+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *Winter        |                                                     |
| 2007-2008*     |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *Inside this   |                                                     |
| Issue*         |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 1              | New Directory of Export Service Providers           |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 2              | Peru FTA Now Law                                    |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 3              | Featured Market:                                    |
|                |                                                     |
|                | Chile                                               |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 4              | Upcoming International Trade Shows & Missions       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 5              | Northern Illinois Trade Initiative                  |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 6              | Upcoming Illinois Trade Events                      |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 7              | Export Success Stories                              |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 8              | Personnel Notes                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| U.S.           |                                                     |
| Department of  |                                                     |
| Commerce       |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| U.S.Commercial |                                                     |
| Service        |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| 200 West       |                                                     |
| Adams, Suite   |                                                     |
| 2450           |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Chicago, IL    |                                                     |
| 60606          |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Tel:           |                                                     |
| 312-353-8040   |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *www.buyusa    |                                                     |
| .gov/illinois* |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *Director,     |                                                     |
| Julie          |                                                     |
| Carducci*      |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *Newsletter    |                                                     |
| Editor, Debra  |                                                     |
| H. Rogers*     |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

# Complying with U.S. Export Controls  {#complying-with-u.s.-export-controls .unnumbered}

***Seminar April 16-17, 2008***

This two-day program will be led by professional counseling staff of the
U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) and
provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need
to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial
goods.

Topics covered will include determining what items and activities are
subject to the EAR; steps to take to determine the export licensing
requirements for your item; how to determine your export control
classification number (ECCN); when you can export or re-export without
applying for a license; export clearance procedures and record keeping
requirements; Export Management System (EMS) concepts; and real life
examples in applying this information.

Presenters will conduct a number of \"hands-on\" exercises that will
prepare you to apply the regulations to your own company\'s export
activities. This program is well suited for those who need a
comprehensive understanding of their obligations under the EAR.
Technical, policy, and enforcement professionals from BIS, as well as
specialists from other agencies such as the Office of Foreign Assets
Control and the Bureau of Census will participate in certain programs.
Cost: \$365.00. Venue: Double Tree Hotel in

Rosemont, Illinois. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Register
online at:

*http://export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=27453.* For
questions, contact: Jeff Graber at 312/353-7711 or
*jeffrey.graber@mail.doc.gov*.

# New Export Service Provider Directory  {#new-export-service-provider-directory .unnumbered}

The U.S. Commercial Service in Chicago is developing a Business Service
Provider (BSP) Directory of experienced Illinois firms that offer
services to U.S. exporters. For Illinois exporters seeking advice and
assistance with standards and certifications, international legal
issues, protocol, logistics, human resources, tax or protection of
intellectual property, the BSP Directory will be a valuable resource to
help them achieve their export objectives. Launch date - February 2008!

Experienced service providers supporting Illinois exports can list their
companies in our new, online Business Service Provider Directory (BSP).
The cost is \$250 for a one-year BSP listing on our website along with
company's logo and contact information. Contact us to learn more about
increasing your company's visibility with a BSP profile listing. This
BSP directory will give export services providers added exposure to U.S.
exporters looking for business services. See
*www.buyusa.gov/midwest/208.html* for more information or contact
*Artina.Davis@mail.doc.gov.*

# New Trade Agreement Information Web Site {#new-trade-agreement-information-web-site .unnumbered}

As part of an interagency effort between the U.S. Departments of
Agriculture, Commerce, State, Treasury and the Office of the United
States Trade Representative, a new Web site,
*TradeAgreements.gov[,]{.underline}* has been launched to provide the
public with the latest information on America\'s trade agreements.

The site will be regularly updated with news about existing agreements,
as well as pending free trade agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama and
South Korea.

# Peru FTA Signed into Law {#peru-fta-signed-into-law .unnumbered}

On December 14, 2007, President Bush signed into law, the U.S.-Peru
Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act**. ** Last year, Peru\'s
economy expanded by more than 7.5 percent, and over the past three
years, trade between the U.S. and Peru has more than doubled to nearly
\$9 billion. 

Implementing the free trade agreement (FTA)with Peru will expand this
trade even more and create new opportunities for citizens in both
nations.  The agreement includes enforceable labor

and environmental provisions, which helped to ensure bipartisan passage
of the implementation act.

Once implemented, the agreement will immediately eliminate duties on
about 80 percent of U.S. consumer and industrial goods sold in Peru, and
will eliminate all remaining duties within 10 years.  It will also
immediately eliminate duties on more than two-thirds of U.S.
agricultural exports to Peru and eliminate most of the remaining duties
over the following 5 to 15 years.

The agreement also gives Peruvian businesses better access to the U.S.
market. And by removing barriers to

U.S. services and investment, the agreement will also help create a
secure, predictable legal framework that will help attract U.S.
investors.

It is estimated that the Peru FTA will enter into force within 6-12
months, pending finalization of Peruvian implementing legislation.

# 2007 Harmonized System Revision Affects on FTA Rules of Origin  {#harmonized-system-revision-affects-on-fta-rules-of-origin .unnumbered}

If you are confused over free trade agreement (FTA ) rules of origin
issues due to the 2007 Harmonized System (HS2007), you're not alone. To
complicate matters, most, but not all, of the FTA rules of origin that
allow preferential treatment are based on older versions of the HS and
are still in the process of negotiations between the parties to the FTA
to convert them to an HS2007 compatible version.

The FTA and HS updates will likely cause confusion and may lead to
errors in the issuance or use of required certificates of origin or
certifications of origin. To read IOMA's article on this subject from
the Sept 2007 edition of *Managing Imports and Exports*, go to
http://www.buyusa.gov/arkansas/oct07ftaroi.pdf.

# Official Tariff Classification Request {#official-tariff-classification-request .unnumbered}

An official Tariff Classification request can be made with the U.S.
Customs and Border Patrol on line at:
*https://apps.cbp.gov/erulings/index.asp*

# Trade Winds Europe Business Forum {#trade-winds-europe-business-forum .unnumbered}

*Istanbul, Turkey, April 14-16, 2008*

Does your company have a Pan European Business Strategy? Meet commercial
officers from 27 countries at this event, which includes sessions on
multiple industry sectors including energy. Conference cost: \$1350.
Only 50 companies will be accepted. All participants will receive a ¼
page advertisement in a special *Trade Winds*

*Europe Commercial News USA* for distribution throughout Europe with
specific emphasis on Turkey. See
http://www.buyusa.gov/northcarolina/tradewindseurope.html.

# Featured Market: Chile {#featured-market-chile .unnumbered}

Chile extends from deserts in the north to the arctic conditions of
Tierra del Fuego, and from the majestic Cordillera de Los Andes (tallest
peak 22, 000 feet) to the Pacific Ocean. This is one of Latin America's
most open countries, with a stable and attractive market. Its strengths
include sound economic policies, a transparent regulatory system, an
educated workforce and good basic infrastructure.

Since the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into force on
January 1, 2004, bilateral trade between the United States has increased
over 154 percent. Best prospects for U.S. companies include
construction, computer hardware, software and services, electrical power
equipment, financial services, telecommunications equipment and
services, and healthcare and medical equipment.

● Construction Sector

Due to Chile's sustained economic growth, strong demand for new housing,
ongoing public infrastructure projects, construction of new shopping
malls, hospitals, and specialized industrial parks, this sector is
growing by an estimated 15 % annually.

● Environmental Sector

Due to clear environmental laws and a stable economy, Chile has become a
platform for the transfer of environ-mental technology and expertise to
other countries in the region. New water treatment plants will require
investment of \$1.4 billion before 2015.

● Telecommunications Sector

Chile\'s telecommunications sector is completely privatized and one of
the most advanced and competitive in Latin America, and has grown at 20
percent annually over the last decade.

For more about opportunities in Chile:
*www.export.gov/articles/MoM_Chile.asp*

**Upcoming International Trade Shows and Missions**

**January - February 8, 2008 -- Connect with Leading Aircraft Maker,
Embraer - Brazil**

Take advantage of a special opportunity to introduce your company
directly to decision makers at Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, Embraer.
Colleagues in Commercial Service Brazil will present your marketing
literature to Embraer, which may lead to an invitation for face-to-face
meetings in Brazil and potential sales to Embraer. The **Embraer
Business Facilitation Service** is a special limited time offer for
\$100. For more information and to register, visit*,
http://www.buyusa.gov/eme/embraer.html.* Questions, please contact
Andrew Anderson, Andrew.Anderson@mail.doc.gov, or phone 316-263-4067.

# February 26-28, 2008*: U.S.-Mexico Infrastructure Conference* -- Mexico City

Mexican President Calderon has recently launched the [National
Infrastucture Program
(NIP)](http://www.infraestructura.gob.mx/index.php?page=english-version)
to increase investment in infrastructure from 3% to 8% of GDP by 2012.
The NIP highlights more than 300 infrastructure projects, primarily in
the transportation, energy, and environmental sectors, and outlines
goals and strategies to increase the coverage, quality and
competitiveness of Mexico's infrastructure.  The objectives of this
Conference are to:  1) Identify near-term business opportunities related
to the NIP and USTDA's portfolio in Mexico for U.S. firms and, 2)
Promote U.S. -- Mexican partnerships linked to these projects to
facilitate U.S. exports. Co-sponsored by the U.S. Trade and Development
Agency (TDA) and the U.S. Commercial Service (CS), this event will help
U.S. companies identify the opportunities and move closer to securing
them. One-on-One meetings will be pre-scheduled for U.S. companies with
project delegates, participating major Mexican integrator companies and
U.S. Government officials. Fee: \$500. Register online at
*http://www.trademeetings.com*.

**February 26-29, 2008: *Illinois Trade Mission to ExpoComm* - Mexico
City**

The State of Illinois Office of Trade and Investment in cooperation with
the U.S. Dept of Commerce offices in Chicago and Mexico City invite
export-ready companies to join the Illinois Trade Mission to ExpoComm
Mexico, February 26-29. Participating Illinois exhibitors will be
co-located in the USA Pavilion and receive marketing and other support
services offered in the USA Pavilion. Can\'t beat the fee - only \$500.
Registration for qualified firms is first come, first serve. Expo Comm
Mexico is the biggest and most important IT & Telecommunications trade
show in the region. It draws thousands of visitors from throughout
Mexico and Latin America and is the place for leading telecom and
technology companies to showcase their latest and most successful
innovations and solutions, including satellite technologies, IP-based
tools, WiFi solutions and 3G applications for mobile telephony and
mobile portals. Please visit the ExpoComm website:
*http://www.expocomm.com/mexico/* Trade Mission Details (click on PDF
links at bottom): *http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/199.html* For
questions, contact Monica at Monica.Toporkiewicz@mail.doc.gov or
312-353-8059.

**March 4-9, 2008: *CeBIT 2008 American Business Center* - Hannover,
Germany**

CeBIT, the world\'s largest and most influential ICT tradeshow, is a
business-to-business event that presents a complete range of technology
products and solutions. CeBIT 2008 will feature the main display
categories of Business Processes, Communications, Digital Equipment &
Systems, Banking & Finance, Future Parc, and Public Sector Parc as well
as such special displays as Forum SMEs and Planet Reseller. The ABC at
CeBIT 2008**,** located in Hall 24, is a fully equipped Business Center
run by the U.S. Commercial Service for U.S. companies needing a presence
at CeBIT but not via an exhibit booth. The ABC provides an office away
from home. It is a meeting point, a place to discuss business and show
your product, or describe your service to potential business partners.
For more info on ABC: *http://www.buyusa.gov/ict/cebit2008.html;* CeBIT
show website: *http://www.cebit.de/homepage_e?typ=e*

**April 7-8, 2008: *Asia Pacific Business Outlook (APBO) Conference* -
Los Angeles, CA**

Do not miss the premier networking event to expand your Asia / Pacific
Business Knowledge, Contacts and Profits! Asia / Pacific Business
Outlook, hosted by the University of Southern California in Los Angeles,
with the full support of the U.S. Commercial Service, is the longest
running, most successful regional conference of its kind focusing
specifically on Asian markets. This conference has made a difference for
U.S. exporters, and has become the premier U.S. commercial trade event
focusing on the Asia / Pacific region. APBO 2008 brings the experts
closer to you with 14 Senior Commercial Officers from American
embassies, consulates and institutes in the following economies:
Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia,
Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and
Vietnam. They will speak in small-group workshops and be available for
private one-on-one consultations with APBO participants. Early
Registration: \$775 (until March 10); Regular Registration: \$925.
*USDOC Registration Code:* DOC2008. *\*\*Iinclude this code when
registering.* For more information and registration, go to:
*http://www.apbo2008.com .* For questions, contact Jeff Hamilton, Asia
Pacific Team Leader, Tel: 801-255-1872 or
Jeff.Hamilton@mail.doc.gov.N0SPAM. N0SPAM.

#   {#section .unnumbered}

# Northern Illinois Trade Initiative {#northern-illinois-trade-initiative .unnumbered}

The Northern Illinois Trade Initiative brings together U.S. government
and private sector resources to provide a unified framework of exporting
services. Those of you who are already exporting know better than anyone
else that it takes a bit of extra effort to be successful. The Northern
Illinois Trade Initiative can simplify the process.

This initiative is designed to help businesses increase their growth
through expansion into international markets. It will take your business
through the entire process---from identifying where your products are
most marketable to designing a successful export strategy that is
tailored to your company. The initiative will also help with
international finance, insurance and intellectual property protection
needs. An initially qualified candidate should be one with at least 2-3
years of export experience and equally important, engaged and responsive
management willing to commit to the program.

Supporters for the initiative include FedEx Corporation, the U.S.
Commercial Service, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Small
Business Development Centers (SBDC), Overseas Private Investment
Corporationn (OPIC), Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC),
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), Stone & Associates, Inc. and
Charter One.

The Northern Illinois Trade Initiative can help small and medium-sized
businesses succeed in the global marketplace. Discover opportunities to
grow your business profitably by participating in this powerful
collaborative program. For further information visit
[*http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/206.html*](http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/206.html).
To find out how to take part in this initiative, contact Andrew Russell
with FedEx at 1.901.434.4467 or e-mail andrew@globaltradepromotions.com.

# Doing Business in the European Union {#doing-business-in-the-european-union .unnumbered}

*Edited from the "2007 EU Country Commercial Guide"*

While the European Union continues to move in the direction of a Single
Market, the reality today is that U.S. exporters in some sectors
continue to face barriers to entry in the EU market. Application of EU
legislation, in the form of directives, is a responsibility of the
European Commission, but working practices within Member States do
differ and can affect adoption of EU regulations. Additionally, while
the EU Community Customs Code aims to establish a standard legal
framework for basic customs procedures, such as customs entry and
release, the EU does not currently operate as a single customs
administration.

Historically, U.S. exporters and investors have faced relatively low
barriers to doing business in the EU. Nonetheless, the United States has
a number of ongoing disputes with the EU, a situation to be expected
given the breadth and depth of the commercial relationship.

To ensure that U.S. companies get the full benefits of the trade
agreements the United States has negotiated, the U.S. Government has
developed a trade compliance initiative. U.S. trade agencies work
closely and diligently with the business community to ensure that the
European Union and its Member States comply with their bilateral and
multilateral trade obligations, and to help keep market access problems
affecting U.S. firms to a minimum.

U.S. firms doing business in Europe should also be aware of the business
facilitating activities of the Transatlantic Business Dialogue (TABD).
The TABD is a forum for U.S. and European businesses that provides
voluntary input to the U.S. Government and the European Commission on
impediments to transatlantic business. For more information go to
[*http://www.tabd.com/*](http://www.tabd.com/). Similar transatlantic
dialogues are also held between governments and labor, as well as
environmental and consumer constituencies.

The European Union market is a differentiated one, with specific supply
and demand needs varying from Member State to Member State. While a
pan-European business strategy is critical, exact market entry
strategies must be considered on a country-by-country basis.

To download the entire Country Commercial Guide for the European Union,
go "Country and Industry Market Reports" *at
<http://www.export.gov/mrktresearch/index.asp>*

# Ecuador Tariff Changes {#ecuador-tariff-changes .unnumbered}

U.S. exporters to Ecuador should be aware of recent changes in Ecuador's
tariff schedule. Several hundred products received a tariff increase
while a number of others had their tariffs reduced. The changes are
effective immediately and might affect many products coming from the
United States.

By increasing tariffs on "high-level" consumer products, the Government
of Ecuador expects to generate additional income for the State. At the
same time, in an effort to boost the manufacturing industry in Ecuador,
COMEXI lowered import duties on approximately 2,000 products, most of
them considered raw materials and capital goods used by the local
industry. One high-ranking Ecuadorian official also pointed out that
high-tech products, especially computers, will not receive a future
increase in tariff rates, as they play an important role in the
development of industry.

Ecuador\'s tariff schedule can be found at the Ecuadorian Customs Agency
website at *www.aduana.gov.ec*

Upcoming Midwest Trade Events

**January 22, 2008: *China Domain Name Strategies for US Exporters -*
Webinar**

Ever thought about registering a web address in China? Been approached
by a Asia-based consultant offering to register your domain name in the
PRC? Join this webinar to understand the value of a China domain name
presence, how to get one and how to avoid trouble. This webinar is
focused on educating small and medium-sized US exporters on China Domain
Name issues and strategies. Brought to you by the Commercial Service /
U.S. Department of Commerce with support of the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office / U.S. Department of Commerce. WEBINAR - Tuesday,
January 22, 2008, 10:00 A.M.\--11:15 am EST. Please register online at
http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/204.html. Questions, contact
julie.carducci@mail.doc.gov.

**January 29, 2008 @ 10:00 CST: *Free Trade Agreements and Rules of
Origin* - Webinar**

The Midwest offices of the U.S. Commercial Service have partnered with
UPS, Shipping Solutions, and Fifth Third Bank to develop a series of
web-based seminars that will help your business enter and expand in the
international marketplace. This is the second in the series. Fee \$40
(\*\$5 \"early bird\" discount if you register 2-weeks the date of the
webinar). \*Can\'t attend the live event? Order the audio/visual
recording! [INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION]{.underline}:
http://www.buyusa.gov/minnesota/exportwebinars.html

**February 5, 2008: Incoterms 2000 - *Transporation Obligations, Costs
and Risks* -- Webinar**

The Midwest offices of the U.S. Commercial Service have partnered with
UPS, Shipping Solutions, and Fifth Third Bank to develop a series of
web-based seminars that will help your business enter and expand in the
international marketplace. This is the third in the series. Fee \$40
(\*\$5 \"early bird\" discount if you register 2-weeks the date of the
webinar). \*Can\'t attend the live event? Order the audio/visual
recording! [INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION]{.underline}:
http://www.buyusa.gov/minnesota/exportwebinars.html

**February 19, 2008:** ***Export Documentation Fundamentals* --
Webinar**

The Midwest offices of the U.S. Commercial Service have partnered with
UPS, Shipping Solutions, and Fifth Third Bank to develop a series of
web-based seminars that will help your business enter and expand in the
international marketplace. This is the fourth in the series. Fee \$40
(\*\$5 \"early bird\" discount if you register 2-weeks the date of the
webinar). \*Can\'t attend the live event? Order the audio/visual
recording! [INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION]{.underline}:
http://www.buyusa.gov/minnesota/exportwebinars.html

*Mark your calendars for the next webinars in this series:*

> March 4: Ensuring Payment for International Sales

March 18: Increasing Your Global Sales Using the Internet

**March 16-18, 2008 -*2008 International Home & Housewares Sho*w -
Chicago**

The U.S. Commercial Service, in cooperation with the International
Housewares Association, invites you meet with potential international
buyers who will attend the 2008 Housewares show. As an exhibitor at the
event, The Commercial Service would like to introduce you to some of our
Commercial Specialists who will accompany delegations from abroad and
will provide first-hand information about market opportunities and
introduce you to potential buyers from selected countries. In advance of
the show, the U.S. Commercial Service is conducting pre-show
'matchmaking' services with international buyers planning to attend the
show, to insure maximum exposure for show exhibitors, and to increase
U.S. exports at the same time! We are currently recruiting buyers from
Latin America, Europe and Africa. Take full advantage of this
opportunity, which is FREE to exhibitors, by visiting the following
website today for more information*:
<http://www.buyusa.gov/stlouis/intlhousewaresshow.html>* For questions,
contact: Thelma Young in Chicago at Tel: 312-353-5097 or via email at:
thelma.young@mail.doc.gov

**April 16 - 17, 2008: *Complying with U.S. Export Controls* --
Rosemont, IL**

This two-day program led by professional counseling staff of the Bureau
of Industry and Security (BIS), provides an in-depth examination of the
Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the
information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control
requirements on commercial goods, such as what items and activities are
subject to the EAR; determining the export licensing requirements for a
product; determining export control classification numbers (ECCN); when
you can export or re-export without applying for a license; export
clearance procedures and record keeping requirements; Export Management
System (EMS) concepts; and real-life examples in applying this
information including \"hands-on\" exercises. This program is well
suited for those who need comprehensive understanding of their
obligations under the EAR. Technical, policy, and enforcement
professionals from BIS will conduct the program. Venue: Doubletree
Hotel. Fee: \$395. Register online at:

https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q20
. Contact: Jeff Graber at 312-353-7711 or *jeffrey.graber@mail.doc.gov.*

## Success Begins at the USEAC {#success-begins-at-the-useac .unnumbered}

#### 

#### *Below are examples of how we at the Chicago U.S. Export Assistance Center (the USEAC includes the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service, the Export-Import Bank, and the Small Business Administration.) work together with our colleagues and partners to assist Illinois companies and organizations in maximizing their export potential. Call us today!*

# Community College Signs Agents in Kenya {#community-college-signs-agents-in-kenya .unnumbered}

Lake Land College is a community college in Mattoon, Illinois, offering
two-year associates degrees. The college has been a client of Trade
Specialist (TS) Debra Rogers of the Commercial Service (CS) Chicago
office since 2001, when TS Rogers began helping the school with its
international student recruitment.

TS Rogers has worked closely with the school\'s Director of
International Studies, Katie Lotz, on the Study Illinois consortium, as
they both have served on the board of that organization. Study Illinois
was established in 2003 and currently has a membership of 40 Illinois
educational institutions that pool their resources to market Illinois
educational programs internationally.\
\
In the summer of 2006, Ms. Lotz notified TS Rogers that she was planning
a student recruitment trip to Kenya in May 2007, and would like to
conduct a Gold Key Service (GKS) there. TS Rogers set up the GKS with
Commercial Specialist Tobias Otieno. He made four appointments for Ms.
Lotz - two with agents and two with potential feeder schools.

As a result, Ms. Lotz signed a representation agreement with True North
Career Map, a career consulting agency, and with Advisory Center for
Overseas Education, an education consulting agency, both in Nairobi.
 Through these agreements, she expects to begin receiving Kenyan
students at Lake Land within the coming year.

A.J. Antunes & Co. Receives Export Achievement Certificate

A.J. Antunes & Co. of Carol Stream, IL is a leading manufacturer of
water filtration systems, electronic controls, countertop foodservice
equipment and air and gas pressure switches. The firm was recently
awarded a U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Export Achievement
Certificate for outstanding export market expansion. Commerce Assistant
Secretary William G. Sutton presented the certificate to the Antunes
Filtration Technologies Division at a ceremony at the company's Carol
Stream headquarters and manufacturing plant.

"It is an honor to recognize Antunes Filtration Technologies with the
Export Achievement Certificate," said Commerce Assistant Secretary
William G. Sutton. "Companies such as A.J. Antunes & Co. represent the
very best in American manufacturing, and their success underscores what
our small to mid-sized businesses can accomplish when they realize and
seize the opportunities of free trade."

To successfully enter four new-to-the-company markets -- India, Russia,
Israel and Ireland -- with the company's revolutionary point of entry
ultra-filtration systems, Antunes Filtration Technologies worked
directly with International Trade Specialist Robin Mugford and the DOC
Export Assistance Center in Libertyville, Illinois.

"The Export Achievement Certificate recognizes business clients of the
U.S. Commercial Service that have used the services of its Export
Assistance Centers to make their first export sale or open new foreign
markets," said Ms. Mugford. "The Centers are committed to helping U.S.
firms realize their export potential by providing expert counseling,
information on markets abroad, international contacts and advocacy
services. Helping small and mid-sized companies such as A.J. Antunes &
Co. to increase their exports is critical to increasing economic growth
and creating new jobs."

Glenn Bullock, president of A.J. Antunes & Co., accepted the award. "We
are honored to receive the Export Achievement Certificate, and we are
profoundly grateful to the Export Assistance Center for helping to pave
the way for our entry into these new markets," he said. "Their expert
guidance, and the opportunities they provided, proved invaluable. We
look forward to continuing to work with them as we expand the reach of
our products and services beyond the 130 countries we currently serve."

**EXPORT ASSISTANCE PERSONNEL**

**[TRADE SPECIALIST/AGENCY SPECIALIZATION TEL.
NO.\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

**Julie Carducci -- Office Director** Telecommunication Equipment and
Services 312-353-8490

*julie.carducci@mail.doc.gov*

**Artina Davis** Aviation, Machine Tools & Metalworking Equipment
312-353-4453

artina.davis@mail.doc.gov Materials Handling & General Industrial
Equipment

Plastics & Chemicals

**Jeffrey Graber** Construction Materials & Equipment, 312-353-7711
[*jeffrey.graber@mail.doc.go*v](mailto:Jeffrey.graber@mail.doc.gov) Food
Processing & Packaging Equipment

**Patrick Hope** All industries in northwestern Illinois 815-316-2380

patrick.hope@mail.doc.gov (McHenry County to the Quad Cities, north of
I-80)

**Robin Mugford** Environmental Technologies Products & Services,
847-327-9082

*robin.mugford@mail.doc.gov* Automotive Parts & Accessories, Scientific
Instruments

**Debra Rogers** Tourism, Architectural & Engineering Services,
312-353-6988

[*debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov*](mailto:debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov)
Education & Training Services, Franchising

**Shari Stout** All industries in downstate Illinois (south of I-80)
309-671-7815

shari.stout@mail.doc.gov

**Vicki Tolefree** Iron, Steel & Non-Ferrous Metals, Printing & Graphic
Arts 312-353-3748

*<Vicki.tolefree@mail.doc.gov>* and Publications

**Monica Toporkiewicz** Information Technology (hardware & software),
Railroad 312-353-8059

*Monica.toporkiewicz@mail.doc.gov* Equipment, Electronics, Safety &
Security Equipment

**Thelma Young** Medical and Dental Equipment & Supplies 312-353-5097

*thelma.young@mail.doc.gov* Pharmaceuticals and Drugs, Cosmetics,
Consumer Goods

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**U.S. Export-Import Bank** Export Credit Insurance, Trade Finance
Solutions 312-353-8081

**Small Business Administration** Export Working Capital, Export Express
Loans 312-353-8065

**Midwest Network Director** Mary N. Joyce 312-353-8040

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+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+
| ­­­**U.S. Department of  |                               | First Class  |
| Commerce**            |                               | Mail         |
|                       |                               |              |
| **Export Assistance   |                               | Postage and  |
| Center**              |                               | Fees Paid    |
|                       |                               |              |
| 200 West Adams, Suite |                               | ITA/DOC      |
| 2450                  |                               |              |
|                       |                               | Permit No.   |
| Chicago, IL 60606     |                               | G54          |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+
| Official Business     |                               |              |
|                       |                               |              |
| Penalty for Private   |                               |              |
| Use, \$300            |                               |              |
|                       |                               |              |
| ADDRESS SERVICE       |                               |              |
| REQUESTED             |                               |              |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+
|                       |                               | FIRST CLASS  |
|                       |                               | MAIL         |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+