How Your Language Affects Your Future Choices

“To abstain from enjoyment which is in our power, or to seek distant rather than immediate results, are among the most painful exertions of the human will” -

Nassau William Senior

Have you ever put off finishing a project until the last second?  Or wondered why you're bad at saving your money for retirement?  Chances are that you have, and it may have to do with a disconnect from "your future self."  The disconnect comes from this unconscious belief that the person you are today is a separate entity from the person you are in the future.  The future you wants to retire at 55, but today you wants to take a trip to Hawaii.  The future you should be a successful CEO, but the present you doesn't want to work past 5:00.  We have these notions on how we want the future to be, and a lot of times we are incapable of reconciling our present actions with our future wants.

What does this mean?  Keith Chen , an economics professor at UCLA, proposes a rather interesting idea.  As a native English-speaking Chinese person he often wondered at the differences between the two languages, and in particular the difference in their future tenses.  Upon doing a some further research, he realized that this difference in tenses was visible across the board in many languages.  Where in English one say "it will rain tomorrow" in German one would say "Morgen regnet es" which translates literally to "It rains tomorrow."  This way requires that English speakers make an inherent distinction between the present and the future, in a way that German does not.  This leads us to distinguish the two by saying that English has a strong future-tense while German has a weak-future tense, and it is believed that this difference could be what causes the present-future disconnect.

This may seem a little far fetched, but the effects of language on perception are well known.  Keith takes this idea and applies it to economics.  He believes that the separation of present-self from future-self affects us not only on a personal scale, but influences the amount of money that whole countries save.  Not only does this apply to savings, it correlates to the amount of risk that citizens take in their daily lives. For example, those countries with a stronger future tense are statistically more likely to engage in impulse buying, smoking and engaging in unprotected sex. Hopefully by knowing this information, an individual can act more consciously in the way they make their decisions and we can all do a better job of preparing for our future.  The full TED talk by Professor Chen can be seen below.

How 18 Neophyte Exporters Used a Transferable Letter of Credit

Transferable Letter of Credit

For many years, I have had the privilege to teach workshops and seminars at the World Trade Center Denver. One session suits companies who have just begun exporting, or exploring the possibilities. My presentation discusses the basic methods of payment used by exporters. One morning, upon completion of my presentation, a gentleman came up to me and said, “Roy, we must have lunch today.”

I looked up to see a tall broad-shouldered man, and replied, “Yes sir. We will have lunch.”

World's Largest Aquarium

At a nearby restaurant, Norm told me his story. He anticipated bidding on a project in Taiwan. The Ministry of Education planned to build the world’s largest aquarium. Norm intended to supply the life support systems – pumps, valves, filters, etc. He was a sales representative, not a manufacturer.

He planned to purchase goods from 17 different vendors, arrange for their export and manage the installation in Taiwan. He wanted to know if any tools were available to enable him to pay the manufacturers.

Transferable Letter of Credit

When he told me he didn’t know about transferable letters of credit, I drew a flowchart on a paper napkin in the restaurant, illustrating how a bank could take a letter of credit issued to him and parcel it to vendors. He would not need to put up his own money. “I need exactly this mechanism to make this transaction work,” he remarked.

When I asked him if he had previous experience exporting, he answered, “No.”

Next I inquired if any of the 17 suppliers have had experience exporting, and he replied, “A few, but most of them haven't.”

I saved my biggest question for last, “How big will this contract be?”

Only the calmness of his voice kept me from falling off my chair as he said, “About $9,000,000!”

The transaction developed successfully and he received a letter of credit in transferable form. He requested the bank to transfer it to 17 other parties. I am pleased to report that due to cooperation among all vendors, freight forwarders and banks, they made over 100 shipments and all vendors received the payments due them.

How a Standby Letter of Credit Can be Used to Create an Earthquake

Cash, Letter of Credit, Standby Letter of Credit, Collateral, Small Business Administration (SBA), Export Working Capital Program (EWCP), Guarantee

An engineering company in Boulder, Colorado, designs and builds shake-tables used to simulate vibrations and movements. The hydraulics mounted underneath the table are operated by computers which are programmed to simulate movements ranging from minor vibrations to earthquakes. Equipment manufacturers, electric utilities, etc. buy the custom-built tables to test equipment prior to installing it in their power plants and for product qualification.

The company in Boulder received an order for a shake-table from a ship builder in Korea. The buyer wanted the shake-table to simulate the vibrations of a ship and the motion of the waves. In this way he could test the durability of the equipment prior to installation in ships.

The engineering company had to invest a considerable amount of money in engineering, parts, and labor to build the table to the buyer’s specs. In this transaction they negotiated payment terms as follows: 40% cash in advance, 50% payable by a letter of credit upon presentation of shipping documents, and 10% upon acceptance by the buyer after installation of the shake-table and completion of on-site training.

Securing the Cash Payment

The buyer in Korea had one condition for the 40% cash payment. He wanted a standby letter of credit for an amount equal to the down payment, payable to the buyer upon his certification that the exporter failed to build the shake-table. The standby letter of credit would provide assurance that the buyer could get his money back in the event the supplier never produced or shipped the goods. The supplier asked a bank to issue the standby letter of credit.

By way of a brief background, the supplier was a well established, proven, capable and well managed engineering firm. However, the de-regulation of the energy industry caused a collapse of a major market segment for this company. As a result, at the time of the Korean contract, the company’s liquid collateral had weakened. This contract to Korea proved their proactive effort to diversify into other markets.

When the bank received the request for issuing the standby letter of credit, they agreed to only do so with cash collateral. This caused a “catch 22” for the supplier. In order to get the cash payment he needed a standby letter of credit. In order to get the standby letter of credit he needed the cash. The bank partially resolved this problem by stating in the letter of credit that it would become effective upon the bank’s receipt of the cash in advance. However, this did not help the supplier’s cash flow. If the bank kept the cash to secure the standby letter of credit, the exporter would not have use of the cash and would be no better off than before issuing the standby letter of credit. Enter a government program.

Assistance from The Small Business Administration (SBA)

The Small Business Administration (SBA) of the U.S. government has a program to assist with the financing of exports. The program, “Export Working Capital Program” (EWCP), provides guarantees to banks to eliminate a major portion of the risk. In short, if an exporter has an order with an acceptable, firm means of payment and can prove ability to perform, the transaction may qualify for the guarantee.

Since this company had a proven track record of performance with many satisfied customers, SBA issued a guarantee, which enabled the bank to issue the standby letter of credit without the cash collateral. The company then had use of the cash for the purpose intended. SBA’s guarantee also allowed the bank to advance funds over and above the standby letter of credit. This enabled the company to borrow money for purchasing raw material and meeting payroll during the six months it took to build the equipment.

The company constructed the three-axis shake-table on schedule, received payment and paid off the loan, thanks to the SBA.

Conflict Between Hamas and Israel Unfolding in Gaza

 If Ever the World Needed a Statesman or Stateswoman, It's Now!

If ever an issue defies a solution and challenges the concept of collaboration to its very core, it's the conflict between Hamas and Israel that is unfolding in Gaza. In fact, a person is hard pressed to imagine a confrontation more intractable. What we're witnessing has deep, deep roots in history, religion, identity, land and the very right of existence. It is filled with such resentment and sense of grievance from generations of conflict that any hope for finding a middle ground often seems both futile and hopeless. As a result the debate has polarized. It is characterized as black and white, with each side pointing to clear evidence of how the other side is at fault for what is a terrible situation. Somehow, somewhere, somebody has to rise above the conflict and help find a two-state solution that meets Israel's right to exist in peace, while providing a stable, independent and viable homeland for Palestinian people. If ever the world needed a statesman or stateswoman, it's now.

For a glimpse of the suffering, especially the many children in Gaza who are victims of an adult world dominated by people in positions of power incapable of goodwill, you can watch this video.

Who is at Fault? A Look at Incoterms®

Bid bond, standby letter of credit, performance bond, charter party bill of lading, conference vessel, Incoterm®, FOB

An exporter submitted a bid to supply soybeans for approximately $6.5 million to a buyer in the Middle East. To fulfill a condition often required in these transactions, the exporter had to post a bid bond equal to 2 percent of the bid amount, or about $130,000. Since the buyer in the Middle East agreed to accept a standby letter of credit in lieu of a bid bond, the exporter asked a bank to issue the standby letter of credit. The bank agreed, and the exporter received the contract.

The terms of the contract required the exporter to post a performance bond equal to 10 percent of the contract. Again, the bank issued a standby letter of credit, this time for $650,000.  The standby letter of credit was payable against the buyer’s statement that the exporter had failed to complete the transaction according to the terms of the contract.

The buyer, in turn, opened a letter of credit for $6.5 million to the exporter payable against a charter party bill of lading. A charter party bill of lading represents a bill of lading issued by a shipping company that contracts to ship the goods from point A to point B. The vessel does not have a schedule of ports or dates as a conference vessel does. In most cases, the chartered vessel carries only one shipment; in this case, filled with soybeans for the buyer.

The parties agreed to the Incoterm® FOB New Orleans. After shipment, the exporter presented the required documents and received payment of $6.5 million from the letter of credit. One month later the buyer demanded payment of $650,000 from the standby letter of credit (performance bond). He claimed the goods did not meet the specifications of the contract. Later, the seller discovered the goods had deteriorated in quality. The exporter denied responsibility because he claimed the goods met specifications at the time they arrived at the port, but deteriorated while in storage at the dock. The vessel, chartered by the buyer, arrived two weeks late. If the buyer had scheduled the vessel to arrive on the date agreed, the exporter argued, the goods would not have deteriorated.

Who was at fault? This is an example of the use of an Incoterm® which required the exporter to bear the responsibility of loading the goods (FOB) but no responsibility for contracting the vessel. Only after the intervention of a dedicated bank officer, who made a trip to the Middle East on behalf of the exporter, the buyer agreed to retract their demand for payment on the standby letter of credit.

Uganda Women Leadership Conference, Part 2

U.S. Ambassador DeLisi is hopeful as he and his wife celebrated a group of young Ugandan fellows at their residence who will spend the summer in the United States growing their global networks to build film schools, launch small businesses and pursue careers in human rights.  The Honorable Minister Nsereko is hopeful about the public health partnerships we are forming together as she invited us to a ceremony in a rural province where they distributed some of the $400 thousand worth of medical supplies that we shipped over in partnership with Project Cure. And there is even hope for me that I will learn from my mistakes as my iPhone was stolen out of my hands once again as I sat in a cab with my window down in a Kampala traffic jam at night on the way to the airport.  There is hope that next time I will roll up my window like the taxi driver suggested!  Later that evening, I was reminded over a Skype back home that despite the “tragic” loss of my iPhone someone will at least eat better this week from its sale on the black market; a potent reminder that my very worst day is many people’s best.

The hope at the reception that the First Lady of Rwanda hosted for the Women’s Leadership summit as we arrived in Kigali was palpable.  A parliamentarian, a deputy chief of staff, a minister of youth services, the head of a foundation, all gathered to greet us; all women.   These are powerful women making positive change in a country with one of the largest percentages of women in parliament in the world.   There is hope that my own country can humble itself to learn from Rwanda where in 2014 there should be more than one woman running for President.  Jus’ sayin’!

The 300 children from the local villages that we hosted at Entusi on the second day of our summit for a basic health clinic arrived with hope that someone would pay attention to them. And we delivered. Everyone left with something. More importantly, every child who made their way through the clinic felt important and felt welcome. They had a seat at the table. For many, this was the first time they had been ever invited anywhere.

And so, our Second Annual Women’s Leadership Summit concluded yesterday and as 20 extraordinary women began making their way back to their families and their work in Kampala and Kigali and Colombia and Nigeria and the United States, Africa had changed each of us.   It always does, right?

Despite the enormity of the challenges that confront us from girls in captivity to the unforgiving conditions of poverty; despite the very different backgrounds and life experiences of each of the women who came together over this past week; everyone left with something in common.  They all left with hope.

On Lake Bunyonyi at the Entusi Retreat Center on June 11^th, there was a sense of hope that was so pervasive and so thick that you could almost touch it.

Twitter: Global Livingston Institute

Facebook: Global Livingston Institute

Uganda Women Leadership Conference, Part 1

Two days ago at Entusi, one of the women leading the “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign from Nigeria told her story at the Second Annual Women’s Leadership Summit. Florence wants to know why the world community can activate vast pools of resources in an international search to find a missing airplane and the tragic disappearance of hundreds of people with families and friends who want them home; but is not as inclined to activate and engage those same resources to find hundreds of missing girls in Nigeria with family and friends who also want them home.  

And at the end of her very compelling, impassioned talk the women sitting around the table all reacted differently. Not surprising as we had a most extraordinary delegation of women leaders this year from Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Colombia and the United States. Some shed tears; some were angry; some were vocal and others were very quiet and reflective. But here’s the deal. When you cut through all of the emotion that filled the room on this very extraordinary morning on Lake Bunyonyi in Southern Uganda, there was one common thread that tied us all together. And that was hope. And it dominated us.

I started to think back on my month here in East Africa teaching an interactive graduate class with students from the University of Colorado Denver and hosting our Second Women’s Leadership retreat at Entusi. And with each story and each interaction, hope seemed to be the common theme this time around at every stop.

We found hope when we ventured into the Katanga slums, where the absence of public health is almost as pronounced as the raw sewage that runs through the community. And I ran into a family I have known there for years. The mom invited us into their home. Her two-year old daughter wanted a balloon animal and her elderly Mom needed some medicine as she is dying of cancer. But what she really wanted me to know is that she just got a job. And in the midst of the chaos in which this family lives, this woman had hope.

We found hope when we traveled North to Lira and visited with the young adults who are former child soldiers. Despite the tragedy and despair rooted in their past, many of them are moving on with their lives. One girl is in her senior year of high school and over lunch we told her that we were going to support her to pursue her career in nursing when she graduates. Walter moved back with his mom and is finishing high school in the village where he is originally from.

And everywhere in Kampala, despite the poverty and corruption and typical dysfunctions of the developing world, hope was there as well, albeit subtly. It was at Halals, where my Muslim friend Eddie runs the best local restaurant on the planet. Business is good and the rice, beans, g-nut sauce and chipatti’s are to die for. Based near the slum, you can feast over an amazing meal and orange Fanta and get out the door for less than 5,000 schillings ($2 USD). Simon has graduated from college after four years of support from the Global Livingston Institute and has his first job working for an international business. Martina is in her final year of college and is going to help manage the new campus that we have acquired in Kampala.

Level 3 connection for First Quantum

Previously Published by Mining Journal, June 24, 2014 Expanding mining house First Quantum Minerals Ltd has engaged NYSE-listed Level 3 Communications to fully connect its global portfolio of operations and project sites.

Level 3 said it was contracted by FQM to consolidate “a number of its legacy communication providers globally”, using the technology company’s Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network to link offices and datacentres in Europe, North America and Canada to operations in remote parts of Finland and Western Australia.

A combination of fixed-line and satellite technology, and an extensive regional partner network, would enable Level 3 to ensure FQM mines in Africa and South America also remained reliably connected via a “robust network [that] supports the use of data-intensive applications and provides on-site staff with critical business applications, as well as high-bandwidth Internet connectivity”.

Level 3 Communications had a market capitalisation this week of US$10.6 billion.  

Mining Journal > Mining ICT > Level 3 connection for First Quantum

Use Ecosia, Plant Trees For Free

22,600 tons of carbon dioxide are released every year to power online search engines and an astonishing 300 million tons powering the entire internet. The best solution for balancing out the increase in carbon emissions from computer servers is to plant trees (trees use CO2 as a natural input for the photosynthesis process).  

"A new breed of internet startup is taking on the big guns of the tech world."

 

Ecosia.org is a clever startup that is reimagining online search. Most search engines make money through displaying online ads, however, Ecosia uses 80% of its income to fund The Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees project.  Brazil's Atlantic coast is extremely important ecologically because of the high level of biodiversity found there and the intense pressure from previous deforestation.  Strategically, it's a highly effective place on planet earth to plant trees.

The search engine recently got an upgrade; it now combines Yahoo! and Google results to better display maps, news, pictures, and even biographies. It has never been easier to help the environment while searching the internet. You can make a difference by 1.) Visiting Ecosia.org for your online searches  2.) Installing the browser extension and 3.) Telling your friends!

Clinicas: Continuing the Conversation in Mexico

In the summer of 2013, Denver played host to the Biennial of the Americas, which is a celebration on art, culture, dialogue and ideas for countries in the western hemisphere. At the 2013 event many countries were represented in day-long clinicas and symposiums to address topics that affects all countries. The Biennial of the Americas describes clinicas as “a diverse and innovative gathering of leaders from across the Americas will participate in a series of facilitated, peer-to-peer workshops called clinicas. Clinicas are unique to the Biennial of the Americas experience as they offer a select group of invited specialists in their field the opportunity to interact with other innovative though leaders on a variety of topics.” The invite-only attendees discussed in an open dialogue issues such as environment and public health, water, energy, innovation, conscious business practices, education, technology, and the new normal.

The viewpoints from the morning clinicas were then reported out to a public audience in the evening while the content was used to drive the panel discussions.

The education conversation has recently continued in Mexico City during the trademission this week with Governor John Hickenlooper and various leaders from Colorado. The clinica topic of education was discussed with greater in-depth analysis of physics, soft skills, scale and socioeconomic issues and workforce development. The next clinica coversation is on energy and will take place during the week-long trademission.

Photo Credit: The Biennial @thebiennial

Driving Force Radio - Lost Boys of Sudan

In one moment, everything he knew in life was gone. His parents, his village and everyone he had ever known. Arok Garang was only seven-years-old, in 1982 when government militias systematically attacked a number of small villages in the South Sudan, killing anyone in sight. The day his village was struck was the day he became an orphan, along with thousands of other boys.  Together they did the only thing they could to survive. They ran.

After the attacks, more than 20,000 boys were left to fend for themselves with no food and no clean water. It was the dry season. So they began a thousand mile journey on foot, encountering wild animals and little food. Some children were eaten by wildlife, drowned, or died of dehydration and other symptoms along the way to Ethiopia where they hoped they would be safe. The journey took years.

They finally made it to Ethiopia in December of 1989, where the United Nations did what they could to provide the boys with food and clothing. After 18 months there, another war broke out and the boys were told, at gunpoint, to go back to the Sudan. It was not safe to return, they made their way to Kenya instead.

Among many trials, including the rainy season and the threat again, of wild animals and the environment, it took a year to get there.

This writing cannot do justice to his story, you will want to listen to his account about how he was rescued, his journey to America and what he is doing now to give back. Arok founded Seeds of South Sudan to help his community rebuild, by way of education and health care.

Arok, an orphan boy with no family, no place to call home, and no resources to his name, is making a great impact on the world. Listen to his story. Be inspired to do all you can!

Listen to this week’s Driving Force Radio, Saturday morning at 10:00 on KNUS 710.

You can also listen to the podcast here, or watch our video version below.

[youtube width="540" height="360" video_id="AoYkFQ4yjFU"]

Part One

[youtube width="540" height="360" video_id="rcqJMolIV4M"]

Part Two

Driving Force Radio - Global Citizenship

In today's world where teenagers are nose-to-gadget with their smartphones, iPads and social media everything, it may seem like they're connected to everyone on the planet.  In reality, they're only connected to the people they have encountered in their family, school and small social circles. In fact, it may be harder than ever for young people to become Citizens of the World, especially because they are Citizens of the WWW. Cristin Tarr of Business Service Corps is one mom who understands the importance of navigating the world with a sense of compassion, understanding, and an open heart. How do you instill that in your children? We at DFR are thrilled to explore that topic on this week's radio program - as Cristin introduces us to Children's International Summer Villages (CISV).

Think of CISV as summer camp with a passport. The program was founded in 1951 by Doris Twitchell Allen, a child psychologist who, at the time of the Cold War, was concerned about global unrest and threats to peace. She felt the only way to build peace was to reach children before bias and prejudice could be engrained.  She identified 11-year-olds as the age where kids are old enough to travel without their parents, and young enough to be free from prejudice. In an effort to promote intercultural understanding, she brought children together from around the world for a four-week summer program to learn from each other and encourage international friendships.  Today, CISV hosts about 50 villages each summer, as well as additional programs for older kids.

Our guests are two young people, Ian Tarr (yes, he's Cristin's son) who participated in his first Summer Village in Luxembourg this past summer, and Taylor Garner, who has traveled to Guatemala and Prague. They tell us about their experiences, bonding with their host families, camp activities, living and eating together with friends who become family.

Ian tells us, he is now Facebook friends with his CISV friends in other countries and even FaceTimes with some of them - sometimes while making brownies! More importantly, when there was a recent bombing in Israel, his immediate concern was for a friend he made last summer. That is the true meaning of Global Citizenship, to make the world a little smaller and our hearts broader.

You can listen to their stories this Saturday on Driving Force Radio, KNUS 710 at 10:00am.  (this episode airs January 5, 2013)

A Podcast is also available: http://www.talkzone.com/shows/199/icosa.html

Or watch our video version here:

[youtube width="560" height="315" video_id="ygcfE8FP2kY"]

Platform 5280 , Biennial of the Americas

The Denver Biennial of the Americas has transformed into a platform about global ideas, art and people.

Following Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper’s agenda for economic growth vis-à-vis the arts, culture and design, Platform 5280, Biennial of Americas is set to prompt economic growth as well as bring world class thought leaders and art.

The board of directors for the Biennial consists of 20 members including Erin M. Trapp, Ph.D., Vice President of Advancement and External Relations and Executive Director of the Foundation at Metropolitan State College of Denver.  Ms. Trapp explained that the Biennial is Denver’s way of creating a cultural brand, building upon the established sport teams.

The highlight of Denver’s Biennial is that it looks to art and cultural of the Americas where traditionally Europe and Asia are considered.  The event engages business persons who often times are the demographic supporting the arts.

Abaseh Mirvali is the Executive Director, CEO and Comisaria of Platform 5280 and was recently interviewed by Jan Mazotti of ICOSA.  Ms. Mirvali’s background in contemporary art as a juror juxtaposed to her interest and work in public policy sparks a new type of biennial for Denver, Colorado.  The title of a comisaria is unique and translates to one that works from the “nitty gritty of putting the program together but then also oversees other components of it from marketing to organization,” Mivali.  This event is the epitome of “think globally but act locally,” said Mirvali.  During the interview with ICOSA Mirvali speaks of the process of becoming part of Platform 5280 with a bit of reminiscence, showing the dedication she has to her work.  To watch the interview on Driving Force Radio, visit; http://youtu.be/ccsoqXW7Q00.

An impressive board of directors are involved with Platform 5280 ensuring it ssuccess, including;

Mike Fries, Chairman President and CEO, Liberty Global Inc.

Thomas Williams, Vice Chairman President and CEO, Williams Group, LLC

Frederick B. Taylor, Treasurer President and Co-Founder, Northstar Investment Advisors, LLC

Rick Pederson, Secretary Chairman, NFK Frederick Ross

Don Bailey Chairman and CEO, Triton Investmen tCompany

Patricia Barela Rivera Owner, PBR Solutions

Gayle Dendinger President and CEO, CAP Logistics and Publisher, ICOSA Magazine

Verónica Figoli Director of Outreach and Engagement, Piton Foundation

Amy Harmon Founder and Owner, Urban Market Partners, LLC

Walter Isenberg Co-Founder,President and CEO, Sage Hospitality

Bruce James Managing Partner, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP

Susan McIntire CH2M Hill

Kent Rice Executive Director, Arts & Venues Denver

Hassan Salem President, U.S. Bank, Colorado

Erin Trapp Vice President of Advancement and External Relations, Metropolitan State College of Denver

Michael Van Gilder CEO,Van Gilder Insurance Corporation

Roxane White Chief of Staff, Governor Hickenlooper

Edward (Ted) White Partner, Moye White, LLP

EX OFFICIO Jayne Buck Vice President of Tourism, Visit Denver

Jamie Van Leeuwen, PHD: Senior Advisor, Governor Hickenlooper

“Thereis a natural affinity for us to go tie into Canada and Mexico,” said Publisher of ICOSA Gayle Dendinger.  In kind services offered in collaboration with community organizations, education, governmentand businesses are what bring about Denver’s best interests and get it done.

Opinions vary to how this biennial can be a model.  Dendinger believes it can be exported to other states while Mirvali envisions best practices within relative perspective creating a dialogue then prompting action.

The platform can be used to spark change in one’s own community.  Take ownership and sponsor or volunteer with Platform 5280, Biennial of the Americas.  For more information about Platform 5280, visit; www.platform5280org.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

 

Johann Winks is the Assistant Port Director of Trade with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Area Port of Denver at Denver International Airport.  Winks recently meet with ICOSA and shared the following information and resources.

The department is responsible for guarding nearly 7000 miles of land border shared with Canada and Mexico.  Along with guarding nearly 2000 miles of coastal waters, as well as 9500 miles of maritime border in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.  They also secure and facilitate trade and travel.

Import specialists at customs can assist companies with understanding laws, regulations, quota restrictions and reduced rates of duty.  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection daily ensure U.S. regulations and laws.  The following list of four services/resources they offer is worth consideration.

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifies everything that comes into the United States.  HTC is a global classification system that is able to describe most comedies across the world.  It applies tariff rates and specific statistical categories to all merchandise coming into the United States.  More detailed information is provided at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/duty_rates/.

The Generalized System of Preferences is a U.S. trade program designed to promote economic growth in the developing world by providing duty free entry.  It covers 4800 products and benefits 129 countries and territories.  A list of these products can be found at; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/international_agreements/special_trade_programs/gsp_gen_system/.

Formal entry forms must be filed if merchandise coming into the U.S. is valued over $2,000 and a customs agent or airline should fill it out.  This form and several others can be found at; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/forms/.

Go to the local Customs and Border Protection office to find out what items are restricted to bring into the U.S. such as animals, animal bi-products, firearms, plants and embargoed items including artifacts from other countries, toys and children items.  Contact information can be found at; http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/.

Related articles

• Head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection resigns (cnn.com)

Pathfinder Solutions

 

Community service industries such as Pathfinder Solutions are preparing to show a new work force how to get into the civil service/non-profit field of work.  This industry anticipates job opportunities will continue to open as the baby boomer generation retires.  Pathfinder Solutions is building a bridge to connect the right talent with the civil service industry.

Alexandra Mitchell is co-founder and president of Pathfinder Solutions.  Pathfinder Solutions principle goal is cultivating a diverse civil service workforce.  Mitchell related to ICOSA that 1.5 million people work in the civil service industry which is about 10 percent of the national workforce.

Dr. Jeff Pryor, co-founder and CEO of Pathfinder Solutions has decades of experience in philanthropy.  Pryor served for 20 years as the Executive Director of the Anschutz Family Foundation.  Both Pryor and Mitchell believe civil service organizations need to equally spend time developing and inviting talented individual into the industry.

Pathfinder Solutions is a 15 member, team based consulting firm.  They work on projects, with each member bringing their unique skill-sets.  At the forefront is the Talent Develop Inititive Project in Colorado which inspires individuals to consider working in the civil service industry.  Other states are invited to participate in this project.  Currently Pathfinder Solutions is partnering with the National Council on Nonprofits.  People interested should contact their state nonprofit association and mention the Talent Develop Inititive.

Another Pathfinder Solutions project is with the University of Mongolia in China.  They have asked Pathfinder Solutions to develop a non-profit degree program which will offer a certificate or master’s degree.  A symposium has also been proposed for companies, funders and non-profits focusing on non-profits within China.

For more information, visit; www.pathfindersolutions.org or email [email protected] or [email protected].

http://www.icosa.co/magazine/looking-for-jane-goodall

World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan

Martha Butwin is the senior international trade specialist at the Denver Export Assistance Center, (DEAC).  Some of the programs offered by DEAC are the Trade Fair Certification and Buyers programs.  DEAC’s two types of trade shows are certified and international buyer trade shows.  Each trade show is usually industry specific.  If the trade show has certification the U.S. Commercial Service and U.S. Embassy will support U.S companies in attending the trade show which increases the comfort level of partnerships. To contact the state of Colorado about exporting and trade show opportunities contact Thomas Binet at 303-892-3813 or [email protected].  To contact Martha Butwin email her at [email protected] or call 303-844-6623 ext. 221 Each trade show is a cooperative partnership arrangement between private sector show organizers and the U.S. government.  The International Business Center within each trade shows offers both foreign and domestic industry networking with potential partners.

Wayne Kakos and Christina Alonge from Reed Exhibitions, which is the premier company in trade shows, help companies increase profits through international trade shows.  International trade shows are similar to domestic trade shows due to Reed Exhibitions pre-set-up and organization.  Reed Exhibitions holds over 500 trade shows both domestic and international.  They offer turn-key service options where everything is ready and set-up, a company only has to set-up graphics and the small stuff.

One of Reed Exhibition’s certified trade shows is the World Smart Energy Week in Tokyo, Japan, held on February 29^th, 2012.  They will be in the U.S. pavilion during that trade show.  This trade show focuses on renewable energy in Japan.  The trade show is separated into seven different expos, presented in one location as one trade show.  Each of the seven specifically focuses on one type of clean energy.  If you are green you are there in Tokyo.  The trade show ends March 2^nd 2012.  20,000 exhibitors and 120 attendees are expected to be in attendance since the isles are jam-packed last year.

Now is the time to enter this market as Japan moves to reach their future energy goals.   For U.S. companies at show the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialists in the Asian clean energy market will assist companies with the regions clean energy sector.

For more information call Wayne Kakos at 203-840-5875 or email him at, [email protected].

Also check out Reed Exhibitions at, www.reedexpo.com

Related articles

• 10 Tips: Get Better PR Results at Trade Shows (fjackson83.wordpress.com)

PeaceJam―Youth and Nobel Peace Laureates Working Together to Change the World

 

Figure 600,000 youth taking part in one million acts of kindles and then one will comprehend what PeaceJam has accomplished.  Yet PeaceJam also connects youth globally with Nobel Peace Prize laureates to build character traits and inspire.

Jody Williams, Nobel Peace Prize laureate will speak the 3^rd Annual Hero Awards Luncheon.  Williams is an international ambassador for the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and was awarded the Nobel Peace Peace Prize for her work within that organization.  She is also spearheading the Nobel Women’s Initiative with Nobel Peace Laureates Shirin Ebadi, Wangari Maathai, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Betty Williams and Mairead Corrigan Maguire.

Ryan J. Hanschen, development and program coordinator at the PeaceJam Foundation, Gianina Horton, former PeaceJam participant and Colorado College PeaceJam club organizer and Ana Dodson, the keynote speaker for the upcoming PeaceJam Slam on November 19^th are part of what makes PeaceJam all-age-encompassing.  Peacejam gives participant’s voices power by providing tools and global connections such as building hope and skillsets.  PeaceJam’s youth can relate to other disadvantaged youth globally and can take action now by joining the PeaceJam Slam.

Anna Dodson quoted Mother Teresa saying, “If you can’t feed 100 people, then just feed one.”  She challenges other youth, “Don’t wait for tomorrow, make small difference today,” simply by opening the door for someone or helping cook dinner.

Related articles

• Who do you know that deseves a peace prize? (dailypost.wordpress.com)
• Three Women Share Nobel Peace Prize (abcnews.go.com)

The U.S. Department of Commerce and Frederick Exports

 

Martha Butwin, Senior International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Denver Export Assistance Center facilitates exporting goods and services for a variety of companies.  The Gold Key Service program (starting at $700) serves as a starting point for companies working towards exporting.  The International Partner Search (starting at $550) pairs companies who are potential partners.  Each program starts with questioners to determine a match.  An international company profile is prepared to reduce the amount of scammers.

Butwin recalls the high point in her career as working with partners, Project C.U.R.E. and CAP World Wide to provide not only medical supplies but life supplies to Afghanistan people.  To view the video “From Colorado to Kabul”, visit: www.theicosamagazine.com/videos

For more information, visit: www.export.gov

Zach Frederick, founder of Frederick Export, an export management company attributes five practices for sustainable success: 1. Management must buy into exporting, 2. Global pricing parody, 3. Knowing industry contacts, and 4. register your trademarks in every country you export to is vital, (as company control can be lost to a distributor), 5. Qualify the leads.

For more information, visit: www.frederickexport.com

Related articles

• Trade News: Exports Creating New Jobs; Resources & Tools Offered (worldtradedaily.com)

SOLAR LIGHT BULBS TO TAFERT, MOROCCO

An Initiative Promoting Environmental, Economic, and Cultural Growth

In many indigenous communities the environment provides a means for living. Keeping the environment clean is especially important for those communities, while at the same time adds to the value of life for all people. The UN’s declaration on rights of indigenous people explains they have the right to maintain and strengthen their culture, and pursue their development according to their aspirations and needs. Providing Nokero light bulbs, which does not infringe on indigenous culture but rather helps preserve a traditional culture by bringing a service such as un-polluting light, and it helps maintain a lifestyle of living off the land without the environmental impacts that an on-grid electrical system would produce. This project focuses on bringing a sustainably designed product to a community where the bulb would benefit three-fold.

Background on Indigenous Moroccans

The Berber people are indigenous to Morocco. Their origins are likely in south-west Asia, from second millennium B.C. They are united by linguistic rather than by genetic features. There are several types of Berbers throughout North Africa but the Moroccan Berbers live in the Atlas Mountains. In 40 A.D. and the following 500 years the Moroccan Berbers were annexed by the Romans which left a faint cultural imprint. As the Roman Empire faded the pastoral life of the Berbers continued. They established trade posts with whoever passed their way; often times taking on and letting fall away traditions of invaders and passers-by. By the end of the seventh century the Arab people had reached Morocco bringing Islam and as the settlers before them they welcomed their culture and protection. From time to time the Berbers resisted the Arabs attempts to govern for example the Arabs wanted to administer taxes. The economic advantages were few so any attempts by the Arabs fall to the waste side. In 15th century Morocco became an interest to European countries wanting control of the coastal regions. By the 19th century Morocco was essentially controlled by the Europeans. The Treaty of Fez granted France the permission to establish civil order in Morocco and as such Morocco became a French colony. By 1930 the Berbers and Arabs were under the French administration and for the first time under one rule. In 1956 sovereignty was restored and Morocco was an independent united country.

Who is receiving the solar light bulbs?

Presently Morocco is a developing country. While many highly populated areas are growing and becoming or are established as cities other terrain areas are not. Nokero is a Colorado based company which has a product unlike any in Morocco. While some communities in Morocco can afford to purchase these bulbs, the Tafert community does not. They currently are not serviced for electricity or running water. Most of the region is used to extract resources, which has provided roads some distance away from the community, about 5 kilometers away from Tafert. The population estimate is 30 individuals. Providing more than one light bulb to each individual is ideal. One to use while the other charges or for back up purposes. Meaning a total minimum of 60 bulbs needed. Other communities in this region will want the light bulbs as well so donations are not capped. The more bulbs we have the more we can give not only to the Tafert village but surrounding ones too. Nokero light bulbs will be provided to the Berber village of Tafert at no cost.

Delivering Health and Hope to Panama

By:Bridget Boyd Issue: Biennial of the Americas 2010 Section:City Exhibitions and Special Events

During the Biennial, Project C.U.R.E. held its fifth annual First Ladies’ Luncheon in Denver, Colorado welcoming the First Lady of Panama, Mrs. Marta Martinelli. More than 1,600 distinguished business, community and social leaders gathered at the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Convention Center Hotel to attend what has now become Denver’s largest fundraising luncheon.

About 10 percent of Panama’s population is indigenous and live in regions of the country where proper medical care is often not immediately available. As First Lady Martinelli explained, “These people are living in remote areas of difficult geographic access in a country struggling for greater equality and a better distribution of wealth and opportunities.”

Provisions provided by Project C.U.R.E. will equip the struggling communities with the healthcare infrastructure needed to decrease child mortality, improve maternal health, and fight life-threatening diseases like HIV and malaria, as well as common illnesses such as diarrhea.

The First Lady of Colorado, Jeannie Ritter, was the honorary chair of the event and was joined by the former First Lady of Colorado, Francis Owens. Other chairs were Susan Kiely, humanitarian and wife of MillerCoors CEO, Leo Kiely and Dr. AnnaMarie Jackson, wife of Project C.U.R.E. founder, Dr. James W. Jackson.

Project C.U.R.E. continues to collect funds to underwrite the costs of collection and delivery of medical supplies and equipment for Panama. To contribute to this effort, please visit projectcure.org/donate.