+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *Summer 2005*  |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| *Inside this   |                                                     |
| Issue*         |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 1              | Illinois Exports Increase                           |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 2              | Illinois Certificate in International Business      |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 3              | New Market Research Available                       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 4              | Upcoming International Trade Shows & Missions       |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 5              | Featured Market: Korea                              |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 6              | Upcoming Illinois Trade Events                      |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 7              | Export Success Stories                              |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| 8              | Personnel Notes                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
|                |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+
| U.S. Export    |                                                     |
| Assistance     |                                                     |
| Center         |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| 200 West       |                                                     |
| Adams, Suite   |                                                     |
| 2450           |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Chicago, IL    |                                                     |
| 60606          |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Tel:           |                                                     |
| 312-353-8040   |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| Fax:           |                                                     |
| 312-353-8120   |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *www.buyusa    |                                                     |
| .gov/illinois* |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *Director,     |                                                     |
| Julie          |                                                     |
| Carducci*      |                                                     |
|                |                                                     |
| *Newsletter    |                                                     |
| Editor, Debra  |                                                     |
| H. Rogers*     |                                                     |
+----------------+-----------------------------------------------------+

Export Growth Benefits Illinois Companies:

2004 Exports Up

Data recently released by the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that
Illinois exports increased 14 percent in 2004 over the previous year,
reaching \$30.2 billion last year.

Illinois exports increased to many of the state's top destinations,
including Australia (43 percent); Netherlands (31 percent); Hong Kong
(25 percent); United Kingdom (20 percent); and Germany (17 percent).
Several other Illinois export destinations posted solid gains as well.

Machinery Manufactures, Chemical Manufactures, Computers & Electronic
Products, and Transportation Equipment ranked among Illinois's leading
exports.

"Ninety-five percent of the world's consumers live outside of the United
States, and more Illinois companies are looking to increase their bottom
line by making new sales abroad, said Julie Carducci. "Exporting helps
companies grow and compete by enabling them to diversify their
portfolios and weather changes in the domestic economy."

The Bush Administration has pressed forward bilaterally, regionally, and
multilaterally to expand trade and the

economic opportunities that it creates for Americans. Among these are
the U.S. free trade agreements with Singapore, Chile, and Australia that
have reduced or eliminated trade barriers and opened doors for more
sales of U.S. goods and services to those countries. Negotiations have
also concluded on a U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement
(CAFTA-DR) involving Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador,
Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

The Chicago U.S. Export Assistance Center is part of the worldwide
network of the U.S. Commercial Service, a Commerce Department agency
that helps small and medium-sized U.S. businesses sell their products
and services globally.

Now in its 25^th^ year, the U.S. Commercial Service has kept pace with
the changing dynamics of a global economy and has expanded to include
108 U.S. Export Assistance Centers throughout the United States and more
than 150 international offices in over 80 countries. In 2004, the U.S.
Commercial Service helped U.S. businesses generate export sales worth
\$26 billion dollars.

The Illinois Commercial Service network includes offices in Chicago,
Libertyville, Peoria, and Rockford. For more information on the U.S.
Commercial Service in Illinois, please see the back page and give us a
call, or visit *www.buyusa.gov/illinois or www.export.gov*.♦

## 

# USTR Report on Intellectual Property Protection {#ustr-report-on-intellectual-property-protection .unnumbered}

Every year, the U.S. Trade Representative issues a report concerning
intellectual property protection in 85 different countries. The Special
301 report addresses significant concerns with respect to such trading
partners as Argentina, The Bahamas, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia,
Israel, Korea, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Paraguay, The Philippines,
Poland, Russia, Taiwan, Thailand, and Turkey.

In addition, the report notes that the U.S. will consider all options,
including but not limited to initiation of dispute settlement
consultations, in cases where countries do not appear to have
implemented fully their obligations under the WTO Agreement on
Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement).
The full text of the agreement is available at the USTR's website at the
following link:
*http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Reports_Publications/2004/2004_Special_301/Section_Index.html?ht=*.♦

# Illinois Certificate in International Business  {#illinois-certificate-in-international-business .unnumbered}

The State of Illinois Certificate in International Business trains
executives through entrepreneurs in the theory and practice of
international business. The 5-day program is taught by leading experts
and practitioners and covers topics such as international marketing,
finance, and supply chain management while also preparing candidates to
take the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) national
exam. It will be offered alternating Fridays from September 9 to
November 4 at the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, IL. For more
information, go to *[www.bradley.edu/turnercenter/cib]{.underline}* or
contact the International Trade Center at Bradley University at (309)
677-3075.♦

# New EU Directive on Electrical and Electronic Products  {#new-eu-directive-on-electrical-and-electronic-products .unnumbered}

**Effective August 2005**, companies selling a broad range of electrical
goods in Europe will need to conform to the Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, and as of July 2006 those same
companies will need to conform to the Restriction of Use of Certain
Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

The **ten product categories** under WEEE include: large household
appliances; small household appliances; IT and Telecons equipment;
consumer equipment; lighting equipment; electrical and electronic tools;
toys, leisure and sports equipment; medical equipment; monitoring and
control equipment; and automatic dispensers.

For a copy of a Department of Commerce WEEE update report (6/6/05),
which includes links to additional information resources, contact the
U.S. Export Assistance Center in Chicago at (312) 353-6988.

For further updates, you may also visit
*http://www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion/weee.html* ♦

## USDOC Launches E-Commerce Toolbox Web Site {#usdoc-launches-e-commerce-toolbox-web-site .unnumbered}

The International Trade Administration's Office of Technology and
Electronic Commerce (OTEC), which is part of the U.S. Department of
Commerce, recently launched an innovative web site that advises firms
about how to use the Internet to export. The site addresses such
fundamental issues as "What is e-commerce?" and "Are you e-commerce
ready?"

It also includes specific information such as how to: 1) assess target
markets; 2) develop an appropriate website; 3) address tax, shipping,
and other legal issues; and 4) find research on the top Internet-use
markets. With examples and links to valuable resources, this site
provides the new exporter with concrete "tools" to access the vast
opportunities online. Go to: *www.export.gov/sellingonline*.♦*\
*

#   {#section-1 .unnumbered}

# e-Market Express {#e-market-express .unnumbered}

*http://www.buyusa.gov/eme*

The U.S. Commercial Service's e-Market Express offers valuable
information to U.S. exporters in the following industries: Aerospace and
Defense, Agribusiness, Automotive, Architecture/Engineering Services &
Building/Construction Projects, Cosmetics and Toiletries, Energy,
Environmental, Health Care, ICT, Safety and Security, Textiles and
Apparel, and Travel & Tourism. Access the latest market research, trade
events, trade leads, and best market reports for your industry! All
information on the site is free of charge.♦

# Passports Required for Mexico/Canada/ Caribbean Travel {#passports-required-for-mexicocanada-caribbean-travel .unnumbered}

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all travelers to
and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or
other secure accepted form of documentation to enter or re-enter the
United States. The Travel Initiative will affect all U.S. citizens
traveling within the Western Hemisphere who do not currently possess
valid passports. It will also impact certain foreign nationals who
currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the U.S.,
namely most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas
Territory of Bermuda, and Mexican citizens. Details are online at
*www.travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc*

*/cbpmc_2223.html* ♦

# APEC Tariff Database {#apec-tariff-database .unnumbered}

http://www.apectariff.org

This is a web site of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation that
contains tariff information for 21 countries, covering a wide variety of
products. Registration is free. ♦

**Upcoming International Trade Shows and Missions**

SHOWS

**August 22-25, 2005: Moscow International Autosalon**

With exhibitors from 30 countries and over 500,000 visitors, the Moscow
Autosalon (held concurrently with the Moscow International Motor Show)
is the leading automotive industry event in Russia featuring every type
of passenger and commercial vehicle, spare parts, components,
accessories, garage and service station equipment and car care products.
Excellent prospects exist in Russia for U.S. manufactures of automotive
parts and components. Since the show attracts all the main players in
Russia\'s automotive market, participants will have the opportunity to
meet a variety of Russian automotive industry representatives and
participate in CS-arranged meetings at the show. Interested parties
please contact Robin Mugford at the Libertyville Export Assistance
Center, tel 847.327.9082, or robin.mugford@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov

**August 30-31 2005: South Pacific Catalog Show, Suva, Fiji**

Fiji and other nations in the South Pacific region are experiencing
rapid construction and development in the hotel and hospitality
industry, creating a large demand for building materials, furniture and
furnishings. This show allows U.S. companies to cost --effectively
introduce their products to local importers and distributors in that
market. There is no cost, other than shipping brochures and sets of
product literature to Fiji. For more information, contact Debra Rogers
at 312-353-6988 or *debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov*.

**September 18-21, 2005: China Int'l Exhibition on Financial Banking
Technology & Equipment 2005 (CIFTEE 2005) - Beijing**

The U.S. Commercial Service is supporting a U.S. pavilion at this show.
We are looking for U.S. technology (hardware and software) companies who
would like to exhibit in the U.S. pavilion, which offers a great way to
increase your China networking efforts. For more information, please see
the following website *http://www.buyusa.gov/china/en/ciftee2005.html*
or contact Jim Mayfield at *james.mayfield@mail.doc.gov .*

**September 21 - October 15, 2005: Eastern Mediterranean Study USA
Tour**\
Education fairs in Morocco, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon,
Egypt. This is a great opportunity for accredited post-secondary
educational service providers to tap the demand represented by roughly
21,000 students from these markets currently studying in the United
States, not to mention many thousands more requests for information
received each year in these markets of 180 million people. Participants
can choose all venues or just those markets of greatest interest to
them, including 10-11 fully optional stops in Marrakesh,
Casablanca/Rabat, Ifrane or Tangier, Tel Aviv, Ramallah, Amman, Ankara,
Izmir, Beirut, Cairo and Alexandria. For more information and
registration, see *http://www.buyusa.gov/easternmed/education.html* For
questions, contact Debra Rogers at 312-353-6988 or
*debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov*.

**November 10-13 2005: Study USA Pavilion at Universitarea, Mexico
City**

For the last three years, Mexico has been the 7th largest source of
international students in the United States. Mexican students prefer to
study in the U.S. because of its close geographical location, commercial
ties, and quality of school programs. The 4th annual Study USA Mexico
Pavilion at Universitarea is the number one venue for U.S. schools
looking to tap into this burgeoning Mexican student market. With over
40,000 visitors, Universitarea is the leading event in Mexico for higher
education. For more information, contact Debra Rogers at 312-353-6988 or
*debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov*.

N0SPAM.

MISSIONS

## September 6-9, 2005: Tourism Infrastructure Mission to Mexico

Mexico's Ministry o f Tourism expects that over \$1.78 billion will be
invested over the next year to further develop Mexico's tourism
infrastructure, with 30% coming from foreign investors. This mission is
timed to coincide with the annual conference of Mexico's Tourism
Infrastructure agency, FONATUR. The conference attracts developers,
architects, engineers, and construction firms interested in developing
Mexico's tourism infrastructure. Mission includes in-depth business
briefings, matchmaking appointments with key industry players,
hospitality, and full logistical support. Optional site visits to
Cancun, Los Cabos, Huatulco, Loreto & Ixtapa at the end of the
conference. Contact: Debra Rogers at 312-353-6988 or
*debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov*.

**November 7-11, 2005: Manufacturer Mission to Singapore**

The U.S. Department of Commerce in Singapore is organizing a business
development program for U.S. manufacturers in conjunction with the
Safety-Security Equipment Asia trade show. The program will allow U.S.
firms to explore market opportunities in Singapore and the broader
Southeast Asia region through 1:1 meetings, market briefings, &
networking receptions. Contact: Thomas Panek at 312-353-7711 or
*Thomas.panek@mail.doc.gov*.

Featured Market: Korea

# South Korea: Innovative U.S. Trading Partner

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is a market of many opportunities
for experienced American companies of all sizes. In 2003, South Korea
was the 11th largest Economy in the world, 3rd largest Economy in East
Asia, and 7th largest U.S. trading partner. There are many options for
entering the Korean market. For most companies just coming into the
market, securing local representation is the best way to sell to
consumers aside from being a good business practice. Best prospects for
U.S. exports to Korea include wireless broadband equipment and services;
security services and products;

cosmetics; health care products; and defense/aerospace. South Korean
imports of U.S. products and services in 2004 exceeded those of France,
Taiwan, the Netherlands and Australia. ♦

# Doing Business in South Korea

South Korea is a very modern country with an excellent transportation
infrastructure, modern architecture, highly advanced telecommunications
and excellent hotels. Although the country appears to be very
westernized, it remains very traditional. South Koreans have a great
respect for family, age and hierarchy, and such elements come into play
when selling into the market\...

For some excellent tips on doing business in Korea, see
http://www.buyusa.gov/korea/en/doingbusinessinkorea.html. ♦

#  Methods for Market Entry

There are many options for entering the Korean market. For most
companies just coming into the market, securing local representation is
the best way to sell to consumers aside from being a good business
practice. Firms bidding on government procurement projects must be
registered with the South Korean Government and have a base in South
Korea\... For more information about agents, joint ventures and
licensing, protecting your intellectual property, and distribution
channels, see http://www.buyusa.gov/korea/en/methodsmarketentry.html.

The U.S. Commercial Service offers services to help U.S. companies sell
their products and services in Korea. For more information, see
http://www.buyusa.gov/korea/en/ourservices.html or call your local Trade
Specialist (see back page of this newsletter for contact info.).♦

*Upcoming Illinois Trade Events*

**July 13, 2005: *Selling Your Food Processing Machinery In Mexico* -
WebEx**

Marketing to Manufacturers in Mexico program, sponsored by the U.S.
Commercial Service, Mexico. U.S. manufacturers will receive step-by-step
assistance, highlighting the most effective methods for selling to
Mexican buyers and entering the global supply chain. No charge, WebEx
conference call. For information and registration, please visit:
www.buyusa.gov/mexico/en/manufacturers_in_mexico.html, or call Bernadine
Smith at 312/353-5096.

######## July 20, 2005: *East China Market Briefing for US Exporters - Chicago*

The Shanghai area represents 1% of China\'s population, 5% of China\'s
GDP, 10% of China\'s contracted FDI and 13% of China\'s Imports. Join
Jonathan Heimer, Acting Chief of the Commercial Section of the US
Consulate - Shanghai, for a discussion on protecting intellectual
property and learn about export opportunities associated with the
World\'s Fair 2010, Shanghai\'s high-tech quest and regional
infrastructure projects. Sectors to watch in the region are IT, telecom
services, transportation infrastructure (ports, metro and light rail),
distribution services, environmental tech, construction materials,
architectural and engineering services, industrial equipment, machine
tools and manufacturing process controls. Continental breakfast briefing
hosted by the USDOC Commercial Service - Chicago. Time 8:00 am - 9:30
am, 200 W. Adams, 12th Floor Conference Room. Fee: \$20, space limited.
To RSVP, please email *phyllis.bingham@mail.doc.gov*. Questions, call
312/353-3748.

**July 21, 2005: *China Business Opportunity Briefing: Airport And
Ground Support Equipment- Chicago***

Briefing sponsored by the U.S. Export Assistance Center Chicago and the
Illinois District Export Council. Presentation by Willie Moy, Senior
Consultant -- China Projects, Landrum and Brown Aviation Consultants,
who will discuss the expansion projects underway at the Shanghai Pudong,
Hongqiao and Guangzhou New Baiyun international airports. 10:00 a.m. --
12:00 p.m., 200 W. Adams St., Ste. 2450, Chicago. Fee: \$50. Contact:
Thomas Panek at 312/907-7691 or e- mail: thomas.panek@mail.doc.gov.

**August 9, 2005: *Agribusiness Exporter Workshop - Rosemont***

Event sponsored by the Mid-America International Agri-Trade Council
(MIATCO) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Presentation by
Dennis Lynch, export consultant to MIATCO. Topics include: strategic
planning; sales distribution channels; international sales procedures;
international transportation; export resources. 9:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.,
Hyatt Regency O'Hare. 9300 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont, IL. Fee:
\$50. Contact: Sarah Potter at 217/782-2581 or e-mail
*spotter@agr.state.il.us.*

**August 24, 2005: *NAFTA, Chile, Singapore & Australia FTAs:
Certification & Rules Of Origin -- Crystal Lake***

Seminar sponsored by McHenry County College,the McHenry International
Networking Group, and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Rockford Export
Assistance Center. Presentation by Louisa Elder, Trade Specialist,
Abbott. 9:00 a.m. -- 2:30 p.m., McHenry County College Conference
Center, Building B, 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL. Fee: \$40.
Advance

registration requested by Aug. 20. For information and registration,
call Dawn Wagner at 815/479-7737 or e-mail *dwagner@mchenry.edu.*

## 

## September 8, 2005: *Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, Global Trade Workshop* *- Chicago*

The workshop will focus on how to take advantage of government financing
programs and free trade services. Exporting questions will be answered
by a panel of government experts from the U.S. Department of Commerce;
Small Business Administration; Export - Import Bank; Illinois Department
of Commerce, & Economic Opportunity, International Trade Office & the
International Entrepreneurship Network/ITC. Venue: Hyatt Regency,
Chicago. Register at \[www.chicagomedweek.com\] or (312) 353-0182 for
this and other MED Week events September 7-9. For questions specifically
regarding this workshop, contact Constance Green at
[*constance.green@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov*](mailto:constance.green@mail.doc.gov)
or 312-353-4798.

**September 8-15, 2005: *Print '05 -- Chicago***

Held every four years, PRINT®05 is the largest international trade event
for the prepress, printing, publishing, converting, mailing and
fulfillment industry in the world in 2005. Since this is a certified
International Buyer Program (IBP) show, U.S. 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: Debra Rogers at
312-353-6988 or *debra.rogers@mail.doc.gov*

**September 22, 2005 *The CEO Guide to Innovation and New Product
Development- Crystal Lake***

2nd in the Manufacturing Seminar Series aimed at CEOs and upper
management of manufacturing companies facing offshore competition and
seeking to accelerate innovation. CEO Speaker Bob Deprez, CEO and Owner
of Martinez Group International; Keynote Speaker: Michael Collins,
hosted by McHenry County College, 8900 US Highway 14, Crystal Lake, IL.
8 AM to Noon. Cost: \$65.00. Register on line *at
www.cmcusa.org/events/ceoseries.cfm*.

## 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}

# Illinois Companies Honored with Awards for Export Achievement {#illinois-companies-honored-with-awards-for-export-achievement .unnumbered}

On June 20, 2005 Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing and Services, Al
Frink, presented S.I. Tech of Batavia, IL and Flurida Industries of
Naperville, Illinois with Export Achievement Certificates. The award was
created to recognize small and medium-sized enterprises that have
successfully entered the international marketplace for the first time or
that have successfully entered a new market.

**S.I. Tech of Batavia, IL** is a minority-owned, high technology
company formed to develop and market fiber optics systems. It has been
on the leading edge of this technology since its early years. An early
entrant in this industry, S.I. Tech has developed numerous well-known
fiber optic products and application engineering solutions for customers
worldwide. These products today are sold and supported on all five
continents. \"Mission critical\" applications everywhere depend on S.I.
Tech - from an oil rig somewhere in Asia, to a factory in Europe, or a
university in the United States.

S.I. Tech's president, Ramesh Sheth, is an active member of the Illinois
District Export Council. S.I. Tech is regular user of Commercial Service
counseling, market research and programs to support growing exports.
S.I. Tech has pursued several new markets this year and is exporting to
Finland, Norway and Korea for the first time.

In 2003, export sales represented 5.5% of company's sales, in 2004,
company did 7% of sales in exports, in 2005 company is running at a rate
of 10% export sales. This represents increases in both dollar amount and
number of countries served. SITECH is currently marketing in over 25
countries, a significant achievement for a small company.

**Flurida Industries of Naperville, IL** has developed its export sales
business selling components and parts for air conditioning and other
consumer home electronics to the largest domestic and international
buyers in China.

Since 1997, Flurida Industries has exported an increasing number of
U.S.-manufactured components to China's leading home appliance makers.
Flurida represents 10 US companies in China including, Banner Equipment,
Modern Diecasting, KX Industries, Mid-south Industries, Cobex Recorders,
IPC Coatings Application Specialists, Texas Instruments and GE
Industrial. Flurida's export sales of high-quality, cutting edge
components to China tallied \$8M in 2003, \$13.6M in 2004 and Flurida
expects 2005 sales to reach \$18M.

Flurida Industries works closely with the Commercial Service offices in
Chicago and Beijing. Through this relationship Flurida's success has
been enhanced: Additional US companies are in discussions with Flurida
regarding China market representation; Flurida Industries has elected to
join the Commercial Service US Pavilion at the SinoCES show in Qingdao;
Commercial Service represented the USG at the 2005 opening of a sales
office in Shanghai, and US visits of Flurida's key PRC buyers and its
sales manager for China have been made possible thru visa assistance.

# Secretary of Commerce Visits Illinois Exporter 

Secretary of Commerce Gutierrez visited the facility of Chicago exporter
and beauty products manufacturer, **H2O+, LP** on April 29, 2005 as part
of a nationwide tour promoting free trade. He held a roundtable with a
number of local exporting companies, fielding a range of questions on
topics such as the benefits of CAFTA for U.S. exporters, U.S. Commercial
Service programs and fees, and U.S. visas for foreign distributors.

The Secretary toured the H2O+ factory and addressed over 100 H2O+
employees and managers, commending the small firm for its impressive
export growth, job creation, and establishment of an international
brand.

The Chicago Export Assistance Center and the Illinois District Export
Council would like to thank Roger Marks, President of H2O's
International Division, for his generous contributions to making this
event a success.♦

**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*

**Thomas Panek** Consumer Goods, Sporting Goods, Aerospace, Energy,
312-353-7711

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

> Software

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

*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 northwestern Illinois 815-987-8123

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

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

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

**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

**Chicago Network Director** Mary Joyce 312-353-8040

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

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