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In This Edition:
- NADEC Chair
- Disaster Relief
- Trade News
- Committee Spotlight
- Upcoming Events
- NADEC Partners
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2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
Market your company to this targeted audience.
Corporate and Local DEC sponsorship opportunities are available.
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Book Your Hotel
Book your room early, it sells out every year!
The Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036, US
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Register Now
Early Bird Registration Ends After April 18th.
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Anne Burkett
Alabama DEC
Knowledge, resources, and support are key to our exporters’ success! Staying current on trade initiatives, directives, regulations, and new technologies is critical to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s global marketplace. NADEC and the local DEC network are actively supporting our U.S. Export Assistance Centers in growing an active local export assistance network across the nation to help our businesses export and make a positive impact on our nation’s economy. A big THANK YOU to the more than 1500 DEC members from 62 DECs across the nation who are supporting U.S. exporters and U.S. export growth! NADEC is pleased to welcome our newest local DEC – the New Mexico District Export Council – a vital resource for the state of New Mexico and the Southwest Region.
Navigating New Horizons: Strategies for Export Success in a Changing World is the theme for the 2025 NADEC Annual Export Conference to be held on May 19-20 at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC. We encourage you all to join us as we explore new business opportunities and navigate new trade strategies in today’s global marketplace. NADEC is working on its Public Policy Platform to share with the DEC network on key issues that are critical to trade competitiveness that we can share with our elected representatives on Hill Day – Tuesday, May 20. The conference will include keynote presentations, panels, and roundtable discussions on today’s most important trade topics. Administration officials focused on trade will be invited to join us to share the new direction for 2025 and beyond. We look forward to your Participation and Support!
NADEC also has several new and growing initiatives to help exporters grow and expand into new markets:
Your local DEC events are very timely and informative as well, and NADEC would like to help you promote these events. Please share them with us so we can all benefit from our extensive network of international expertise!
Anne Burkett, CGBP
NADEC Chair
Southern Regional Representative
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Impacts on Small and Medium-Sized Businesses in Relation to Trade News Around the World
Dr. John Pournoor, Co-Chair NADEC Trade Policy Committee
USA:
Regulatory changes in the United States are increasingly relevant for small and medium-sized exporters (SMEs) as new rules target data protection, digital trade, and cybersecurity, which could affect international market access. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) closed a consultation on broadband data caps, which may impact digital services for exporters who rely on internet-based platforms for customer engagement and sales. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance on responsible artificial intelligence (AI) acquisition, which could support SMEs in ensuring their products meet U.S. government standards for ethical AI use, potentially giving them a competitive edge in government contracts. Additionally, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report on generative artificial intelligence that outlines considerations for training and deployment. This report provides SMEs insights into regulatory expectations, helping them navigate compliance requirements in developing and exporting AI-driven products.
Europe:
The European Union (EU) continues to introduce comprehensive digital regulations that may impact U.S. exporters targeting European markets. The new General-Purpose AI Code of Practice and updates to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduce strict compliance requirements for AI technologies and digital services, including transparency, user rights, and cybersecurity standards. The EU’s Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) imposes cybersecurity obligations on businesses in critical sectors, including digital infrastructure. SMEs exporting software or digital services to the EU must align with these standards to avoid penalties or market access issues. The EU also introduced a revised data protection framework under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which focuses on transparency in online advertising and content moderation, impacting U.S.-based SMEs involved in digital advertising or e-commerce targeting European customers.
Asia:
China adopted cybersecurity standards and concluded consultations on mandatory AI labeling, setting new compliance benchmarks for technology exports to China. For SMEs exporting AI-enabled products or digital services to China, these regulations require clear labeling of AI-generated content and adherence to cybersecurity protocols. South Korea and Japan also implemented new standards for digital transactions and data protection, particularly focusing on e-commerce and telecommunications, both of which are essential for U.S. SMEs selling digital products or services. Singapore launched the GenAI Sandbox 2.0 for small and medium-sized enterprises, creating a collaborative space for AI development that U.S. tech exporters could leverage for regional partnerships.
Latin America:
Brazil enacted regulatory measures on online betting and data protection, which impact digital platforms operating in the country. This includes a memorandum of understanding with Canada on data protection, providing a framework for cross-border data flows that can benefit U.S. SMEs in digital and data-driven sectors operating in both regions. New age verification requirements for digital platforms in Brazil also apply to U.S. exporters of digital services and apps targeting younger audiences.
Africa:
South Africa reinforced competition laws, with a focus on mergers and market control in digital sectors. U.S. SMEs targeting the South African market may face stricter oversight regarding partnerships and mergers. The Nigeria-U.S. Bilateral Liaison Group on illicit finance and cryptocurrency aims to strengthen cross-border financial integrity, which could benefit U.S. SMEs in fintech by enhancing the transparency and reliability of financial operations in the Nigerian market.
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We Can No Longer DO(D)GE Efficiency
Jonathan Szucs, Chair, NADEC Advisory Council
When a small business asks you, “I want to start exporting, where should I begin?”, what do you tell them? Is it the Commercial Service? Your state trade agency? Your local DEC? Perhaps you might direct them towards the U.S. Small Business Administration? All of these could be good answers, but to the average business owner, who is trying to make payroll at the end of the month, the web of options is daunting.
Over the years, many have attempted to reorganize (note that does not mean downsize), our interconnected network of trade support agencies. However, little has been accomplished to this end. If you were to ask someone to start with a blank sheet of paper and outline an effective and efficient trade promotion structure for our federated government, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would come up with what we have today.
As we look ahead to the next four years, tariffs are sucking up the majority of oxygen in trade policy circles. However, there is a real opportunity to consider how we might improve and streamline the way in which trade services are delivered to businesses across the country. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, may not have statutory authority, but they have the clout and bully-pulpits big enough to enact real change.
The old DC saying, “if you’re not at the table, then you’re on the menu” applies well in this situation. If the trade community does not proactively lead the change that is needed, there is real risk that change will happen to it, not with it. The single best way to have a seat at the table is to anticipate how to support the administration’s goals and proactively develop plans that align with their objectives.
The NADEC is beginning to work with other like-minded trade groups in Washington, DC to anticipate and consider how we may secure the best seat for our exporters in the coming months. We welcome your feedback and ideas.
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Puerto Rico Leads the Way with Trade DNA!
Our Trade DNA Puerto Rican champion and DEC member, Joan Laureano, was recently interviewed about Trade DNA on Puerto Rican television. Trade DNA is a NADEC initiative that seeks to encourage students beginning in middle school and continuing through university to consider global trade and exporting as a career path option and has taken off in various expressions throughout our sixty-one DECs across the nation. Thank you for leading the way, Puerto Rico!
With the support of the PR DEC, Joan has led a university education program with her counterpart, Dr. Alex Rodríguez Ginorio, the founder and Director of InterEmprende at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico – Metro Campus. InterEmprende challenges students to "bring elements together (inter) & take action (emprende)". Trade DNA is assisting in this work by providing four virtual sessions this fall whose panelists are DEC members from across the USA. Thanks to Bill Harazin for coordinating our panels on behalf of NADEC and Trade DNA. The four sessions for the Puerto Rican university students include: (1) Why Export? (2) Are You Ready to Export? (3) How to Choose your First Market and (4) Landed Cost. For further information on Trade DNA contact nadec@usaexporter.org and view https://www.usaexporter.org/trade-dna.
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Message from the Education-Outreach Committee
Hello NADEC Members and Partners!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you all through our friendly newsletter. We are happy to announce the launch of a new webinar series titled "Navigating International Markets: Strategies for Success." This series aims to help small and medium-sized businesses understand exporting better and will be hosted by academic institutions nationwide. The webinars will offer practical advice for current and potential exporters, as well as generate revenue to support NADEC and local DECs.
Here's a sneak peek at some upcoming 2025 webinars:
- African series
- Indo-pacific series
- Central America series
- 5 Day Global Supply Chain MBA
In addition to the webinar series, our NADEC Education Committee is introducing a new program for 2025 called 3/3/3. This program will provide a brief overview of different countries to help regional companies expand their goods and services internationally. Stay tuned for more details from co-chair Russ Monk. The NADEC Liaison will also be reaching out to local DECs that require assistance.
We appreciate your ongoing support and participation in promoting U.S. exports!
Warm regards,
Fred Latuperissa -
Chair I NADEC Education-Outreach Committee
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Best Practices From The Communications Committee
Below are some key guidelines to keep in mind when communicating events or news to a group or promoting them online.
- Remain professional
- Refrain from negative reactions or comments
- Leverage partner organizations
- Relay information that is relevant to current trends
- Post content regularly on LinkedIn/social media
- Link images that are copyrighted /licensed
- Don’t use images or content that could be controversial such as political views
- Create key performance indicators to assess efficacy on a reoccurring basis
- Don’t use government employee names
- Don’t quote people without asking
- Don’t divulge classified information
To learn more about the Communications Committees efforts and agendas, click HERE.
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2nd Webinar of the Series - February 13th
Toyin Umesiri
The purpose of the webinar series is to support U.S. exporters by encouraging and enabling them to seriously explore Africa as a new market. This second session will offer a deep dive on a regional basis, focusing on Southern Africa. Attendees will gain an understanding of the main trading countries within the region, key industries, infrastructure, financial considerations, risks, sector opportunities, resources, and key contacts. The session will be presented by Toyin Umesiri and sponsored by Nazaru LLC.
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1st Webinar of the Series - March 27th
Dr. Peter S. Watson
Doing business in the Indo-Pacific presents several challenges due to cultural, economic, and regulatory differences. Language barriers can complicate communication, especially with countries that have distinct languages and dialects. Additionally, there are significant cultural nuances, such as the importance of hierarchy, relationship-building, and negotiation
styles, which profoundly differ from Western approaches. For example, decision-making in some regional economies can be slow, as it often requires consensus or approval from multiple levels of management. Economically, many parts of the region have complex and opaque regulations, making it difficult for foreign businesses to navigate taxes, tradelaws, and labor practices. Corruption and the varying enforcement of intellectual property protections can also pose risks. Political instability and shifting trade policies in certain countries can further complicate business operations. Adapting to these differences requires patience, cultural sensitivity, and local expertise to ensure successful long-term partnerships and market entry strategies -- together with the intelligent use of de-risking products from such as the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC), EXIM BANK and the U.S. Trade Development Agency (TDA.)
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Jerry Silva
Mr. Silva was a Senior Advisor and manager of compliance for Southern California Edison, a Fortune 250 company with 25+ years of combined operational, external and public affairs, community relations, and project management experience. Leadership track record as a top manager change agent and industry thought leader in mission critical roles. Strategy-driven; proven thought and inspirational leader within demanding,
fast-paced environments. Exceptionally motivated with unwavering
commitment to mission and team while advancing strategic relationships
and meeting corporate goals.
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2025 Sponsorship Opportunities
Market your company to this targeted audience.
Corporate and Local DEC sponsorship opportunities are available.
| |
|
Book Your Hotel
Book your room early, it sells out every year!
The Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036, US
| |
|
Register Now
Early Bird Registration Ends After April 18th.
| |
|
Online Global Growth with AI-Driven Best Practice, Optimally Localized Websites IBT Online: AI-Optimized Websites for Global Growth
Reaching international customers starts with the right online presence. At IBT Online, we help exporters create AI-driven, optimally localized websites that go beyond simple translation—ensuring cultural relevance, SEO effectiveness, and user engagement in each target market.
Our latest blog explores how AI-driven strategies can elevate your online presence and help you navigate the complexities of international digital marketing. Whether you’re entering a new market or refining your existing approach, understanding how AI can enhance your website’s performance is key to staying ahead of the competition.
Learn how exporters are using cutting-edge technology to optimize their websites, attract the right customers, and drive global growth.
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NASBITE International's Certified Global Business Professional Practice Delineation
NASBITE International is conducting a practice delineation study for its Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential and would like DEC member input! Your expertise and experience are invaluable to ensuring the content and scope of this certification accurately reflect the knowledge and skills required for success in the field.
This study is designed to identify the critical tasks and knowledge areas that define effective performance as a CGBP. The results will directly shape the certification’s exam blueprint and maintain its relevance to current professional practice. NASBITE invites you to complete a survey about the essential tasks and the knowledge areas required in the profession. This survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete and must be completed by February 19, 2025. Your individual responses will be kept confidential; only group-level results will be reported to NASBITE.
To begin the survey, please click HERE.
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Please share your events with the
NADEC Network!
Please send any events that you would like added to the newsletter to Brenda Stelly, Communications Co-Chair, at brenda@oilcenter.com.
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