Companies source products from abroad for many purposes: direct sales in the U.S. market; components to make their products more competitive; or equipment to improve their own production.  Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand the advantages and risks of buying from an overseas seller.

The Import Forum will cover what Maine’s small- and medium-sized businesses need to know about importing including valuable import entry procedures, how to minimize risks of penalties and pitfalls, and best practices to maximize your import profits.

Workshops will include expert speakers and case studies on:  identifying and vetting overseas partners; import finance tools and understanding the costs of importing; and the keys to ensuring proper deliveries and U.S. Customs entries. The event concludes with a networking reception to allow for continued discussion.

Agenda

1:30
REGISTRATION / CHECK IN

2:00
PLENARY SESSION

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Wade Merritt, Maine International Trade Center

Keynote Presentation
Joe Burnett, Thayer Consulting

2:45
BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Identifying and Vetting Overseas Partners
Joe Burnett, Thayer Consulting
Sybille Khayat, Planson International
Steve Hadik, Pole Star Maritime, LLC

Import Financial Tools and Costs of Importing
Import Financial Tools
Ralph Bocchino and Rick Moskowitz, KeyBank
Costs of Importing – Case Study
Joe Allen, SAPPI

Logistics: From Docks to Docs
Joe Wyson and Kelly L’Heureux, OCEANAIR
Kristen Morneau and Robyn Moore, Mohawk Global Trade Advisors

4:00
NETWORKING SESSION (Hors D’oeuvres & Cash Bar)

Registration

The cost to attend is $45 per person for MITC members or $65 per person for nonmembers. Space is limited. Advance registration is required.

REGISTER NOW

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