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International Business Webinar
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"Export Documentation & Procedures"
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
10:00 - 11:30 AM
This free webinar will provide a real life understanding of the more complex issues that may arise with export documentation and what is involved in transporting goods to foreign buyers. It will take you through the process of determining what documents are required and how they are prepared or obtained.
The program will cover:
- How to prepare an export quotation
- How Incoterms 2020 & payment terms affect documentation
- How to determine country documentation requirements
- Commercial vs transport documentation
- Proforma vs commercial invoice
- How to prepare a complete and accurate commercial invoice
- How to prepare a proper packing list
- The difference between non-preferential and preferential certificates of origin
- The role of the freight forwarder in preparing documentation
- And much more
Who should attend?
- Exporters and professionals involved in the sales, marketing, traffic, logistics, documentation, or credit departments of firms doing business internationally
- Manufacturers and distributors who are looking to expand their markets abroad
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Member Spotlight
First Choice Business Solutions
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This month's membership spotlight features First Choice Business Solutions located in Pittston. They provide office equipment and software solutions for copying, printing, mailing, shipping, as well as office supplies.
We spoke to Chris Martin, President and Co-Owner, who described the product offerings and locations they serve.
 First Choice Business Solutions covers 18 counties of Northeastern PA, Central PA, and the Poconos. Their product offerings include the complete Pitney Bowes product line - postage meters & mailing machines, scales, folders, folder-inserters, addressing solutions and software, as well as internal parcel tracking and shipping software. They are a provider of print solutions from Epson, Copystar, Muratec, Brother and Riso. They also have an extensive catalog of office products and furniture.
In a very cold business of machines and technology, First Choice Business Solutions prioritizes the personal connections they make with their customers. In fact, customers are their main focus, and they believe that customers notice the difference between their exceptional customer service and what their competitors offer. They take pride in their combined experience in the business to business equipment sales and service industry of over 40 years.
Martin stated, "We have been associated with NEPA Alliance for several years and recently became a member. We have experienced the aide that your organization offers to our community; providing a network of support for our business neighbors and friends. Our membership will benefit First Choice by providing visibility of our company to other members in hopes that their organization can benefit from what we can offer to them."
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NEPA Alliance has several loan programs available for small businesses located in Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne counties.
These low cost, low interest loans offer reduced down payments and standard loan term maturities for machinery and equipment, land and building acquisition, construction and renovation. Loan rates are fixed and generally below the prime lending rate.
Eligible businesses include Manufacturers, Industrial, Agriculture/Agribusiness, Hospitality & Tourism Related Enterprises, Recyclers, Day Cares, Computer Related Services, Advanced Technology, and Retail and Service Related Businesses. Other business sectors may also qualify.
Recently Funded Loans
Furniture Manufacture - White Mills, PA
- This USDA RMAP loan was completed in partnership with The Dime Bank for the purchase of equipment.
Café - Scranton, PA
- This LCIDA loan was completed in partnership with Fidelity Bank for renovations and build-outs.
Gym - Larksville, PA
- This USDA RMAP loan was completed for the purchase of equipment.
 NEPA Alliance Business Finance Corporation is a state-wide CDC allowing for NEPA BFC to lend SBA 504 Loans to eligible small businesses located in the state of Pennsylvania.
Financing Structure
A bank or other lender finances 50% of the project cost and takes a first lien position on the assets financed. The SBA 504 loan  finances 40% of the project cost, up to $5.5 million, and takes a second lien position. The borrower then contributes a down payment of as little as 10%.
Small Businesses can Receive:
- Subordinate Financing
- Up to 90% Loan to Value
- Up to $5.5 Million in SBA Financing
- Unlimited Total Project Cost
SBA 504 Loans Offer:
- As Little as 10% Equity Injection
- Terms up to 25 Years
- Guaranteed Fixed Interest Rate
*Eligibility Criteria Apply*
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| NEPA MPO Long Range Transportation Plan Update |
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Public Comment Period Now Open
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The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) is designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Carbon, Monroe, Pike, and Schuylkill counties. The NEPA MPO considers and approves the plans, programs and funding for highway and transit systems in the four-county MPO area.
The NEPA MPO is currently developing its 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The draft LRTP identifies the major transportation projects, programs and policies needed for the next twenty-five years and establishes the vision and goals that will guide public decisions affecting transportation facilities, infrastructure and services in the region.
The NEPA MPO is holding a public comment period on the draft LRTP through Monday, March 16, 2020.
Comments on the draft plan can be submitted to the NEPA MPO by emailing Kate McMahon at kmcmahon@nepa-alliance.org.
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Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP)
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The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA) and PennDOT have partnered to offer the Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) training series in the NEPA Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) region, which includes Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Schuylkill counties, as well as the Lackawanna-Luzerne MPO region and Wayne County. The classes are free of charge and open to municipal and county employees.
Liquid Bituminous Seal Coat
Monday, March 9, 2020
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Black Creek Township Building
1980 Tomahicken Rd
Rock Glen, PA 18426
(570) 384-3206
Managing Utility Cuts
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Stroud Township Building
1211 N 5th St
Stroudsburg, PA 18630
(570) 421-3362
Bridge and Culvert Inspection for Municipalities
Thursday, April 9, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Luzerne Co. Emergency Agency Building
185 Water St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
(570) 820-4400
To register, visit
https://gis.penndot.gov/ltap/ and log on using your username and password. First time users must set up an account by clicking on "Create Account." For technical assistance when registering, call 1-800-FOR-LTAP (1-800-367-5827) or contact
Daniel Yelito, Transportation Services Manager, at 570-655-5581 ext. 264 or email
dyelito@nepa-alliance.org.
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U.S. Defense Industrial Base in Decline
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The defense industrial base is on a negative trajectory as companies grapple with deteriorating conditions for industrial security and the availability and cost of skilled labor and materials, according to a new report released February 5.
In the report, "Vital Signs 2020: The Health and Readiness of the Defense Industrial Base," researchers dug into three years' worth of data, ultimately bestowing the defense industrial base with a worrying low 'C' grade.
As stated in the report compiled by the National Defense Industrial Association, the publisher of National Defense, and its partner Govini, "A mediocre 'C' grade reflects a business environment characterized by highly contrasting areas of concern and confidence." Vital Signs is intended to be an annual report.
The report examined eight different dimensions including: market competition; cost and availability of skilled labor and critical materials; demand for defense goods and services; investment and productivity in the U.S. national innovation system; threats to industrial security; supply chain performance; political and regulatory activity; and industrial surge capacity. Researchers analyzed 40 longitudinal statistical indicators and converted each into an index score on a scale of 0 to 100, which is excellent. (Read the report here.)
Source: National Defense Magazine Newsletter 2/5/2020
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Did you know that the Center for Rural Pennsylvania has research reports that range in topics from Pennsylvania's emerging cider industry to broadband availability and access in rural Pennsylvania? To access the reports and other information from the Center, click here .
For additional information, contact
Steve Zaricki
at 570-891-4671
or 866-758-1929 ext. 258.
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"This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer."
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