Sunday, January 22, 2012

Join Trade Compliance Professionals at the 2012 NETWORKING RECEPTION Kick-off for the Export Control Forum in Irvine, CA – Sunday, February 26, 7-9 PM

You, your clients, counterparts and anyone interested are all enthusiastically invited to attend the Amber Road (formerly Management Dynamics) Sunday Evening, February 26th, Networking Reception at the 6ix Park Grill, in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, prior to the 2012 Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) Export Control Forum (ECF).

Please do what you can to get this message out to all your connections in and across academia, industry and applicable/interested local, state and US Government organizations as soon as possible. Anything you can do to energize your network to attend is most gratefully appreciated. A one-page invitation is available at http://www.scribd.com/doc/78609999/DOC-BIS-ECF-Networking-Reception-Invitation.

This is a GREAT way to connect. Last year’s Sunday Networking Reception proved to be a perfect way to kick things off and lay groundwork for the ECF and future--free food, drinks and even better company!

If you or anyone you know plan to attend the 2012 BIS ECF in Irvine CA, 27-28 February, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, do NOT miss this no cost and timely opportunity to meet & greet attendees, exhibitors, organizers, speakers…. If anyone decides to go, they need to RSVP using the Internet address/link on the attached flyer/invitation.

For the complete US Department of Commerce, BIS, ECF agenda, more details and registration, go to: http://www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/irvine_ca_february_27_28_2012.htm.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

CERTIFIED GLOBAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL (CGBP) a Proven and Viable Program – Very Much Worth Considering!

For those of you who are looking for a truly valid, independently verified certification program, this is one. Based on analysis by Betty Fishman, a reputable, experienced, unbiased, third-party Certification and Testing Consultant, with no vested interest, the CGBP program is, in fact, a credible certification that meets the requisite standards with all the necessary independent safeguards and no conflicts of interest.

Here is a link to the NASBITE International [a 501(c)(3) non-profit] website that validates the CGBP credential: http://nasbite.org/cgbp-info/. Check it out for yourself.

I have talked to Donna Davisson, NASBITE’s Executive Director and a variety of NASBITE CGBP’s. They have the right answers, a proven history of professionalism and the documentation to back it up. The evidence proves NASBITE took the time and thoroughly did their homework in setting it all up. Further, they accurately portray what is offered and the value of being a CGBP. Unlike other bogus certifications, they make no false or misleading claims and do not misrepresent who they are and what they do.

According to Ms. Davisson, there are more than 1200 CGBPs. Additionally, senior representatives from the US Department of Commerce indicate more than 100 US Commercial Service Trade Specialists and managers have been certified and more are slated to go through this year.

Further, NASBITE International is having their 25th Anniversary and Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, April 17-21, 2012. I am going to see first-hand and learn more about the organization and their programs. I also want to talk to as many CGBPs as possible face-to-face. I recommend you consider doing so as well in the interest of diversity, due diligence and expanding your learning and knowledge base about what is out there and what is going on in the competitive, dynamic and demanding global trade compliance community. Here is a link to their Conference website: http://nasbite.org/conference-info/. Again, check it out for yourself.

This is an opportunity to color outside our normal education and training boxes, do something different, expand the possibilities and perhaps even enhance our expertise and credibility in a more meaningful way.

I did not know NASBITE International or the CGBP program existed until the Fall of 2010 as a result of our in-depth research in conjunction with The Export Practitioner article: “Certificate vs. Certification: Buyer Beware!” I am constantly amazed about what I do not know and/or have not heard about. This is a prime example of a long overdue and timely discovery for me, but hundreds of others are already well connected with NASBITE International and the CGPB program. I recommend you find out more for yourself and your organization….