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Business Resource Guide: Networking Organizations, and the Export Resource Guide
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Business New Haven
10/18/2004
By: BNH
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NETWORKING ORGANIZATIONS
Advertising Club of Connecticut - Founded in 1935, Ad Club offers continuing education and promotes networking for ad agency executives, media reps, public relations people, printers, photographers, graphic designers, art directors, copywriters and web gurus. Group has 450 members who pay annual dues from $85-$560. Meetings at TBA locations. Contact 860-721-7400 or visit www.adclubct.com.
American Society for Quality (ASQ), New Haven chapter - With 275 local members, ASQ is a professional resource for information and learning related to quality principles, concepts and technologies. Meets third Wednesdays at Brazi's Restaurant, 201 Food Terminal Plaza, New Haven with dues of $119. Contact Linda Pello at lpello@srhs.org or visit www.asqnewhaven.org.
Association for Corporate Growth - Founded in 1954, ACG is a non-profit organization with more than 7,000 members and 42 chapters throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Members are professionals involved in corporate development, mergers & acquisitions and finance. Meets first Fridays at the Stamford Marriott, Stamford. Annual dues $500. Visit www.acg.org/connecticut.
Association of Computer Support Specialists - Has 800 members and promotes computer support as a profession. Founded in 1993, members meet last Tuesdays at locations in Fairfield County and pay dues of $100. Contact 203-682-4504 or visit www.acss.org.
Business Network International (BNI) - Local Connecticut chapters offer members the opportunities to exchange business referrals, generate leads and develop and exchange business through word-of-mouth marketing in weekly meetings. Investment to join is $265 plus $74 registration fee, breakfast fees vary. Contact 888-559-5323 or visit www.bnict.com.
Fairfield chapters founded 1995. One meets Tuesdays and the other Thursdays at 7 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Fairfield.
Greater Milford chapter founded in 2003 meets Fridays at 7 a.m. at the First United Church of Christ Congregational in Milford.
Hamden chapter founded in 2001 meets Tuesdays at 7 a.m. at Larson Place in Hamden.
New Haven chapter founded in 2003 meets Fridays at 7 a.m. at the Graduate Club, New Haven
Shoreline chapter founded in 2002 meets Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. at the Water's Edge Restaurant, Westbrook.
Stratford chapter founded in 1997 meets Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Stratford.
o Waterbury chapter founded in 1994 meets Wednesdays at 7 a.m. at the Village at East Farms, Waterbury
Connecticut Building Congress Inc. - Founded in 1953, networking organization encompasses all aspects of commercial construction. Members meet the first Thursdays at various locations and pay dues of $180-$525, depending on number of employees. Contact 203-281-3183 or visit www.cbc-ct.org.
Connecticut Professional Insurance Agents - Statewide trade association for independent insurance agents. Members meet bi-monthly and pay dues of $495-$1,200 based on producer's premium volume. Contact 800-424-4244 or visit www.piaonline.org/ct.
Connecticut Property Owners Association (CPOA) - Has 1,000 members who are property-owners in all area of building management. Founded in 1986, group members meet monthly at the West Farms Community Room in West Hartford and pay dues of $75. Contact 860-313-1133 or visit www.ctlandlord.com.
Connecticut Technology Council - With 350 members, CTC seeks to stimulate and facilitate growth of technology-based businesses in the state. CTC initiatives include a yearly public-affairs agenda, workforce-development activities and a managerial-training program aimed at providing managerial training. CTC's eBizCT affiliate supports the state's software/IT and technology sector. Members meet at various networking events, seminars and conferences. Dues $375-$5,500, based on the number of Connecticut employees. Contact 860-289-8078 or visit www.ct.org.
Connecticut United for Research Excellence (CURE) - With 110 members CURE seeks to advance the environment for biomedical research. Founded in 1990, members meet quarterly in various locations and pay dues based on organization's focus. Contact 203-777-8747 or visit www.curenet.org.
Connecticut Venture Group - Furthers the development of high-growth enterprises through the promotion of capital formation in Connecticut. Meeting times and locations vary and 200 members pay dues of $375. Call 860-541-5634 or visit www.ct-venture.org.
Entrepreneurial Women's Network - Formed in 1982 to develop business talents, capabilities, leadership and skills of female business owners, as well as to provide information and a network to foster the exchange of information and sharing of experiences. With a membership of 115, dues are $75 and meetings are held third Wednesdays. Contact 203-222-3404 or visit www.ewn-ct.org.
Financial Planning Association, Connecticut chapter - Promotes and serves as voice of financial planning profession. Meeting times and locations vary within Hartford, New Haven and Fairfield chapters. Dues are $285 and there are 250 members in Connecticut. Contact 203-288-8158 or visit www.fpaconnecticut.org.
Greater New Haven Business & Professional Association - Has 103 members who are advocates for women- and minority-owned businesses and offer technical assistance. Since 1962, members meet Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. at 192 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden and pay annual dues of $100. Contact 203-562-0387.
Health Care Council of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce - Provides a forum for health-care providers and employers to track legislation and lobby on specific issues. Its 75 members pay dues of $25 and meet first Fridays at noon at various locations. Contact 203-787-6735, ext. 123 or visit www.gnhcc.com/chamber/healcar.asp.
Made in Connecticut Guild - Members promote products made in Connecticut providing networking and marketing opportunities for manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, service providers and individuals. Membership $150-$500, depending on number employees. Visit www.madeinct.com.
Manufacturing Alliance of Connecticut - With 300 members, MAC serves as a voice for manufacturers. Its purpose is to preserve, promote and protect manufacturing in Connecticut. Meeting times, locations vary. Dues begin at $240 and are based on the organization's number of in-state employees. Contact 203-596-1900 or visit www.mact.org.
National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Connecticut River Valley chapter - Founded in 1999, NACD is an educational, publishing and consulting organization in board leadership and the only membership association for boards, directors, director candidates and board advisors. Dues $475. Local chapter meets quarterly, locations and times vary. Contact 860-257-1363 or visit www.nacdct.org.
National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) - Has 150 members locally, 8,000 nationally. Offers education, business-development programs, support and lobbying. Founded in 1995, group's members can choose from multiple meetings throughout the state each month and pay dues of $100. Call 203-776-2243 or visit www.nawboct.org.
New Haven Manufacturers Association - Founded in 1913 to promote industrial and commercial growth within the community and maintain an educated industrial force. Members hold luncheon meetings second and fourth Thursdays at the Graduate Club, New Haven. Annual dues between $75-$500, based on number of Connecticut employees. Contact 203-387-5121 or visit www.newhavenmanufacturers.com.
Professional Business Association Inc. Networking group composed of business owners representing a different trade, business, occupation or profession. Ownership or partnership is a prerequisite. Members are required to have a decision-making position in their company and should actively be seeking new business. Call 203-412-4444 or visit www.pbact.org.
Society for Marketing Professional Services, Connecticut chapter (SMPS) A network of 5,300 marketing and business development professionals in the U.S. and Canada from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and related specialty consulting firms. SMPS/Connecticut provides local seminars and conferences, educational resources and a network of professionals that offer insight and information, as well as teaming and project opportunities. Members pay $275 annual dues; meeting time and locations vary monthly. Call 203-777-7451 or visit www.smpsct.org.
Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) - Provides education and networking opportunities for business professionals working in the field of competitive intelligence (the legal and ethical collection and analysis of information regarding the capabilities, vulnerabilities, and intentions of business competitors). Members pay annual dues of $295, meeting times and places vary. Call 860-408-9093 or visit www.scip.org.
Valley Business Network - Formed in 1992 to develop business relationships through member networking. The 30 current members meet at 8:15 a.m. twice monthly at 900 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton. Dues $100. Contact 203-925-4981 or visit www.valleybusinessnetwork.com.
EXPORT RESOURCE GUIDE
ORGANIZATIONAL HELP
Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) operates an International Trade Council (ITC) to raise the awareness of the importance of international trade to Connecticut. ITC provides its members referrals and information on international trade as well as seminars on important international trade topics. Contact 860-244-1900, e-mail gioiap@cbia.com or visit www.cbia.com/gov/Councils.htm.
Connecticut Foreign Trade Association (CFTA) assists in promoting international trade in Connecticut by providing a forum for members to exchange information and network. Call 800-243-4645.
Connecticut International Trade Association (CITA) educates the public by promoting world trade through the exchange of ideas and knowledge on international trade matters among its members and around the state by holding monthly meetings and seminars. Call 860-626-0974 or e-mail nippon.express.usa@snet.net.
Connecticut Maritime Association, a non-profit organization comprising business people invo9lved with every aspect of international shipping and trade, informs and educates the public about activities and issues that impact international trade, shipping, shippers and the community. Contact 203-406-0106 or visit www.cmaconnect.com.
Connecticut World Trade Association (CWTA) is part of an international network of 320 world trade associations in 285 cities and 97 countries. It is a resource for information, contacts and programs that aid in two-way trade. CWTA operates an Internet-based system that allows users to post offers to buy and/or sell products and services. It also maintains a comprehensive Web site related to international trade international business education, an international real estate service and library with NTDB capabilities, trade assistance and trade shows. 330 Water St., Bridgeport 06604. Contact 203-336-5353 or visit www.portconnecticut.com/cwta.html.
The U.S. Department of Commerce staffs an Export Assistance Center in Middletown. Offers programs designed to assist small and mid-sized businesses. Center is home to international trade specialists who counsel businesses in Connecticut with these programs and services, as well as export strategies. 213 Court St., Middletown 06457. Call 860-638-6950, e-mail office.middletown@mail.doc.gov or visit www.export.gov/.
Internet International Business Exchange (IMEX) is an Internet information publisher for the import/export business. Helps entrepreneurs develop and implement global Internet strategies through publications, information and marketing/business consulting. Call 212-481-7378, e-mail info@imex.com or visit www.imex.com.
International Business Council of the Metro Hartford Alliance assists Hartford companies as they expand their business internationally through exports, strategic alliances and technology licensing. Networking, seminars, trades missions and business visitations give members a chance to participate in internationally focused projects that enrich business opportunities. Contact 860-525-4451 or visit www.metrohartford.com/international.html
WestConn International Trade Association Inc. is an international trade organization founded in 1972 that develops new concepts, procedures and techniques to assist with the expansion of international commerce. WestConn works to create an industrial and academic awareness of the importance of international trade to the U.S. economy and to serve its membership in all aspects of world trade, imports, exports, domestic and foreign regulations by promoting educational programs that address industry issues. 1002 Hope St., Stamford 06907. Contact 914-696-9323 or visit www.westconn.org.
Serving the greater Hartford community since 1924, the World Affairs Council is the source for all things international including a directory of Connecticut's ethnic and international organizations, a listing of volunteer interpreters and translators, and global market and country specific cultural information. It works to develop greater awareness of governments and cultures around the world by providing a forum for people interested in international business culture and politics. P.O. Box 330569, West Hartford 06133. Contact 860-594-4100 or visit www.worldaffairs-htfd.org.
HOTLINES
Economic Bulletin Board (EBB) is a 24-hour service with information on trade leads and statistics. Contact 202-482-1986 or visitwww.lights.com/hytelnet/fee/fee056.html.
Export Opportunity Hotline, Small Business Foundation of America provides information about getting started in exporting, as well advice on product distribution, documentation, licensing and insurance, export financing, analyzing distribution options, export management firms, customs, currency exchange systems and travel requirements. Call 800-243-7232.
Export Hotline is a comprehensive library of global trade content providing critical trade data covering 140 countries and hundreds of industry sectors on compliance requirements, market entry strategies, import and export regulations, business protocol, country risk and more. Constantly changing regulations are updated electronically. Purpose of the nationwide fax retrieval system is to help find new markets for U.S. products and services. Contact 800-USA-XPORT (800-872-9767) or visit www.exporthotline.com.
Flash Facts for several areas of the world, information available from the U.S. Department of Commerce for users with touch-tone telephone and a fax. Dial the number, follow instructions and the requested information will automatically be faxed to you. Automated Fax Delivery System Flash Facts are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, free of charge. Flash Facts are available for the following regions:
Eastern Europe Business Information Center (EEBIC) (202-482-5745). Information is available on specific Eastern European countries including Albania, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithunia, Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic and Slovenia.
Doing Business in Mexico (202-482-4464). Current trade-related documents concerning Mexico are available. Information also available on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA); tariffs, permits and customs regulations; marketing, distribution and finance; investment; statistics and demographics. Similar information is available for Canada by calling 202-482-3101.
Office of the Pacific Basin (202-482-3875, 202-482-3646). Categories include general export information, regional and country information (Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam).
Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS) (202-482-3145). Categories include U.S.-Newly Independent States trade statistics, current export and investment opportunities and upcoming trade events, general investment and defense conversion opportunities, World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) opportunities, export and trade opportunities and BISNIS publications.
PLANNING, MARKETING, EDUCATION
The Bridgeport Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) at the University of Bridgeport is part of the school's department of marketing/law/international business and holds activities including conferences and trade missions, as well as international seminars. BFTI provides consulting service to firms seeking to do business overseas and helps to identify career opportunities in foreign trade. Contact 203-576-4375 or visit www.bridgeport.edu/centers/ernest.html.
Central Connecticut State University's China Resource Center offers business management-training courses for Chinese clients of Connecticut businesses, as well as cultural sensitivity and negotiation practices for Connecticut managers and executives. Also offers language instruction in Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese. Contact 860-832-2813 or visit www.ccsu.edu/china/.
Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD). Industry Cluster & International Divisions help Connecticut businesses with international trade by increasing the competitiveness of Connecticut businesses, developing trade investment opportunities, aggressively pursuing foreign direct investment opportunities and building public/private strategic partnerships. International Division has representatives in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and South Korea. 505 Hudson St., Hartford 06106. Contact 860-270-8067 or visit www.ct.gov/ecd.
Connecticut District Export Council (DEC) is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The DEC is a statewide advisory group comprised of experienced international trade executives. The council offers seminars, conferences and workshops and facilitates access to state and federal international trade related information and resources. 213 Court St., Middletown 06457. Contact 860-638-6950, e-mail office.middletown@mail.doc.gov or visit www.portconnecticut.com/dec.html.
Connecticut Israel Exchange Commission (CONNIX) was created by state statute in 1988 to promote and develop business, academic, cultural and educational exchanges between Connecticut and Israel. Some of Connecticut's Jewish federations provide funding for the commission, while the state provides in-kind services. 10 Middle St. (first floor), Bridgeport 06604. Call 203-336-8700 or visit www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/states/CT.html.
The Inlingua Language Center is a foreign communications provider offering services such as language training, translation and interpretation and foreign language voice-overs. 433 South Main St., West Hartford 06110 (860-561-7252) or 2701 Summer Street, Stamford 06905 (203-964-0500) or visit www.inlingua.com.
MyExports.com is a public-private partnership of the U.S. Department of Commerce and Global Publishers, LLC providing businesses with an exporter referral service that connects them to the global marketplace. Contact 877-390-2629 or visit www.myexports.com.
Port Connectiut is the international trade and transportation portal for Connecticut. Port Connecticut.com includes information and links to a wide range of resources relating to importing, exporting, and business-to-business commerce between Connecticut and the world. Contact 800-581-8553, e-mail info@portconnecticut.com or visit www.portconnecticut.com.
Southwest Area Commerce & Industry Association (SACIA) is a regional business council serving Fairfield County. It provides services including professional development programs and seminars. SACIA works with regional groups and universities to provide programs with an international focus. One Landmark Square, Stamford 06901. Contact 203-359-3220 or visit www.sacia.org/internationaltrade.htm.
University of Connecticut Center for International Business Education & Research (CIBER) was created to help increase competitiveness of U.S. businesses globally. CIBER focuses primarily on Global Technology Management. Contact 860-486-5458 or visit www.ucc.uconn.edu/~cibadm01.
The World Affairs Forum was established in 1946 to promote a greater understanding of foreign policy issues and international affairs, and to provide a forum for dialogue between citizens and major foreign policy leaders from the public and private sectors. 111 Prospect St., Stamford 06901. Contact 203-356-0340, e-mail info@worldaffairsforum.org or visit www.worldaffairsforum.org.
ISO 9000
Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) has developed several programs to help companies comply with the ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 series of quality standards. Contact 860-244-1900 or visit www.cbia.org.
Connecticut Department of Labor offers funding for ISO 9000 training through its area Employer Service Units. For referral contact CERC (800-392-2122) or visit www.cerc.com.
The Connecticut Quality Council is a private non-profit organization that offers ISO 9000 training workshops. CQC offers public workshops on the Rensselaer at Hartford campus or contract on-site workshops for companies. 275 Windsor St., Hartford 06120. Contact 800-270-7637 or visit www.ctqualitycouncil.org.
The Connecticut State Technology Extension Program (ConnSTEP) offers ISO 9000 training by way of service providers that work individually with a company in a mentor type program. Contact 860-529-5120 or visit www.connstep.org.
Excel Partnership Inc. provides international training and consulting to help companies form strategies for appropriate levels of ISO 9000 as well as other improvement techniques for management and production. Excel offers ISOnet, a series of classes and workshops on ISO 9000 certification. Call 203-426-3281 or visit www.xlp.com.
Central Connecticut State University's Institute for Technology & Business Development (ITBD) offers ISO 9000 certification information. Outreach program provides competitive advantages to business and industry through access to technical training, skill development and industrial modernization. Technical Training Center, 185 Main St., New Britain 06051. Contact 860-827-7966 or visit www.ccsu.edu/ITBD/default.htm.
BANK-BASED RESOURCES FOR EXPORTERS
Export-Import Bank Advisory Service offers information on the Export-Import Bank's Export Financing Programs. The U.S. Export-Import Bank was created to expand U.S. exports by making financing more easily obtainable. Programs include loan guarantee and insurance programs and lending, lease and capital guarantees. Information on training seminars in Washington, D.C. is also available. Contact 800-565-3946 or 800-535-3913 (recorded voice message).
Connecticut banks with full-service international divisions that support various federal Export-Import Bank programs include:
Bank of America offers an Ex-Im Bank program. The Working Capital Guarantee Program encourages banks to provide export financing to small and mid-sized businesses. Ex-Im Bank has delegated lending authority, which allows the bank to lend up to $10 million per borrower without approval of Ex-Im Bank. Loans must be used for export-related working capital. The Medium-Term Foreign Buyer Financing Program offers protection on repayments for loans to creditworthy foreign buyers. Export Credit Insurance Program proposes a number of policies that protect exporters from non-payment by foreign buyers for commercial or political reasons. Contact 800-892-6346, e-mail globaltrade@fleet.com or visit http://www.commercial.fleet.com.
JPMorgan Chase's International Trade Services was designed to aid companies in meeting demands of the international marketplace. This service offers assistance in arranging flexible short-term financing, managing foreign exchange exposure, supporting overseas contract bids, as well as dealing with import and export letters of credit. Contact 800-242-7324 or visit www.jpmorgan.com.
o Wachovia Bank offers CyberImport and CyberXport Internet-based services. CyberImport simplifies the business of managing international trade transactions by allowing businesses to initiate import and standby letters of credit directly on the Internet. Letters of credit can be created based on data in purchase orders. CyberXport aid exporters in maximizing return on foreign sales through acceleration of cash cycle, added control and reduction of risk and administrative costs, and simplified application of cash received on export shipments. Export activity can be tracked can be tracked online as it happens and information in the system's databases can be searched online. Contact 800-776-3862 or visit www.wachovia.com/corp_inst/page/0,,7_22_228,00.html.
Webster Bank provides services to overcome the obstacles that may arise when doing business outside the U.S. Services include direct loans to foreign companies through the U.S. Export-Import Bank to accelerate export cash flow needs; documentary collection facilitates for overseas financial transactions; wire transfers and foreign drafts to execute overseas business transactions; export, import and standby letters to speed up business transactions and ensure payments or delivery of goods; and short-term lines of credit to help manage costs related to foreign markets. Contact 800-482-2220 or visit www.websterbank.com.Connecticut with these programs and services, as well as export strategies. 213 Court St., Middletown 06457. Call 860-638-6950, e-mail office.middletown@mail.doc.gov or visit www.export.gov/.
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