On November 17, 2008, the Export and Import Workshop was held at the Opening Doors Inc. office located at 2118 K St. in midtown Sacramento. Opening Doors is a non-profit organization dedicated to work with refugees, immigrants, and underserved people to develop their social and economic skills, wellness, and personal and financial assets to successfully assimilate into society while respecting their cultural identity and individual goals.

The workshop, which started at 11:30am and adjourned at around 1:00pm, was coordinated by Marina Salogub, Prosperity Project Loan Fund Director, who acted as the interpreter during the course of the event.

The speakers were George Tastard, Director of the U.S. Commercial Service in Sacramento, and Ester Gordillo, International Trade Consultant for the Sacramento Regional Center for International Trade Development (CITD). Mr. Tastard made a Powerpoint presentation about the current state of the world economy and emphasized the ongoing increase in global sales. Ms. Gordillo conducted a question and answer session between her and the audience that addressed the concerns of the participants.

Specific topics or questions raised during the workshop included finding American suppliers to export to the participants’ home countries, where to obtain information about U.S. laws and other requirements pertaining to exporting and/or importing, and an overview of the U.S. Commercial Service offices around the world. Taxes and fees associated with exporting and importing, and food-related products and their certification requirements were also discussed.

Mr. Tastard emphasized the role of the U.S. Commercial Service in helping small businesses operate in an international environment. He mentioned specific services such as market research, support at trade events, and consultation and advocacy. Mr. Tastard also outlined other services which are beneficial for growing an international business such as the Gold Key Service, International Partner Search, International Company Profile, and advertising in Commercial News USA.  Moreover, Mr. Tastard emphasized the positive aspects of commercial activity and the fact that the U.S. is the world’s largest exporter. He encouraged the event participants to pursue their entrepreneurial goals through international business sales.

Ms. Gordillo discussed the role of the Center for International Trade Development in helping emerging small businesses expand internationally. Specifically, she emphasized the importance of product and shipment-value classification for tax and tariff purposes. She also outlined the importance of obtaining assistance from a licensed customs broker and freight forwarder for assistance with the necessary documentary requirements.

The event was attended by a small group of eleven participants, most of which are from the newly-independent states of Ukraine and Uzbekistan. The event lasted for approximately 1.5 hours, and proved to be a very good starting point for participants in their international business goals.