International Trade Forum Brings Experts, Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses Together

SAN BERNARDINO >> More than 200 entrepreneurs and business people from across Southern California gathered in the International Terminal of the San Bernardino International Airport earlier this month at the Trade Connect Regional Trade Forum to hear the nuts and bolts of how they can expand their businesses overseas. Offered by the Port of Los Angeles in strategic partnership with the Economic Development and Corporate Training (EDCT) Foundation of the San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD), the Airport and the City of San Bernardino, attendees had the opportunity to hear from federal, state and regional experts whose collective goal it is to enhance local businesses and improve the regional economy. The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) is one of 72 community college districts within the California Community College system, the largest educational system in the world, which encompasses 113 community colleges. The SBCCD has an 89 year history of providing its community and students with quality and affordable vocational certificates, associate’s degrees, and preparation for transfer to a four year college or university through San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) and Crafton Hills College (CHC). In addition, the Economic Development and Corporate Training Division (PDC) and KVCR TV-FM/FNX provide professional development and cultural and educational information to the community at large. Expanding a small business in the United States to serve customers overseas can seem overwhelming to an owner, but help exists at all levels of government and through potential partners. The event brought together financial, government and business experts, relevant vendors and provided a valuable networking opportunity as well. SBCCD Board President John Longville introduced San Bernardino Mayor R. Carey Davis, noting how important the Inland Empire is to state, national and international businesses, given the area’s location and expertise in logistical support and transportation. Longville stressed how working with the right agencies and personnel could ensure success for businesses just starting out in international trade. Jim MacLellan, Director of Trade Development for the Port of Los Angeles was the Trade Forum host. Among the speakers were the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Fred Latuperissa, Director, International Trade Administration who addressed specifics on how businesses in the U.S. can locate potential overseas buyers and Jeff Williamson, Director of the Center for International Trade Development and the California State Trade and Export Promotion, who detailed the State of California’s STEP program designed to assist small business exporters attend trade shows and receive local assistance services. Speakers from the Small Business Association (SBA) Office of International Trade, the Export Import Bank of the United States, Valley Economic Development Corporation and the County of San Bernardino provided further specifics on how and where shipping services were available, what resources the SBA can provide, regional export trade initiatives, and how to finance international trade undertakings. Ashley Gaines, Interim Director of the EDCT Foundation, expressed pleasure that the initial forum was so successful, and indicated that the next one will provide additional speakers, panel discussions and additional time for attendees to speak with the experts. Anyone interested in more information on the Trade Forum or upcoming similar events may contact Ms Gaines at againes@sbccd.org or (909) 382-4074.