Learn How to Do Business Internationally

Aiming to make businesses in the region aware of the wealth of knowledge and opportunity for international expansion, the Chamber and the British American Business Council (BABC) have developed a new program, Access International, to educate companies about business opportunities and the organizations that can help them succeed in the international business arena.

Join us Wednesday, June 18 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at The Hub Cira Centre. At this breakfast program, companies looking to import, export, start a foreign subsidiary or find a foreign partner, will learn about the myriad of resources available to help them. The program features an interactive panel discussion, a Q&A session, and networking opportunities.

In addition to the panelists, there will be remarks by Jonathan C. Adams, Managing Partner, Philadelphia Office, Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP; as well as representatives from foreign consulates, various international chambers of commerce, and other supporting agencies in attendance.

"Our region is fortunate that there are so many accessible organizations to assist those who want to expand their business overseas," said BABC board president, Neil Boyden Tanner, Esq. "Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs are unaware of the many free benefits and other valuable resources these organizations provide."

In addition to offering access to affordable programs and resources in our region, Access International will teach businesses how to capitalize on federal, state and local grants and initiatives. Participants will also learn how to tap incentives offered by foreign countries.

"Many people view international expansion as a collective topic, but that’s an oversimplification," Tanner said. "For example, a company interested in exporting its products abroad has very different needs than a company seeking to create a new foreign subsidiary. Programs such as Access International can provide a roadmap through the benefits and incentives in place to address an entrepreneur’s specific needs."

Doc Parghi, senior vice president of AppLabs, a global IT company with experience in international expansion, adds, "Understanding cultures, legal issues, and business protocol is paramount to succeeding in international business ventures. Businesses can really learn a lot through anecdotal evidence and networking. This panel format is a perfect source for both."

The panelists for the event are:

• Carol Brooks, Manager, International Trade & Diplomatic Liaison, City of Philadelphia, Department of Commerce
• Tony Ceballos, Director, Philadelphia US Export Assistance Center (USEAC), U.S. Commercial Service
• Rosemary Dix, Consul, Head of Trade & Investment, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI)
• Wilfred Muskens, Deputy Secretary, Office of International Business Development, PA Department of Community & Economic Development (PA DCED)
• Joanna Savvides, President, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP)

Neil Boyden Tanner, Esq., Associate General Counsel — International, ARAMARK and Board President, British American Business Council, will moderate.

The program is sponsored by aka: Rittenhouse Square; Continental Airlines; and Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP; with support from the PA Department of Community & Economic Development.

Please register by June 17. For more information, click here or call 215-790-3627.