Local chambers to aid international business growth

COEUR d'ALENE - This, says Todd Christensen, is not good: Only 2 percent of all small businesses actively pursue business growth through international trade.

"This is a staggering statistic," said the president and chief executive officer of the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce.

And it needs to change.

To help improve this statistic, the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce are holding "North Idaho Growing in a Global Economy."

U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick will deliver the keynote address at an Aug. 26 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 U.S. 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," according to a press release.

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 role North Idaho plays in international trade relations and the dangers of protectionism.

Amy Benson, director of the Boise Export Assistance Center, will offer tips on getting started and growing your businesses through international trade.

Renee Radcliff Sinclair, executive director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will present Minnick with the Chamber's Spirit of Enterprise Award.

Registration and check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. and the presentations wrap up at around 10 a.m.

The cost of the event, including a light breakfast, is $20 per person ($30 for non-chamber members and an extra $10 at the door registration). To register and for more information visit www.CdAChamber.com or call Brenda at 415-0110.