+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Nov            |                                                     |
| ember/December |                                                     |
| 2002           |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| Inside this    |                                                     |
| Issue          |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 1              | New U.S. Export Assistance Center Staff             |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 2              | Carnets Now On-Line                                 |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 3              | New Market Research Available                       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 4              | Upcoming International Trade Shows                  |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 5              | SBA News                                            |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 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*  |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

# New USEAC Staff Ready to Serve You {#new-useac-staff-ready-to-serve-you .unnumbered}

**Holly Kirking** is the newest Business Development Officer in the
Export-Import Bank's Midwest Regional Office, which forms an integral
part of the multi-agency Chicago Export Assistance Center. She is
responsible for marketing all Ex-Im Bank financing products in the
states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakotas and Missouri. Holly
previously served as an intern with Ex-Im , as well as with the U.S.
State Department in Venezuela. Holly has a degree in International
Relations and Economics from the University of Minnesota. She can be
reached at 312-353-8072.

**Julie Carducci** joined the Chicago Export Assistance Center in
September after serving six years as a U.S. Commercial Service Officer
at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and in the American Institute in Taiwan.
Her focus will be on assisting Chicago-area IT and telecom companies,
and expanding the Commercial Service\'s outreach to exporters in DuPage
and Kane counties. Julie earned her M.A. International Relations from
the University of Chicago and her B.A. in Political Science from the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She can be reached at
312-353-8490.

International Trade Specialist **Laura Baker**, has transferred to the
U.S. Export Assistance Center in San Jose. We miss her, but understand
that she is enjoying her new job very much .

**Stuart Schaag** also joined us in September, following a four-year
tour in

Russia, where he served as a Commercial Officer at the U.S. Consulates
in St. Petersburg and Vladivostok. Prior to that he worked on
international trade regulation and policy issues for Department of
Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. Stuart will assist firms in
the energy, consumer goods, sporting goods and aerospace industries,
which were formerly covered by Lora Baker. Stuart earned a MBA from the
Thunderbird Graduate School and a BBA from the University of Miami. He
can be reached at 312-353-7711.

**Shari Stout** is the new Manager of our Peoria U.S. Export Assistance
Center. Ms. Stout's area of responsibility is downstate Illinois, and
she will concentrate her efforts on outreach to rural companies. She is
a 2001 graduate of Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she
earned a degree in International Business and Spanish. She can be
reached at 309-671-7815.

In addition to the above new staff, we are pleased to announce that
**Connie R. Tinner** has officially been promoted from Export Assistance
Specialist to International Trade Specialist as of July 2002. She has
been with the Export Assistance Center since 1994. Prior to that she
worked for the Department of Defense. She has traveled extensively
throughout Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, and has a degree in
Accounting and Liberal Arts from Loyola University. Connie assists
companies in the Machine Tools, Metalworking, Materials Handling,
Plastics and Chemicals industries.

# Free Eurasia Marketing Tool {#free-eurasia-marketing-tool .unnumbered}

![](media/image3.png)**ExpoLink Eurasia** is a free service that offers
U.S. firms a new tool for attracting buyers and long-term partners in
Eurasian markets. U.S. company profiles are displayed on the Business
Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS)
Russian-language website and distributed to local companies through
BISNIS' 18 representatives in Eurasia, as well as through a network of
cooperative relationships in the region. To participate in the program,
you must 1) prepare a brief company profile according to program
guidelines; 2) translate info into Russian; and 3) submit it to a BISNIS
industry specialist. For details, log on to
[*www.bisnis.doc.gov/nis/ele.cfm*](http://www.bisnis.doc.gov/nis/ele.cfm).

# Kuwait: Caution Advised {#kuwait-caution-advised .unnumbered}

Scams Use Central Bank Name

There have been several recent instances of U.S. companies being scammed
by individuals purporting to represent Kuwaiti government agencies or
the Central Bank of Kuwait. Some of these deals include arrangement for
payment via offices in Madrid, Spain. We advise clients doing business
with Kuwait to examine closely the veracity of any deals with the
Kuwaiti Government and/or the Central Bank of Kuwait. Suspicions should
be heightened if any of the transactions include a Madrid-based
organization called the \"Overseas Credit Commission\" or an individual
named Hassan Ah Almoweid (also seen as Hassan Almoweld or Hassan
Al-Wallid).\
\
The Central Bank of Kuwait\'s website ([www.cbk.gov.kw]{.underline})
includes a \"Scams and Frauds\" page with information on how to verify
the bona fides of individuals purporting to act for the Bank. We
encourage businesses to review this material. If questions persist,
businesses are invited to contact the Export Assistance Center for
assistance.

# Progress on Anti-Bribery Convention {#progress-on-anti-bribery-convention .unnumbered}

## Commerce Secretary Don Evans recently released the fourth annual report to Congress on implementation of the OECD Anti-bribery Convention. In just over three years since its entry into force, all but 2 countries, Chile and Turkey, have laws on their books that make it a crime to bribe foreign public officials in international business transactions. Thirty-three of the thirty-five signatory countries now have implemented legislation. The U.S. government has brought fourteen enforcement actions over the past year. The report also noted that between May 1, 2001 and April 30, 2002, the competition for 60 contracts worth a total of \$35 billion may have been affected by bribery of foreign officials and that of these 60 contracts, U.S. firms are believed to have lost nine contracts worth \$6 billion. The Report and more information is available on: [www.export.gov/tcc.]{.underline} 

# Carnets Now Available On-Line {#carnets-now-available-on-line .unnumbered}

Duty Free Customs Clearance

The Carnet allows for temporary duty free customs clearance of
commercial samples, professional equipment, and items for exhibitions
and fairs into more than 75 countries around the world. Carnets
eliminate the payment of VAT and duties, can be used for unlimited trips
for a period of up to one year, and act as an U.S. Customs registration.
Carnets are now available online. Online Carnet applications make it
possible for a 24-hour turnaround without an expedited service fee.

Simply log onto [*http://www.uscib.org/*](http://www.uscib.org/), click
in the Apply Online section of ATA Carnet Export Service and begin. For
additional information, contact Maria Rea of Carnet HQ at the U.S.
Council for International Business at 212/703-5087 or send an e-mail to
[*mrea@uscib.org*](mailto:mrea@uscib.org) if a rejection is received.

# Chicago Trade Specialist Wins National Award {#chicago-trade-specialist-wins-national-award .unnumbered}

Our own International Trade Specialist **Thelma Young** received the
William E. Morton Memorial Award this June during a ceremony in
Washington, D.C. William E. Morton perished along with former Secretary
of Commerce Ronald Brown in April of 1996 on the trade mission to Bosnia
and Croatia. This award in his memory is presented to the International
Trade Administration employee who made the strongest contribution during
the past year to increasing opportunities within ITA or in the U.S.
international trading community for members of historically
disadvantaged groups.

Thelma has actively been involved in assisting minority-owned businesses
since the mid-1990's under the National Minority Export and most
recently under the Global Diversity Initiative. She has actively
recruited minority-owned businesses to participate in U.S. Department of
Commerce export training, trade missions and matchmaker events. In her
capacity as a Trade Specialist she works closely with firms in the
medical, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries to
support their exporting endeavors.

# EU Public Procurement Opportunities {#eu-public-procurement-opportunities .unnumbered}

The Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union in
Brussels has created a database of all current public procurement
tenders issued by public authorities in the EU plus 4 other European
countries. It is updated weekly and covers 19 industries. This database
is at: www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion.

**Upcoming**

**International Trade Shows and Missions**

SHOWS

December 17-19, 2002: *Catalog Show at Environment 2000, Israel*

Product Categories: Environmental Services and Equipment

Commmercial Service Activities: The Tel Aviv office is organizing a
Product Literature Center (catalog show) for U.S. exporters at this
show. Display your product literature and receive leads of interested
parties for only \$400. For more information, contact Robin Mugford at
847/681-8010 or *robin.mugford@mail.doc.gov.*

January 12-15, 2003: *International Housewares Show, Chicago, Illinois*

Product Categories: Kitchen, dining, decorating, electrics, home
healthcare, home organization, cleaning, furniture, etc.

Commercial Service Activities: International Buyer Show with recruitment
of foreign buyer delegations from all over the world; free export
counseling offered in the International Business Center. For more
information, contact Stuart Schaag at 312/353-7711 or
stuart.schaag*\@mail.doc.gov.*

January 21-23, 2003: *Catalog Show at* *ISRACHEM & ANALIZA, Israel*

Product Categories: Analytical Instruments and Chemical Processing
Equipment

Commercial Service Activities: 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 for only
\$400. For more information, contact Robin Mugford at 847/681-8010 or
*robin.mugford@mail.doc.gov.*

February 3-6, 2003: *Visit USA Destination & Product Seminars,
Australia*

These seminars are an annual event aimed at educating retail travel
agents about U.S. destinations & products. The Commercial Service (CS)
in Australia will distribute literature for and promote any U.S.
destination or tourism supplier participating in the CS catalog booth.
Participation fee is \$600. For more information, contact Debra Rogers
at 312/353-6988 or *debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov.*

February 18 -- April 5, 2003: *Study USA Asia Tour, India, Singapore,
Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Korea, Japan*

Product Categories: Education and Training Services

U.S. Educational Institutions are invited to join the tour in all
countries, just one, or a combination. The fairs in each country focus
on recruiting new students to attend U.S. campuses. For more
information, contact Debra Rogers at 312/353-6988 or
*debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov.*

March 9-12, 2003: *Practical World, Cologne, Germany*

Product Categories: Hardware, Tools, DIY, home improvement

The U.S. Commercial Service in Duesseldorf is launching a new "European
Buyer Program" at this show. Using Commercial Service offices throughout
Europe, the presence of participating U.S. exhibitors at the show will
be promoted in Austria, Bulgaria, France, Poland, Romania, Russia,
Spain, Sweden, the UK, and Germany. Commercial Specialists from those
countries will be available to meet with U.S. companies regarding their
respective markets. For more information, contact Debra Rogers at
312/353-6988 or *debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov.*

MISSIONS

March 17-21, 2003: *Automotive Parts and Services Trade Mission to
Hungary, Poland, Slovakia*

Best prospect for this region include repair and diagnostic equipment,
hand tools, lifting and body straightening equipment, and electronic
equipment. Mission participation fee of \$2900 includes market
briefings, individual pre-screened appointments, receptions, follow-up.
Application deadline: January 24, 2003. Contact: Robin Mugford at
847/681-8010 or *robin.mugford@mail.doc.gov.*

# SBA Export News {#sba-export-news .unnumbered}

**Is Cash Flow Limiting Your Export Sales?**

Foreign buyers often expect longer payments terms creating cash flow
problems for small business exporters. One solution is the U.S. Small
Business Administration's Export Working Capital Program which offers a
90% U.S. Government guarantee to your bank to help finance export sales.
This program allows your company to get through the payment cycle and be
more competitive, finance purchase orders, increase access to financing,
and support stand-by letters of credit. The program allows you to cover
100% of your costs up-front for export orders for a low guarantee fee of
.25%.

**Export Express Program Expanded**

The number of small business exporters tripled in the past decade, and
the value of small business exports has increased 300 percent. But many
small businesses continue to have difficulty obtaining export financing.

To help meet this need, SBA has expanded its popular SBA Export*Express*
program which covers a broad range of trade related activities. SBA
Export*Express* is a streamlined and expedited process in which the
lender uses its own loan analyses, loan procedures and loan
documentation. The program had been a pilot program available at only
250 banks. The SBA is now opening the program to any of the 2,000
lenders in the country with a reasonable performance history for other
SBA products.

Under SBA Export*Express*, the lender can provide up to \$150,000 with a
guarantee of 85% or up to \$250,000 with a guarantee of 75%. The loan
proceeds may be used for such traditional business purposes as
expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or real
estate acquisitions. The proceeds may also help finance such items as
participation in overseas trade shows or trade missions, translation of
marketing materials or modifications of a company's website to
accommodate export transactions.

SBA Export*Express* loans are available to persons who meet the normal
requirements for an SBA business loan guarantee.

Loan applicants must also 1) demonstrate that the loan proceeds will
enable them to enter a new export market or expand an existing export
market, and 2) have been in business operation, though not necessarily
in exporting, for at least 12 months.

For more information about SBA Export*Express* or other SBA export
assistance programs, please contact Jack Nevell, the SBA representative
in the Chicago U.S. Export Assistance Center at (312) 353-8065.

# Metric Labeling on U.S. Exports {#metric-labeling-on-u.s.-exports .unnumbered}

The International Systems of Units, universally known as the SI, is the
modern metric system of measurement. Every industrialized nation in the
world, except the United States, prefers and/or requires the metric
system for weights and measures. As a result, many non-metric U.S.
products are not readily exportable to certain markets. When the
European Union (EU) goes to a metric-only market on January 1, 2010,
product labels with inches, pounds, or any other non-metric measurement
may no longer be exported to the EU.

Last year, Korea began requiring that measurements be expressed only in
metrics. Japan already requires that all imported products and shipping
documents show metric units. In the Philippines, only metric units may
be used to measure any product commodity, material, or utility. Metric
is the only system that can be used in the Philippines in any commercial
transaction, contract and other legal instrument, or other official
document.

The metric system is increasingly becoming the standard in Latin
America, the Caribbean, and Jamaica. Chile requires that all labels
contain, in Spanish, the size and weight converted to the metric system.
Goods not complying with these measurements may be imported, but not
sold to consumers until the conversion is made. Costa Rican law mandates
exclusive use of metrics. In Brazil, product labels should have a
Portuguese translation and use metric units or show a metric equivalent.

African countries have similar metric rules. Mauritius and Eritrea
require metric weights and measures, and Cameroon recommends French and
English labeling, with all measurements listed in metric. Metric is
required on all bills of lading on exports to South Africa.

For more info, contact the Trade Information Center at 1-800-USA-TRADE
or visit *www.tradeinfo.doc.gov*. The National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) publishes a comprehensive guide to the European
which is available on the Internet at *www.nist.gov/metric.*

# New EU Rules for Taxing On-line Sales {#new-eu-rules-for-taxing-on-line-sales .unnumbered}

The European Union's (EU) fifteen member states have a new rule that is
set to change the way that Value Added Tax (VAT) is applied to sales of
digital products and services over the internet. The current system
allows U.S. based suppliers to sell things like downloadable software to
EU final consumers without charging VAT; the proposed changes would
require they do. VAT is ultimately paid by consumers but once it is
included in the final price the cost of a U.S. supplied electronic
service to that consumer could rise by as much as 25%. The new system
will be valid across the EU from July 1, 2003.

Upcoming Illinois Trade Events

November 5, 2002: *Global Matchmaking at PackExpo - Chicago*

This event will allow IEFP/PackExpo exhibitors and attendees the
opportunity to meet and do business with 27 international firms, which
include buyers and investment partners from Central & Eastern Europe,
Africa, Asia, and the Near East. USAID's Global Trade and Technology
Network (GTN) is sponsoring this event from 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at
McCormac Place, Room 504D. Free for GTN-registered companies, \$10
otherwise. For more information, contact Gregg Baker at
[*gbaker@usgtn.net*](mailto:gbaker@usgtn.net) or 312/353-8059.

**November 7, 2002: *Central America/Caribbean Business Roundtable --
Glen Ellyn***

Sponsored by the Illinois Trade Office and the Chicago Export Assistance
Center, this half-day seminar will feature a video conference with the
U.S. Department of Commerce Senior Commercial Officer in Panama, and key
members of the Panamanian business community. 8:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
College of DuPage Student Resource Center. No fee. To register, contact
Monica Hernandez at 630/942-3041 or
[*hernande@cdnet.cod.edu*](mailto:hernande@cdnet.cod.edu).

**November 12, 2002: *Opportunities in the Turkish Construction Sector -
Chicago***

Come meet major Turkish companies in the construction and construction
materials sectors to discuss joint opportunities in Turkey and third
countries. Morning program starting at 9:00 am, followed by
opportunities for one-on-one meetings in the afternoon. Organized by the
Turkish-U.S. Business Council in cooperation with the Chicago Export
Assistance Center and the Chicago Turkish American Chamber of Commerce.
Supported by Congressmen Phil Crane, Danny Davis, and Tim Johnson. For
more info, please see attached document. To register and to request
one-on-one meetings, please contact Ms. Melissa Sturgeon at 773/947-9955
or *msmsturgeon@netscape.net.*

November 12, 2002: *Russia: In Transition from Communism to Capitalism
-- Northbrook*

This month's North Shore Exporter's Get-Together features Stuart Schaag,
who recently returned from a four-year tour as U.S. Commercial Officer
in Russia. He'll talk about potential opportunities for U.S. companies
and share his perspectives on the market, with particular emphasis on
Russia's commercial hubs and the Russian Far East. 7:30 -- 9:00 a.m.
(sharp!) at the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry. No Fee. To
register, contact Robin Mugford at 847/681-8010 or
robin.mugford@mail.doc.gov.

November 12, 2002: *Basics of Global Exporting and Importing - Chicago*

All day international trade seminar conducted by SCORE (Service Corps of
Retired Executives) and co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business
Administration. Topics to be covered include legal aspects of exporting
& importing, government sources of assistance, documentation &
financing, locating agents & distributors, pricing & quoting, etc. 8:30
a.m.--4:00 p.m. Fee: \$50. To register, call SCORE at 312/353-7724.

November 13, 2002: *Financing Investment & Exports in Eurasia --
Chicago*

Breakfast briefing sponsored by the CCFR, ITAGC, and the U.S. Department
of Commerce. Includes presenters from the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development, the U.S. Trade & Development Agency, the
Overseas Private Investment Corporation, the U.S. Department of
Commerce, and the U.S. Export-Import Bank. 8:30 -- 10:30 at the Chicago
Club, 81 E. Van Buren Street. Fee: \$15 for CCFR members, \$25 for
non-members. For registration and questions, call the Chicago Council on
Foreign Relations at 312/726-3860.

November 13, 2002*: Incoterms 2000 Seminar - Wood Dale*

Full day seminar on Incoterms 2000, the recently revised international
terms of sale that determine which party arranges for/pays for
transportation, how/when title passes, and which party insures.
Knowledge of Incoterms is a must for anyone involved in export sales or
export sales fulfillment. Sponsored by the U.S. Council for
International Business. Fee: \$350. To register, call 1-800-865-6201.

November 19, 2002: *Export Documentation for Spanish Speakers -- Glen
Ellyn*

Seminar, presented in Spanish, sponsored by the International Trade
Center, College of DuPage. Presentation by **Monica Hernandez**. 8:30 --
11:00 a.m., College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL.
Fee: \$50. For information and registration, please call 630/942-3041 or
E-mail*: <hernande@cdnet.cod.edu>*.

December 3, 2002: *NAFTA Rules/Certificates of Origin -- Aurora*

Morning seminar sponsored by the Illinois Trade Office and presented by
NORBIC's NAFTA Opportunity Center. Seminar will include overview of
NAFTA, tariff rates, rules of origin, and required record keeping, as
well as step-by-step outline of how to complete a NAFTA certificate of
origin. To register, contact the Valley Industrial Association of Aurora
at 630/892-4280 or
[*events@valleyindustrialassociation.org*](mailto:events@valleyindustrialassociation.org).
Fee of \$55.00 includes breakfast and materials.

## 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}

# Incredible Technologies Gets Export Award {#incredible-technologies-gets-export-award .unnumbered}

**Incredible Technologies** (IT) of Arlington Heights, Illinois is a
designer and manufacturer of coin operated video games. IT is a small ,
family-owned company that designs and develops entertainment hardware
and software for coin-operated, consumer and cartridge-based systems.
Current products include Golden Tee Fore golf & Big Buck Hunter
coin-operated video games.

On August 27th, the firm received an Export Achievement Certificate in a
special Ceremony at its offices in Arlington Heights. The award was
presented by U.S. Representative Mark S. Kirk of the 10th Congres-sional
District to President and CEO, Elaine Hogdson; ExecutiveVice President,
Richard Ditton; and International Manager, Robert Fay. Also
participating in the ceremony were Richard Paullin, Chairman of the
Illinois District Export Council and Bernadine Smith, International
Trade Specialist with the Chicago Export Assistance Center.

Smith provided assistance that helped the company generate new-to-market
sales to Sweden. She had worked with International Manager Bob Fay in
his former position as Executive Director of the American Amusement
Machine Association. She had helped the association prepare for a trade
mission to Sweden by providing market research, key contacts, and
coordination with the Commercial Service Stockholm office.

When Mr. Fay moved to Incredible Technologies two years ago, he
continued to work with the Swedish contacts he had developed through the
U.S. Commercial Service and the Chicago Export Assistance Center. In
September 2000, he traveled to Sweden to meet with one of those
contacts, Mr. Malcom Lilliehook, who made a return visit to Incredible
Technologies, and subsequently purchased \$55,000 worth of equipment
from Incredible Technologies. Mr. Fay expects further sales to Sweden in
the coming year. He stated, "I appreciate the relationship I have
developed with the U.S. Department of Commerce. I have had positive
results utilizing their services like the Gold Key. I have always found
them to be extremely helpful to companies expanding their export
business.\"

CEO Elaine Hogdson stated that receiving the Export Certificate was
extremely rewarding, and that it was an honor for her company to have
its achievements recognized by both local and federal government.

# GTN/Commerce Joint Efforts Yield Success for Chicago Firms  {#gtncommerce-joint-efforts-yield-success-for-chicago-firms .unnumbered}

The Global Trade & Technology Network\'s (GTN) Midwest Office has
concluded several deals in the past month, including two deals from IT
companies that participated with GTN\'s SUPERCOMM delegation.  These
deals are shared successes with the Department of Commerce and the
Chicago USEAC.      

The SUPERCOMM deals were made with Chicago-based companies **Daystar
Computer Systems** and **Global Technology Solutions**.  Daystar is a
developer of government and legislative workflow software. Tecnologias
Evolutivas de Mexico will now promote and market this software in
Mexico. These firms came together as a result of matchmaking done in
advance of SUPERCOMM. The two firms made initial contact via a
conference call while Tecnologias was at their hotel during the
SUPERCOMM show.

Global Technology Solutions had submitted a letter of interest to
Tecnologias in response to Tecnologias\' RFQ for SUPERCOMM. The firms
have been in contact since then and engaged in negotiations and
discussions. They have now signed a non-disclosure agreement in order to
jointly bid on a specific development bank project.

The GTN Midwest Office helped match these local companies with the
Mexican firm and recruited Global Technology Solutions to attend the
SUPERCOMM show.   The Chicago USEAC worked with the participating
Chicago-based companies on the floor of the show. 

**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

**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
847-681-8010

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

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

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

> Architectural & Engineering Services, Franchising, Tourism

**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

**[\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
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+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+
| **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         |
+-----------------------+-------------------------------+--------------+