October 07, 2014

Workshop’s focus is succeeding in international trade

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Having precise, accurate documentation helps businesses avoid delays when shipping products outside the United States, and an upcoming workshop hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s International Trade Center will help help provide answers to anyone interested in exporting. 

“Export Documentation:  Succeeding in the International Trade Business,” is set for Oct. 22 at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale.  The workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a networking lunch. 

Ric Frantz, CEO and co-founder of LR International Inc., an international freight forwarding and logistics company based near O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, will be the guest speaker.  He will discuss how to properly complete the documents commonly required when exporting from the United States and explain the consequences of having incorrect or inaccurate information on those documents. He will also answer individual questions. 

In addition, the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment will have a representative present. The agency assists Illinois businesses with reimbursement funding for international travel specific to securing international contracts.  Michelle Breslin, international trade specialist at SIU, along with Robyn Laur Russell, director of business and international trade, will also be available for consultations and answering questions at no cost. 

The workshop is free, but organizers request pre-registration no later than Oct. 20. For more information or to sign up, register at sbdc.siu.edu or email sbdc@siu.edu

The Illinois Small Business Development Center/International Trade Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale.