1. Global Strategy Program Certifies Montana Service Providers and Companies in Global Trade
2. Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) reminds producers that Canada has modified animal health import requirements (July 5, 2007)
3. Press Release: Flathead and Lake County Boaters can Request Property Information from the Water
4. Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) Spring 2007 Newsletter: http://www.mtmanufacturingcenter.com/PDFs/spring07.pdf
5. Packaging Success at the International Trade Centre (FITA): International Rules on Packaging
6. Expeditors and the International Trade Alliance’s Import/Export Training Seminar (Spokane, August 16) (compliments of ITA)
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1. Global Strategy Program certifies Montana Service Providers and Companies in Global Trade
The Montana World Trade Center, Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Small Business Administration are offering a Global Trade Certificate Program providing professionals and businesses with the tools and resources needed to compete in the global market and adapt to globalization. Certified service providers and businesses will be listed in a state directory hosted by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.
The program is a three part series with sessions throughout western Montana. Upon completion of the course, professionals can receive up to 40 hours of Continuing Education Credit, as well as 15 CLE credits approved by the Bar Association of Montana. For more information and online registration, please visit our website at http://www.mwtc.org/GTCP
2. Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) reminds producers that Canada has modified animal health import requirements (July 5, 2007)
Montana Farm Bureau applauds the Canadian government for lifting the blue-tongue related import requirement. In addition, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reducing testing requirements for anaplasmosis, based on enhancements to diagnostic tests. Neither of these diseases poses a risk to human health.
“Although these restrictions were lifted in February, many producers are still not aware of it,” noted Nancy Schlepp, national affairs director, Montana Farm Bureau Federation. Schlepp had met with Kim O’Neil, agriculture specialist for the Canadian Consulate General, at the World Trade Centre in Missoula during a general meeting with Canadian consulate on trade issues. O’Neil works with Montana, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming on U.S./Canada agricultural trade issues.
“Kim O’Neil pointed out to us that Canada had lifted these restrictions. It’s a real benefit to our producers that they no longer need this expensive test before they export animals into Canada,” Schlepp said. “This has previously been a huge trade barrier for animals going north. Our producers who ship their livestock to Canada can certainly be very pleased with this decision.”
In addition, sheep, goats and other small ruminants, which were previously banned from entering Canada, will be able to be imported for breeding purposes under certain conditions.
Canada’s new import regulations and policies draw from extensive consultations and analyses. Directed by science, Canada has previously revised its import approach on numerous occasions with a view to mitigating disease risks using the least restrictive means possible. Nonetheless, as a precaution, the CFIA will also enhance its bluetongue surveillance program.
Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President, Hugh Lynch Staunton, noted “The restrictions associated with bluetongue have been in place for several decades and have been a constant trade irritant with beef producers in the U.S. and an unnecessary cost to the Canadian industry.” He added, “As the science and knowledge about this disease in Canada has evolved, it has become increasingly obvious that the previous import restrictions are unnecessary measures. Bluetongue has been a thorn in the relationship between Canadian and U.S. cattle producers, and the resolution of this issue is welcomed by both countries.”
The new regulations will use a permit-based system for most ruminant animals imported from the U.S. This system enables the CFIA greater flexibility to modify import requirements and to be responsive to changes in animal health situations and international standards in a timely manner through adjustments in import conditions.
“It’s rewarding to see another country using scientific data and analyses to direct their animal health policies for trade,” concluded Schlepp.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States is Canada's largest trading partner, and Canada is the largest market for U.S. agricultural exports.
The Montana Farm Bureau is the state’s largest agriculture organization representing over 12,000 member families. Farm Bureau is the voice of agricultural producers at all levels.
3. Press Release: FLATHEAD AND LAKE COUNTY BOATERS CAN REQUEST PROPERTY INFORMATION FROM THE WATER
WHITEFISH, MT July 3, 2007 Expect to see text-for-info signs popping up throughout the valley in the near future. Soon boaters will be able to receive property information to their cell phones, right from the water.
Iron Horse Properties, the Exclusive Affiliate of Sotheby¹s International Realty for Flathead and Lake Counties, has agreed today to use Goomzee Connect for their Bigfork and Whitefish offices.
³Last weekend, while boating on Flathead with my parents, we noticed a lot of for sale properties. The only problem was that we didn¹t want to hassle with getting out of the boat to grab a flyer, if there was even one there.
I¹m pleased that Sotheby¹s has recognized the value in Goomzee¹s service and helping us deliver the latest technology to homebuyers,² notes Goomzee¹s Director of Marketing, Erika Beede.
Goomzee Connect delivers convenient, 24-hour access to information using cell phone technology. The service is currently being used by real estate professionals in seven states across America and now Goomzee is helping connect buyers and sellers on land and water.
About Goomzee
Based in the Northern Rocky Mountains, Goomzee Corporation has been connecting buyers and sellers through innovative technology solutions since 2003. Goomzee provides superior customer service to clients worldwide through its software products and professional consulting services. For more information about Goomzee Connect, visit www.goomzee.com <http://www.goomzee.com/> .
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4. Montana Manufacturing Extension Center (MMEC) Spring 2007 Newsletter
http://www.mtmanufacturingcenter.com/PDFs/spring07.pdf
5. PACKAGING SUCCESS AT THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE (FITA) International Rules on Packaging
The old saying, "It's all in the packaging," could apply to anything from the way a restaurant prepares its meals to the way a Hollywood starlet dresses. In the field of international trade, it refers to the importance of packaging in the transport of goods from one place to another. If you don't follow the rules on packaging, your products will run into problems in transit. You can learn a lot about packaging and trade at the International Trade Centre's Packaging for Development ( http://www.intracen.org/ep/ ) page. Click on the topics in the left column to find what you need. "Free Documents" is especially helpful, with dozens of articles, reports and how-tos with practical information. To read the documents, click on the language icon ("English", "French", etc.) next to the title. You'll also find good information if you click on "Useful Links", and, "Glossary of Packaging Terms", among others.
6. Expeditors and the International Trade Alliance’s Import/Export Training Seminar (Spokane, August 16) (Compliments of ITA)
Have questions about international transportation or customs brokerage?
Need to train new staff on issues such as INCOTERMS, documentation or insurance and liability?
Expeditors and the International Trade Alliance’s Import/Export Training Seminar.
Details:
Thursday, August 16
9 AM - 2 PM
SRBC, 801 W. Riverside, First Floor Conference Room
Cost - $45, ITA members, $55 non-members (includes reference manual and lunch)
Deadline to register is August 10
To register, contact Jenifer Priest at 459-4124 or jpriest@intrade.org
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