+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *Spring 2008*  |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *Inside this   |                                                     |
| Issue*         |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 1              | Chicago Among Top Exporting Cities                  |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 2              | Trade Compliance Publications                       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 3              | Featured Market:                                    |
|                |                                                     |
|                | Qatar                                               |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 4              | Upcoming International Trade Shows & Missions       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 5              | New Export Frontier: China's Second Tier Cities     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 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*     |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

# Chicago Among Top Exporting Cities {#chicago-among-top-exporting-cities .unnumbered}

According to a new data series from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the
United States had 116 "billion-dollar markets" in 2006. Those markets
were metropolitan areas that recorded merchandise export sales of more
than \$1 billion.

The Chicago metropolitan area was one of only seven nationwide to exceed
\$25 billion in recorded export sales. The other metropolitan areas
among the "25 billion-dollar club" included New York, Houston, Los
Angeles, Seattle, Detroit, and San Jose.

Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez announced the data series in
January 2008, noting, "Export boost jobs, grow the economy, and allow
businesses to prosper. The new data show that cities across the country
are thriving in the global economy. It also reinforces the positive role
that trade and exports have in creating jobs and growing local
economies."

The data contained in Metropolitan Export Data cover 2005 and 2006. The
series offers the following additional breakdowns: metropolitan area
exports as a percentage of total exports, exports to individual
countries by product category for the 50 largest metropolitan areas, top
global export product categories, and total exports to 10 regional
destinations.

For additional information about the Metropolitan Export Data, visit
*[www.trade.gov/metrodata](http://www.trade.gov/metrodata).* ♦

New Fees for Export Assistance Services

The U.S. Department of Commerce Commercial Service will implement a new
user fee schedule on May 1, 2008. The new schedule will improve customer
service and enable more U.S. companies, especially small firms (in
general, those with under 500 employees), to leverage the Commercial
Service's global network of trade experts to increase sales in markets
around the world.

"The U.S. Commercial Service is committed to providing our customers
with the best solutions possible," said Israel Hernandez, Assistant
Secretary for Trade Promotion of the Commercial

Service (CS). "Under our new fee structure, our customers will now pay
the same fees worldwide for a CS standard service, no matter where they
do business." For instance, the Gold Key Matchmaking Service will now be
\$700 for small companies across all markets worldwide

The new schedule maintains low fees for small companies, improving
access to CS export assistance for those that most need it. A discount
will also be offered as an incentive for qualifying new-to-export
companies to try CS services for the first time

For a full description of the U.S. Commercial Service new user fee
schedule, please visit

www.export.gov and follow the "spotlight" link.♦

Trade Compliance Publications

U.S. Customs & Border Protection has a number of Informed Compliance
Publications (ICPs) in the "What Every Member of the Trade Community
Should Know About" series. Three publication titles of general interest
are:

-   What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About
    Recordkeeping

-   What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About Rules of
    Origin

-   What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About Foreign
    Assembly of the U.S.

To download these documents, visit
*http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/legal/informed_complaince_pubs/.* ♦

U.S. Passport Card Now Available

U.S. citizens can now begin applying for the new U.S. Passport Card in
anticipation of new travel document requirements. The passport card will
facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea
ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and
Bermuda. **The card may not be used to travel by air.**

The Department of State will issue this passport card in response to the
needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more
portable alternative to the traditional passport book. For details, see
*<http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card_3926.html>.* ♦

# Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) Newsletter  {#overseas-private-investment-corporation-opic-newsletter .unnumbered}

OPIC has recently redesigned their newsletter and will not be sending it
out on a quarterly basis. The Winter 2008 issue of OPIC News is now
available and includes the following topics:

-   Workshops Help U.S. Minority and Women-Owned Businesses Go Global

-   Making a Difference in Africa's Capital Markets

-   OPIC Launches Enterprise Development Network (EDN)

-   OPIC Organizing Access to Opportunity in the Middle East conference

-   OPIC Announces Greenhouse Gas Initiative

To access this issue, go to
*http://www/opic.gov/news/newsletter/index.asp.* ♦

# New Export Control Directives Announced {#new-export-control-directives-announced .unnumbered}

President Bush recently signed directives that will ensure the United
States' dual-use export control policies and practices support the
National Security Strategy of 2006, while facilitating the U.S. economic
and technological leadership. These new directives will advance a more
efficient and transparent export licensing process and enhance dispute
resolution mechanisms. They will also help ensure proper levels of
control for continued U.S. economic competitiveness and innovation while
protecting national security. For more information on the President's
dual use export-control initiative, please visit:
*https:/www.bis.doc.gov/pdf/nspd_fact_sheet_1-16-2008.pdf*

Doing Business in the Middle East & Africa

Learn more about these markets through a 24-minute program produced by
Commercial Service offices in the region. The program is available in
two segments via You-Tube. See:

1.  [*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAlK69pjTnk*](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAlK69pjTnk)

2.  [*http://youtube.com/watch?v=2xsgiKfnP9c*](http://youtube.com/watch?v=2xsgiKfnP9c)
    ♦

# Featured Market: Qatar {#featured-market-qatar .unnumbered}

Qatar may look small, but in commercial terms it is a rising giant. This
Persian Gulf Emirate is just larger than Connecticut and its total
population is around 1 million. But this country has the world's third
largest reserves of natural gas and one of the highest levels of per
capita GDP on earth. Its reform-minded government is carrying out an
ambitious plan to transform this small peninsula into a leading
international hub for tourism, finance, and education.

The Qatari Government is carefully planning multibillion dollar
development projects, funded by the country's burgeoning hydrocarbon
wealth, to be implemented in numerous sectors in the coming years. In
the next ten years alone, it is estimated that Qatar will invest over
\$120 billion dollars in the development of the energy and industrial
sectors and \$50 billion in roads, infrastructure development, housing
and real estate, health/medical and sanitation projects.

# Leading Sectors For U.S. Exports To Qatar

-   Architectural/Construction/Engineering Services

-   Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment

-   Construction Equipment and Tools

-   Oil & Gas Field Machinery and Equipment

-   Telecommunications Equipment, Computers and Peripherals

-   Education Services and Equipment

-   Medical Equipment and Services

-   Power Transmission Equipment/Electrical Power Systems

For more information on this market, see
*<http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_1996477.pdf>.*

**Upcoming International Trade Shows and Missions**

**May 26-29, 2008: *Renewable Energy Mission to Sweden and Denmark***

Demand for renewable and alternative energy and fuels is rising
worldwide. The Nordic countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden,
have ambitious goals for increasing their independence from oil and
their self-sufficiency in power generation. They are promoting and
subsidizing renewable energy R&D, increased use of renewable sources,
and identification and adaption of the latest technologies and products.
And they are looking for innovative American technologies to achieve
their goals. The U.S. Ambassadors in both countries are engaged in
alternative energy programs and have developed high-level, close working
relationships with government and industry. Join the mission, meet
Danish and Swedish public and private sector energy professionals,
participate in panel discussions, showcase your products to potential
buyers during match-making meetings, visit the World Bioenergy
Conference, and more. For more information, contact
[*Aaron.Held@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov*](mailto:Aaron.Held@mail.doc.gov) . To
register, go to: http*://www.buyusa.gov/sweden/en/registration.html*

**June 16-20, 2008: *Trade Mission to Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam***

The Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion and Director General of the
U.S. Commercial Service invite export-ready companies to join the U.S.
Business delegation to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on June
16^th^ to 20^th^, 2008. This Trade mission includes one-on-one
pre-screened business appointments, briefings, and market opportunities,
briefings on Vietnam's opportunities, networking events with government
and industry decision-makers and counseling from Commercial Service
Trade Specialists on developing trade leads. Prospects are particularly
promising for U.S. suppliers of aviation and airport equipment,
environment technologies, and education and training. Cost is \$3,750.00
per firm (one principal representative), \$850 each additional
representative. Please visit the expo website at
*http://www.export.gov/vietnammission* for details. For questions,
contact Debra at *Debra.Rogers@mail.doc.gov* or 312-353-6988.

**June, 2008: *Business Development Trade Mission to Erbil, Iraq***

The U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration is
recruiting businesses from the non-petroleum sector for its Business
Development Trade Mission to Erbil, Iraq, in June, 2008, to be led by a
senior office from the Department of Commerce. Specific dates will be
available upon request. The mission focuses on establishing business
meetings between U.S. companies and Iraqi companies to foster exports
and investment. Preference will be given to companies offering housing,
financial services, agri-business/food processing, healthcare, tourism,
IT, transportation, or franchising services. The Mission will also meet
with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), local chambers of commerce
and other business groups, and various Iraqi companies. The Trade
Mission will also visit key commercial sites in Erbil. Security will be
furnished by the U.S. Embassy Regional Reconstruction Team in Erbil,
private hotel security, and the KRG. For information and registration,
please visit http://trade.gov/Iraq.

**June 17-20, 2008: *CommunicAsia 2008/Broadcast Asia 2008 -
Singapore***

The region\'s premier Information and Communications Technology event
returns to Singapore in its 19th edition.  Reflecting the synergistic
trend in the infocomm and digital media industries, the show will
showcase the full spread of convergent technologies and applications
from industry leaders intended to enhance enterprises\' mobility and
users\' lifestyle. The U.S. Commercial Service will actively assist U.S.
companies participating in this show with the following free value-added
services:

-   Pre-show publicity through our U.S. Commercial Service network
    in Asia

-   An Asian Buyer List

-   Invitation to a networking reception for U.S. companies and foreign
    buyers

-   Country-based market research on the ICT sector in Asia

-   One-on-One counseling with ICT specialists throughout Asia

-   Inclusion in the U.S. exhibitor directory

If you are interested in exhibiting at the show and/or using our value
added services, please do not hesitate to contact
Monica.Toporkiewicz@mail.doc.gov or 312-353-8059 or fill out the
registration form at http://www.buyusa.gov/ict/30.html.  Show
information can be found at
[*http://www.communicasia.com*](http://www.communicasia.com/) and
[*http://www.broadcast-asia.com*](http://www.broadcast-asia.com/)

**September 1-5, 2008: *CIEME 2008- China International Equipment
Manufacturing Exposition -- Shenyang***

CIEME has grown to become China's foremost exposition for CNC machine
tool, automation control system, and aviation manufacturing in northeast
China. The show received strong support from the Chinese government,
which helps ensure good visitor traffic. Building on previous success,
the U.S. Commercial Service in Shenyang (CS Shenyang) is organizing a
U.S. Pavilion at this show for the 4^th^ year in a row and invites U.S.
companies to exhibit in the pavilion. Through its strong ongoing
relationship with the show organizer, CS Shenyang has been able to
secure prime exhibition space amongst the nearly 4,000 domestic and
international exhibitors. For more information, please visit
[*www.zxexpo.com*](http://www.zxexpo.com/), or contact Ms. Liu Yang at
[*yang.liu@mail.doc.gov*](mailto:yang.liu@mail.doc.gov)

#   {#section .unnumbered}

# Need More Help Exporting?  {#need-more-help-exporting .unnumbered}

The U.S. Commercial Service-Chicago has launched its online
**International Business Service Providers (BSP) directory.** This
directory lists local companies offering export-related expertise in
categories such as banking and financial services, business consulting
(country/industry-specific), computer and internet services,
transportation/freight forwarding, and vetting/due diligence. Eleven
companies are already listed, including JP Morgan Chase, KDC &
Associates, Product Safety Consulting Inc., Royal Roots Global Inc.,
Kewill Trade and Logistics, Integration Point, Evaluserve, LR
International Inc., SEKO Worldwide Logistics, BDG International, and
Global Business Information Services Inc. (GLOBIS).

The directory is available at
[*www.buyusa.gov/midwest/211.html*](http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/211.html).
We are adding companies to the directory on an ongoing basis. If your
company offers a service helpful to U.S. exporters and you would like it
to be listed in our BSP directory, please visit the website above for
details. For questions, contact Artina Davis at
*artina.davis@mail.doc.gov* or 312-353-4453. ♦

International Travel and [U.S.
Competitiveness](http://www.buyusa.gov/kansascity/#_top)

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the United States adopted a
variety of new statutory and regulatory requirements for foreign
nationals seeking visas for entry into the United States. As a result,
the number of non-immigrant visas issued---particularly the types of
visas most used for business travel into the United States---dropped
significantly.

The timely availability of business visas is a critical business issue,
since foreign investors often view the ease with which they can travel
as a key indicator of how easy it will be to make or administer an
investment. A new report entitled: "Supporting U.S. Competitiveness by
Facilitating International Travel" looks at the different kinds of
non-immigrant visas that are issued by the United States, examines steps
that the State Department has taken with the creation of its Business
Visa Center, and makes recommendations about where additional attention
is needed in order to facilitate business travel to the United States.
For a free copy of this report, please visit:
*<http://trade.gov/press/publications/newsletters/ita_0108/travel_0108.asp>*
♦

# U.S.-China Tourism Agreement Signed {#u.s.-china-tourism-agreement-signed .unnumbered}

In December 2007, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez signed a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will bring more customers to the
U.S. tourism industry by facilitating group [leisure]{.underline} travel
from China to the United States, and will permit United States
destinations to market themselves in China. (Note: China previously only
permitted group [business]{.underline} travel.)

The agreement between the United States and China was announced at the
U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) and is expected
to be implemented in the summer of 2008.

"Today's agreement will open a large and growing market for the U.S.
travel and tourism industry," said Gutierrez. "This creates positive
economic benefits for the U.S. and strengthens the relation-ship between
our nations. Now more Chinese visitors have the opportunity to
experience America's hospitality, cultural diversity and natural
beauty."

The U.S. travel and tourism industry will benefit from this MOU. Chinese
visitation is forecasted to reach 579,000 Chinese travelers to the U.S.
by 2011, increasing U.S. tourism related exports.

On average, Chinese citizens spend more during their stay than visitors
from other countries. In 2006, average per visitor spending by Chinese
citizens traveling to the United States was more than \$6,000.

This agreement facilitates travel for Chinese citizens within the State
Department's existing visa procedures and may be terminated if
significant numbers of group travelers overstay their period of
admission into the United States.

Leading U.S. destinations and convention and tourism bureaus rely on the
Commercial Service (CS) throughout the world for assistance in marketing
their attractions, including gaining media exposure, facilitating group
visits and fam tours, and attracting trade show visitors. In 2007, CS
facilitated over 500 export successes (international sales, bookings,
and advertising equivalency), valued at over \$22 million for U.S.
tourism clients. ♦

China's Second-Tier Cities Offer Opportunity

Thirteen of China's second-tier cities account for 8% of China's
population but 53% of its total imports --

which is why the untapped markets of China's second-tier cities provide
some of the most exciting and lucrative opportunities for U.S.
exporters. Reasons to target these cities include:

-   Surging demand

-   Less saturated markets

-   Less competition

-   Chinese economic development policies

To identify market opportunities through the American Trading Centers
set up in these cities, see

*http://www.export.gov/china/atc.asp.* To view a video presentation on
these markets, see
*http://www.export.gov/articles/vid_launch_china.asp.* ♦

Upcoming Midwest Trade Events

**May 6, 2008: WTCI-WBDC International Trade Workshop -- Chicago**

Sponsored by the U.S. Commercial Service -- Chicago, Small Business
Administration -- Chicago, the World Trade Center Illinois, and Women's
Business Development Center. A panel of speakers from the U.S.
Commercial Service, the World Trade Center, and business owners with
international trade experience will discuss topics such as determining
the import/export readiness level of your company, researching and
targeting top markets for import/export, creating marketing strategies,
resources available for international trade, and more. Venue: World
Trade Center, 200 E. Randolph, Suite 2200, Chicago. Fee: \$40 for WTCI
members; \$50 for non-members. For information and registration, please
contact the WBDC at 312-853-3477, ext. 0, or *syun@wbdc.org*.

**May 8, 2008: Global Trade -- Exporting: Get the Basics from the Pros -
Chicago**

Organized by the Small Business Administration Service Core of Retired
Executives (SBA/SCORE). Basic components of exporting will be discussed
by speakers active in the industry. They cover legal issues, financial
and banking, freight forwarding, customs, and sound techniques for
exporting products, as well as U.S. government export assistance
programs. 8:45am - 3:00pm. 500 W. Madison Ave, Suite 1250, Chicago. \$60
in advance, \$70 at the door. Register at *http://www.scorechicago.org*.

**May 12-14, 2008: Go Global or Get Left Behind! - Rockford**

This two-day seminar with workshops is designed to explain and enhance
the global competitiveness of small and mid-size companies currently
conducting or seeking to do business internationally. We expect
participants to leave with ideas and contacts that are useful for
growing their business. This seminar offers educational opportunities
for those companies new to international trade (day #1) and for those
already involved in import or international trade (day #2). Sponsored in
part by SupplyCore, US Bank, Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity and the US Commercial Service. Venue: Northern
Illinois University, Rockford. For details see:
[*http://www.rockfordil.com/2008/02/07/GoGlobal/*](http://www.rockfordil.com/2008/02/07/GoGlobal/)
or contact *patrick.hope@mail.doc.gov.*

**May 15, 2008: Exporting for Growth Seminar - Rosemont**

Presented by UPS in collaboration with the U.S. Commercial Service, this
seminar is geared specifically toward small and mid-size companies.
Faster sales growth, competitive advantages, and financial success are
some of the benefits companies experience by engaging in global trade.
More than 70 percent of the world's purchasing power lies beyond U.S.
borders. If you aren't reaching this population, your competitors will
be. And you don't have to be a large company - more than two-thirds of
U.S. exporters have fewer than 20 employees. *Exporting for Growth* will
bring together global trade experts to show you the tools for growing
your business across borders. Hear lessons learned from successful
entrepreneurs; get your questions answered by customs brokerage,
finance, transportation and technology experts; and set up one-on-one
consultations with local U.S. Commercial Service trade experts. Designed
for interaction, the seminar format will engage the audience and provide
answers to your questions on what export markets to target, customs
clearance, transportation solutions, and more. Venue: Stephens
Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont; Price: free.
Register at:
[*http://www.pressroom.ups.com/exportgrowth*](http://www.pressroom.ups.com/exportgrowth)

**May 17 -- 20, 2008: National Restaurant Association (NRA) Restaurant,
Hotel-Motel Show - Chicago**

Visitors from over 115 countries will be in attendance at the Western
Hemisphere\'s largest foodservice and hospitality event - NRA 2008. U.S.
companies are invited to meet one-on-one with U.S. Commercial Service
Commercial Specialists leading international buyer delegations to the
show from Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic,
Ecuador, Honduras, Ireland, Jordan, Mexico, Pakistan, Qatar, and
Venezuela. They can discuss export market development for U.S.
hotel/restaurant equipment products in these markets, applicable
regulatory issues, and opportunities in each market for your products
and services. A representative of the U.S. Export-Import Bank will also
be available to discuss export financing options and export credit
insurance . To schedule meetings, please register at
http://www.buyusa.gov/eme/nra2008.html. Registration deadline is
Wednesday, May 7, 2008. For questions, contact Jeff Graber at
312-353-7711 or *jeffrey.graber@mail.doc.gov*.

**May 19, 2008: Attracting International Students to Illinois -
Chicago**

The Study Illinois international education consortium will host its
fifth annual conference on attracting international students to
Illinois. Over 25,000 international students currently study in
Illinois, contributing more than \$600 million annually to the state\'s
economy. Featured speakers will be six U.S. State Department-affiliated
overseas education advisers from Brazil**,** Egypt, India, Jamaica,
Pakistan, and Thailand. They will speak on the latest higher education
trends in their home countries and what students there are looking for
in a study abroad experience. Supported by the U.S. Commercial Service -
Chicago, the International Trade Association of Greater Chicago, and the
Illinois Office of Trade and Investment. 1:30-5:00 p.m. at Loyola
University Watertower Campus, Kasbeer Hall, 25 E Pearson,15th floor,
Chicago. \$10 for Study IL members; \$20 for non-members. Contact: Debra
Rogers at 312-353-6988 or *debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov*.

**May 22, 2008 - The 2008 National Summit on American Competitiveness -
Chicago**

The 2008 National Summit on American Competitiveness will convene the
nation\'s premier leaders of business, government and academia on what
steps the public and private sectors can take to secure America\'s
position as the most competitive economy in the 21st century and beyond.
Hosted by Carlos M. Gutierrez, U.S. Secretary of Commerce. Honorary
Co-Chairmen, Richard M. Daley, Mayor, City of Chicago and Ronald J.
Gidwitz, Former CEO, Helene Curtis. Confirmed participants include Craig
Barrett, Chairman of the Board, Intel, Maria Bartiromo, Anchor, CNBC,
Steve Chen, Co-Founder and CTO, YouTube, Steve Odland, Chairman and CEO,
Office Depot, Jim Owens, Chairman and CEO, Caterpillar and Henry M.
Paulson, Jr., U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Full details at
http://www.americancompetitiveness.com/ Venue - Fairmont Hotel, 200
North Columbus Dr., Chicago.

## 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 work together with our colleagues and partners to assist Illinois
companies and organizations in maximizing their export potential. In
2007, this assistance resulted in 349 export successes for small and
medium businesses, generating nearly \$95 million dollars in export
sales for the Illinois economy.*

# Gold Key Yields Mexico Distributors {#gold-key-yields-mexico-distributors .unnumbered}

**Frain Industries, Inc**. is based in Franklin Park, Illinois, and is
North America's largest supplier of high quality reconditioned food
processing and packaging equipment. The company has been a client of the
U.S. Commercial Service in Chicago since 2003, when Frain conducted its
first Gold Key Service in Guatemala.

After Frain expressed interest in the Mexican market, Chicago Trade
Specialist Jeff Graber provided detailed market research and trade data
on the country, and Frain made a decision to proceed with multiple gold
keys in Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. with the goal of
signing on new distributors for these three distinct areas of Mexico

In February 2008, Frain's Vice President of Sales, Mr. Dave Madden,
traveled to Mexico for meetings with potential distributors arranged by
the Commercial Service office in those cities.

As a result of these meetings, Frain has entered into a formal agreement
with a new distributor for the Monterrey region, and is in process of
negotiating a second agreement for the region of Mexico City. Frain's
goal is to jointly participate with both firms at the Expo Pack show in
Mexico City in June 2008.

Commenting on the success of the Mexico Gold Key meetings, Mr. Madden
commented: "The Commercial Service support we received was most
beneficial and allowed us to accomplish our objective more efficiently
and effectively than we could have by our own means. Our decision to
engage the Commercial Service Gold Key Service was the correct decision
to help us identify and select the most qualified business partners. " ♦

Design Firm Finds New Partners in Hong Kong

Acclaro, Inc., based in Schaumburg, Illinois, is a provider of
marketing, design, and presentation services, and is a new client of the
Commercial Service (CS) in Chicago and Hong Kong. The company\'s
president, Ryan St. John, contacted us in early August 2007, prior to a
planned trip to Hong Kong in late August. Trade Specialist Debra Rogers
provided him a detailed overview of CS services, especially market
research and the Gold Key Service, and set up a meeting for him with CS
Hong Kong.

On August 29, Mr. St. John met with Commercial Specialist Alice Lai and
Commercial Officer Jim Mayfield. They provided him with contacts and
introductions that resulted in Acclaro successfully incorporating and
setting up a virtual office in Hong Kong through the virtual office
company, HQ. This office provides his company with a prime business
address and professional answering service in Hong Kong without the
expense of maintaining a physical presence. Ms. Rogers and Ms. Lai then
set up a Gold Key service for Mr. St. John the following November in
Hong Kong. Ms. Lai set up a number of appointments for Mr. St. John,
which companies that were interested in Acclaro\'s services.

As a result, Acclaro has signed agreements with two Hong Kong companies.
Under these agreements, Acclaro will make its production services and
expertise in the area of email marketing campaigns and live event
services for these Hong Kong companies to offer to their clients. The
Hong Kong companies do not have this expertise in-house, and the
agreements will help both Acclaro and its new partners get new business.

Mr. St. John reported to Ms. Rogers in March 2008, that he is currently
negotiating to provide one of the companies about \$10,000 worth of web
design and advertising services. He also made the following comment: \"I
truly was amazed at how helpful and knowledgeable your department was in
the States, HK, and Shanghai! It almost became easier to gain new
clients in foreign countries than in the US, thanks to your help. I plan
on using the service more in the future and have recommended your
service to other small businesses.\" ♦

**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         |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+