Explore Market Opportunities in Greece with a Commercial Counselor
All West Virginia companies are invited to breakfast with Steve Alley at First Watch in Charleston, WV
Wednesday, August 13 at 8:30AM.
Huntington Area Companies are invited to lunch at HADCO
11:30AM on Wednesday August 13
RSVP: Leslie Drake at 304-347-5123 or Leslie.Drake@mail.doc.gov
Stephen Alley is the Commercial Counselor, U.S. Department of Commerce, at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece. Mr. Alley, reporting to the Ambassador, plans, leads, and executes the commercial program in support of U.S. business interests in Greece, including new to market companies and those with ongoing operations in Greece. Mr. Alley also has responsibility for managing the commercial program in Cyprus. The best target industries for export to Greece are:
- Defense Products (DFN)
- Telecommunications Services (TES)
- New Thermal & Renewable Power Plant Projects and Equipment (ELP-REQ)
- Information Technology (IT)
- Medical Technology (MED)
- Environmental Engineering Services (POL)
- Franchising (FRA)
- Travel and Tourism (TRA)
- Security for Airports and Ports (SEC)
Thinking About Expanding International Sales? Think Greece and Vietnam
With its economic and political stability and growth above that of the European Union average, Greece offers endless opportunities for U.S. companies looking to do business in the Eastern European and Eastern Mediterranean region. Greece is also a "springboard" to the evolving markets in the region because of its favorable investment climate. As an emerging market, Vietnam offers an increasing number of opportunities for U.S. exporters and investors. Vietnam's economic growth rate has been among the highest in the world in recent years. Companies looking to expand their international sales should look to Greece and Vietnam. Learn more about these potentially lucrative markets. Visit
http://www.export.gov/articles/marketofmonth/
mom_greecevietnam.asp
Summer Events in West Virginia
Navigating India - Business Culture, Intellectual Property Rights, Logistics:
Deadline: August 8
Beckley, WV - August 14
http://www.buyusa.gov/westvirginia/
navigatingindia.html
Export Financing, Methods of Payment and Receivables Insurance:
Deadline: August 18
Wheeling, WV - August 22
http://www.buyusa.gov/westvirginia/
exportfinancingseminar.html
Visit http://www.buyusa.gov/westvirginia/wvevents.html for a complete list of events and on-line registration.
Contacts:
Leslie Drake - 304-347-5123 Leslie.Drake@mail.doc.gov
Michael Boyles - 304-243-5493 Michael.Boyles@mail.doc.gov
U.S. Department of Commerce Leads Trade Mission to Australia

West Virginia suppliers of innovative products and technologies won't want to miss the Manufacturing and Technology Trade Mission to Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, November 17-21, 2008, which will highlight building, construction, energy (production, extraction, and renewable), and transportation equipment and services. Australia is a very hospitable market for U.S. technology and an important Free Trade Agreement partner. Advantageous trade conditions, including a favorable foreign exchange rate, give a strong boost to U.S. exports, making this an excellent time for U.S. firms to explore business opportunities Down Under.
For complete information on the details of the mission and how to apply, please check out our Website:
http://www.export.gov/australiamission
You may also contact our Mission Project Officers:
Louis Quay
Phone: 202-482-3973
E-Mail: Australia.Mission@mail.doc.gov
Jessica Arnold
Phone: 202-482-2026
E-Mail: Australia.Mission@mail.doc.gov
Special Offer: Two Free Commercial News Ads


Take advantage of the relatively low value of the dollar and increase your worldwide sales.
Act now and get two free Commercial News USA ads.
Advertise in the next two issues of Commercial News USA and receive your third ad for free.
PLUS! Reserve your space in the September-October 2008 issue of Commercial News USA by July 11 and we will also give you a free banner ad on our website from September 1 through October 31.
Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, reaches 400,000 readers in 176 countries worldwide.
Magazine Specials
- Buy 2 ads (at the 1-time rate), get the 3rd ad free
- $100 off any 1-time ad at the 1-time rate
- Free web banner
Special Sections (Automotive/Aviation/Marine/
Manufacturing/Industrial):
- Free full-page advertorial to full-page advertisers
- Free half-page advertorial to half-page advertisers
- All other display ad sizes are 30% off
- Listing ads are $100 off for a 1-time ad
For more information about receiving your free ads, call 1-800-581-8533 ext. 806 or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us.
Upcoming Events
Event: National District Export Council Conference
Venue: Palm Springs, CA
Date: October 15-18, 2008
Price: $350
Learn more/register: http://www.decconference.com
The 2008 National District Export Council Conference, "Travel & Trade: Redefining Exports," will be held in Palm Springs, Ca on October 15-18, 2008. This year's conference promises to be an enlightening and worthwhile event, bringing back last year's expert moderator, Gene Randall, and many speakers and panelists who are well-versed in the tools of trade and the markets most important to U.S. exporters.
Webinar: Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) - Researching and Interpreting Rules of Origin
Venue: Your computer
Date: July 31, 2008
Time: 12:00 pm ET
Learn more/register:
https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinar
Registration.jps?SmartCode=8Q6P
This webinar will help you understand the Rules of Origin for your products under the North American Free Trade Agreement and other FTAs. Learn how to conduct research, qualify your products, and deal with foreign customs officials. For more information contact Meredith Bond at Meredith.Bond@mail.doc.gov.
Online Training: Creating and Increasing International Sales and Profits
Venue: Your Computer
Price: $495
Learn more/register: https://docttuexport.ba.ttu.edu/
Get the same type of international business training as the U.S. Commercial Service offers its trade specialists and commercial officers through Texas Tech University's "Creating and Increasing International Sales and Profits." This learn-at-your-own pace international business course offers 25 detailed sections that logically take you from investigating international business through customer and transaction issues to expanding global operations. It includes many hints, methods, and tools that would be useful to any business entering or expanding into foreign markets. Using an online format, it offers all material for a full six months, so users can take their time completing the course.
Seminar: Selling to Mexico's Maquliadoras 101
Venue: Nogales, Sonora, Mexico
Date: September 9, 2008
Price: $125
Learn more/register: http://www.buyusa.gov/arizona/maquila101.html
This one-day program is designed to help U.S. companies sell to Mexico's maquiladoras. Participants will attend an onsite briefing from Mexican immigration and customs officials on business visas and clearances required on U.S. goods destined for maquiladoras. Tour Nogales' two largest maquiladoras shelter plant operations, and hear industry-focused presentations on maquiladora fundamentals such as the competitive environment, growth opportunities, purchasing decision-making, quality, and logistics. Roundtrip bus transportation from Phoenix and Tucson to Nogales as well as lunch and snacks are included in the cost. For more information contact Matt Baker at matt.baker@mail.doc.gov.
Webinar: Market Opportunities in India (Extended Version)
Venue: Your computer
Date: July 24, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. EDT
Cost: Complimentary
Register:
https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinar
Registration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q76
India is the largest democracy and fastest growing free-market in the world. With its one billion-plus population, India presents lucrative and diverse opportunities for U.S. exporters with the right products, services, and commitment. This webinar will focus on U.S. companies already succeeding in India's most promising industry sectors for U.S. exporters. For more information, contact Linda Abbruzzese at Linda.Abbruzzese@mail.doc.gov.
Event: U.S. Department of Commerce-Certified Trade Mission to India
Venue: New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai
Dates: November 9-15, 2008
Learn more/register:
http://offer.van.fedex.com/m/p/fdx/ind
/trademission.asp
FedEx, one of the U.S. Commercial Service's corporate partners, is sponsoring its first U.S. Department of Commerce-Certified Trade Mission to India. This opportunity is open to U.S. companies across a broad range of industry sectors and will include site visits to leading commercial, educational and production facilities, as well as one-on-one business appointments and networking activities.


