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In This Edition:
- New NADEC Chair
- Get To Know NADEC
- Hurricane Relief
- Meeting Recap
- Trade News
- Upcoming Events
- Ibt.onl Blog
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Anne Burkett
Alabama DEC
Dear DEC Members,
I am honored to serve as your 2024-25 Chair of the National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC). I have enjoyed my involvement on the NADEC Board for the last six years, previously serving as the Communications Officer, Secretary of the Board, and Vice Chair. For some background on me, I serve on the Alabama District Export Council and am an active member of the Export Alabama Alliance (EAA) as the Executive Director of the North Alabama International Trade Association (NAITA). NAITA and EAA have a similar a mission to NADEC and our local DECs – to assist businesses, primarily SMEs, in becoming successful exporters. I will continue to grow this important mission for NADEC with your input, involvement, and support and through NADEC’s collaborative efforts with the U.S. Department of Commerce – U.S. Commercial Service.
I am extremely grateful to Jonathan Szucs, our outgoing NADEC Chair, for his strong leadership and direction in focusing NADEC on the critical issues that impact our SMEs in growing and expanding exports. His efforts have included strong support for Commerce’s Global Markets program, the SBA’s new Working Capital Pilot Program, EXIM Bank, important trade legislative efforts, and key education programs to support SMEs, including the NADEC Trade DNA Initiative. I am pleased to announce that Jonathan will bring his leadership to a new NADEC role as Chair of the NADEC Advisory Council. Jonathan, thank you for your continued service!
The NADEC Board continues to work on the three pillars of all DECs – to inform, educate and advocate for trade. Educating our SMEs, stakeholders, and the public on the importance of exports and supporting SMEs in growing their markets internationally is the driving force for all NADEC’s programs and initiatives. The NADEC Board has embarked on a planning process to develop a multi-year strategic plan to set its strategic direction in supporting the local DECs and the business community. We will share our progress and look forward to local DEC input.
NADEC has a strong Board of active, engaged regional representatives with in-depth expertise in all aspects of international business that share the NADEC vision and are contributing to its mission. In this enewsletter and on the NADEC website, you can learn more about the NADEC Team and their roles. I encourage you to reach out to me and our Board members with your input and interest in serving on a working committee and/or as a resource to help NADEC and the local DECs grow stronger together!
Kind regards,
Anne Burkett
aburkett@naita.org
|  | Anne Burkett, NADEC Chair and Jonathan Szucs, Former NADEC Chair and Advocacy Council Chair | |
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Information on recovery efforts for 7 states affected by Hurricane Helene
Appalachian Regional Commission Info:
https://www.arc.gov/hurricane-helene-resources/
North Carolina info on relief efforts and progress:
https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/10/01/rescue-relief-and-recovery-operations-continue-western-north-carolina
Please see the following resources that you can use today to help for the areas affected including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
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OPERATION AIRDROP- We mobilize volunteer pilots and a diverse fleet of aircraft to deliver essential supplies to areas cut off from traditional aid routes. By partnering with local charities and organizations, we ensure that vital resources—such as food, medical supplies, and baby items—reach those in need within hours, not days. https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene
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SAMARITANS PURSE- Samaritan’s Purse is responding in five locations across four states after Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Southeast. www.samaratinspurse.org
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NC DISASTER RELIEF FUND- The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is now accepting contributions for hurricane damage. Contributions will help with the unmet needs of those affected. https://pay.payitgov.com/ncdonations
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SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK of NW NC- Second Harvest Food Bank is working to support those affected by Helene. The food bank is hosting a virtual food and fund drive, which is live on its website. https://www.secondharvestnwnc.org/
The North Carolina DEC (NC DEC) hopes to establish a business recovery fund similar to the one the Hawaii DEC formed in the wake of the fires there last year. Bill Harazin, the NC DEC Chair, will provide information once the immediate rescue and recovery operations have abated.
Several states have been tragically affected by Hurricane Helene. If you'd like to provide us with further resources for aid, please email us at nadec@usaexporter.org.
Sending our hopes for a better tomorrow for all impacted ❤
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Thank You to North Texas DEC!
The NADEC Board of Directors enjoyed Texan hospitality at its Fall Board meeting in Dallas, Texas on September 17. We are grateful to the North Texas DEC for hosting this meeting in conjunction with the 2024 Global Business Forum: Innovations in Global Trade. A special thank you to Jim Anderson, NT DEC Chair and NADEC Board Member for organizing this opportunity! The NADEC Board held its annual elections at this event and more information on our newly elected officers, directors, and associates can be found in this month’s newsletter.
Joe Hanley, National Director for the U.S. Field, U.S. Department of Commerce, addressed the board with an update on the U.S. Department of Commerce Global Markets and the importance of SMEs, especially with their development of critical emerging technologies. Jeremy Forman, SBA Regional Export Finance Manager, provided an update on the SBA Working Capital Pilot Program released on August 1. The NADEC Board also initiated its strategic planning process using the Mission Model Canvas led by NADEC Associate, Tee Persad. Through this process, the Board has identified its key beneficiaries and stakeholders – the local DECs, U.S. exporters, U.S. Commercial Service, and educational institutions focused on international trade. We are refining our value proposition and evaluating and developing programs and initiatives to make the biggest impact on facilitating trade.
NADEC was also prominently featured on the North Texas DECs’ Global Business Forum with NADEC board members and Trade Policy co-chairs David Day and Luke Lindberg providing a timely update on the Global Trade Landscape, including trends and challenges. Attendees had the opportunity to tour several trade facilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) area including DFW International Airport Air Cargo facility and the DFW Integrated Operations Center (Mission Control for DFW International Airport). A visit to the AT&T Stadium, site of the FIFA World Cup 2026, was enjoyed by all and will bring tremendous international exposure to the North Texas region.
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NADEC Board of Directors' Meeting, Dallas, Texas | |
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What to Expect for Trade Policy from a Harris or
Trump Presidency
Luke J. Lindburg, President & CEO of South Dakota Trade and NADEC Policy Committee Chair
The North Texas District Export Council asked David F. Day and me to outline the global trade landscape for America's exporters.
Luke J. Lindburg and David F. Day
Former Trade Policy Co-Chairs
3 Points on the upcoming election:
1. Tariffs are likely here to stay. Presidents Trump and Biden have both utilized them.
2. A Harris administration will likely maintain the Biden-Harris strategy of trade frameworks vs. trade deals.
3. A Trump administration will likely be tariffs + trade deals (e.g. USMCA, China Phase I, etc.). Trump loves the art of a deal.
As the U.S. continues to navigate the rebalancing of trade deficits, the great power competition with China, and the reordering of supply chains amid an increase in global conflict, our exporters must be prepared for uncertainty ahead.
“When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters—one represents danger and one represents opportunity”
-John F. Kennedy, 35th POTUS
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NADEC Encourages Continued Negotiations to Secure
Long-Term Stability at U.S. Ports and Protect
Small & Medium Size Exporters
Dr. John Pournoor, CEO, Government Analytica and NADEC Board Member
On October 3, 2024, the International Longshoremen’s Association and the United States Maritime Alliance reached an encouraging agreement, bringing an end to the strike at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. The current master contract governing containerized cargo movement will be extended until January 15, 2025, providing a critical opportunity for ongoing negotiations to secure a long-term solution.
The National Association of District Export Councils (NADEC) acknowledges the responsible actions taken by both parties in reaching this temporary agreement and strongly encourages them to use this extended period to secure a fair and durable resolution. Such an outcome is essential for ensuring long-term stability at our nation's ports, while also safeguarding the interests of small and medium-sized exporters who rely on these vital trade gateways. With continued commitment and collaboration, a comprehensive agreement that benefits all stakeholders can be achieved.
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AI Regulations in European Union
Dr. John Pournoor, CEO, Government Analytica and NADEC Board Member
European Union AI Regulation Goes into Effect
The European Union AI Act, effective August 1, 2024, is the world's first comprehensive AI regulation. It categorizes AI systems by risk, requiring businesses to comply with specific regulations based on their AI's risk level. While aiming to foster innovation and ethical AI, the Act may increase compliance costs and create operational challenges. Small and medium size businesses exporting to EU will need to observe the use of AI in their operations. Here is a quick read to get started.
3 Recommendations for Business:
1. Develop a Comprehensive AI Compliance Framework
2. Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration across various departments, including legal,
technical, and ethical teams
3. Build Cross-Functional Teams: Assemble a team (internal or external) of experts
from different disciplines to manage AI compliance efforts
Click HERE to read the full brief!
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Click HERE to learn more!
Join the U.S. Commercial Service and UPS for a weekly series designed to equip small and medium-sized exporters with the skills they need to stay supply chain resilient. Through self-guided modules and live sessions, industry experts will cover the complexities of supply chain including global logistics, supply chain trends, sourcing best practices, and the impact of friendshoring.
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Check Out the Exporter Summit Agenda!
This event brings together the top small and medium-sized exporters, trade professionals and trade assistance providers from across the United States, providing them with an opportunity to exchange and share best practices and lessons learned that have contributed to their export success.
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Please share your events with the
NADEC Network!
Brenda Stelly is the new Communications Co-Chair and will be doing the NADEC Newsletter. Please send any events that you would like added to the newsletter to brenda@oilcenter.com.
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Navigating Global Ecommerce Markets: Why International Ecommerce Marketplaces Are the Ideal Starting Point for American Exporters
John Koons, Online Marketing Manager, IBT Online
jk@ibt.onl
In the fast-paced realm of international ecommerce, smaller American exporters often grapple with the challenge of establishing a successful ecommerce presence in global markets. If you’re looking to navigate the complexities of international ecommerce, the ecommerce marketplaces offer an easy, and low-cost get started gateway.
By leveraging the existing infrastructure and audience reach of these platforms, small to medium sized businesses can efficiently expand their exports and embark on a successful journey into the world of global e-commerce.
While your own e-commerce website platforms (think WooCommerce, and Shopify) may seem like the default choice, the process can be a demanding endeavor in terms of resources, both management and budgetary. In the blog post below, we’ll explore a more efficient route for smaller exporters looking to dip their toes into the expansive world of e-commerce exports—leveraging international marketplaces.
Follow the LINK to learn more!
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