+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Spring 2003    |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Inside this    |                                                     |
| Issue          |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 1              | Energy Markets Free e-Newsletter                    |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 2              | China's New Compulsary Certification                |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 3              | New Market Research Available                       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 4              | Upcoming International Trade Shows & Missions       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 5              | International Partner Search Service Revamped       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 6              | Upcoming Illinois Trade Events                      |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 7              | USEAC Success Stories                               |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 8              | Personnel Notes                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| U.S. Export    |                                                     |
| Assistance     |                                                     |
| Center         |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| 55 West        |                                                     |
| Monroe, Suite  |                                                     |
| 2440           |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Chicago, IL    |                                                     |
| 60603          |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Tel:           |                                                     |
| 312-353-8045   |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Fax:           |                                                     |
| 312-353-8120   |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *Edited by     |                                                     |
| Debra Rogers*  |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

# U.S. and Chile Conclude Free Trade Agreement {#u.s.-and-chile-conclude-free-trade-agreement .unnumbered}

Chile is considered a bright spot among Latin American countries in
terms of economic and political stability, and it's about to get
brighter yet. The United States and Chile reached agreement on December
11, 2002 on an historic and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
designed to strip away barriers and facilitate trade and investment
between both countries. The agreement is now before the Congresses of
the U.S. and Chile for approval.

With the agreement, Chile becomes only the fifth country to have a free
trade agreement with the United States, joining Israel, Canada, Mexico
and Jordan. The U.S.- Chile FTA will be the first comprehensive trade
agreement between the United States and a South American country. Both
ministers expect this Agreement will encourage progress on negotiations
of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), to meet its goal of
completion by 2005, as well as the ongoing global trade negotiations.

"This is an excellent agreement that cuts tariffs and opens markets for
American workers, farmers, investors and consumers. It's a win-win state
of the art FTA for the modern economy - it not only slashes tariffs, it
reduces barriers for services, protects leading-edge intellectual
property, keeps pace with new technologies, ensures regulatory
transparency and provides effective labor and environmental
enforcement," said U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick.

American workers, consumers, investors and farmers will enjoy
preferential access to one of the world's fastest growing economies,
enabling products and services to flow back and forth from the United
States and Chile with no tariffs and under streamlined customs
procedures.

Once approved, the FTA is expected to become effective by January 1,
2004. It will then allow 87% of U.S. exports to enter Chile duty-free,
as compared to the current 6% import duty rate. Incidently, NAFTA
members Mexico and Canada already have duty-free access to the Chilean
market.

## 

# Electronic Energy Markets Newsletter {#electronic-energy-markets-newsletter .unnumbered}

In an effort to assist firms in the U.S. energy industry to increase
their export sales, the U.S. Department of Commerce has created a pilot
\"Energy e-Market Express Bulletin.\" On this site you will find monthly
updated market research, trade leads, and trade events for worldwide
opportunities. The website address is:
http://www.oceac.com/buyusa/energy. Contact Jason Sproule at (949)
660-1688 ext. 151 or via email at Jason.Sproule@ mail.doc.gov for
questions, comments, or difficulties viewing this free online bulletin.

**Other e-Market Express Bulletins:**

-   Aerospace & Defense

http://www.oceac.com/buyusa/ame/

-   Medical

http://socaldec.com/eme/med.html

-   Travel & Tourism

http://socaldec.com/eme/tra.html .

# China Compulsory Certification (CCC) Mark {#china-compulsory-certification-ccc-mark .unnumbered}

The government of China has introduced a new safety license system. The
new system requires manufacturers in 132 product categories to obtain
the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark before exporting to or
selling in the China market. The new system, implemented on May 1, 2002
and fully effective on May 1, 2003, will impact many U.S. exporters,
across a wide range of manufacturing sectors. Products not meeting CCC
requirements may be held at the border by Chinese Customs and will be
subject to other penalties. The following URL has additional
information:

http://www.mac.doc.gov/China/Docs/BusinessGuides/cccguide.htm.

# Procurement Opportunities in Afghanistan {#procurement-opportunities-in-afghanistan .unnumbered}

The Afghan Interim Administration (AIA) is sending requests for
procurements through the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. At this point the
requests for procurement are basic and oriented to getting the AIA up
and running. Companies with local representatives in that regions who
can supply the AIA should contact: Michael McGee, Commercial Officer,
Afghanistan Reconstruction, ph: 9251- 282-3699, fax: 9251-282-3981 or
michael.mcgee@ mail.doc.gov; or Hanscom Smith at kabulecon@ state.gov.

*Learn more about this topic June 8-10 in Chicago. See page 6 for event
details.*

# No More Yugoslavia {#no-more-yugoslavia .unnumbered}

On February 4, 2003, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was dissolved.
The new nation is called **Serbia and Montenegro**. According to a
European Union brokered agreement, the two countries will maintain a
quasi-union, i.e., interdependent sovereignty.

# World Bank Website Tutorial {#world-bank-website-tutorial .unnumbered}

The Commercial Service has created a 15-minute tutorial on *How to
Navigate the World Bank Website*. The tutorial will help U.S. companies
to evaluate commercial opportunities and find contacts for project and
Bank-financed procurement opportunities. To obtain a copy, contact Eric
Henderson with the Commercial Service World Bank Liaison Office at
202-458-0120/0118 or ehenderson@worldbank.org[.]{.underline}

# Host a UK Marketing Executive {#host-a-uk-marketing-executive .unnumbered}

The British Consulate General in Chicago is looking for U.S. companies
interested in hosting a Senior

UK marketing executive for a week-long \"Executive Attachment\". The
Attachment is meant to be an up

close look at the marketing process with a U.S. company as well as a
business & cultural exchange. The attachments are part of the U.S.
Marketing Scholarship Programme which brings UK executives to the
Kellogg Graduate School of Management for an Executive Strategic
Marketing Program. For more

Information, please contact Richard Knox at (312) 970-3831 or
*Richard.Knox@fco.gov.uk.*

# OPIC Approves \$125 Million Africa Lending Facility  {#opic-approves-125-million-africa-lending-facility .unnumbered}

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) has approved a \$125
million guaranty facility to support Citibank's lending efforts in
sub-Saharan Africa.

The facility will enable Citibank to provide additional U.S. dollar and
local currency project and corporate loans in sub-Saharan Africa, with
an initial focus on Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali,
Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda. Citibank will
originate and structure all individual loans, but each loan made will be
cleared by OPIC for its effect on the U.S. economy, environmental
impacts, and human and workers' rights. A portion of the facility will
be reserved for small & medium-sized enterprises.

# Free Assistance from CS Australia and New Zealand {#free-assistance-from-cs-australia-and-new-zealand .unnumbered}

If you're interested in starting or expanding exports to Australia and
New Zealand, our Commercial Service offices there are now offering an
"Express Service". As long as the request doesn\'t take more than one
hour and doesn\'t cost our posts anything to obtain, they will research
your request for FREE. For requests, including multiple requests, which
are likely to take more than one hour to complete, a quote will be
provided under the Flexible Market Research service.

Typical information they can provide under this service includes:

-   Advice on duty rates

-   General information on relevant Australian standards for various
    products.

-   Publicly available information on Australian companies.

-   Free lists of \"unqualified\" potential agents and other business
    contacts.

Please contact your local Trade Specialist (see back page for listing)
if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer.

# European Lotto Scam Alert {#european-lotto-scam-alert .unnumbered}

Be wary of emails stating that you are a winner in the De Lotto
Netherlands Lottery. The U.S. Commercial Service in The Hague advises
that these email scams are becoming increasingly common and they have
been contacted by U.S. citizens who have lost money trying to claim
their "prize". Please do not pursue these lotto scams.

**Upcoming International Trade Shows and Missions**

SHOWS

May 2003: *Catalog Show at The Security Show, Dubai, UAE*

Product Categories: Full line of security-related products & services
from forensics technology to secure computer communications

Commercial Service Activities: Our Dubai office is organizing a product
literature center for U.S. exporters at this show. Display your product
literature and receive leads of interested parties. Fee: \$50. For more
information, contact Bernadine Smith at 312/353-5096 or
*Bernadine.smith@mail.doc.gov* or Phyllis Bingham at 312/353-3748 or
[***Phyllis.bingham@mail.doc.gov***](mailto:Phyllis.bingham@mail.doc.gov).

May 14-16, 2003: *Expo Construccion Internacional 2003, Tijuana, Mexico*

This event is a premier venue for construction sector developers to meet
new suppliers and learn about new construction methods. The U.S.
Department of Commerce has certified this event as an exhibition that
offers excellent opportunities for U.S. companies interested in
exporting to Mexico. Discounted booth prices for U.S Commercial Service
clients. Contact Debra Rogers at 312/353-6988 or
*debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov.*

May 20-23, 2003: *Catalog Show at FoodExpo/Consumer 2003, Almaty,
Kazakhstan*

Product Categories: food, beverages, food processing & ag equipment,
packaging technologies, & consumer goods

Commercial Service Activities: Our Almaty office is organizing a product
literature center for U.S. exporters at this show. Display your product
literature and receive leads of interested parties. Fee: \$100. For more
information, contact Bernadine Smith at 312/353-5096 or
*Bernadine.smith@mail.doc.gov* or Phyllis Bingham at 312/353-3748 or
*Phyllis.bingham@mail.doc.gov*.

July 16-18, 2003: *PAACE Automechanika Mexico*

This show has been certified by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce as providing
significant opportunities for U.S. exporters in the Automotive After
Market, OE-Manufacturing, & Service Industry. The 2003 show expects
12,000 visitors from 18 countries. For more information on exhibiting,
contact Robin Mugford at 847/327-9082 or *robin.mugford@mail.doc.gov.*

September 9-11, 2003: *Enviro-Pro 2003, Mexico City*

The U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico City is organizing a U.S. pavilion
at this show. Now in its 11^th^ year, Enviro-Pro is the most important
event in Mexico for environmental products & services. 5,000 visitors
from Mexico & Latin America are expected. For more information on
exhibiting, contact Robin Mugford at 847/327-9082 or
*robin.mugford@mail.doc.gov.*

September 15-18, 2003: *Catalog Show at Agritech 2003, Israel*

Our Tel Aviv office is organizing a product literature center for U.S.
exporters at this show. Display your product literature and receive
leads of interested parties. Fee: \$350. For more information, contact
Bernadine Smith at 312/353-5096 or *Bernadine.smith@mail.doc.gov* or
Phyllis Bingham at 312/353-3748 or
[***phyllis.bingham@mail.doc.gov***](mailto:phyllis.bingham@mail.doc.gov).

**October 6-9, 2003*: Europe MBA Fair in Stockholm, Hamburg & Zurich***

This annual fair is organized by the U.S. Commercial Service in Zurich.
An MBA remains one of the most attractive programs fro the European
young professional. Attendees tend to have university degrees, work
experience, financial means. For more information, contact Debra Rogers
at 312/353-6988 or *debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov.*

November 6-9, 2003: *Study USA Pavilion at Universitarea, Mexico City*

The U.S. Commercial Service in Mexico City is organizing a pavilion at
the Universitarea education fair. Mexico is the 7^th^ largest source of
international students in the U.S. Mexican enrollment has grown at all
types of U.S. schools, but especially community colleges. Discounts for
registrations by May 30, 2003. For more information, contact Debra
Rogers at 312/353-6988 or *debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov.*

MISSIONS

May 12-23, 2003: *Illinois Infrastructure Trade Mission to Asia --
Korea, Hong Kong, & China*

Explore opportunities related to the Beijing 2008 Olympics & Shanghai
2010 World Expo, as well as Hong Kong's 1600 projects to reinforce its
status as a world-class city and tourism center. Application deadline:
April 4, 2003. Contact: Zhigang Ren at 312/814-7176 or
*zren@commerce.state.il.us.*

# Export Assistance Center Changes {#export-assistance-center-changes .unnumbered}

#### USEAC Director Returns

Mary N. Joyce, Director of the Chicago Export Assistance Center, is now
back from her year-long assignment in Washington, D.C., as Director of
Professional Development for the U.S. Commercial Service. Since her
return in January, she has assumed expanded duties as director of the
entire Chicago Hub Network, which includes Export Assistance Centers in
Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin. She is happy to be back, and
her staff is glad they no longer have to try to fill her shoes.

**Highland Park Office Moves to Libertyville**

The Export Assistance Center formerly located in Highland Park has moved
to Libertyville effective January 7, 2003. Manager Robin Mugford is
grateful to Lake County Partners for offering to host the new office.
The new address and phone numbers are as follows: 28055 Ashley Circle,
Suite 212

Libertyville, IL 60048, Tel: 847-327-9082, Fax: 847-247-0423.

# Small Firms Can Compete in China Markets {#small-firms-can-compete-in-china-markets .unnumbered}

There is an excellent nine-page article in the January/February 2003
issue of *The China Business Review*, entitled \"The Small Fry Take on
China\". Learning from the experiences of others can help small
businesses new to China avoid costly mistakes. Material includes \"Keys
to Business Success in China\". View the article online at:
http://www.chinabusinessreview.com/0301/gallant.html.

# International Partner Search Service Revamped {#international-partner-search-service-revamped .unnumbered}

The U.S. Commercial Service International Partner Search (IPS) service
(formerly known as the Agent Distributor Search or ADS) is being
revamped based on client and staff feedback as follows:

-   The IPS turnaround time will be changed from 15 days to 30 working
    days.

-   The price of the IPS will be market-based. New prices for the IPS
    should be slightly cheaper than the Gold Key Service (GKS) price in
    that country and no higher than the current global rate of \$600.

-   Rush Service will be available to clients that request an expedited
    service.

> For new prices and additional information, please contact your local
> trade specialist as per the back page of this newsletter.

# Contact China 2003 Handbook Available {#contact-china-2003-handbook-available .unnumbered}

***Contact China 2003*** is published by the U.S. Commercial Service as
a resource guide for U.S. exporters. The handbook contains key
information for American firms entering the Chinese market, including a
section explaining the different sections of the U.S. Embassy, a
complete listing of services available from the Commercial Section,
sector briefs on key industries that include major shows and
exhibitions, and a vast section dedicated to key contacts.

Whether a U.S. business is trying to decipher the maze of Chinese
ministries, researching their industries, or choosing the right business
partner, ***Contact China 2003*** will serve as an invaluable tool for
all business endeavors in China.

***Contact China 2003*** is available at no charge in PDF format at:
*[www.buyusa.gov/china/en/contact_china.html]{.underline}* or in print
for \$10/copy.

# Chinese Consumer Confidence High {#chinese-consumer-confidence-high .unnumbered}

A recent survey conducted by Mastercard International reveals that while
most consumers in the Asia/Pacific region are pessimistic about the
current economic climate, consumers in Mainland China have strong
confidence in the future, making them top the company\'s Consumer
Confidence Survey for the past three years. This survey measures five
key aspects, including employment prospect, national economy, fixed
salary, stock market and quality of life. The survey shows that
consumers in Mainland China are extremely inspired with enthusiasm about
the future. Their confidence index, which is 84.4, ranked first in the
Asia Pacific region in 2002, increasing by over 10 points from 73.6 a
year ago.

The indexes for the above-mentioned five aspects have all increased by a
big margin, especially for employment prospects (which increased from
53.6 to 74.6) and the stock market (from 57.1 to 68.3). In terms of the
cities surveyed, interviewees from Shanghai perceived the best prospects
(with index reaching 89.5), while those from Beijing (83.2) and
Guangzhou (80) also surpassed 80.

*( Beijing Business Daily, 02/11/03 - Translated by Shen Yan)*

-   Discounts will be available on bundled services (i.e. IPS plus GKS)

    Upcoming Illinois Trade Events

**April 3-4, 2003: *Asian Development Bank Seminar -- Chicago***

Co-organized by Stewart Ballard, the U.S. Department of Commerce Liaison
to the Asian Development Bank, the Chicago Export Assistance Center and
the Illinois Trade Office among others, this event includes a one day
seminar on April 3, followed by opportunites for individual company
consultations with ADB specialists on April 4. There will be two main
sessions on April 3, one tailored to manufactures and suppliers of
goods, the other for consulting firms. Fee: \$50. For more information,
contact Zhigang Ren at 312-814-7176 or zren@commerce.state.il. For
registration and scheduling of individual consultations, call
309-677-3631.

**April 8, 2003: *North Shore Exporters Get-Together on Korea -
Northbrook***

Speaker John Loayza will discuss issues related to the Korean market.
7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce. For information,
contact Robin Mugford at 847/327-9082.

######## April 15, 2003: *NAFTA Qualification & Certificate of Origin -- Chicago*

This half day seminar will cover the basics knowledge needed for your
company to take advantage of NAFTA: overview, product classifications
with HS numbers, tariff rate differences, rules of for determining
country of origin, tariff shifts and regional value content, & essential
record-keeping. Presented by Louisa Elder, Director, NAFTA Opportunity
Center at NORBIC. Fee: \$40/\$60 for members/non-members. Wright
College, 4300 N. Narragansett. Registration at : 773-594-9518 or
www.norbic.org.

**April 28, 2003: *China Construction Equipment TDA Business Briefing-
Chicago O\'Hare***

The U.S. Trade Development Agency (TDA) is organizing a delegation of 10
decision makers from China to visit the U.S. and view construction
equipment and techniques that can be utilized in the \$54 billion
South-North Water Diversion project on which construction is to begin
later this year. The delegation will hold a business briefing at the
Four Points Hotel Sheraton, Chicago O\'Hare from 9:00am to 5:00 pm. For
registration and information, contact Kathy Sheehy at 301-664-9280 or
ksheehy@engl.com.

**May 1, 2003: *Entering the European Market: Regulations, Standards and
Certifications -- Chicago***

The Chicago USEAC and Illinois DEC will help you navigate the maze of EU
regulations during this half-day seminar followed by practical how-to
dialogues with staff from the U.S. Commercial Service office at the U.S.
Mission in Brussels. Find out what you need to know about packaging
requirements, the CE mark, customs, rules for working with your
distributor, product warranty and liability issues, and a host of other
topics. Venue TBD. Contact Stuart Schaag at 312-353-7711 or
stuart.schaag@mail.doc.gov.

May 4-6, 2003: *FMI Show -- Chicago*

Since this is a certified International Buyer Program (IBP) Show,
Commercial Service overseas offices are recruiting foreign buyer
delegations from all over the world to attend this show. Chicago USEAC
staff can help you meet members of those delegations and will be
available for export counseling in the show's International Business
Center. Contact: Bernadine Smith at 312/353-5096.

May 12-13: *Adapting to a New Global Trade Environment/ Worldwide SCO
Conference - D.C.*

Meet 85 Senior Commercial Officers who will give regional and industry
updates and private consultations; network with other exporters and
business executives. Hyatt Regency Reston Hotel, 1800 Presidents Street,
Reston, Virginia. Registration fees from \$150 to \$375 - discounts for
small businesses & early registration. Hotel and agenda info at
202/775-3483 or www.usatrade.gov.

May 17-20, 2003*: Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show - Chicago*

Since this is a certified International Buyer Program (IBP) Show,
Commercial Service overseas offices are recruiting foreign buyer
delegations from all over the world to attend this show. Chicago USEAC
staff can help you meet members of those delegations and will be
available for export counseling in the show's International Business
Center. Contact: Bernadine Smith at 312/353-5096.

May 20, 2003: *Doing Business with the UK - Chicago*

Breakfast meeting sponsored by the Chicago Export Assistance Center &
the British-American Chamber of Commerce. David Katz, U.S. Senior
Commercial Officer in London will speak on the UK market. 8:30-10:30
a.m. Venue TBD. Fee: \$35, BACC members: \$25. Contact: Julie Carducci
at 312/353-8490 or *Julie.carducci@mail.doc.gov.*

**June 8-10, 2003: *Afghanistan Reconstruction Conference* -- Chicago**

USTDA and the U.S. Department of Commerce are sponsoring a conference on
the rebuilding of major infrastructure in Afghanistan, including power
and energy; water and sanitation; transport; buildings; gas and oil
pipelines; construction; health care; and tourism. Contact Dan
Lamey/Kevin Craemer at (866) 636-4729/(202) 347-2725 or e-mail:
tda1@mfmgroup.com.

June 23-27, 2003: *National Plastics Expo -- Chicago*

Since this is a certified International Buyer Program (IBP) Show,
Commercial Service overseas offices are recruiting foreign buyer
delegations from all over the world to attend this show. Chicago USEAC
staff can help you meet members of those delegations and will be
available for export counseling in the show's International Business
Center. Contact: Connie Tinner at 312/353-4453.

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

## *Below are some examples of how we at the Chicago U.S. Export Assistance Center (the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Export Import Bank, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Small Business Administration) work together with our colleagues and partners to assist Illinois companies in maximizing their export potential. Call us today and let us help you, too!* {#below-are-some-examples-of-how-we-at-the-chicago-u.s.-export-assistance-center-the-u.s.-department-of-commerce-the-export-import-bank-u.s.-agency-for-international-development-and-the-small-business-administration-work-together-with-our-colleagues-and-partners-to-assist-illinois-companies-in-maximizing-their-export-potential.-call-us-today-and-let-us-help-you-too .unnumbered}

# Commercial Service Helps Small Business Win Big Contract {#commercial-service-helps-small-business-win-big-contract .unnumbered}

**Global MED-NET International** of Naperville, IL provides emergency
medical information storage and forwarding services and has been a
client of the Chicago Export Assistance Center since 2001. Its services
allow emergency healthcare providers to quickly access a confidential
database of detailed medical information on individual members 24 hours
a day, seven days a week, anywhere in the world.

Services of the kind Global MED-NET offers are vitally important in
South Africa, where emergency healthcare is in high demand. According to
statistics, someone is killed in a vehicle accident in South Africa
every 47 minutes.

Exports are big business for her small company, says company President &
CEO Patricia Schneider, whose firm began exploring opportunities in
South Africa in November 2001, at a meeting arranged by International
Trade Specialist Thelma Young with a delegation of medical professionals
from South Africa. The delegation's trip was led by Commercial
Specialist Beki Ndimande of the U.S. Commercial Service Johannesburg
office and sponsored by the U.S. Trade Development Agency.

Encouraged by Ms. Young, Schneider went with Maria Cino, Assistant
Secretary and Director General of the Commercial Service, on a February
2002 trade mission to further explore export opportunities in South
Africa.

"The trade mission introduced me to many good prospective partners, but
I was most impressed with Trauma Link," she explained. Trauma Link has
6.7 million primary members and 16.1 million secondary members or family
members. Schneider was impressed with Trauma Link's large network of
members, and recently signed an estimated \$1 million agreement with
Trauma Link.

Global MED-NET's service is being packaged as part of Trauma Link's
Netcare 911 global ID product. Net-care 911 is Africa's largest provider
of world-class, fully integrated pre-hospital emergency assistance
services. Netcare 911 provides emergency medical rescue assistance via
rapid response vehicles.

Interestingly, Netcare had been part of the November 2001 South African
delegation, and had expressed a keen interest in Global MED-NET's
emergency record system after seeing it demonstrated in Chicago.

"Most of the jobs in Illinois and across America are created by small
businesses like Global MED-NET," said Cino. "97 percent of U.S.
exporters are small and medium-sized businesses; we must continue to
help them maximize their export potential. Trade missions are a great
way to put American companies face-to-face with the best foreign buyers
and partners."

Said Schneider, "This trade mission was a high-result, low-cost avenue
to finding the best partner in South Africa." Her firm has since
participated in similar missions to Italy and Spain, and Chile and Peru,
and plans to be part of an additional mission to Egypt and Morocco in
May 2003.

# SBA Solves Performance Bond Dilemma {#sba-solves-performance-bond-dilemma .unnumbered}

**Flexo-Accessories/ Propheteer International** in Lake Zurich, Illinois
is a manufacturer of flexographic printing machinery and has been a
client of the Chicago Export Assistance Center since being referred by
the Export-Import Bank in February 2001. Since then International Trade
Specialist Debra Rogers has been in regular contact with the company\'s
CFO/General Counsel, Robert Kaplan, regarding a wide variety of
export-related issues, including wood-packaging requirements, duty
issues, a trade complaint, VAT rebates, and others. The firm also
receives Ms. Rogers\' Printing Industry Export Newsletter.

In July 2002, Mr. Kaplan contacted Ms. Rogers regarding a sale of a
Propheteer 8-color 2000 SIL flexographic press to Poland for \$690,000.
The buyers\' banker was requesting a performance bond on the cash
deposit they had agreed to pay. TS Rogers referred Mr. Kaplan to Jack
Nevell of the Small Business Administration, as SBA\'s working capital
program would allow the firm to build the press, without tying up the
cash deposit as collateral for the performance bond at the bank. SBA
approved a working capital loan guarantee to cover the sale, thus
solving the firm\'s dilemma and giving them access to the working
capital needed to build the press for export.

**EXPORT ASSISTANCE PERSONNEL**

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

**Julie Carducci** Telecommunication Equipment and Services , Computer
312-353-8490

*julie.carducci@mail.doc.gov* Hardware & Software

**Stuart Schaag** Consumer Goods, Sporting Goods, Aerospace, Energy,
312-353-7711

stuart.schaag@mail.doc.gov Iron, Steel & Non-Ferrous Metals

**Connie Tinner** Machine Tools & Metalworking Equipment, Materials
312-353-3748

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

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

shari.stout@mail.doc.gov

**Patrick Hope** All industries in the Rockford area 815-987-8123

patrick.hope@mail.doc.gov

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

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

**Debra Rogers** Construction Industry (incl. tools & materials),
Tourism 312-353-6988

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

> Architectural & Engineering 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

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

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

\- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-

**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

**USAID/Global Technology Network** Trade Lead Matching Program
312-353-8059

**[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}**

­­­

+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+
| **U.S. Export         |                               | First Class  |
| Assistance Center**   |                               | Mail         |
|                       |                               |              |
| 55 West Monroe        |                               | Postage and  |
| Street, Suite 2440    |                               | Fees Paid    |
|                       |                               |              |
| Chicago, IL 60603     |                               | ITA/DOC      |
|                       |                               |              |
|                       |                               | Permit No.   |
|                       |                               | G54          |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+
| Official Business     |                               |              |
|                       |                               |              |
| Penalty for Private   |                               |              |
| Use, \$300            |                               |              |
|                       |                               |              |
| ADDRESS CORRECTION    |                               |              |
| REQUESTED             |                               |              |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+
|                       |                               | FIRST CLASS  |
|                       |                               | MAIL         |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+