Global trade possibilities coming into local focus

Only 2 percent of all small businesses actively pursue business growth through international trade. “This is a staggering statistic,” said Todd Christensen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Coeur d’Alene Area Chamber of Commerce.

To help improve this statistic, the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce with the US Chamber of Commerce and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce are holding an event titled “North Idaho Growing in a Global Economy.” Congressman Walt Minnick will deliver the keynote address at a conference on the expansion of commercial and export opportunities for Idaho companies. In his remarks, the Congressman will address a number of issues critical to U.S. businesses including: market access for US goods, the President’s National Export Initiative and pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and Korea. 

This conference is being held in Coeur d’Alene to highlight the critical role that Idaho businesses play in the global marketplace. It will focus on various sectors of the economy including agriculture, manufacturing and services. Liz J. Reilly, director of TradeRoots for the US Chamber of Commerce, will help outline the key role North Idaho plays in international trade relations and the dangers of protectionism.  Amy Benson, director of the Boise Export Assistance Center, US Department of Commerce, will present on how to export and tips on getting started and growing your businesses through international trade. Mrs. Benson will also be available for one-on-one meetings with companies to better understand their objective and provide guidance on net steps.

Renee Radcliff Sinclair, Executive Director for the US Chamber of Commerce will honor Congressman Minnick with the Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award, which is given to members of Congress with outstanding pro-business voting history.

Idaho and Inland Northwest businesses are invited to attend on Thursday, August 26. Registration and check-in begins at 7:30 am and the presentations wrap up at around 10 a.m. Following the presentation Mrs. Benson will be available for one-on-one consultations. The cost of the event, including a light breakfast, is $20 per person ($30 for non-chamber members and an extra $10 for at the door registration). To register and additional information please visit www.CdAChamber.com or call Brenda at 415-0110.