About this Event
Conference Summary: Since 1934, Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) have enhanced the global competitiveness of American companies that import or export their products, services, and technologies around the world. Despite their proven success, they remain one of the most misunderstood and underutilized economic development tools available to U.S. manufacturers and third-party logistic providers (3PLS). In an era of growing protectionism, FTZs help companies mitigate and even eliminate tariffs, defer import duties, improve cash flow, streamline supply chains, and significantly reduce manufacturing costs.
The conference will feature international business experts who will provide insights on the benefits of FTZs utilization to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who may believe that they are in the exclusive realm of Fortune 500 companies. You will hear firsthand case studies from company executives on the opportunities and challenges of establishing a FTZ. You will also learn why small and medium-sized manufacturers increasingly use public FTZ facilities operated by third-party logistics providers (3PLs). The latter supplies secure warehousing, inventory management systems, customs expertise, and regulatory compliance support, allowing companies to capture FTZ benefits without the complexity of establishing or managing one on their own.
Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Demystifying Foreign Trade Zones; Reducing Tariffs & Streamlining Supply Chain
Host: Greater Detroit Foreign Trade Zone
Info: CONFERENCE AGENDA
9:30 a.m. Registration and Breakfast Reception
9:45 Welcome and Introductions-Mr. Noel H. Nevshehir, President & CEO, Greater Detroit Foreign Trade Zone, Inc.-Detroit, Michigan
9:50 Foreign Trade Zones for Small- and Medium-Sized Companies-
Mr. Nevshehir
10:05 How U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Expedites Global Trade- Ms. Faida Pastilong, Port Director, Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security-Detroit, Michigan
10:30 Optimum Tariff and FTZ Strategies to Reduce Cost- Mr. Charles K. “Charlie” Clevenger, Principal, UHY, Atlanta-Georgia; and Ms. Lisa Bradford, UHY Consulting, Supply Chain and Tariffs-Sterling Heights, Michigan 10:55 Company Case Studies- TBD speakers representing a manufacturer and a 3PL
10:20 Open Discussion and Q&A
10:30 Conference Adjourns
Event venue & nearby stays
Greater Detroit Foreign Trade Zone, 950 Selden Street, Detroit, United States
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