NAFTA Update: Doing International Business Close to Home

Canada and Mexico account for nearly 40% of Wisconsin exports.  These two important markets have special characteristics that set them apart from other international markets.

Join MITA's February event for a discussion of ways to expand your sales in Canada and Mexico that are not possible with overseas markets.

What you will learn:

The proximity of the Mexican and Canadian markets and the fact that the United States share land borders with both countries create options for dealing with customers and making deliveries that don’t exist for overseas markets. 

While many Wisconsin exporters treat Canada as if it were part of their domestic market, the Canadian government’s Non-Resident Importer (NRI) status allows firms selling into Canada to assume the role of importer in order to make the transaction more like a domestic one for their Canadian customers.  Find out if this tool is right for your company and if you could increase Canadian sales through its use.

Mexico may not offer NRI status to U.S. exporters, but there are other tools and tips that can be used to smooth the border-crossing process for your goods and make it easier for your Mexican customers such as the Almacen Fiscal and Comercializadora.

Who should attend:

International sales and marketing executives, shipping personnel, documentation specialists

Speakers:

Vito Pennimpede, Regional Manager, Client Service – NRI Small Business Services with Livingston International, Canada’s largest customs broker and one of the top five in the United States. Pennimpede has 14 years of experience in North American customs brokerage.  He is a Certified Customs Specialist and holds the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Professional Designation.  He specializes in non-resident importer (NRI) requirements.

Allen Vigil, Director of Business Development for Grupo Logistics, a Mexican corporation specialized in integrated customs, logistics, and cargo distribution services. Mr. Vigil has over 20 years experience in international commerce worldwide with Fortune 500 companies. 

Val Holtrop, Manager, International Logistics for Schreiber Foods Inc., a Wisconsin-based enterprise and the world's largest emplyee owned dairy company. Ms. Holtrop has nearly 20 years of experience in International Logistics, 10 of which have been with Schreiber Foods. Ms. Holtrop is also a Licenced Customs Broker, a Certified Export Specialist and a Certified Customs Specialist.