Tapping Into Trade: Goods, Goals and Global Business

Register Here

Register for GEW- then choose the ITC Session

Join us for an Overview of ITC's newest learning Series:

Tapping into Trade

Goods, Goals and Global Business

Tapping Into Trade Seminar Series

Elevate your business by mastering the complexities of international commerce with our focused, professional seminar series. For GEW- you will get an overview of the three-part series. A more in-depth coverage will launch in 2026!

International Market Research

An overview on how to unlock global opportunities by identifying the most viable markets for your products or services. This session begins with an essential review of Schedule B or Harmonized Tariff System numbers—the universal product identifiers—and then dives deep into strategic research.

The core of the seminar features a hands-on demonstration of quantitative and qualitative research tools to help you make informed, data-driven decisions. We look beyond simple demand to include critical factors such as:

• Geographical scope 
• Trade barriers 
• Cultural considerations 
• International pricing strategies 

Walk away with the knowledge to pinpoint the best markets worldwide for your specific goods or services.

In depth market research event will be held in January. 

International Trade Logistics

Once you know where to sell, this essential seminar focuses on how to execute your strategy seamlessly.

We will introduce you to the powerful resources of the U.S. Commercial Service, which maintains a global network of offices that can facilitate vetted introductions to agents, distributors, and companies qualified to carry your products.

Key topics include:

• A discussion of Incoterms—11 standardized terms that clearly define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller regarding shipping, insurance, and more.
• The critical role of freight forwarders, experts who can manage every aspect of logistics in getting your goods to foreign markets. This includes domestic transport to the optimal ports, international shipping coordination, customs compliance, and final delivery.

Master the mechanics of global shipping to ensure efficient, compliant delivery by attending the full Trade Logistics Event in February.

International Trade Banking

An introduction to address the foremost concerns of any exporter: maintaining cash flow and ensuring payment. This seminar provides practical solutions for financial security and expansion.

Learn how key government resources can mitigate risk and support growth:

• ExIm Bank (Export-Import Bank) can guarantee payment on your overseas invoices, offer working capital or expansion loans, and even facilitate credit terms for your international buyers.
• The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers its own guarantees for export working capital and expansion loans.

The full event in April will share an in-depth review of the sophisticated tools international banks use to ensure secure payment, such as letters of credit, and practical methods for managing sales in foreign currencies.

The GEW session concludes with an overview of what the International Trade Council is.  We are now in our 80th year of providing the local greater Kansas City international trade community with impactful networking opportunities and rich educational resources.

November 18th

10:15-11:30 PM

Union Station- Stillwell Room

30 W. Pershing Road, Suite 301

Kansas City, MO

Panelists:

John Addessi is a Business Advisor with Johnson County Community College's Kansas Small Business Development Center, assisting Kansas entrepreneurs in Johnson, Miami and Wyandotte counties start and grow their businesses. He has consulted with over 2000 Kansas businesses and individuals as a KSBDC Consultant with both Washburn University and Johnson County Community College. John's focus is on job creation, access to capital and international trade - with a love of marketing, as well!

Prior to joining the KSBDC, John spent 15 years in management in the public and private sectors. He received his B.A. in Russian and his M.B.A. in general management from the University of Rhode Island. Today, John teaches area entrepreneurs and students and provides free, confidential, one-to-one consultation to current or prospective business owners on topics such as financing, business planning/strategy, marketing, e-commerce, international trade and more. John has owned his own small business and thus is no stranger to the challenges facing entrepreneurs in a competitive market.

Jay Devers is a graduate of the Northwest Missouri State University, with BS in International Business.   He is President and Managing Partner of Bestway International, Inc., Kansas City, Missouri.   

Devers is a past director and executive committee member of the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City, board member of World Trade Center Kansas City, and is active with the World Trade Council of Wichita, Kansas, and the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council.  He is the 2019 Legacy of Service Award Honoree of the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City.  In 2024, Devers was appointed by the US Department of Commerce to the Mid-America District Export Council (MADEC) to represent the Kansas and Western Missouri international trade community for a 4-year term ending in December 2028. 

Founded in 1988, Bestway is a US Customs broker and international freight forwarder, based in Kansas City, Missouri.    In 2017, Bestway International was presented the President’s “E-Award” for Export Service, the highest recognition any U.S. company can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

Angelina Grado Juarez, Vice President and International Banking Manager for Enterprise Bank & Trust is a 40+ year veteran of International Trade operations administration. Angelina maintains a CDCS professional certification (Certified Documentary Credit Specialist) from the International Chamber of Commerce and enjoys sharing her comprehensive knowledge in the application of international rules which govern various trade finance payment products.  Currently, Angelina manages International Banking Products for Enterprise Bank & Trust and provides meaningful guidance to support clients involved in the business of importing and exporting.  She most enjoys providing support of standby letter of credit needs, working with both with clients and other industry experts.  Angelina is a current board member of the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City and has been a featured speaker for Bankers’ Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT) as well as events for the World Trade Center St. Louis.

Keith Hustings has a lifetime of work experience in international trade and logistics and retired as Export Compliance Supervisor for Staples Promotional Products, exporting regularly to over 100 countries.    He served in management positions with major global freight forwarders in the UK, Switzerland and the United States, completed an assignment in the Netherlands, worked overseas with a global cargo airline, and was responsible for import/export compliance with a large local manufacturer.

He was involved in numerous, mostly export-related seminar presentations throughout Kansas and Missouri, working with trade groups as well as state and federal government agencies.    He has been active in the International Trade Council for many years, serving as president, corporate secretary and director.    He currently serves as a coordinator and presenter of the group’s Global TradeWins© international business simulation program.