Friday, August 31, 2012

From our friends of Florida Custom Brokers and Fordwarders Association


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Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc.
Upcoming Seminars & Notices
Generous discounts available to former FCBF CHB & Tariff Classification Students

Drawback is a service that is often unavailable from import-export brokers but that will offer your clients a broader range of options.  A drawback component will add value to your services.
Who May Claim Drawback:  Basically, anyone who has had official possession of the imported or substituted merchandise would be eligible to claim drawback.
Course Instructors:    Mr. Troy Larkin, Consultant - CITTA Brokerage Company & Lois Graviet, Drawback Research Specialist - CITTA Brokerage Co.
 Gray

DID YOU KNOW?         09/19/12
As a CHB or Freight Forwarder you can apply for a carnet on behalf of your client....

LUGGAGE
The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that has been the choice of U.S. exporters for temporary foreign importation for over 40 years. Also known as the "Merchandise Passport," this document offers the most in terms of flexibility, cost savings and ease of use. Attend our September luncheon and find out more!
Gray 



FMC                       09/19/12
Licensing, Tariffs and Alternatives, Dispute Resolution Services

Mr. Vern Hill  Joins us from Washington!
Vern Hill, FMC Director of Bureau of Certification & Licensing - VERN W. HILL is the Director of the Bureau of Certification and Licensing of the Federal Maritime Commission. Mr. Hill has been with the FMC for 25 years. Prior to his current position, Mr. Hill served as the Director FMC Sealof the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services for 2 years and prior to that as the Director of the Commission's Bureau of Enforcement. Before coming to the agency, Mr. Hill practiced law in Washington, DC representing transportation entities, shippers and  transportation-related associations in
commercial, regulatory and labor concerns. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Mr. Hill received both undergraduate and law degrees from Brigham Young University and currently resides in Silver Spring, MD. 
 
 Gray

In This Issue

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
CBP Notice of Examination 
October 2012


08-31-12
Pink Bra
DONATION:  $15.00 p/p - your donation entitles you to a free drink & a raffle ticket
for a chance at winning a prize in one of many drawings. 
You can also enjoy ½ price appetizers!

Labor Day Closures:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security   
 (6am-2pm)

MIA Miami-Dade
Subject: NTD Vehicle Access Gate Closed on Labor Day 
POMTOC 
FTZ World Services
fcbf clear 


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Join Our Mailing List


Save
$5.00
Save $5.00 in the September Luncheon when you sign up for the FMC Seminar being held that morning (09/19/12). Register HERE for the FMC Seminar with Mr. Vern Hill-
FMC Director of Bureau of Certification & Licensing.
.

This is not a coupon. You must register for both events in order to receive the discount. For further inquiries please call our office.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Seminario de la Comisión Marítima Federal: Servicios de Solución de Disputas


U.S. Department of Homeland Security


Subject: Selection of Centralized Examination Station
 in Miami, FL 
(Miami Seaport)





(Information on the Sept. 19th GMM will reach your inbox soon)


Speakers(s)
Vern Hill - FMC Director of Bureau of Certification & Licensing of the Federal Maritime Commission. Mr. Hill has been with the FMC for 25 years. Prior to his current position, Mr. Hill served as the Director of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services for 2 years and prior to that as the Director of the Commission's Bureau of Enforcement. Before coming to the agency, Mr. Hill practiced law in Washington, DC representing transportation entities, shippers and  transportation-related associations in commercial, regulatory and labor concerns. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Mr. Hill received both undergraduate and law degrees from Brigham Young University and currently resides in Silver Spring, MD.


What will be covered:
*Discussion of NVO Service Arrangements (NSA's) and NVOCC Rate Arrangements (NRA's)
*Common compliance issues for OTI's
* Changes to a licensee's business that require prior approval (through the filing of form FMC-18) from the FMC, and the issues that can slow down that approval.
*An overview of the FMC's Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolutions Services (CADRS):
How CADRS can assist consumers and companies with resolving disputes.



MIAMI ROCKS OUR TROOPS LLEGA AL CENTRO BANK UNITED DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE MIAMI

Friday, August 17, 2012

Florida in Motion : News from Gray Swoope, Florida Secretary of Commerce


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FEATURED STORY
Digital Risk Announces 1,000 Job Florida ExpansionThumbnail
Digital Risk - the nation's largest provider of mortgage risk, compliance, and transaction management solutions - selected Florida for a major expansion being fueled by the mortgage market's focus on making loans safe for borrowers, banks and taxpayers.

Digital Risk is headquartered in Maitland, Florida with additional Florida offices in Boca Raton and Jacksonville. The company has created over 1,100 jobs in the state since 2009. Florida was selected for the expansion over markets in Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix.

In addition to Enterprise Florida, several organizations partnered with the company in its expansion efforts, including the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, City of Boca Raton, City of Jacksonville, City of Maitland, JAX USA Partnership, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, Workforce Florida Inc. and Orange County. more
Florida's Financial Services Sector Benefitting from
Nearshoring Trend
Thumbnail
Florida's has been a global player in the financial and professional services industry for decades. But the recent decisions of many financial services firms to "near-shore" their business services centers or relocate their headquarters to Florida, is showing the state's growing competitiveness. In fact, the 2012 BizCosts report from the Boyd Co. estimates that a typical insurance operations center locating in the Tampa Bay area could save over $9 million in operating costs compared to locating in New York or nearly $4 million compared to Boston.

Given its business-friendly climate and low tax burden, it comes as no surprise that Florida today has 2nd largest number of professional, scientific and technical services companies and the 3rd largest finance and insurance cluster. Finance, Insurance and Real Estate sector is the largest contributor to Florida's economy, accounting for more than $170 billion or nearly 23% of the state's gross domestic product (GDP). Professional and business services are the 4th largest industry, with 12.5% of the state GDP. Some of the latest companies adding to that sector are:
ESL Investments: The high-profile, $9 billion private investment fund relocated to Miami from Connecticut. more
Vinik Asset Management: A firm with $7.6 billion in assets under management recently moved from Boston to Tampa. more
Citibank: Plans to add 400 new jobs in Jacksonville, where it already has over 4,000 employees. more
Deutsche Bank: Continued to grow in Jacksonville by adding 260 new jobs and investing $10 million in the expansion. more
Progressive Auto Insurance: Had three expansions in Tampa in the last year, creating over 600 new jobs in sales, customer service and claims processing. more

If your financial or professional services company is looking to establish or relocate a facility, consider the advantages of a Florida location. Call 407-956-5600 or e-mail us at information@eflorida.com for more information today!


RESOURCES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS

State Small Business Credit Initiative Leverages Private Capital for Florida's Small Businesses
Enterprise Florida's State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) programs are designed to assist small businesses in obtaining loan approvals and leverage private capital for Florida's small businesses (500 employees or less). The proceeds for SSBCI-related transactions must be used for a "business purpose" such as startup costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, as well as the purchase of owner-occupied commercial real estate. Enterprise Florida's SSBCI programs include:
Loan Guarantees & Loan Participations - Available for loan transactions ranging from $250,000 - $5,000,000. These programs permit loan guarantees or loan participations up to a maximum 50% of the total financing. The maximum term permitted is five (5) years and interest rates and fees are negotiable.
Export Loan Guarantees & Export Direct Loans - Available up to $500,000 from the Florida Export Finance Corporation, working in conjunction with Enterprise Florida. The maximum term permitted is 12 months and fees are negotiable.
504 Bridge Loan Program - With SBA 504 Loans, lenders are permitted to finance equipment and owner-occupied real estate purchases up to ninety-percent (90%) of the total project cost. The lender makes such a loan with the expectation that the portion above 50% will be "taken-out" by a SBA-guaranteed note. However, there is often a timing difference up to several months between initial closing and that "SBA take-out." The 504 Bridge Loan Program addresses this timing difference for lenders. Enterprise Florida may participate with the lender on that portion above 50% of the project cost, thereby freeing-up the lender's capital to make other loans. The 504 Bridge Loan Program is available for loan transactions ranging from $250,000 - $5,000,000.
Florida Venture Capital Program - Provides $1,000,000 - $5,000,000 convertible debt and direct equity investments in Florida's innovative growth companies, particularly those within the State of Florida's targeted industries. Requires a matching concurrent private capital investment or other credit assistance.

The loan proceeds for SSBCI-related transactions must be used for a "business purpose" including, but not limited to, startup costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, as well as the purchase, construction renovation or tenant improvements of an eligible place of business that is not for passive real estate investment purposes. Florida's SSBCI loan programs are for "new money" financing only. As such, no loan renewals or re-financings are permitted with SSBCI-related loan proceeds.

For additional information and applications, please visit the Enterprise Florida SSBCI webpage at www.eflorida.com/ssbci or contact David Rodriguez at (407) 956-5682.




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