BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://nwtaac.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20230312T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20231105T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250123T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250123T100000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20241230T221112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241230T230333Z UID:3555-1737619200-1737626400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Build America Buy America: Strategies for Success In Compliance DESCRIPTION:Join attorney Cara Wulf\, partner at McCarter & English\, LLP\, for a webinar on the Build America Buy America Act (BABA). Discover BABA requirements\, implementation guidance\, and best practices for compliance as a prime contractor or subcontractor. Learn about BABA compliance certifications\, pitfalls to avoid\, and how BABA differs from existing Buy American requirements. \n\n\n\nDuring this 90 minute session\, Cara will provide valuable insights and expertise. Participants will engage in a 30-minute Q&A session to get questions answered. \n\n\n\nCara specializes in government contracts\, with extensive experience advising clients on compliance with the myriad of regulatory requirements that come up when doing business with the government\, and handling litigation involving bid protests and disputes. \n\n\n\nThis event is essential for understanding the BABA requirements and their distinctions from Buy American requirements. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a seasoned government contracts attorney and enhance your compliance knowledge. \n\n\n\nThis session is intended for industry. A special session for MEP and APEX Accelerator centers and their counterparts will be hosted on December 18\, 2024. \n\n\n\nFor more event details\, contact Melissa Burant at mmburant@iastate.edu. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/build-america-buy-america-strategies-for-success-in-compliance/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Virtual,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/servlet.webp ORGANIZER;CN="TechHelp Idaho":MAILTO:admin@techhelp.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250118T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250119T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20241230T221736Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241230T230337Z UID:3559-1737201600-1737302400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Principles and Practices of Internal Auditing DESCRIPTION:About the Course: \n\n\n\nInternal Audits are a requirement of all GFSI approved certification schemes (e.g. SQF\, BRC\, FSSC 22000\, etc.) and many 3rd party audit programs.  Internal audits allow you to audit your facility for gaps and compliance.  They are an important tool in the ongoing food safety toolbox for any food manufacturer\, packager\, and warehouse and distribution company.  \n\n\n\nThis course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to conduct an internal audit program within your company. The course covers the fundamentals of auditing\, useful industry-proven techniques\, compliance criteria\, how to foster good communication within the facility\, the importance of auditor ethics\, and gathering objective evidence\, nonconformities\, and reporting suggestions.  This course is for those who are new to internal auditing and those that could use a refresher course.    \n\n\n\nWho Should Attend \n\n\n\n\nAnyone who needs to manage or develop their company’s Internal Audit program.  \n\n\n\nAnyone who is interested in gaining more knowledge about auditing in a food manufacturing facility\n\n\n\nExample roles include Quality Assurance personnel\, Production Management/Supervisor\, Internal Audit Team Members\, Production/Plant Management personnel.\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will be able to: \n\n\n\n\nKnow how to maintain and design an efficient internal auditing program \n\n\n\nUnderstand how an internal audit program is not meant to be a policing tool but a continuous improvement tool\n\n\n\nKnow how to use all of the senses to conduct an audit.\n\n\n\nUtilize the appropriate techniques for conducting interviews.\n\n\n\nDevelop and communicate the auditing findings to make constructive improvements to programs within the facility.\n\n\n\n\nCosts and discounts: \n\n\n\n\n$300 per participant\n\n\n\n10% multiple attendees from discount available\n\n\n\n10% Idaho Manufacturing Alliance members discount available\n\n\n\n\nInstructor \n\n\n\nThis course will be taught by Food Processing Specialist Dr. Janna Hamlett of TechHelp\, and the University of Idaho. Dr. Hamlett has 20 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry. She brings a wealth of qualifications\, expertise\, and experience as a Food Processing Specialist at TechHelp and Assistant Professor at University of Idaho Extension. Before joining TechHelp and UI Extension\, Janna worked at the College of Southern Idaho developing the Food Processing Technology program and the first Technical Bachelors at a Community College in Idaho. Prior to academia\, Janna worked in various management positions\, including Quality Manager and Production Manager at large-scale cheese and whey processing facilities in the Magic Valley. As an independent Food Safety and Production Consultant\, she has helped local companies with their food safety\, production capabilities\, and troubleshooting challenges to be more successful. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/principles-and-practices-of-internal-auditing/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Training and Development,Virtual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/scientist-in-a-laboratory-holding-a-tray-of-hydroponic-plants-showcasing-sustainable-agriculture.-3912518-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="TechHelp Idaho":MAILTO:admin@techhelp.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250116T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250116T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20241206T223419Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241230T230340Z UID:3547-1737021600-1737025200@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:EXIM Meets Regional Partners: Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington & Washington State Department of Commerce DESCRIPTION:Discover how to grow your international sales with export trade finance tools and technical assistance resources designed to help your business compete in global markets. \n\n\n\nThis webinar will cover: \n\n\n\n\nFree export finance advice and counseling for small and medium-sized Washington State exporters or prospective exporters\n\n\n\nBenefits of the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) grant funding\n\n\n\nHow to protect your international receivables and access export working capital\n\n\n\n\nHosted by the Export-Import Bank of the United States\, the Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington\, and the Washington State Department of Commerce\, this session will connect you with valuable resources to support your export success. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/exim-meets-regional-partners-export-finance-assistance-center-of-washington-washington-state-department-of-commerce/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Washington,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/an-evergreen-container-ship-loading-at-the-port-of-baltimore-during-daytime.-1117210-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241205T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241205T143000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240716T162837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T162913Z UID:3497-1733387400-1733409000@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Space Themed Supply Chain Opportunities Conference DESCRIPTION:Through a combination of presentations and roundtable discussions\, this Supply Chain Opportunities Conference is designed to help companies develop new knowledge\, new contacts\, and most importantly\, new business. This is a unique opportunity for manufacturers to hear from primes/OEM about their supply chain needs. In addition\, several roundtable discussions with other peer manufacturers create a unique opportunity for making connections and increase sourcing within the Pacific Northwest. \n\n\n\nWHEN: Thursday\, December 5th\, 2024 \n\n\n\n8:30AM – 2:30PM \n\n\n\n8:30AM: Registration Opens & Networking \n\n\n\n9:00AM: Program Starts \n\n\n\n2:30PM: Program Concludes \n\n\n\nWHERE: Puget Sound\, WA | Venue TBD URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/space-themed-supply-chain-opportunities-conference/ LOCATION:Alaska CATEGORIES:Conference,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SCOC_Header-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition":MAILTO:info@pndc.us END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241107T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241107T150000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240717T160323Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240717T160325Z UID:3513-1730973600-1730991600@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:North Puget Sound Contracting Conference DESCRIPTION:Who Should Attend?\n\n\n\nBusinesses interested in selling products and services to prime contractors and the government. Government buyers and prime contractors looking to do outreach to small and diverse businesses. \n\n\n\nWhat to Expect\n\n\n\nShowcase your organization at the largest business-to-government conference in the North Puget Sound Region. Network with individuals representing businesses\, government agencies\, and prime contractors throughout the region. Access matchmaking sessions\, panel discussions\, agency forecasts\, plus more! \n\n\n\nPanel Discussions\n\n\n\nThe North Puget Sound Contracting Conference will offer 3 blocks of panel discussions happening throughout the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/north-puget-sound-contracting-conference/ LOCATION:Lynnwood Convention Center\, 3711 196th Street SW\,\, Lynnwood\, Washington\, 98036\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/NPSCC-2024-2160x1080-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241022T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241022T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240716T164016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T164211Z UID:3507-1729584000-1729616400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Maritime Defense Conference DESCRIPTION:WHEN: Tuesday\, October 22nd\, 2024 \n\n\n\nTIME: 8:30 -2:00PM (PST) \n\n\n\nWHERE: Puget Sound\, WA | TBD \n\n\n\nThe Pacific Northwest Maritime Defense Conference will bring military private sector leaders together to discuss the latest maritime initiatives and procurement opportunities for Northwest businesses. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to connect with the people you need to meet and learn what you need to know from the people in-the-know.  URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/maritime-defense-conference/ LOCATION:Alaska CATEGORIES:Conference,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blue-air-craft-67220-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition":MAILTO:info@pndc.us END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240925T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240925T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231106T174206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T174218Z UID:3391-1727258400-1727262000@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Export? Meet the SBA Office of International Trade DESCRIPTION:Are You Ready to Export? \n\n\n\nJoin us this week for a conversation with John Brislin\, Export Finance Manager for SBA’s Office of International Trade. As SBA’s office for the support of small business international trade development\, the Office of International Trade works in cooperation with other federal agencies and public- and private-sector groups to encourage small business exports and to assist small businesses seeking to export. Through 21 U.S. Export Assistance Centers\, SBA district offices and a variety of service-provider partners\, we direct and coordinate SBA’s ongoing export initiatives in an effort to encourage small businesses going global. \n\n\n\nJoin us to learn more about SBA export finance programs. \n\n\n\nMost U.S. banks view loans for exporters as risky. This makes it harder for you to get loans for things like day-to-day operations\, advance orders with suppliers\, and refinancing existing debts. That’s why SBA created export finance programs to provide lenders with up to a 90% guaranty on export loans. \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free\, virtual\, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. On the fourth Wednesday of each month\, we will be focusing on export assistance\, featuring conversations with different members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). Established in 2013 following a national mandate to do more to support international trade\, WEOT is a collaborative team of local\, state\, regional\, and federal export assistance agencies who provide you the tools and resources you need to sell internationally. \n\n\n\nAbout the Presenter \n\n\n\nJohn Brislin is SBA’s International Trade & Finance Specialist (Export Finance Manager) for Washington State\, Northern Idaho and Alaska. He has over 23 years of private-sector international banking and trade finance experience working at Bank of Boston (Bank of America) and Bank of California (U.S. Bank). John has over 12 years of public-sector export trade finance and risk mitigation experience working at Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)\, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and SBA Office of International Trade (SBA OIT). He looks forward to working with Small Businesses so they can turn their export opportunities into actual sales and to achieve the ultimate goal of getting paid—especially on time—for those sales. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/are-you-ready-to-export-meet-the-sba-office-of-international-trade/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Networking,Virtual,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_621519309_132001116724_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240921T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240921T140000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240716T160659Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240723T152352Z UID:3485-1726907400-1726927200@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Washington BizFair 2024 - Puyallup\, WA DESCRIPTION:Date: 9/21/2024Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM (PDT)Registration Deadline: 9/20/2024 8:00 AM (PDT)Fee: No Fee \n\n\n\nPoint of Contact: Giselle Saguid (425) 640-1828Location: Pierce College – Puyallup Campus 1601 39th Avenue Southeast\, Puyallup WA 98374 \n\n\n\nTraining Topics: Accounting/Budget\, Business Financing\, Business Plan\, Business Start-up/Preplanning\, Buy/Sell Business\, Cash Flow Management\, Human Resources\, Managing a Business\, Marketing/Sales\, Social MediaDescription: \n\n\n\nBiz Fair is THE event that all current and aspiring small business owners should attend. \n\n\n\n\nLearn about free resources and technical assistance to help you start or grow your business.\n\n\n\nAttend educational seminars led by industry experts\n\n\n\nMeet representatives for state and federal agencies\, local nonprofits\, who are ready to help you with your business\n\n\n\n\nFollow www.bizfair.org to stay up to date on event details\, speakers\, and workshop topics URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/bizfair-2024-puyallup-wa/ LOCATION:Pierce College\, 1601 39th Avenue Southeast\, Puyallup\, Washington\, 98374\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image_AF3DA2E4-96C3-42E7-A742-7A249F43AE60.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240919T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240919T143000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240716T161827Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T161829Z UID:3491-1726734600-1726756200@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Defense Supply Chain Opportunities Conference DESCRIPTION:Through a combination of presentations and roundtable discussions\, this Supply Chain Opportunities Conference is designed to help companies develop new knowledge\, new contacts\, and most importantly\, new business. This is a unique opportunity for manufacturers to hear from primes/OEM about their supply chain needs. In addition\, several roundtable discussions with other peer manufacturers create a unique opportunity for making connections and increase sourcing within the Pacific Northwest.  \n\n\n\nWHEN: Thursday\, September 19th\, 2024 \n\n\n\nTIME: 8:30AM – 2:30PM \n\n\n\n8:30AM: Registration Opens & Networking \n\n\n\n9:00AM: Program Starts \n\n\n\n2:30PM: Program Concludes \n\n\n\nWHERE: Hilton Garden Inn | Boise\, ID \n\n\n\nPINTS & PROFESSIONALS\n\n\n\nWHEN: Wednesday\, September 18th\, 2024 \n\n\n\nWHERE: Venue TBD | Boise\, ID URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/defense-supply-chain-opportunities-conference/ LOCATION:Hilton Garden Inn Boise Downtown\, 348 S 13th St\, Boise\, Idaho\, 83702\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Idaho ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SCOC_Header.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition":MAILTO:info@pndc.us END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240914T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240914T140000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240723T153001Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240723T153003Z UID:3527-1726300800-1726322400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Washington BizFair 2024 – Spokane\, WA DESCRIPTION:RSVP and let us know you’ll be there!\n\n\n\nBiz Fair is THE event that all current and aspiring small business owners should attend. \n\n\n\n\nLearn about free resources and technical assistance to help you start or grow your business.\n\n\n\nAttend educational seminars led by industry experts\n\n\n\nMeet representatives for state and federal agencies\, local nonprofits\, who are ready to help you with your business\n\n\n\n\nFollow www.bizfair.wa.gov to stay up to date on event details\, speakers\, and workshop topics \n\n\n\nReasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/washington-bizfair-2024-spokane-wa/ LOCATION:The Hive – A Spokane Public Library\, 2904 East Sprague Avenue\, Spokane\, Washington\, 99202\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_791368289_1672634762963_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240829T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240829T120000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240716T174830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240723T151839Z UID:3510-1724918400-1724932800@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Theory of Constraints Flow Solutions: Your Path To Operational Excellence DESCRIPTION:Description\n\n\n\nManufacturers today face the dual challenge of meeting urgent deadlines and accommodating frequent customizations while grappling with labor shortages and ongoing new product introductions. TOC Flow Solutions are essential for navigating these demands\, providing a framework to enhance flow; both in production and product development\, reduce bottlenecks\, and ensure your operations can thrive under pressure. \n\n\n\nWho Should Attend? \n\n\n\n\nOperations Managers \n\n\n\nProject Managers \n\n\n\nSupply Chain Managers \n\n\n\nContinuous Improvement Teams \n\n\n\nExecutives and Senior Leaders\n\n\n\n\nBy having teams or team leaders attend\, the organization can expect the following deliverables:  \n\n\n\nPractical Solutions – Discover how to significantly enhance productivity\, streamline delivery times\, minimize inventory\, and boost service levels across your manufacturing\, supply chain\, and project operations. \n\n\n\nCase Study Insights – Real-world case studies that illustrate successful implementation of TOC strategies. \n\n\n\nProven Tools – Leverage tools and techniques tested across diverse environments\, delivering significant results—such as Drum-Buffer-Rope\, Demand Driven Supply Chain\, and Critical Chain Project Management. \n\n\n\nImplementation Guidelines – Step-by-step guidelines to ensure effective and sustained implementation of TOC principles. \n\n\n\nCustomized Action Plan – Develop a tailored plan for identifying and exploiting constraints within your operation. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/theory-of-constraints-flow-solutions-your-path-to-operational-excellence/ LOCATION:Idaho Manufacturing Alliance CATEGORIES:Idaho,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/person-using-forklift-1267338-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Idaho Manufacturing Alliance":MAILTO:info@idmfg.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240828T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240828T230000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231106T173708Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T173720Z UID:3389-1724839200-1724886000@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Export? Meet the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service DESCRIPTION:Are You Ready to Export? \n\n\n\nJoin us this week for a conversation with Jeff Albanese of the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service’s Export Guarantee Program. Jeff Albanese is an International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Mr. Albanese overseas the Latin America portfolio for the Export Credit Guarantee Program (GSM-102) and Facility Guarantee Program (FGP) in the Credit Programs Division. Mr. Albanese joined FAS in 2010. He is a former career Foreign Service Officer with assignments in Afghanistan\, Philippines\, and Switzerland. \n\n\n\nThe GSM-102 program provides credit guarantees to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural commodities. By reducing financial risk to lenders\, credit guarantees encourage exports to importers in countries—mainly developing countries—that have sufficient financial strength to have foreign exchange available for scheduled payments. \n\n\n\nThe Facility Guarantee Program (FGP) provides credit guarantees for infrastructure improvements in countries where demand for U.S. agricultural products may be limited by lack of adequate facilities. \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free\, virtual\, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. On the fourth Wednesday of each month\, we will be focusing on export assistance\, featuring conversations with different members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). Established in 2013 following a national mandate to do more to support international trade\, WEOT is a collaborative team of local\, state\, regional\, and federal export assistance agencies who provide you the tools and resources you need to sell internationally. \n\n\n\nAbout the Host \n\n\n\nJohn Brislin is SBA’s International Trade & Finance Specialist (Export Finance Manager) for Washington State\, Northern Idaho and Alaska. He has over 23 years of private-sector international banking and trade finance experience working at Bank of Boston (Bank of America) and Bank of California (U.S. Bank). John has over 12 years of public-sector export trade finance and risk mitigation experience working at Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)\, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and SBA Office of International Trade (SBA OIT). He looks forward to working with Small Businesses so they can turn their export opportunities into actual sales and to achieve the ultimate goal of getting paid—especially on time—for those sales. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/are-you-ready-to-export-meet-the-usda-foreign-agricultural-service/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Virtual,Washington,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_621519309_132001116724_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240828T083000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240828T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240716T155822Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240716T155824Z UID:3480-1724833800-1724864400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center DESCRIPTION:Join us for a dynamic and informative one-day defense conference that will bring together leading figures from the aerospace\, defense\, and government sectors. This exclusive event is designed to foster discussion and collaboration on the latest developments and emerging business opportunities within the fields of aerospace\, space\, defense\, and security. \n\n\n\nDon’t miss this unique opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving aerospace and defense landscape. \n\n\n\nRegister now to secure your place at this premier industry event. \n\n\n\nWho Should Attend? \n\n\n\n\nAerospace and Defense Industry Professionals\n\n\n\nGovernment and Military Officials\n\n\n\nTechnology Innovators and Engineers\n\n\n\nPolicy Makers and Regulatory Experts\n\n\n\nBusiness Development and Investment Professionals\n\n\n\nAcademics and Researchers in Related Fields\n\n\n\n\n$225 for PNAA/PNDC Members $275 for Non-members | August 14: $275 for PNAA/PNDC Members $325 for Non-Members URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/federal-way-performing-arts-and-event-center/ LOCATION:Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center\, 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S\,\, Federal Way\,\, Washington\, 98003\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024_Defense_Conference_Website_Banner_1750x600.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240724T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240724T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231106T173247Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T173422Z UID:3385-1721815200-1721818800@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Export? Meet the Export Import Bank of the U.S. DESCRIPTION:Are You Ready to Export? \n\n\n\nIf you had a box that contained the tools needed to grow your business and increase your profits\, wouldn’t you open it? The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) can give you those tools – and help make your export business successful. \n\n\n\nJoin us for a conversation with Abby Martinez\, EXIM Regional Director for the Western Region\, who will provide a deeper dive into the various tools EXIM has available for exporters. In this free webinar\, you’ll learn how to: \n\n\n\n\nProtect your business against buyer nonpayment\n\n\n\nExtend competitive open account credit terms to international buyers\n\n\n\nUnlock cash flow to fulfill sales orders and take on new business abroad\n\n\n\n\nWhen private-sector lenders are unable or unwilling to provide financing\, EXIM fills in the gap for American businesses by equipping them with the financing tools necessary to compete for global sales. In doing so\, the agency levels the playing field for U.S. goods and services going up against foreign competition in overseas markets\, so that American companies can create more American jobs. \n\n\n\nWe are here to help American businesses like yours succeed in the global marketplace\, where 95% of consumers live! \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free\, virtual\, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. On the fourth Wednesday of each month\, we will be focusing on export assistance\, featuring conversations with different members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). Established in 2013 following a national mandate to do more to support international trade\, WEOT is a collaborative team of local\, state\, regional\, and federal export assistance agencies who provide you the tools and resources you need to sell internationally. \n\n\n\nAbout the Host \n\n\n\nJohn Brislin is SBA’s International Trade & Finance Specialist (Export Finance Manager) for Washington State\, Northern Idaho and Alaska. He has over 23 years of private-sector international banking and trade finance experience working at Bank of Boston (Bank of America) and Bank of California (U.S. Bank). John has over 12 years of public-sector export trade finance and risk mitigation experience working at Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)\, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and SBA Office of International Trade (SBA OIT). He looks forward to working with Small Businesses so they can turn their export opportunities into actual sales and to achieve the ultimate goal of getting paid—especially on time—for those sales. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/are-you-ready-to-export-meet-the-export-import-bank-of-the-u-s/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Virtual,Washington,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_621519309_132001116724_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240626T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240626T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231106T172738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T172750Z UID:3384-1719396000-1719399600@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Export? Meet the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Assoc. DESCRIPTION:Are You Ready to Export? \n\n\n\nJoin us this week for a conversation with the Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA). WUSATA is a nonprofit funded primarily through the USDA’s Market Access Program that creates opportunities by helping western food and agricultural companies grow internationally through export education resources\, business development services\, and financial support. The webinar will include information on how you can receive 50% reimbursement for international marketing costs\, meet foreign buyers\, and explore new markets. Whether your company is new to exporting or is looking to expand to new markets\, WUSATA’s resources will help you dramatically increase your reach and revenue. Get connected today and watch your company learn\, connect\, and compete in international markets! \n\n\n\nKelsey Anderson\, Marketing and Communications Coordinator\, will be speaking about the Export Education and Global Connect Programs. In her role at WUSATA\, Kelsey helps participants learn about WUSATA’s resources and upcoming buyer opportunities. \n\n\n\nDiana Buswell\, FundMatch Liaison\, has been with WUSATA for 9 years and has become an expert in the FundMatch program. Last year\, Diana moved into the role of FundMatch Liaison where her time is devoted to helping participants learn the ins and outs of the program\, including the application process\, eligible and ineligible expenses\, submitting claims\, and more! \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free\, virtual\, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. On the fourth Wednesday of each month\, we will be focusing on export assistance\, featuring conversations with different members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). Established in 2013 following a national mandate to do more to support international trade\, WEOT is a collaborative team of local\, state\, regional\, and federal export assistance agencies who provide you the tools and resources you need to sell internationally. \n\n\n\nAbout the Host \n\n\n\nJohn Brislin is SBA’s International Trade & Finance Specialist (Export Finance Manager) for Washington State\, Northern Idaho and Alaska. He has over 23 years of private-sector international banking and trade finance experience working at Bank of Boston (Bank of America) and Bank of California (U.S. Bank). John has over 12 years of public-sector export trade finance and risk mitigation experience working at Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)\, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and SBA Office of International Trade (SBA OIT). He looks forward to working with Small Businesses so they can turn their export opportunities into actual sales and to achieve the ultimate goal of getting paid—especially on time—for those sales. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/are-you-ready-to-export-meet-the-western-u-s-agricultural-trade-assoc/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Virtual,Washington,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_621519309_132001116724_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240528T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240529T170000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231220T235042Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231220T235054Z UID:3414-1716886800-1717002000@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:I-90 Aerospace+ Corridor 2024 Conference DESCRIPTION:The I-90 Aerospace+ Corridor Conference and Expo averages 160 participating companies representing over 250 individual attendees and 49 exhibitors. Stay tuned for the 2024 conference registration opening announcement! \n\n\n\nWho Should Attend\n\n\n\nThis event is designed specifically for aerospace manufacturers seeking to expand their industry knowledge and build their business. \n\n\n\nEvent Overview\n\n\n\n​Participants will learn about the latest industry trends\, challenges\, and forecasts\, and network with peers\, prospective customers\, and vendors from the region’s aerospace supply chain. \n\n\n\nJoin us in-person once again at the Coeur d’Alene Resort on May 28th and 29th for the 2024 event. Mix business with pleasure the day after the conference golfing at the scenic Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/i-90-aerospace-corridor-2024-conference/ LOCATION:Coeur d’Alene Resort\, 115 S 2nd St\, Coeur d'Alene\, Idaho\, 83814\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Idaho ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/db84untd.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240522T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240522T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231106T172143Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T172254Z UID:3381-1716372000-1716375600@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Export? Meet the U.S. Commercial Service DESCRIPTION:Are You Ready to Export? \n\n\n\nJoin us this week for a conversation with the Seattle team of the U.S. Commercial Service. The U.S. Commercial Service (CS)\, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration offers companies a full range of expertise in international trade. Learn about the many ways the U.S. Commercial Service can connect you with international markets and support your successful growth through exporting. Joining us on this panel will be: \n\n\n\n\nDiane Mooney\, Director\, U.S. Commercial Service Seattle Office\n\n\n\nLiz Laxague\, Senior International Trade Specialist\n\n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free\, virtual\, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. On the fourth Wednesday of each month\, we will be focusing on export assistance\, featuring conversations with different members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). Established in 2013 following a national mandate to do more to support international trade\, WEOT is a collaborative team of local\, state\, regional\, and federal export assistance agencies who provide you the tools and resources you need to sell internationally. \n\n\n\nAbout the Host \n\n\n\nJohn Brislin is SBA’s International Trade & Finance Specialist (Export Finance Manager) for Washington State\, Northern Idaho and Alaska. He has over 23 years of private-sector international banking and trade finance experience working at Bank of Boston (Bank of America) and Bank of California (U.S. Bank). John has over 12 years of public-sector export trade finance and risk mitigation experience working at Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)\, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and SBA Office of International Trade (SBA OIT). He looks forward to working with Small Businesses so they can turn their export opportunities into actual sales and to achieve the ultimate goal of getting paid—especially on time—for those sales. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/are-you-ready-to-export-meet-the-u-s-commercial-service/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Networking,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_621519309_132001116724_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240514T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240514T120000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240327T164921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240327T164924Z UID:3466-1715684400-1715688000@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Oregon Turning Point: Outlook on Global Trade DESCRIPTION:Adam Karson\, Chief Economist of Onyx Strategic Insights will discuss Geopolitics\, Macroeconomics and their supply chain impacts in 2024. \n\n\n\nConcerned about Geopolitics and Macroeconomics and how these giant topics could affect your company’s exports?\n\n\n\nWould you like it distilled into relatable terms and actionable information to inform and shape your business planning?\n\n\n\nThen join the Oregon District Export Council as we bring you “Turning Point” An Annual Outlook on Global Trade\, a lunch and learn live webinar with the Chief Economist of Onyx Strategic Insights\, Adam Karson. Bringing his eighteen years of experience and robust knowledge of fundamental drivers and intersections between the macroeconomy\, politics and policy in tackling challenging global problems\, Adam will share insights for the coming year. \n\n\n\nWebinar Topics to include \n\n\n\nGlobal Economic Outlook \n\n\n\n\nGDP Growth Forecast\n\n\n\nWages\, Inflation and Interest Rates\n\n\n\n\nSupply Chain Risks & Opportunities \n\n\n\n\nSustainability\n\n\n\nCapacity\n\n\n\nFuel Costs\n\n\n\n\nFeaturing \n\n\n\nAdam Karson. Adam has more than twenty years of experience as an economic advisor to global leaders across a range of industries. He has extensive experience in the U.S.\, Europe\, and Middle East. Adam most recently worked at Chevron as a Senior Economist\, and he is responsible for Onyx’s macroeconomic analysis and forecasting. Adam earned a Bachelor degree with honors in Economics from Johns Hopkins University and a Masters in Public Policy from Duke University. \n\n\n\nONYX SI helps global companies understand how geopolitics and macroeconomic forces impact their business\, and make better choices towards becoming more resilient\, efficient\, and adaptable to new realities. ONYX SI is the first firm to combine geopolitics and macroeconomics in order to provide clients with actionable insights. ONYX SI prioritizes content that leads to decisions over that which is merely interesting. OnxySi.com. \n\n\n\nFor more information email: dec@oregonexport.org URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/oregon-turning-point-outlook-on-global-trade/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Oregon,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DECA-Oregon-Turning-Points-Webinar.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240424T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240424T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231106T171852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T171924Z UID:3379-1713952800-1713956400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Export? Meet the Washington State Dept of Agriculture DESCRIPTION:Are You Ready to Export? \n\n\n\nJoin us this week for a conversation with Julie Johnson\, International Trade Specialist for the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The WSDA’s International Marketing Program supports the health and viability of Washington’s food and agricultural businesses. The program facilitates buyer-seller connections\, delivers resources and continually advocates for global market access. The team is uniquely positioned to promote communication and collaboration\, so WSDA consistently serves industry needs. \n\n\n\nAs the WSDA Export Development and Outreach Trade Specialist in Olympia\, Julie works to assist companies with the resources needed to become export ready. Trade specialists in Seattle\, Othello and Kennewick directly assist individual companies and conduct trade activities. The WSDA International Marketing Program also has in-market representatives covering Japan\, South Korea\, Vietnam\, Indonesia\, Malaysia\, the Philippines\, Singapore\, Thailand\, Mexico and Central America who are experts in exporting and marketing food and agricultural products to these markets. \n\n\n\nAbout Julie Johnson \n\n\n\nJulie is the Export Development and Outreach Trade Specialist for the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s International Marketing Program. In this capacity Julie covers the state in working with new-to-export and new-to-market companies to become export-ready and then refers them to the International Trade Specialists who specialize in the foreign markets. She helps to identify and provide resources to Washington companies and does the program’s company recruitment and outreach\, resource referral\, and market identification. Julie also works to facilitate contacts between Washington State companies and international buyers. \n\n\n\nJulie joined the program in July 2012. She has worked over 25 years at the Washington State Department of Agriculture in various programs which includes eight years working in the Director’s Office as the legislative coordinator. She served on the Washington State Beer Commission as the Director’s representative for two terms. Julie studied at Western Washington University. \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free\, virtual\, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. On the fourth Wednesday of each month\, we will be focusing on export assistance\, featuring conversations with different members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). Established in 2013 following a national mandate to do more to support international trade\, WEOT is a collaborative team of local\, state\, regional\, and federal export assistance agencies who provide you the tools and resources you need to sell internationally. \n\n\n\nEach Are You Ready to Export? monthly webinar will feature one Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT) organization where they have 45 minutes to present and have 10 minutes for questions and answers to provide a 500 feet overview and will cover areas such as:-The products and services and resources they provide-How the organization is structured and organized-A typical customer profile and how they are onboarded -A client success story \n\n\n\nAbout the Host \n\n\n\nJohn Brislin is SBA’s International Trade & Finance Specialist (Export Finance Manager) for Washington State\, Northern Idaho and Alaska. He has over 23 years of private-sector international banking and trade finance experience working at Bank of Boston (Bank of America) and Bank of California (U.S. Bank). John has over 12 years of public-sector export trade finance and risk mitigation experience working at Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)\, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and SBA Office of International Trade (SBA OIT). He looks forward to working with Small Businesses so they can turn their export opportunities into actual sales and to achieve the ultimate goal of getting paid—especially on time—for those sales. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/are-you-ready-to-export-meet-the-washington-state-dept-of-agriculture/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Washington,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_621519309_132001116724_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240417T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240417T120000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240327T164233Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240327T164237Z UID:3460-1713348000-1713355200@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Oregon Export Compliance 201 (Online) DESCRIPTION:This program will help you be in full compliance with a whole host of US export/import regulations. You will know the proper standards by which to determine origin and begin to label the origin of your items. Most companies are using the incorrect values on their commercial invoices\, EEI’s and other documents to “help” a foreign customer. Learn how to properly handle valuations on drop shipments\, samples\, warranties\, repairs and replacements for customs purposes. Come and learn about how to properly document country of origin as well. \n\n\n\nTopics will include: \n\n\n\n\nSix ways to export/import duty free\n\n\n\nCountry of origin determination\, documentation and labeling\n\n\n\nExporting samples\, warranties\, repairs\, replacements\n\n\n\nDrop Shipments URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/oregon-export-compliance-201-online/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Oregon,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Export-Compliance-201.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240410T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240411T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231221T154110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231221T154709Z UID:3421-1712739600-1712851200@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Food Northwest Process & Packaging Expo DESCRIPTION:Celebrating its 52nd year\, the Food Northwest Process and Packaging Expo is the largest regional food manufacturing trade show in the United States. This convention brings industry professionals together for two full days of education\, equipment and service solutions\, and networking opportunities. The exhibit hall showcases cutting-edge technologies and new innovations\, production line equipment\, packaging\, hygiene and much more. \n\n\n\nWe also host world-class education specifically chosen by our food processor members to support your training needs and to address timely issues and challenges of the food processing industry. On and off the show floor\, Expo makes sure you and your team leave with ideas\, solutions\, and connections to benefit your company. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/food-northwest-process-packaging-expo/ LOCATION:Oregon Convention Center\, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd\, Portland\, Oregon\, 97232\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Oregon ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pexels-pixabay-264636-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240327T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240327T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231106T171206Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T171503Z UID:3377-1711533600-1711537200@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Export? Meet the Washington State Dept of Commerce DESCRIPTION:Are You Ready to Export? \n\n\n\nJoin us this week for a conversation with Nicole Gunkle\, Consumer Goods and Professional Services International Trade Specialist for the WA State Department of Commerce Export Assistance Team. \n\n\n\nThe small business export assistance team within Commerce’s Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness has helped small businesses statewide expand into trade or increase their exports and sales overseas. Through the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) companies can take advantage of trade shows\, trade missions\, market research\, and developing an international online presence to expand their businesses. \n\n\n\nGo Global is a new E-commerce Technical Assistance Grant Program that supports small businesses with the consulting\, design and technical support required to develop new website\, upgrade an existing one\, add online ordering\, increase the search engine rankings and build a social media marketing machine. \n\n\n\nThrive! is Commerce’s program partnered with the Edward Lowe Foundation for second-stage companies. This outstanding program will get companies over the hump so they can grow their company further. Graduates of this program typically experience a 15% to 30% increase in revenue. \n\n\n\nAbout the Speakers \n\n\n\nNicole Gunkle serves as the STEP Export Voucher Program Manager and Trade Specialist for the Consumer Goods and Defense industries at the Washington State Department of Commerce. Prior to her current role\, she worked for the State of Colorado running the STEP and export grant programs. She has a background in international trade and development working for consulting firms on development projects and for the World Bank. She has a master’s degree in European Studies and Trade and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics. \n\n\n\nSusan Herr is a Small Business Program Manager focusing on Eastern Washington for OEDC. Susan’s career in state government began in 2005 in the Department of Financial Institutions\, then transferred to Washington State Lottery and served as an Assistant Regional Manager and an Account Representative. Susan has owned and operated her own businesses as a retail state entrepreneur and as owner of an upscale women’s clothing boutique. As Commerce’s Small Business Program Manager for Eastern Washington\, Susan will work closely with small businesses\, helping them navigate all phases of the lifecycle\, from startup to exit strategy. Her main focus is on the Thrive! Program. \n\n\n\nDiana Cazac is a Small Business Program Manager for OEDC at Commerce and brings an extensive background in government administration\, project management and public finance. Diana earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance at the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (AESM) and master’s degree in Economic Sciences with a specialization in Public Finance and Taxation at the Master School of Excellence in Economics & Business of Moldova. Diana also completed her PhD program in Public Finance at the Doctoral School of AESM. Prior to joining the OEDC\, Diana worked for the Government of Moldova in several positions: as a senior consultant in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova\, executive consultant at the Parliament and Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Moldova. Relocating to the U.S. with her family in 2019\, she started a new chapter in her career at the Washington State Department of Social Health and Services. She most recently served as an Administrative Lead at King County Public Health\, providing high-level administrative support and managing special projects for Mobile Medical Program. \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free\, virtual\, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. On the fourth Wednesday of each month\, we will be focusing on export assistance\, featuring conversations with different members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). Established in 2013 following a national mandate to do more to support international trade\, WEOT is a collaborative team of local\, state\, regional\, and federal export assistance agencies who provide you the tools and resources you need to sell internationally. \n\n\n\nAbout the Host \n\n\n\nJohn Brislin is SBA’s International Trade & Finance Specialist (Export Finance Manager) for Washington State\, Northern Idaho and Alaska. He has over 23 years of private-sector international banking and trade finance experience working at Bank of Boston (Bank of America) and Bank of California (U.S. Bank). John has over 12 years of public-sector export trade finance and risk mitigation experience working at Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)\, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and SBA Office of International Trade (SBA OIT). He looks forward to working with Small Businesses so they can turn their export opportunities into actual sales and to achieve the ultimate goal of getting paid—especially on time—for those sales. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/are-you-ready-to-export-meet-the-washington-state-dept-of-commerce/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Washington,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_621519309_132001116724_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240326T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240328T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231221T155309Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231221T155322Z UID:3424-1711443600-1711641600@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Mass Timber Conference DESCRIPTION:The Mass Timber Conference attracts professionals from across the forest\, manufacturing\, design\, development\, and construction industries. \n\n\n\nThe International Mass Timber Conference is the largest gathering of mass timber experts in the world\, focusing on the entire industry supply chain. This is our 8th annual event in Portland\, Oregon\, USA. \n\n\n\nExplore cross-laminated timber (CLT)\, nail-laminated timber\, glulam\, mass plywood panels\, dowel-laminated timber\, and laminated veneer lumber; and the opportunities and obstacles in global design\, construction\, development\, manufacturing\, and more. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/mass-timber-conference/ LOCATION:Oregon Convention Center\, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd\, Portland\, Oregon\, 97232\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Oregon ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Homepage-14.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240314T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240314T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231220T233321Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231220T233518Z UID:3406-1710406800-1710432000@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Alliance Northwest DESCRIPTION:Alliance Northwest Government Contracting Training & Outreach Event is the largest event of its kind in the Pacific Northwest! \n\n\n\nIn-person event held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center supported by SWAPCARD virtual Platform \n\n\n\nWHAT IS ALLIANCE NORTHWEST?\n\n\n\nAlliance Northwest is the largest business-to-government conference in the Pacific Northwest. This event features high-quality workshops and matchmaking sessions between small businesses\, government agencies\, and prime contractors.  The event is in its 38th year.  Hosted by Thurston Economic Development Council\, home of APEX Accelerator\, Alliance Northwest has a strong history of federal agency support. It is widely known as the place where business and government learn and make connections with small and disadvantaged businesses. \n\n\n\nWHO SHOULD ATTEND?\n\n\n\n\nBusinesses interested in selling to the government and prime contractors.\n\n\n\nR&D firms\, engineering firms\, and others working on new innovative technologies.\n\n\n\nPrime contractors and government buyers seeking to do outreach to small and diverse businesses.\n\n\n\n\nAlliance Northwest is the premier government contracting event in the region\, bringing together prime contractors\, government agencies\, and small businesses for a full day of relationship building.  The 2024 event will start with pre-event activities and allow for extended networking beyond March 14th. \n\n\n\nFor those firms who are experienced government contractors\, Alliance Northwest is the place to strengthen established relationships\, explore other government contracting opportunities and teaming opportunities\, and hear the marketplace’s latest news and trends from the expert workshop speakers. \n\n\n\nIf you’re new to government contracting\, you’ll have an opportunity to meet government agency representatives\, explore subcontracting opportunities with prime contractors and attend high-quality training workshops.  If you’re unsure if the government marketplace is a good fit for your business and if you should attend this conference\, reach out to the APEX Accelerator who can provide your business with no-cost advising services. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/alliance-northwest/ LOCATION:Greater Tacoma Convention Center\, 1500 Commerce St\,\, Tacoma\, Washington\, 98402-3307\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pexels-fauxels-3184301-1-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240312T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240314T150000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20221213T203201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221228T154404Z UID:3062-1710230400-1710428400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Aerospace and Defense Supplier Summit DESCRIPTION:A&DSS 2024 will return to an in-person format at the Seattle\, Washington State Convention Center URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/aerospace-and-defense-supplier-summit/ LOCATION:Alaska CATEGORIES:Conference,Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-pixabay-55819.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240307T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240307T113000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20240306T170949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240306T170952Z UID:3453-1709809200-1709811000@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Greater Seattle Export Accelerator 2.0 Webinar DESCRIPTION:Greater Seattle Partners is continuing its mission to empower local businesses and drive economic growth through international trade with a second cohort of the Greater Seattle Export Accelerator. Vern Jenkins will provide a quick overview of the program which includes advanced export training\, 1 on 1 export mentoring and access to international trade opportunities. \n\n\n\nSponsor:  SBA Seattle District Office URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/greater-seattle-export-accelerator-2-0-webinar/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Washington ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pexels-pixabay-46148.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240305T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240305T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231220T235732Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240216T222002Z UID:3417-1709622000-1709654400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Internal Auditing Course by TechHelp Idaho DESCRIPTION:Internal Audits are a requirement of all GFSI approved certification schemes (e.g. SQF\, BRC\, FSSC 22000\, etc.) and many 3rd party audit programs. Internal audits allow you to audit your facility for gaps and compliance. They are an important tool in the ongoing food safety toolbox for any food manufacturer\, packager\, and warehouse and distribution company. \n\n\n\nThis course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to conduct an internal audit program within your company. The course covers the fundamentals of auditing\, useful industry-proven techniques\, compliance criteria\, how to foster good communication within the facility\, the importance of auditor ethics\, and gathering objective evidence\, nonconformities\, and reporting suggestions. This course is for those who are new to internal auditing and those that could use a refresher course. \n\n\n\nWho Should Take This Course: \n\n\n\n\nAnyone who needs to manage or develop their company’s Internal Audit program. \n\n\n\nAnyone who is interested in gaining more knowledge about auditing in a food manufacturing facility\n\n\n\nExample roles include Quality Assurance personnel\, Production Management/Supervisor\, Internal Audit Team Members\, Production/Plant Management personnel.\n\n\n\n\nBy the end of this training course\, participants will be able to:\n\n\n\n\nKnow how to maintain and design an efficient internal auditing program \n\n\n\nUnderstand how an internal audit program is not meant to be a policing tool but a continuous improvement tool\n\n\n\nKnow how to use all of the senses to conduct an audit.\n\n\n\nUtilize the appropriate techniques for conducting interviews.\n\n\n\nDevelop and communicate the auditing findings to make constructive improvements to programs within the facility.\n\n\n\n\nThe course fee is $375 for each individual. \n\n\n\n\nA 50% subsidy is available to those working for small rural companies. Click here to see if you are eligible for the RBDG Subsidy\, or contact Jane Hokanson at 208-616-5191 or janehokanson@techhelp.org.\n\n\n\nMultiple attendees from the same company registering at the same time will receive a 10% discount at checkout. \n\n\n\nIdaho Manufacturing Alliance members can receive a 10% discount by entering the Coupon Code IMA10 during checkout.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIf you are interested in this class or topic but are not ready to register\, click here so we’ll know of your interest and can stay in touch. \n\n\n\nPhoto by Mark Stebnicki URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/internal-auditing-course/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Idaho,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pexels-mark-stebnicki-2889199-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240228T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240228T110000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231106T171021Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T171034Z UID:3375-1709114400-1709118000@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Are You Ready to Export? Meet the Export Finance Center of Washington DESCRIPTION:Are You Ready to Export? \n\n\n\nJoin us this week for a conversation with Zara Castillo\, Director of the Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW). The EFACW was created by the Washington State legislature in 1983 to provide free export finance advice and counseling assistance to small and medium sized exporters or prospective Washington State-based exporters. \n\n\n\nThe EFACW provides consultation services in payment risk mitigation and export finance including credit insurance\, letters of credit\, foreign exchange\, Export-Import Bank and Small Business Administration export finance guaranty programs. EFACW offers businesses information how to finance and get paid for their export sales and also acts as a matchmaker for their banking relationship. \n\n\n\nAbout Zara Castillo \n\n\n\nA native of Manila in the Philippines\, Zara continued her education in Washington State at the University of Washington. Zara holds a certification in Global Finance Management and Global Marketing Strategies from Thunderbird School of Global Management. \n\n\n\nPrior to joining EFACW as the Director\, Zara’s experience with trade and international affairs included Washington State Department of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce in Manila\, Philippines. \n\n\n\nZara is a member of The Department of Commerce Trade Finance Advisory Council (TFAC) appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to provide advice in identifying effective ways to expand access to trade finance for U.S. exporters \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars \n\n\n\nWednesday Webinars with SBA Seattle is an ongoing series of free\, virtual\, webinars covering a variety of topics to benefit small business owners. On the fourth Wednesday of each month\, we will be focusing on export assistance\, featuring conversations with different members of the Washington Export Outreach Team (WEOT). Established in 2013 following a national mandate to do more to support international trade\, WEOT is a collaborative team of local\, state\, regional\, and federal export assistance agencies who provide you the tools and resources you need to sell internationally. \n\n\n\nAbout the Host \n\n\n\nJohn Brislin is SBA’s International Trade & Finance Specialist (Export Finance Manager) for Washington State\, Northern Idaho and Alaska. He has over 23 years of private-sector international banking and trade finance experience working at Bank of Boston (Bank of America) and Bank of California (U.S. Bank). John has over 12 years of public-sector export trade finance and risk mitigation experience working at Export Finance Assistance Center of Washington (EFACW)\, Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank) and SBA Office of International Trade (SBA OIT). He looks forward to working with Small Businesses so they can turn their export opportunities into actual sales and to achieve the ultimate goal of getting paid—especially on time—for those sales. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/are-you-ready-to-export-meet-the-export-finance-center-of-washington/ LOCATION:Online Event CATEGORIES:Washington,Workshop ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_621519309_132001116724_1_original.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240213T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240214T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231221T155852Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231221T155905Z UID:3429-1707814800-1707926400@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:Oregon Wine Symposium DESCRIPTION:The Oregon Wine Symposium is the Northwest wine industry’s premier educational event and trade show. URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/oregon-wine-symposium/ LOCATION:Oregon Convention Center\, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd\, Portland\, Oregon\, 97232\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Oregon ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pexels-pixabay-51947.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240131T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20240201T160000 DTSTAMP:20260430T062628 CREATED:20231221T160456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231221T160512Z UID:3434-1706691600-1706803200@nwtaac.org SUMMARY:The NW Materials and Footwear Show DESCRIPTION: URL:https://nwtaac.org/event/the-nw-materials-and-footwear-show/ LOCATION:Oregon Convention Center\, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd\, Portland\, Oregon\, 97232\, United States CATEGORIES:Conference,Oregon ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://nwtaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/webtop.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR