Expanding International Business Opportunities: Richard Swanson, U.S. Department of Commerce is Keynote Speaker at all-day seminar

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, October 14, 2012 (Press-News.org) The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County and its Small Business Development Center present an International business learning workshop Oct. 23 at California Lutheran University, Lundring Events Center in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, 60 West Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; the program is 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

The seminar will be divided into two sessions. The morning session will have a panel of industry experts to answer any export questions and share their collective knowledge on where to go to solve export issues. Panelists will cover topics such as logistics and documentation requirements; complying with U.S. export controls; financing; managing risks in International contracts; and offer other education and training resources. Panelists include Gerhard Apfelthaler, associate dean, CLU; Ray Bowman, EDC-VC/SBDC; David Habib, Esq., International Trade Counsel; Robert Krieger, Norman Krieger, Inc.; Donald Kurtz, City National Bank; and Brett Tarnet, Brett Tarnet Insurance Services.

At 12:30 p.m. there will be a luncheon presentation by keynote speaker Richard Swanson, Network Director, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Pacific South Region. Swanson will discuss opportunities for expanding business' export markets.

The afternoon session, beginning at 1:30 p.m., will focus on utilizing EB5 to finance U.S. projects and create local jobs. Panelists include David Hirson, Esq., Fragomen and Aaron Goforth, Wright Johnson LLC. They will cover topics such as how to utilize foreign direct investment opportunities to fund new or troubled commercial enterprises; create additional U.S. jobs under the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service EB5 program; and how to package your business for an effective EB5 raise.

Registration cost is $100, which includes training materials, breakfast and lunch. CLU student rate is $30. For more information, or to register contact EDC-VC at 805-384-1800 ext. 21, or email Kelly.Noble@edc-vc.com.

The SBDC is funded by the SBA and provides professional business assistance at no cost to businesses. Participating businesses are required to follow a well-defined scope of work and report their economic successes. These SBA milestones are defined as job creation, increase in sales, capital investment, jobs retained and business started.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center and loan, manufacturing outreach and international trade programs, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 24, or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit http://www.edc-vc.com.