber, Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Inland International Trade Association, Inc., Sacramento Regional Center for International Trade Development, Small Business Development Center

Tenth Annual Business Forum: "Acercamiento al Mercado Hispano de Estados Unidos y Canadá"

July 19-20, 2007

Mexico City, Mexico

Tenth Annual Business Forum "Acercamiento al Mercado Hispano de Estados Unidos y Canadá"

The "Acercamiento al Mercado Hispano de Estados Unidos y Canadá" business forum is an event exploring trade opportunities between the United States, Canada and Mexico. Participating industries will be from the processed food, beverages, fresh produce and gifts &crafts sectors.

For additional information, contact Salvador Ramírez, the Business and Institutional Development Assistant Director at (+52)(55) 5554-1904 ext. 106.

2007 China Global Conference

July 12-13, 2007

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Westin Bonaventure Hotel, Los Angeles

The Asia Pacific USA Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend THE premier conference on China. This event is designed to provide you with unparalleled access to potential Chinese business partners. In addition, you will discover how to fully reach your potential in China from experienced CEOs and leading economists.

Thursday, July 12

9 a.m. - 12 noon

NCWTC

One Capitol Mall, Suite 300

Sacramento, CA 95814

Contact Jennifer Younathan, 916-319-4277, for more information or to register.

July 11, 2007

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Hilton Newark/Fremont
39900 Balentine Drive
Newark, CA 94560-0564

Find potential business partners in China! This special event will 

feature 100+ delegation members from City of Chang Zhou in China. Participants will meet with key government officials and business 

and industrial leaders from the region. Mr. Wang Weicheng, Mayor of Chang Zhou, is the delegation leader.

June 28 - July 1, 2007

Sacramento Convention Center and Sheraton Grand Hotel

The OCA National Convention is the premier event of the year for the Asian Pacific American Community. Over the years, OCA's National Convention has evolved to meet the needs and demands of our members, sponsors and the Asian Pacific American Community. Our education, leadership and outreach programs have enriched the lives of students, seniors, professionals, business owners, community leaders and multi-generational API families. Each year, our programs are current, entertaining, and informative as well as having substance that promotes health, education and culture. Our mission is to embrace the hopes and aspirations of all Asian Pacific Americans.

Wednesday, June 27

9 a.m. - noon

City Hall, City of Sacramento

915 I Street (new city hall - behind original building)

Improper documentation can be costly to businesses and may cause goods to be stalled at customs. This course is designed to help business leaders understand the various types of trade documentation involved in importing & exporting goods and will allow participants to get answers to their specific trade related questions from industry experts.

Instructor: John A. Leitner, President and CEO, W.J. Byrnes

Contact Jennifer Younathan, 916-319-4277, for more information or to register.

West Sacramento City Hall
1110 W. Capitol Ave.
West Sacramento, California 95961
June 7, 2007
9:00 a.m. - 12 noon

The NCWTC, Target Logistics and the City of West Sacramento are pleased to present the fourth seminar in the International Business Leadership Certificate Program. This workshop is a must for anyone interested in getting involved in international business. Please join us at the City of West Sacramento's City Hall for this informative and interactive session. 

For questions, please contact Program Manager, Jennifer Younathan at jyounathan@norcalwtc.org or 916-319-4277.

Presented by Allocca Enterprises in cooperation with the NCWTC and the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Sacramento

Sponsored by Target Logistics SF

Thursday May 10^th 

9:00a.m. – 4:00 pm

Courtyard Marriott

4422 Y Street ,  Sacramento , CA 95817

Topics Include:

• Understand how to correctly fill out: Commercial invoices, Packing Lists, Bills of Lading, SEDs, Certificates of Origin, Dock receipts and Fish & Wildlife
• Shippers Export Declaration- (SED)- Understanding every field and how you are required to fill one of correctly.
• How to Minimize delays in Customs by having all of the information the first time
• Why you should be using a DCS Statement on all of your invoices both domestic & international.
• Understanding which countries still require a wood certificate.
• What does Legalization of documents mean and for which countries is this required.
• Pre-Shipment Inspections – Who requires them and how should they be done?
• NAFTA Certificates of Origin – Common errors, when you should/ shouldn’t fill one out.

Who should attend: Traffic managers, purchasing managers, shipping/receiving personnel, compliance officer, sales managers, customer service managers and anyone involved or concerned with international shipmen