Why Scotch Distillers Want to Stay in the EU

• Distillers are increasingly concerned about a vote to leave EU
• Diageo, Pernod Ricard among companies supporting free market

Few things flow through the historical veins of Europe’s common market as readily as alcohol, especially when it comes to Britain.

After the family cognac business took him from the vineyards of southwest France to the bustle of London, future diplomat Jean Monnet developed his vision for free trade and became a chief architect of European integration. Now, it’s whisky producers who are concerned his work will be undone if the U.K. votes to leave the European Union.

Scotch distillers are rallying to keep Britain in, arguing a “Brexit” would jeopardize hard-won market access and make a dram pricier for consumers abroad just as exports decline. Like French wine and cognac, whisky can be sold freely within the 28 member states and the EU’s heft as the world’s richest economic bloc means it gets lucrative tariff deals with emerging markets.

“We’re very clear, we’re for the U.K. being in the EU,” said Ivan Menezes, chief executive officer of Diageo Plc, whose brands range from Johnnie Walker to single malts like Dalwhinnie and Lagavulin. “You’re better off in free trade agreements if you’ve got more clout, and the EU brings more clout to the table.”

Beyond Tartan

Despite its tweeds-and-tartan image, Scotch is anything but a cottage industry.

Whisky is Britain’s largest food and drink export by far, worth more than 4 billion pounds ($5.8 billion) annually and directly employing 10,000 people at 115 distilleries in Scotland, according to the Scotch Whisky Association, a trade body based in Edinburgh. It voiced concern over Scotland leaving the U.K. durin

Prime Minister David Cameron is aiming to hold an in-or-out referendum as early as June after negotiating a package of proposed EU reforms mainly around access to welfare payments. With a final deal expected this month and polls showing the vote could be close, Diageo competitor Pernod Ricard also supports the common market.

“Pernod Ricard is a pro-Europe company and is for liberalization of trade around the world,” Alexandre Ricard, CEO of the Paris-based maker of The Glenlivet and Chivas Regal Scotch whiskies, said on Thursday.

Europe’s Influence

While it’s tough to tally the cost of an “out” vote, the biggest fear among whisky distillers is the potential tearing up of the U.K.’s trading relationships. 

Two-thirds of Diageo’s whisky exports, for example, go to developing countries such as India. Import duties on foreign wines and spirits in India are among the world’s highest at 150 percent. The tax contributed to a decline in the industry’s global exports in the first half of last year, with overall volume and revenue falling about 3 percent from a year before.

The Scotch Whisky Association has worked with the EU and Indian governments in negotiations to lower the country’s tax rate, but is worried that progress could be hamstrung by a U.K. exit, said David Frost, the CEO of the association and a former policy representative to the EU.

He’s also concerned about product protection. The EU zealously polices so-called designation of origin rules, whereby champagne must come from the French region of the same name, cognac the same town and Scotch has to be made in Scotland.

Drinking Partners

More broadly, Britain would have to strike a new trade deal with the rest of Europe, a process that could take years. It might also have to renegotiate existing overseas pacts from scratch since the EU works as a single entity for trade purposes and has agreements with countries including South Korea, Mexico and Canada and one in progress with the U.S.

“The rule of thumb is that it’s hard to put a monetary value on it, but it’s going to add cost to an industry that competes on margin,” Brad MacKay, a professor of business at the University of Edinburgh, said of Britain leaving the EU. The industry “will be less profitable,” he said.

Britain has had a mixed relationship with Europe since joining the single market in 1973. Successive governments have championed the trade benefits while balking at the idea of closer political union. The U.K. declined to join the passport-free Schengen agreement and stayed out of the euro.

There’s more enthusiasm when it comes to booze. At the less potent end of the market, British drinkers stock up on cheaper wine and beer at French ports, able to travel back home with little or no restriction. For the stronger stuff, France jostles with the U.S. as the biggest importer of Scotch.

Monnet’s Spirit

The scale of economic ties would have impressed Monnet, whose father dispatched him to London as a young man to sell the family’s cognac to Britons before he began a long career as a diplomat and adviser to governments. After World War II, he led the effort to found what eventually became the precursor to the EU.

“The industry has worked extremely hard to remove barriers to entry and leaving the market would cause all kinds of problems,” said Billy Walker, the master blender at BenRiach Distillery in Speyside, whose 35-year-old single malts retail for 430 pounds a bottle. More than 95 percent are exported. "It’s apparent to me this is not a clever thing to do."

Miami Dade County : Business Development Mission to China and Taiwan (April 11-23, 2016)

SAVE THE DATES Business Development Mission to China and Taiwan April 11 - 23, 2016

Mission participants will visit the cities of Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, China and Taipei, Taiwan. The purpose of the mission is to foster bilateral trade, commerce, tourism and cultural exchanges between Miami-Dade County, China, and Taiwan.

House of Roosevelt Shanghai The mission will depart for Shanghai on April 11, where mission participants will have networking opportunities with Chinese businesses and participate in one-to-one business matchmaking meetings, briefings and branding presentations. The delegation will travel to Hangzhou on April 15 to visit the Hangzhou Economic & Technology Development Zone and Hangzhou High - Tech Development Zone. The mission will proceed to Guangzhou on April 17, and delegates will participate in the 119th Canton Fair - China's Import & Export Fair. Finally, on April 20, mission participants will travel to Taipei to join Enterprise Florida's Export Sales Mission. The delegation will return to Florida on April 23.

By 2022, the population of China's middle class is estimated to reach 630 million, 45 percent of the entire population. They will be consuming goods and services valued at $3.4 trillion, 24 percent of GDP, which offers tremendous potential for businesses in the U.S.

Participants have the option of choosing the Mainland China option and/or the Taiwan portion of the mission.

On April 13, the mission, along with the support of Amcham Shanghai, will host a Trade, Tourism and Business Seminar, followed by: April 14 Miami Investment Seminar, where Individual and institutional investors will be invited to participate in one-to-one business matchmaking meetings. During  the evening participants will also attend a Miami in Shanghai event at the House of Roosevelt Shanghai.

The best market prospects and leading sectors/opportunities for U.S. companies in China are: Aviation, Clean Coal Technology, Environmental Technology, Educating & Training, Franchising, Information & Communications Technology, Marine Industries, Medical Devices, Medical Tourism, and Travel & Tourism. The best market prospects and leading sectors/opportunities for U.S. companies in Taiwan include: Aviation, Computer Services & Software, Educational Service, Electronics, Safety & Security Products, Skincare & Cosmetics, Information & Communications Technology, and Travel & Tourism.  In 2014, China was ranked as South Florida's third trade partner with total bilateral trade of $6.59 billion. Taiwan was ranked as South Florida's 37th trade partner with total bilateral trade of $560 million. Miami-Dade County and New Taipei City have been engaged in a Sister Cities relationship since 1989. Corporate sponsorship for mission activities are available. For additional details about mission participation costs, please call 305-375-3526 or email Desmond Alufohai, CGBP, International Trade Coordinator, Economic Development & International Unit, Department of Regulatory & Economic Resources, Miami-Dade County.

·  Save-the-Dates ·  Business Development Mission Registration ·  Mission Partnership Sponsor Levels

Center Health& Wellnes Resources to provide services @ Miami-Dade County Puiblic Schools Fair

Enterprise Florida's Monthly Trade Leads - January 2016

Enterprise Florida is pleased to bring you our latest International Trade Leads.  To view a SUMMARY of the trade leads, please click here: Trade Lead Summary. To view the DETAILED REPORTS, please click the links below:                 Apparel & Textiles Chemicals, Petrochemicals & Composites Clean Technologies Consumer Goods & Home Furnishings Information Technology Life Sciences To view Previous Trade Leads, please Click Here. What Are They?  Trade leads include foreign companies who are interested in making direct purchases from Florida companies, acting as a manufacturer's representative or agent/distributor, and joint ventures.  In support of EFI's Africa Trade Expansion Program, we also provide leads from African companies looking to sell their products or services to Florida and the U.S.  Where Do They Come From?  The majority of these leads are generated by our International Offices in 15 overseas markets.  How Can I Follow Up On These Leads?  If you wish to follow up on any of these leads, you can contact the foreign company directly with the information provided on the detailed report.  We ask that you also copy the International Office or Florida staff-person that submitted the lead.  Their information is also included in the report.  Please be sure to mention that you received this information from Enterprise Florida. Florida distributors should be aware that they may be required to have the right to distribute products in a particular country before doing business there.  Please contact the person who submitted the lead if you have any questions.  What Else Does Enterprise Florida Do For Florida Exporters?  To learn more about Enterprise Florida’s programs and services for Florida exporters, please visit our website at http://www.enterpriseflorida.com/services/export-from-florida/.  You can also view our calendar of international trade events online at http://www.enterpriseflorida.com/events/.  How Can I Get More Help?  For additional assistance, questions or comments about our trade leads or other programs, please contact your local Enterprise Florida trade representative.

Does Yahoo Have a Right to Exist in 2016? (ShellyPalmer)

Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer is in the hot seat; some investors are calling for her to step down, others want the company broken up and sold for parts, still others are concerned that the value of their investment is less than zero.

First and foremost, Yahoo is not worthless. Financial engineers will argue about how best to maximize shareholder value, but with its ~$5.5 billion of net cash, its 15 percent share of Alibaba (worth approximately $30 billion), its share of Yahoo Japan (worth approximately $8.6 billion) and about $1 billion of EBITDA from its core businesses (which some analysts estimate to have a value between $2.2 and $4 billion), Yahoo has a non-zero value. And, I can assure you, it will be unlocked in favor of the shareholders.

That said, Yahoo is in real trouble. Its board is reportedly losing patience with Ms. Mayer as Yahoo’s share price reflects the Street’s disillusionment with her leadership. And, to make matters worse, there are seemingly endless amounts of armchair quarterbacks who are armchair-quarterbacking Yahoo’s next move – from the pragmatic, “spin off the core business” to the conceptual “acquire eBay.”

But for all of the analysis and punditry, I’ve yet to hear anyone ask the most basic questions, “Does Yahoo have a right to exist in 2016?” “What problems does Yahoo solve?” “How does Yahoo create value for its users?” And, maybe most importantly, “What does Yahoo do better than any other company in the world?”

Is Yahoo a Media Company or a Tech Company?

These days, “Beleaguered Tech Giant” is how most writers refer to Yahoo. Of course, this is a misnomer. Yahoo doesn’t compete with Google or Microsoft or Amazon or Facebook; it competes with news organizations and IP-delivered video businesses. At best, it’s a media company with a world-class tech stack, but it’s not a tech company.

This identity crisis is not new, but it is newly relevant as Yahoo finds itself in the middle of the pack in a few media distribution verticals while attempting to compete in a media world that is highly focused on achieving omnichannel excellence.

What Does Yahoo Do Better than Any Other Company in the World?

If you ask people what they use Yahoo for, the conventional answer (for those who admint to using Yahoo at all) is “Yahoo Finance.” Consumers who use publicly available financial research and news products will almost always give Yahoo credit for having one of the best financial resource sites. That’s a nice accolade, but it is not a growth business, and even if Yahoo owned the market (which it can’t and won’t), there’s no “there” there.

Please list the core areas of Yahoo that you would consider “best in the world” at what they do. Areas of Yahoo’s collective assets that you absolutely must visit or use every single day. Email? Calendar? Fantasy Sports? Where is Yahoo best-in-class?

What Value Does Yahoo Create for Its Users?

Take a hard look at Yahoo. Where does it create value for you – value that is so compelling that you owe your loyalty to Yahoo above any other vendor? Do you run your business on Yahoo’s free apps? Do you rely on any of its products or services? Yahoo News used to have a best-in-class mobile app that I used daily. It was the best Android app I’d ever seen for news. I could customize it, it was aesthetically pleasing and it was an indispensable part of my day. After checking my email or doing other emergent interactions on my device, my first tap was Yahoo News. That ended about a year ago when Yahoo turned it into an over-bloated, evil, ad-laden, horrifying user experience. I gave it a few more tries (old habits die hard), and then … I deleted it.

Does Yahoo Have a Right to Exist in 2016?

And so we come to the existential question, “Does Yahoo have a right to exist in 2016?” The short answer is “No.” Yahoo is strategically damned. It will not die for lack of talent or for financial reasons; it will die for lack of vision. More specifically, for lack of mission. It is very easy to understand the mission, vision and values of every successful company. “Facebook’s mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.” Amazon seeks “to be Earth’s most customer-centric company for four primary customer sets: consumers, sellers, enterprises, and content creators.” “Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Being as kind as I can, Yahoo’s mission (which is not published, but can be gleaned from Marissa Mayer’s strategic plan and the company’s FAQ page) goes something like this: “Yahoo – A guide to digital information discovery.” Yahoo’s mission is to be either my browser bar or Google. Sadly for Yahoo, both of these jobs are occupied by much, much better alternative tools.

What’s Next for Yahoo?

In theory, Yahoo should be a buyer, not a seller. There are all kinds of exceptional companies Yahoo could acquire to achieve omnichannel media excellence. It would have to compete with the other media (not tech) giants, but it is well positioned for the fight. This, of course, would require the Street to declare Yahoo a media company – which would destroy much (if not all) of its “tech multiple” and probably cause the boardroom equivalent of a world war. But not to worry, none of this is going to happen.

In practice, look for a relatively big fight among interested parties. In version one, Marissa Mayer will be shown the door (and get a huge payday for her efforts). In version two, Marissa Mayer holds on (because her payday is 5x bigger if Yahoo is sold). In either case, shareholder value will be unlocked by self-interested parties who will profit the most from the eventual reorganization or sale. Yahoo!

Florida International Trade Events Newsletter - February 3, 2016

View in browser Florida International Trade Events Newsletter        February 3, 2016 Welcome to Enterprise Florida's International Trade Events Newsletter!                                                                    New Enterprise Florida Events: Florida/South Africa: Trade and Investment Opportunities (Miami, West Palm Beach, Lauderhill, Orlando, Jacksonville) Expo Seguridad Mexico (Mexico City, Mexico) Medical Fair Asia 2016 (Singapore) SemiCon 2016 (Taipei, Taiwan) New Partner Trade Events: Go Global: Exporting for Business Growth (Orlando, Florida) Doing Business with Belize (Lauderdale Lakes, Florida) Webinar on Opportunities in UK Infrastructure and the I3 Forum (Webinar) 2016 International Days (Tallahassee, Florida) Risk Management & Insurance Strategies for Importers and Exporters (Orlando, Florida) Export - Import Expo Conference (Sunrise, Florida) Discover Global Markets - The Americas (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) Events are listed in order by date. Please contact individual event organizers for additional information. Programs & Services for Florida Exporters Enterprise Florida, Inc. Export Marketing Plan Program Exporting Assistance Florida Export Directory Florida Trade Offices International Offices Trade Grants World Bank Opportunities  Platinum Member Sponsor Calendar of Events For a complete listing of Enterprise Florida events, please click the link below. To be added to our Trade Events mailing list please click here. Announcement Coming this Spring! ThinkGlobal, in cooperation with Enterprise Florida, is working on a new resource for Florida exporters – the Florida Export Guide. This colorful, magazine-style guide will serve as an informational resource for Florida exporters. The purpose of the guide is to provide Florida companies with expert advice and answers to frequently asked questions about exporting. It will also include information about key contacts, web sites and other resources for exporters. Advertisers in the Florida Export Guide will have a unique opportunity to reach a highly targeted group of active exporters, in print and online. We look forward to working with our trade and economic development partners to launch this new exporting tool.  Enterprise Florida Trade Events (New) Florida/South Africa: Trade and Investment Opportunities February 11-17, 2016 Miami, Laurderhill, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville In collaboration with our primary partners throughout the State, you are invited to join us as we host a series of seminars on the “Gateways to Business Opportunities between Florida and South Africa.” Mrs. Abigail Ellary, Director of Enterprise Florida South Africa along with representatives from the Office of Trade and Investment in Durban, South Africa KwaZulu-Natal, Mr. Neville Matjie and Ms. Thembelihle Ndlovu will provide information, support and assistance to Florida companies interested in doing business in all of Southern Africa and select countries in East Africa. Miami - Wednesday, February 10, 2016 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Miami Free Zone 2305 NW 107th Avenue, Suite 107, Miami, Florida 33172 Cost: Free Click here to register A limited number of one-on-one appointments with the speakers will be available after the seminar on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a one-on-one appointment, please email Joseph Bell at jbell@enterpriseflorida.com. Lauderhill - Friday, February 12, 2016 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Central Broward Regional Park - Stadium Field House Hall 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311 Cost: Free RSVP to Paola Isaac Baraya at pisaac@broward.org or 954-357-7894 Registration deadline: February 11, 2016 West Palm Beach - Friday, February 12, 2016 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM Business Development Board Office 310 Evernia Street, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Cost: Free Register with Gary Hines at ghines@bdb.org Limited to the first 20 people to RSVP Orlando - Monday, February 15, 2016 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM Enterprise Florida Inc. 800 North Magnolia Avenue, Suite 1100, Orlando, Florida 32803 Cost: Free Click here to register A limited number of one-on-one appointments with the speakers will be available after the seminar on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a one-on-one appointment, please email Kristian Jenkins at kjenkins@enterpriseflorida.com. Jacksonville - Tuesday, February 16, 2016 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM University Center, University of North Florida 12000 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville, Florida 32224 Cost: $10.00 Click here to register A limited number of one-on-one appointments with the speakers will be available after the seminar on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a one-on-one appointment, please email Larry Bernaski at lbernaski@enterpriseflorida.com.   Dubai International Boat Show March 1-5, 2016 Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Middle East remains one of the most affluent regions in the world and companies from all over the globe will showcase their latest designs and innovations at the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS). With an impressive display of boats and super yachts in the Middle East and the largest, most lucrative gathering of VIP’s and royal families; DIBS delivers the ultimate meeting point for the region’s most prosperous buyers. Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, DIBS is one of the few events worldwide where companies constantly experience an impressive return on their exhibition investment. Enterprise Florida is once again teaming with the USA pavilion organizer and the U.S. Commercial Service to offer companies the opportunity to exhibit in the Florida Section of the US Pavilion. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Larry Bernaski Enterprise Florida Inc. lbernaski@enterpriseflorida.com   CeBIT 2016 March 14-18, 2016 Hannover, Germany Enterprise Florida is encouraging Florida technology companies to participate in CeBIT, the world's largest international expo in the ICT industry. Since 1986, the annual trade show has taken place in Hanover, Germany. CeBIT 2016 is scheduled to be held March 16 to 20 (Monday through Friday). Currently, 3,500 companies from 70 countries have registered for participation, 92% of them buyers. As a leading IT expo and conference, CeBIT focuses on B2B and covers multiple sectors including IT equipment and components, software, internet, mobile, telecommunication and digital business solutions. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Andrea Moore Enterprise Florida Inc. amoore@enterpriseflorida.com   Export Sales Mission to Korea and Taiwan April 15-23, 2016 Seoul, Korea and Taipei, Taiwan Join Florida Secretary of Commerce Bill Johnson on an Export Sales Mission to Korea & Taiwan. South Korea and Taiwan, strong and growing Asian economies, are highly attractive export markets for U.S. companies. Over the past several decades, South Korea has achieved a remarkably high level of economic growth and is now the United States’ sixth largest goods trading partner with a trillion-dollar economy. The United States is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner, accounting for more than 10 percent of its total trade. Florida companies are invited to join the mission and participate in the Gold Key program. This program offers an excellent way to meet with potential business partners and build relationship in both markets. EFI will offer a limited number of Gold Key Matchmaking one-on-one appointments. Small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers and professional service providers may qualify for a Gold Key Grant, which will offset the matchmaking registration fee for the first company representative. Individuals can participate under the delegate package. The Delegate package includes: admission to all mission events, airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights and ground transportation to all mission events. For further information, please contact: John Diep Enterprise Florida Inc. jdiep@enterpriseflorida.com Max Stewart Enterprise Florida Inc. mstewart@enterpriseflorida.com Hannover Messe 2016 April 25-29, 2016 Hannover, Germany The U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service and Enterprise Florida are offering a unique opportunity for Florida manufacturers to meet prospective foreign buyers at Hannover Messe, the world’s premier manufacturing trade event, April 25-29, 2016 in Hannover, Germany. The White House has announced that President Barack Obama will join German Chancellor Angela Merkel to open HANNOVER MESSE 2016. Obama will appear at the fair’s official opening ceremony on Sunday, April 24th, and is also scheduled for the traditional opening tour of the fair with Merkel on Monday morning. Hannover Messe 2016 is five trade shows representing all aspects of modern manufacturing in one integrated event and will attract over 100 buyer delegations with more than 200,000 attendees from over 70 countries. Florida companies exhibiting in U.S. Pavilions will gain unprecedented benefits from: Unmatched international exposure including a featured page on Hannover Messe 2016 website with enhanced search capabilities. Tickets for the Opening Ceremony and Reception. Onsite customized support from U.S. Commercial Service industry specialists. Business to Government Executive Market Counseling with U.S. Commercial Service staff from among the top 25 markets present at Hannover Messe. Business to Business International Partner Promotion Program. Enterprise Florida trade grants of up to $6,000 are available to help offset your exhibition costs in this show. Free Webinars: Join our free “Know Before You Go” webinars to maximize onsite opportunities and learn more about the wealth of opportunities available at Hannover Messe 2016. For further information, please contact: Miguel Olivares U.S. Commercial Service Miguel.Olivares@trade.gov Larry Bernaski Enterprise Florida, Inc. LBernaski@enterpriseflorida.com   (New) Expo Seguridad 2016 Special Prime Pavilion Spaces Available April 26-28, 2016 Mexico City, Mexico Expo Seguridad Mexico is is the largest security show in Mexico and Latin America and will feature products from a number of large retailers in the security industry as well as contractors from government agencies around Central America. Enterprise Florida has been provided exclusive prime space at Expo Seguridad for Florida companies. Florida will be the only state in the United States with a prime pavilion. If you would like your company to stand out at the largest security and defense show in Latin America this is the venue. Space is very limited in this prime section. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Max Stewart Enterprise Florida Inc. mstewart@enterpriseflorida.com   Export Development Trade Mission to Mexico May 23-26, 2016 Mexico City, Mexico Join Florida Secretary of Commerce Bill Johnson on an Export Development Trade Mission to Mexico. Mexico offers tremendous opportunities for Florida companies interested in increasing their footprint in Latin America. Mexico is currently our nation’s third largest trading partner and second largest export market for U.S. products. Mexico ranks tenth among Florida’s trading partners. To participate in the mission, several options are available: Gold Key Package, SelectUSA Gold Key Package for EDOs and Delegate Package. Gold Key Package EFI will offer a limited number of Gold Key Matchmaking one-on-one appointments through the USCS for participating Florida companies. Small and mid-sized Florida manufacturers and professional service providers may qualify for a Gold Key Grant, which will offset the matchmaking registration fee for the first company representative. Delegate Package Individuals can participate under the delegate package. The Delegate package includes: admission to all mission events, airport transfers in country when traveling on official mission flights and ground transportation to all mission events. For further information, please contact: Ilona Vega Enterprise Florida Inc. ivega@enterpriseflorida.com Stephanie Pavolini Enterprise Florida Inc. spavolini@enterpriseflorida.com   (New) Medical Fair Asia 2016 August 31, 2016 to September 2, 2016 Singapore Medical Fair Asia is Southeast Asia’s most definitive event for the medical and healthcare industry and will be held at a new venue – the Marina Bay Sands Convention Center in Singapore. Medical Fair Asia is well positioned to be the No.1 procurement stage for industry professionals to experience new and innovative technologies, solutions, products and services. With an anticipated participation of 1,000 exhibitors form 45 countries, 20 national pavilion and country groups and an expected attendance of 15,000 qualified trade buyers and decision makers from across Asia. At this event, new digital healthcare solutions such as remote and wireless healthcare, IT platforms, wearable devices, smarter medicine and healthcare analytics are also expected to be showcased by participating exhibitors. Focused on equipment and supplies for the hospital, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, medical and rehabilitation sectors, the event continues to raise the overall capabilities and spur the growth of the region’s medical and healthcare sectors to meet the changing demands in both the public and private sectors. Enterprise Florida, Inc. has secured space for a Florida section. Individual booths are being offered for Florida companies to exhibit within the USA Pavilion. Space is limited and will be sold on a first-come, first served basis. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Michael Schiffhauer Enterprise Florida Inc. mschiffhauer@enterpriseflorida.com SMM Hamburg September 6-9, 2016 Hamburg, Germany Enterprise Florida (EFI) is pleased to announce its support for SMM Hamburg. The bi-annual SMM Hamburg is the world’s largest B2B international trade show for the commercial marine industry. In 2014, SMM Hamburg featured over two thousand exhibitors, and fifty thousand visitors. Independent space at SMM Hamburg is virtually sold out however Enterprise Florida is working with the U.S. show organizer to secure space for Florida companies within the USA Pavilion. This is a U.S. Department of Commerce certified event meaning on-site Commerce staff will provide support to all U.S. exhibitors. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Larry Bernaski Enterprise Florida Inc. lbernaski@enterpriseflorida.com   (New) SemiCon 2016 Themed Florida Pavilion September 7-9, 2016 Taipei, Taiwan Do you want  to showcase your company on the international semiconductor stage with countries like Germany, Holland and Korea? SEMICON Taiwan 2016 annually attracts more than 3,300 attendees representing lithography, 3D IC, advanced packaging, memory, IC design, IoT, MEMS, smart manufacturing, high-tech facility, materials and more. Theme pavilions and country pavilions can provide you with a blueprint for regional markets and new business opportunities for Taiwan’s procurement community. Enterprise Florida (EFI) will recruit Florida companies to join the first ever Florida pavilion for the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing community. Florida will be the only state in the United States with a themed state pavilion. Contact EFI if your company would like to stand out and participate in the the largest semiconductor show in Asia. Trade Grants are available to help offset your exhibition cost in this show. Please let EFI know if you wish to receive more details on this opportunity. For further information, please contact: Max Stewart Enterprise Florida Inc. mstewart@enterpriseflorida.com Andrea Moore Enterprise Florida Inc. amoore@enterpriseflorida.com Partner Trade Events (New) Doing Business with Belize February 9, 2016 Lauderdale Lakes, Florida The Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development invites you to attend a special presentation on export opportunities to Belize organized in collaboration with the Belize American Chamber of Commerce and the Belize Ministry of International Trade. This event will provide attendees with an opportunity to meet the Honorable Erwin Contreras, Belize Minister of International Trade, and learn about the Belize American Chamber of Commerce upcoming trade mission to Belize. RSVP by February 8th. Admission is free and space is limited. For more information email pisaac@broward.org. MiaGreen Expo & Conference (8th Edition) February 9-11, 2016 Miami, Florida MiaGreen combines a major trade show with front edge educational and networking programs, showcasing cutting-edge technologies, services, know-how & education serving the Green Building, Solar. Energy Storage/Saving, Clean-Tech Industries. MiaGreen connects with East USA, Florida plus Latin America & Caribbean markets (40 countries under one roof) from Miami, America's business capital. A great source also to scout new distributors and representatives.   Growing Global: A Half-Day International Exporting Conference February 10, 2016 Lutz, Florida The Pasco Economic Development Council is giving West Central Florida businesses a passport to growth by providing the resources needed to expand into international markets. Learn how local partners such as Enterprise Florida, SBDC, Foreign Trade Zone #193, U.S. Department of Commerce, and Port Tampa Bay can assist with your exporting efforts. Hear from a panel of local companies who have successfully grown their businesses through exports. Connect with Consul Generals and Honorary Consuls from France, Germany, Panama, Canada, and Greece during a unique speed networking session. Registration is only $20 and includes continental breakfast. Seating is limited. (New) Webinar on Opportunities in UK Infrastructure and the I3 Forum February 17, 2016 11:30 EST The United Kingdom has announced massive transportation projects valued at $160 billion, and the 2016 Strategic 100 Global Infrastructure Report by CGLA put UK at the top of its list of locations for project opportunities. The UK beat out China, United States, Japan and Indonesia to secure its spot at the top of the rankings by project value. In response to these opportunities, the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commercial Service UK) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will host a webinar for U.S. firms looking to secure opportunities in the UK and beyond.   Complying with U.S. Export Controls February 17-18, 2016 Tampa, Florida This two-day program is led by BIS' professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods. The seminar will focus on what items and activities are subject to the EAR; steps to take to determine export licensing requirements for your item; how to determine your export control classification number (ECCN); when you can export or reexport without applying for a license; export clearance procedures and record keeping requirements; an overview of the Export Compliance Management Program (ECMP) concepts; and real life examples in applying this information. Cross Cultural Management Summit 2016 February 18-20, 2016 Melbourne, Florida The Institute for Cross Cultural Management (ICCM) invites you to join the 2016 Cross Cultural Management Summit to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on February 18-20, 2016. Join top thought leaders and experienced international business executives to solve some of the pressing cross cultural management challenges facing your organization. While you are enjoying the Summit, don't miss the opportunity to improve your global competencies and reduce the risk, time, and costs of international business. In addition, ICCM is offering 2 workshops the week of the Summit on Cross Cultural Competence and Global Leadership. Both workshops are approved for seven HRCI re-certification credits. Register for both and receive a discount. (New) Go Global: Exporting for Business Growth February 19, 2016 Orlando, Florida Florida-based companies are expanding overseas. Are you? We know that expanding into international markets can seem daunting. Attend this interactive workshop to find out how the Florida SBDC at UCF can help you prepare your business for globalization. Participants will leave with tools, insights and knowledge to help your small business earn a share of this growing profit opportunity. Let the FSBDC at UCF guide you through the complexities of international expansion strategies. (New) 2016 International Days February 23-24, 2016 Tallahassee, Florida Join the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida’s international business community to hear from top international trade experts and promote the significant role international business has in Florida’s economy and in your business. (New) Risk Management and Insurance Strategies for Importing and Exporting February 25, 2016 Orlando, Florida Join Davis Helsby from Insurance Office of America as he conducts an overview of the core insurance policies and risk management techniques needed as an importer/exporter. He will identify and discuss industry risks and cover key terms and verbiage related to insurance policies. Any U.S. firm/individual interested in exporting is invited to attend. EAR/ITAR/OFAC Training "Partnering for Compliance" East Coast March 1-4, 2016 Orlando, Florida The 15th Annual “Partnering for Compliance™” East Coast export/import control program is in Orlando, FL on Mar. 2-4, 2016. A separate requested ‘Customs/Import Boot Camp’ one-day program will be held on Mar. 1, 2016. Gov’t & Trade Speakers: DoS/DDTL: Terry Davis & DDTC Daniel Buzby; DoC/BIS: Gene Christiansen & OEE Jonathan Barnes; DoD/DTSA: Ken Oukrop; OFAC: Jamie Rose; Census Bureau: Omari Wooden; DHS/CBP: Joe Mitchell; ICE: Jacquelyn Metzger; AND, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Field, LLP: Jonathan Poling; Braumiller Law Group PLLC: Adrienne Braumiller & Bruce Leeds; David Hayes: UK/EU Export Controls and U.S. Trade. NOTE: Gene Christiansen will also focus on ECR implementation.   Chemical Mission from the USA to Brazil March 7-11, 2016 Sao Paulo, Brazil The U.S. Commercial Service in São Paulo, Brazil, is organizing an outbound Chemical Mission from the USA to Brazil, on March 7 – 11, 2016. U.S. chemical suppliers will have the unique chance to participate in one-on-one meetings with chemical distributors from all over Brazil and also meet with OXITENO, one of the largest chemical companies in Brazil. Over 80 Brazilian chemical distributors will attend the event.   Export Sales Mission to Costa Rica April 12-15, 2016 San José, Costa Rica You are invited to join the Tampa Bay Export Alliance on an Export Sales Mission to San José, Costa Rica. The mission will feature the U.S. Commercial Service Gold Key program which provides customized and pre-screened one-on-one appointments with potential customers or partners in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a heavy consumer market and enjoys the region’s highest standard of living. U.S. products have an excellent reputation for quality and price-competitiveness, and the CAFTA-DR trade agreement eliminates most of the duties on U.S. exports. With grants available to qualified companies to cover one thousand dollars of the Gold Key fee, this mission offers an excellent opportunity for Tampa Bay companies to expand their sales to Costa Rica. Registration deadlines for the Mission Packages are as follows: Trade/Gold Key Package - Friday, February 19, 2016 and Delegate Package - Sunday, February 28, 2016. Business Development Mission to the People's Republic of China April 12-20, 2016 Guangzhou and Shanghai The mission to the People's Republic of China is scheduled from April 12 - 20, 2016. Mission participants will visit the Canton Import & Export Fair in Guangzhou, tour the Hangzhou Economic, Technology & High Tech Development Zones in Hangzhou (home of Alibaba Company - the leading global sourcing e-commerce platform). In Shanghai, mission delegates will have ample opportunities for networking and one-to-one business matchmaking meetings, in-country briefing and presentations. After the China mission, participants may (optional) join the Enterprise Florida Export Sales Mission in Taiwan from April 20 - 23, 2016.   (New) Export - Import Expo Conference April 14, 2016 Sunrise, Florida This is a unique event in Florida for companies that are interested in exporting or companies that are currently exporting to learn about the latest services or products to help them compete and succeed around the globe. This event enables exporters and importers to put their products at the forefront of an audience of industry leaders - fellow entrepreneurs and international trade service providers. This event presents many opportunities for creating business relationships abound, from workshops to industry focused meetups all catered for in a day of unequaled business networking. (New) Discover Global Markets - The Americas June 15-16, 2016 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Join the U.S. Commercial Service and the South Florida District Export Council for Discover Global Markets: The Americas. This conference brings together trade experts, economists, industry professionals, and U.S. commercial diplomats via panels and executive meetings to address opportunities, challenges, and winning strategies across the region. Your firm will leave this conference with the critical next steps needed to transform market potential to market success in markets of interest across the Western Hemisphere. Meet one-on-one with U.S. Commercial Diplomats from the Western Hemisphere to explore market opportunities or receive help in overcoming challenges. Panels featuring economists, industry professionals, trade experts, and U.S. commercial diplomats will explore key questions related to the latest market developments.