MEETING MINUTES
INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTCOMMITTEE
DATE:Tuesday, March 22, 2016
CALLED BY:Dan Han, Leigh Volkland
LOCATION:Irvine Chamber of Commerce
2485 McCabe Way Ste. 150, Irvine, CA 92614
I.OPENING
- 12:02 p.m., meeting called to Order by Co-Chair, Dan Han.
II.SELF-INTRODUCTIONS
Dan Han, Leigh Volkland, Jim Mayfield, Martin Selander, Jaril Tudio, Jocelin Jimenez, Ricardo Diaz, Marv Sepe, Diana Le, Karen Scuncio, Lynn Stewart, Tatyana Aguirre, Osama Hussein, Rima Nashashibi, Mima Ransom, Leila Mozaffari, Pepper Russell.
Chair Dan Han calls for a Moment of Silence in commemoration of the attack in Brussels.
III.TASK FORCE REPORTS
- Exporting 101 Task Force: Jim Mayfieldpresented updates.
There are now 22 entries on the excel template of reputable local organizations and resources to advise companies about international trade and export issues. The list hasbeen reworked to be more intuitive and a tag was added for cross-cultural additions. Jim requests that everyone add to the spreadsheet at this link: Export Education 101 Master
Additional suggestions include changing the name of the document from “Exporting 101" to another name that will reflect that the information included is not limited to "basic" resources and information but is more encompassing. It was suggested that this name change also be extended to the new Economic Development website.
Linda DiMario stated that the World Trade Week Breakfast & Forum may be a good place to unveil the new Global microsite, if it is ready to go.
FDI Task Force: Lynn Stewart presented updates.
The10 question survey to be provided to local foreign subsidies as to why they chose Irvine as their place of business is complete. Lynn reported that she is working with an attorney who actively tours Asian countries to attract businesses to the United States. She is requesting data to forward to him to help promote Orange County as a preferred destination. Lynn reported that several bio-tech companies have contacted her and expressed interest in relocating to the area. She is still working on targeting a trade mission.
Training with OCO on their Velociti productbegins March 23. Based on our search information and site data, they will produce a list of companies to pursue for relocation or expansion in Irvine. From this information a realistic trade mission could be developed. There will be a report by the next month’s meeting on this progress.
International Development Committee
Monthly Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2016
Page 2
Lynn further reported that she is receiving inquiries from companies regarding what they need to do regarding tax planning for their businesses and how to go about site selection. Lynn requested a package to present to investors with a list of resources for these topics among others.
- International Outreach Task Force: Dan Hanpresented updates.
There are plans for an international mixer, currently scheduled for June or July, 2016 to bring the groups together. Details on the purpose and outcome need to be developed. More information will be forwarded as it is available. Linda DiMario raised the question of whether we can help international chambers and associations build their capacity by networking opportunities or in other strategic ways.
- Large Company Assistance: Marv Sepe presented updates.
The Task Force is shelving work on this item until after the World Trade Week event. The first meeting will be scheduled after that date. A new direction is being explored to finalize the approach to what large companies need, why would they come to us, and how we teach them to access and utilize the resources and information we have to share. More information will be forwarded as the process is developed.
- Multicultural Training Task Force: Rima Nashashibi presented updates.
The very successful webinar “Do’s and Don’ts” series will present the third edition of the training tool designed to educate and recommend to Western businesses how to successfully conduct their business with other businesses outside of the United States. The third webinar will air March 31, 2016. Some of the countries to be reviewed includeBrazil,Hong Kong, India, Malaysia and Turkey.
These webinarsare included on the Irvine Chamber Economic Development website in the Irvine Builds Businesses Archive at
Rima also reported that she has a lead on another possible sponsor for the World Trade Week event, a company that sponsors educational opportunities for children overseas.
- Small & Medium BusinessAssistance Task Force: Karen Scuncio presented updates.
TheTask Force is waiting for the Exporting 101 list to be fleshed out before they begin their calls to local businessesto targetappropriate internationalcontacts and market Irvine Chamber resources to. Additionally, businesses identified as importers or exporters in the October, 2015Business Outreach Rally survey will be contacted.
- World Trade Week Task Force: Diana Lepresented updates.
Two additional sponsors have been confirmed, CustomsNow and Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce. 26 tables are now confirmed. Fourteen individual tickets have been purchased. Six Consul Generals from Indonesia, Qatar, Dubai, Egypt, Mexico and Canada have confirmed attendance. Two Advocate and one Supporter sponsorships remain open. The hashtag for the event is #OCWTW16. Speaker packages will be mailed out after the latest sponsors have been added; the event program is being finalized now.
A question of whether to use local international media sources for was raised; this avenue will be investigated further.
International Development Committee
Monthly Meeting Minutes
March 22, 2016
Page 3
IV. CHAIR COMMENTS-- None.
VI.ANOUNCEMENTS
- March 24 -- Webinar -- Iran Sanctions Update @ 12:00 p.m.
- March 31 -- Webinar – Global Multi-Cultural Business Relationships: the Do’s and Don’ts” Brazil, @ 12:00 p.m.
- Women In Trade OC is hosting a "Back to Basics Workshop on Tariff Classification"April 28, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Avenue of the Arts Hotel, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
V.ADJOURNMENT
- 1:12p.m. meeting adjourned by co-Chair Dan Han.
Minutes recorded by Pepper Russell.
Next Meeting:
April 26, 2016
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Irvine Chamber of Commerce
2485 McCabe Way Ste. 150, Irvine, CA 92614