+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *Winter        |                                                     |
| 2005/2006*     |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *Inside this   |                                                     |
| Issue*         |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 1              | New China IPR Program                               |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 2              | Ex-Im Bank Offers New Flexible Policy               |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 3              | New Market Research Available                       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 4              | Upcoming International Trade Shows & Missions       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 5              | Featured Market:                                    |
|                |                                                     |
|                | Japan                                               |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 6              | Upcoming Illinois Trade Events                      |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 7              | USEAC Success Stories                               |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 8              | Personnel Notes                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| U.S.           |                                                     |
| Department of  |                                                     |
| Commerce       |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Export         |                                                     |
| Assistance     |                                                     |
| Center         |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| 200 West       |                                                     |
| Adams, Suite   |                                                     |
| 2450           |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Chicago, IL    |                                                     |
| 60606          |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Tel:           |                                                     |
| 312-353-8040   |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *www.buyusa    |                                                     |
| .gov/illinois* |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *Director,     |                                                     |
| Julie          |                                                     |
| Carducci*      |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *Newsletter    |                                                     |
| Editor, Debra  |                                                     |
| H. Rogers*     |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

# Export Assistance Center News  {#export-assistance-center-news .unnumbered}

#### New Trade Specialist Joins Chicago Staff. We'd like to welcome Monica Toporkiewicz as our newest International Trade Specialist in the Chicago Export Assistance Center. Monica recently moved from Washington, D.C., where she worked in our headquarters office at the U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service. In that office, she implemented knowledge management software; compiled performance measures reports; and organized Commercial Service Showtime programs at trade shows. 

#### 

#### Monica earned a Masters degree in International Economics from the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs and a Bachelors degree in International Diplomatic Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University. She speaks Polish and Spanish. Monica will assist Chicagoland exporters in the Printing/Graphic Equipment, Railroad Equipment and Consumer Goods industries.

**Chicago Director on China Assignment.** Chicago Export Assistance
Center Director Julie Carducci is working for one month in the U.S. Dept
of Commerce office at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. During this time she
is working with U.S. companies in the medical and financial services
sector in the China market. In addition, Julie will provide support for
delegation visits to Beijing from the Governors\' mission from
California and Minnesota, and programs aimed at greater market access
for medical

technology suppliers. Julie resumes her duties in Chicago on November
21.

**Continue to Receive this Newsletter!** *Do we have your e-mail
address?* Due to significant budget cuts, we may soon be forced to
discontinue the printing and mailing of this newsletter, and will have
to send it out electronically only. If you'd like to continue receiving
it, please make sure that we have your current e-mail address! (If you
haven't received any "Upcoming Illinois Trade Events" e-mails from Debra
Rogers within the last 6 weeks, then we don't have your current e-mail
address.) ♦

# New China IPR Advisory Program {#new-china-ipr-advisory-program .unnumbered}

On November 10, U.S Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez announced a
new China Intellectual Property Rights Advisory Program that will allow
U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to request free, one-hour
consultations with an experienced volunteer attorney to learn how to
protect and enforce intellectual property rights (IPR), such as
trademarks, patents or copyrights, in China. The new program was
developed in coordination with the American Bar Association, the
National Association of Manufacturers, and the American Chamber of
Commerce in China.

"IP-based businesses are the largest sector of the U.S. economy and
IP-based industries must be able to protect their ideas in order to
protect their livelihoods." Gutierrez said.

In addition to providing U.S. businesses with free, expert guidance on
how to protect their intellectual property in China, this program also
seeks to help American businesses understand the steps they must take to
develop an intellectual property protection strategy for the Chinese
market and to help U.S. firms resolve existing China-related IPR
disputes. This program builds on the initiatives Gutierrez announced on
September 21, 2005 that also strengthen global IPR protection and
enforcement.

For more information, visit the websites:
[*www.export.gov/China*](http://www.export.gov/China),
[*www.Stopfakes.gov*](http://www.stopfakes.gov/), and
[*www.export-legal-assistance.org*](http://www.export-legal-assistance.org/).

# Ex-Im Bank Offers New Flexibility {#ex-im-bank-offers-new-flexibility .unnumbered}

Many Illinois exporters are not aware that the Export Import Bank (Ex-Im
Bank) has a new twist on an old program. The new twist is called
"Reasonable Spread of Risk" (RSOR).

For years, the industry has required "whole turnover or all credit
sales" to be insured or included in export credit insurance policies.
Many exporters want to insure a significant portion of their export
receivables against non-payment, but do not want to pay for insurance on
the export credit risk with which they are comfortable (i.e. sales to
long-term, reliable clients in low-risk countries). Now, under the RSOR
option, Ex-Im Bank will allow some of these exclusions for a select
group of users.

The "Reasonable Spread of Risk" (RSOR) option on Ex-Im Bank's standard
Short-Term Multibuyer Export Credit Insurance Policy offers exporters a
wide choice of which export credit transactions they wish to insure.

#### RSOR Benefits

-   *Flexibility:* Exclude your lower-risk transactions ("Non-Standard
    Exclusions")

-   *Economy:* Pay insurance premiums only on perceived higher risk
    transactions

-   *Complementary:* Supplement your private sector insurance or
    factoring protection

-   *Efficiency:* Self-approve insurance for many of your export credit
    accounts

#### Eligibility and Limitations on "RSOR" Portfolios

-   Any exporter of U.S. products and services with at least one full
    year of export credit experience is eligible to apply. Products must
    contain at least 51% U.S. content, less price mark-up. Only services
    performed by U.S. personnel are eligible.

-   Exclusions are "locked-in" for the 12-month policy period. Exclusion
    changes can be made only at annual policy renewal. First loss
    deductibles are required.

-   The portfolio you choose to insure under the RSOR option must equal
    or exceed the total dollar amount of "Non-Standard" (low-risk)
    transactions you choose to exclude. That is, you must still insure
    at least half of your total export credit sales.

For more information on Ex-Im Bank export credit insurance policies,
including the RSOR, please contact Michael Howard at Ex-Im Bank's
Midwest Regional Office in Chicago at 312-353-8081 or
*Michael.Howard@exim.gov*. ♦

# Newly Independent States (NIS) Newsletter {#newly-independent-states-nis-newsletter .unnumbered}

Below are Featured Articles in the latest newsletter of the Business
Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS):

-   Finding a Russian distributor

-   Sakhalin Oil Creates Opportunities in the Russian far East

-   Moldova Construction Materials Sector Overview

-   Eurasian Chemical Scientists in Cincinnati

-   Upcoming Events

-   Ukraine Business Climate Update

To get this latest issue, please visit:
[*http://www.bisnis.doc.gov/bisnis/BULLETIN/sep05.cfm*](http://www.bisnis.doc.gov/bisnis/BULLETIN/sep05.cfm).
♦

# Libya Commercial Guide Available {#libya-commercial-guide-available .unnumbered}

On September 20, 2004, President Bush terminated the 1986-declared state
of emergency against Libya and revoked related Executive Orders. This
action removed most economic sanctions against Libya. Trade between the
U.S. and Libya, including the import/export of goods or services, is now
permitted, though some commercial transactions remain subject to U.S.
Department of Commerce export controls.

To obtain a copy of the 48-page joint U.S. State and Commerce Department
produced document, go to the U.S. Commercial Service Egypt website at:
[*http://www.buyusa.gov/egypt/en/businesslibya.html*](http://www.buyusa.gov/egypt/en/businesslibya.html)♦

# Venezuela Ends Pre-Shipment Inspections {#venezuela-ends-pre-shipment-inspections .unnumbered}

Venezuela's tax authority announced that as of August 31, 2005, the
pre-shipment inspection on exports to Venezuela valued over USD \$5,000
will no longer be required. ♦

# Advertise to the World & Save \$100 {#advertise-to-the-world-save-100 .unnumbered}

*Save \$100 on Your Next Ad in COMMERCIAL NEWS USA**\****

*Commercial News USA* is the official export promotion magazine of the
U.S. Department of Commerce, and is distributed by U.S. Embassies and
Consulates in 150 countries. To reserve ad space in the next issue,
please go to: [*www.thinkglobal.us/email_form.html*]() and complete the
form. More information, including testimonials and success stories, is
available on the *Commercial News USA* web site at
[*www.export.gov/cnusa*](http://www.export.gov/cnusa) or by calling

1-800-581-8533.

*\*Offer applies to new ads only and expires December 31, 2005.*♦

**Upcoming International Trade Shows and Missions**

SHOWS

**January 24-27, 2006: TAU International - Italy**

The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce invites
you to participate in the U.S. Pavilion of TAU International, Italy\'s
premier environmental trade show, scheduled on January 24-27, 2006 in
Milan. The Italian market for environmental technologies and solutions
is projected to reach \$5 billion in 2005 and to grow by four to six
percent over the next few years. Italy relies heavily on environmental
imports, and excellent opportunities exist for American companies
offering innovative technologies and products. The special participation
fee of \$3,250 includes a completely furnished booth and a personalized
schedule of one-on-one appointments with targeted Italian business
partners. For more information on the special matchmaking service
offered by the U.S. Commercial Service at TAU, please visit the website,
http://export.gov/comm_svc/pdf/TAU06.pdf. If you are interested in
knowing more about the promising Italian environmental market, please
contact Robin Mugford by phone at 847-327-9082 or by e-mail at
robin.mugford@mail.doc.gov.

**February 23-26, 2006: Hong Kong Education and Careers Expo -- Hong
Kong**

The U.S. Commercial Service in Hong Kong is organizing a U.S. Pavilion
at the Education and Careers Expo 2006 for the second year, and is
encouraging U.S. educational institutes to participate. The Education
and Careers Expo is an annual event organized by the Hong Kong Trade
Development Council and the Labor Department. It is an international
forum for educational institutions, commercial organizations, government
bodies and professional associations to disseminate the most up-to-date
information on education and career opportunities to students and the
working public of Hong Kong. The fee for a 4.5 sq. meter standard booth
in the U.S. Pavilion is US\$1,923 for the four-day show. Since the Expo
is extremely popular and heavily subscribed, we have to act fast in
order to secure space from the organizer. If you are interested in
exhibiting, please contact Debra Rogers at *Debra.Rogers@mail.doc.gov*
or 312-353-6988 by December 10, 2005.

February 28-March 3, 2006: China Building 2006 -- Beijing

The U.S. Commercial Service in Beijing is organizing a U.S. Pavilion at
this show to promote U.S. building materials to the Chinese market. This
show has a 10-year track record and showcases an extensive array of
building materials companies. In 2005, this show had over 1,000
exhibitors and 40,000 business visitors. Exhibitors in the U.S. Pavilion
receive marketing and matchmaking assistance, a customized embassy
briefing, free advertising in show directory, webpage link, & product
presentation slot for an exhibitor fee of \$2070. For more information,
please contact Debra Rogers at 312-353-6988 or
*debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov*.

**March 7-9, 2006: Expo Manufactura - Monterrey, Mexico**

This show is certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce under the
Trade Fair Certification program, and will include a U.S.A. pavilion.
The 12^th^ edition of Mexico's largest metalworking/manufacturing
exhibition will feature machine tools, automation, assembly technology,
quality manufacturing, CAD/CAM robotics, software, coil winding, and
welding technologies. For more information, visit
*<http://ejkrause.com/events/7206.html>,
http://www.expomanufactura.com.mx*, or
*http://www.export.gov/tradeevents.html* or contact
Ernesto.deKeratry@mail.doc.gov or 011-52-55-5140-2638; or
Graylin.Presbury@mail.doc.gov or 202-482-5158. Act now, first time
exhibitors at Expo Manufactura may still be eligible for a one-time 10%
discount on a turnkey 9-square meter booth in the U.S.A.Pavilion!*\
* N0SPAM.

MISSIONS

April 24 - May 3, 2006: Environmental Technologies Trade Mission -
Malaysia, Thailand, and Philippines

Whether you\'re seeking new markets for your proven technology or
launching a new product line, the U.S. Department of Commerce\'s
Environmental Technologies Trade Mission to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and
Manila offers a cost-effective way to meet pre-screened business
contacts, prospective agents, distributors, partners, and end-users and
to explore new business opportunities in these three fast-growing
Southeast Asia nations. Malaysia\'s US\$800 million environmental market
offers attractive potential in the public water supply, sewage
treatment, and industrial wastewater treatment sectors. Thailand will
need to invest approximately US\$1.2-1.5 billion to attain universal
coverage for safe water and sanitation and solid waste management by
2020. The US\$70 million Philippine market for environmental products,
technologies, and services offers excellent opportunities, especially in
the air pollution and wastewater treatment. For information and
registration, go to the trade mission website at
*www.buyusa.gov/tennessee/23.html*. Or, contact Bradley Harker, Project
Manager, by phone at 615-259-6062 or by e-mail at
*bradley.harker@mail.doc.gov*.

#   {#section-1 .unnumbered}

# Featured Market: Japan {#featured-market-japan .unnumbered}

**Why Japan Now?**

Japan boasts the largest and most diverse economy in Asia, and is second
only to the U.S. on the world\'s economic stage. The U.S. sends more
exports to Japan than it does to any other overseas destination.
Thousands of U.S. companies have established successful operations in
Japan and even more export to Japan on a regular basis.

The Japanese economy has pulled out of its economic slump of the last
decade and is showing clear signs of an emerging recovery. U.S. exports
to Japan have risen steadily over the last several years, and exchange
rates continue to favor U.S. exporters.

 

**More Deregulation Than Ever Before**

In the mid-80\'s the Japanese market was often characterized as being
excessively regulated and a difficult market to penetrate. Several
factors have contributed to the easing of these regulations and to a
more open economy.

Changes brought through technology and the Internet, restructuring
within the Japanese economy and bilateral negotiations, have opened the
Japanese market in many sectors where U.S. companies are globally
competitive --- telecommunications, medical equipment and
pharmaceuticals, energy (including power generation and transmission
equipment), information technology, insurance, and financial services.

As a result of the Economic Partnership for Growth, launched by
President Bush and Prime Minister Koizumi in June 2001, the U.S. and
Japanese governments continue to exchange reform recommendations on key
sectors every fall. Now more than ever, Japan deserves a second look.

**Highlights of the Japanese market:**

-   Asia\'s trendsetter

-   Returning to growth economy

-   Second-highest GDP in the world

-   Second-highest purchasing power and consumption levels in the world
    after the U.S.

-   Efficient, state-of-the-art transportation and communications
    systems

-   Households with computers:\
    Japan     65.7%\
    U.S.A.     61.8%

-   Households with internet access:\
    Japan     88.1%\
    U.S.     54.6%

-   Cellular telephone subscribers:\
    Japan     85.1%\
    U.S.     54.6%

**Contact us today:**

The U.S. Commercial Service (CS) has six office locations in Japan:
Tokyo, Osaka-Kobe, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, and Naha. To engage CS
Japan's efforts on a project for your company, please call your nearest
Export Assistance Center.

For more information on this important market and how the Commercial
Service can help you do business there, please see
*www.export.gov/comm_svc/press_room/marketofthemonth/Japan/japan.html.*
♦

Agricultural Export Data by State

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) publishes annual estimates of
U.S. agricultural exports by state and commodity group that may be more
refined than other sources. These statistics show Illinois as the 3^rd^
largest exporter of agricultural commodities among U.S. states.

The estimates are based on data from USDA's Foreign Agricultural
Service, which adjusted by state-level historical production data. The
data tend to be more accurate for agricultural commodities since they do
not inflate the export data from port states. For details, see
[*www.ers.usda.gov/Data/StateExports*](http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/StateExports).
♦

# New Commercial Service Office Opens in Senegal {#new-commercial-service-office-opens-in-senegal .unnumbered}

A new U.S. Commercial Service Office opened recently in Dakar, Senegal,
and is part of a network across Western Africa that will help U.S.
companies get a foothold in 18 emerging markets. The new office includes
a Senior Commercial Officer and two Commercial Specialists. Located in
central Dakar, the office will serve as a regional hub for Cote
D'Ivoire, Chad, The Gambia, Mauritania, Benin, Gabon, Mali, Niger,
Burkina Faso, Guinea Conakry, Togo, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone,
Liberia, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.

The office will help U.S. and West African businesses forge new
partnerships through business counsel, market research, help in
identifying qualified suppliers and assistance in promoting U.S.
products and services in West Africa. For more information on doing
business in West Africa, see
[*http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica*](http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica).
♦

*Upcoming Illinois Trade Events*

**November 29, 2005: *SCORE International Trade Workshop -Tap Global
Markets and Expand Sales - Chicago***

Full-day workshop in which the basic components of international trade
are discussed by speakers active in the export and import industry.
Covers legal issues, financial and banking, freight forwarding, customs,
and sound techniques for exporting and importing products as well as
U.S. government financial programs. 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Registration
8:30 AM); Fee: \$60 prepaid, \$70 at door; Location: SCORE, 500 W.
Madison, Suite 1250, Chicago 60661. Call SCORE at 312-353-7724 or
register online at
*https://www.123signup.com/servlet/SignUp?cat:58=246&PG=1522055182300&P=152205500*

November 30, 2005: U.S.- Hungarian Ambassadors Business Mission to
U.S. - Chicago

The World Trade Center Chicago in cooperation with the U.S. Department
of Commerce Export Assistance Center will be hosting a breakfast
business briefing featuring The Honorable George H. Walker, American
Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary and His Excellency András Simonyi,
Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary to the United States. Special
guests include Patricia Gonzalez, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S.
Embassy Budapest and György Rétfalvi, CEO, Investment and Trade
Development Agency of Hungary. Breakfast 8:30-10:30. Venue: TBD. Contact
Thomas Panek at 312-353-7711 or thomas.panek@mail.doc.gov

**December 1, 2005: *International Trade Basics for Manufacturers: Focus
on China -- Oak Lawn***

Seminar sponsored by NORBIC, Center Point and the Association for
Manufacturing Excellence. Speakers include: **Ralph Keller**, President,
Association for Manufacturing Excellence; **Preston Torbert**, Baker &
McKenzie; **Ric Frantz**, LR International; **Jack Nevell**, Small
Business Administration. 8:30 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m., Hilton Oak Lawn, 9333
South Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL. Members of sponsoring organizations -
\$60; Non-members - \$75. For information and registration, please call
Nicole Tompkins at 773/594-9292 or e-mail *ntompkins@norbic.org.*

**December 7-8, 2005: *Global Manufacturing Series -* *AUTOMED 2005 -
Park Ridge***

Second Annual Global Manufacturing Series sponsored by the International
Trade Club of Chicago and the Tooling & Manufacturing Association. This
program spotlights the latest opportunities in the automotive and
medical equipment markets through a series of practical, timely case
studies. Learn as Tier II suppliers share their "success stories" in the
face of global competition, while **DaimlerChrysler** and **Cardinal
Health** share their approaches to finding and qualifying vendors.
Manufacturers serving other sectors will also benefit from the
strategies being presented. There will be a total of eight case-study
presentations delivered across the four 1/2 day modules, with panel
discussions at the end of each day. TMA Conference Center, 1177 South
Dee Road, Park Ridge, IL. ITCC & TMA Members - \$250; Non-members -
\$350. For information and registration, please call 312/368-9197 or
visit: www.automed2005.org.

###### 

December 13, 2005: *India: Gateway to Growth - Chicago*

Conference sponsored by the: U.S. -- India Chamber of Commerce;
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce; World Trade Center Chicago. Program
will inform and educate U.S. companies about the Indian business
frontier and how to take part in the tremendous growth opportunities in
India. 7:30 a.m. -- 1:30 p.m., Northwestern University Kellogg School of
Management, 340 East Superior Street, Chicago. Members of sponsoring
organizations - \$75; Non-members - \$100. For information and
registration, e- mail *indiachamber@wtcc.org.*

**December 16, 2005: *Doing Business in Singapore - Chicago***

Scott Pozil, Commercial Officer at the U.S. Commercial Service in
Singapore will be visiting our Chicago office on Friday, December 16,
2005. We invite you to join us for a 9:30 a.m. in-office briefing on
Doing Business in Singapore. Best prospect sectors for U.S. exports are
many and include restaurant/hospitality equipment market,
telecommunications, aerospace and dental equipment. For those
interested, one-on-one appointments also be available thereafter. Fee:
\$25. Location: 200 W. Adams, Suite 2450, Chicago. For further
information or to register contact Debra Rogers at 312-353-6988 or
debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov.

**February 7-8, 2006: *Complying with U.S. Export Controls - Chicago***

This two-day program will be led by U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau
of Industry & Security (BIS) professional counseling staff and will
provide 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. It
will focus on what items and activities are subject to the EAR; steps to
determine the export licensing requirements; how to determine the export
control classification number (ECCN); 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
participants to apply the regulations to their own company\'s export
activities. Save the date! Venue & Fee TBD.

## 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, 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 and let us help you, too!*

# CS Helps Promote Chicago to the Irish {#cs-helps-promote-chicago-to-the-irish .unnumbered}

**The Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB)** works to market the
city of Chicago as a leading business and leisure travel destination.
Over the years, CCTB has received international marketing assistance
from U.S. Commercial Service offices around the world.

In April 2005, Irish PR company Javelin/Young & Rubicam, needed
assistance in sourcing subway and city center maps of three major
American cities, and appealed to the U.S. Commercial Service (CS) Dublin
office for help. The PR company had been commissioned by a leading Irish
telecommunications company, O2, to produce 150,000 travel guides for
free distribution at Irish airports, book stores, news agents and travel
agent outlets and for insertion into a major national newspaper. The PR
company was having difficulty in identifying the sources of city center
and subway maps to use in the U.S. travel guides and urgently looked to
Tourism Specialist Finola Cunningham of CS Dublin for assistance as the
account deadline approached.

With Chicago high on their list of priorities, Ms. Cunningham contacted
International Trade Specialist Debra Rogers of CS Chicago, who
immediately passed the request to the CCTB Director of Public Relations,
Ms. Meghan Risch. Ms. Risch sent an electronic map of downtown Chicago
right away, but the subway map required a map usage agreement from the
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), approved by both the CTA law department
and its VP of Communications and Marketing. Luckily, Commercial
Specialist Nicola Hale of CS Dublin was able to work with the PR company
to facilitate the necessary requests and approvals in time to meet the
deadline. The guides are now ready for distribution and the Irish PR
firm sent a thank you note stating: \"Once again we are very grateful
for your interest and cooperation. The maps were a great addition to the
guide\". The ad-vertising equivalent value of this free promotion of
Chicago to the Irish public is estimated at \$250,000. ♦

# CS Helps Pave Way for DePaul Campus in Jordan {#cs-helps-pave-way-for-depaul-campus-in-jordan .unnumbered}

**DePaul University School of Computer Science, Telecommuni-cations, and
Information Services (CTI)** in Chicago is one of the largest graduate
information technology programs in the United States, with more than
3600 students. Trade Specialist Debra Rogers has worked with CTI since
2001, but recently CTI has become increasingly internationally active,
especially in the area of forming global partnerships.

In July 2005, Adam Kashuba, Director of DePaul\'s Global CTI, notified
Ms. Rogers that CTI had signed an MOU with Al-Balqa Applied University
(BAU) to open a CTI branch campus in Amman, Jordan. Through this
partnership, CTI would be offering masters degrees in Information
Systems, Telecommunications Systems, Software Engineering; and Computer,
Information, and Network Security. In August, Mr. Kashuba traveled to
Jordan to finalize the arrangements and make sure everything was in
place to start classes on September 6. Ms. Rogers informed Senior
Commercial Officer (SCO) Laurie Farris at the U.S. Commercial Service in
Amman (CS Amman) of the CTI/BAU partner-ship and Mr. Kashuba\'s travel
plans, and she suggested to Mr. Kashuba, that he might call on SCO
Farris and invite her to the opening ceremony.

Upon meeting with SCO Farris, Mr. Kashuba realized that a necessary
approval from the Jordanian Ministry of Higher Education had not yet
been procured, and needed to be in place before classes started. He
requested the assistance of SCO Farris, who, together with Steven
Ramirez of the State Department, helped him arrange a series of meetings
with appropriate officials, culminating in a meeting with the Ministry
of Higher Education. SCO Farris accompanied Mr. Kashuba to all his
meetings with government officials, and followed up with them to assure
receipt of the written approval.

Classes ended up starting about 10 days later than originally planned,
but the approval was received, and 45 students started a two-year course
on September 17. Fifteen students are already enrolled for the next
course, starting this winter, and a total of 30-40 new students are
expected.

While accustomed to prompt and helpful assistance from the Chicago
Export Assistance Center, Mr. Kashuba remarked that he was extremely
pleased by the extent of assistance he received from CS Amman. He noted
that SCO Farris jumped right in, and that DePaul could not have pulled
this off in the time necessary without her help.♦

**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*

**Patrick Hope** All industries in northwestern Illinois 815-987-8123

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

**Robin Mugford** Environmental Products/Technology/Services
847-327-9082

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

**Thomas Panek** Sporting Goods, Aerospace, Energy, Iron, Steel &
312-353-7711

thomas.panek@mail.doc.gov Non-Ferrous Metals, Computer Hardware &
Software

**Debra Rogers** Construction & Hardware, Tourism, Architectural &
312-353-6988

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

> Franchising

**Bernadine Smith** Electrical Components, Safety & Security Equipment,
312-353-5096

[*bernadine.smith@mail.doc.gov*](mailto:bernadine.smith@mail.doc.gov)
Food Processing and Packaging Equipment, Hotel,

> Restaurant, and Amusement Equipment

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

shari.stout@mail.doc.gov

**Connie Tinner** Machine Tools & Metalworking Equipment, Materials
312-353-4453

*connie.tinner@mail.doc.gov* Handling Equip., Plastics & Rubber
Machinery, Chemicals

**Monica Toporkiewicz** Consumer Goods, Printing & Graphic Arts,
Railroad 312-353-8059

*Monica.toporkiewicz@mail.doc.gov* Equipment & Supplies

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

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

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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

**Chicago Network Director** Mary 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         |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+