Southern Calif. Business Symposium ``Partnering for Trade Prosperity and Growth'' Examines Global Commerce Realities and Strategies

LOS ANGELES--Oct. 5, 2004--

CSUF, Foreign Trade Assoc. Program Addresses Vital Issues From 2005 Quota Phase Out to Emerging Markets; Regional Outsourcing Survey Featured

One of the most important avenues for business growth, international trade also has become increasingly complex. Partnering for Trade Prosperity and Growth, a two-day symposium to help both large multinationals and smaller businesses effectively plan global strategies, will feature Ambassador Mickey Kantor, former secretary of commerce and U.S. trade representative, and U.S. Court of International Trade Judge Judith Barzilay as keynoters at the Oct. 18 and 19 event in Fullerton, Calif.

Industry and government leaders also will lead over 15 sessions ranging from the phase out of quotas in 2005, to emerging markets, to security and compliance issues. The event has been co-developed by the Foreign Trade Association of Southern California (FTA) and the College of Business and Economics at California State University Fullerton (CSUF).

Highlighting the symposium will be a new industry survey analyzing how outsourcing has affected medium to large high-tech Southern California companies in the electronics, software, biomedical and manufacturing fields. In presenting the results in a session on "Beyond the Rhetoric," Dr. Joseph Greco, director, CSUF Center for the Study of Emerging Markets, will discuss how using distant resources has affected the local high-tech industry.

Other sessions will address the emerging markets of China, India and Mexico; security issues with supply chain and with immigration; and Sarbanes-Oxley. Presentations will focus on the realities of product development processes around the world and changes in export/import automation, among other topics.

"Like all business, international trade is facing a number of challenges right now, yet the opportunities for growth have never been greater. We developed this symposium to help business understand the strategies to effectively expand their global reach. It brings together business leaders and government agencies with the insights of the business college at CSUF to provide a thoughtful look at how companies can leverage the extensive trade infrastructure that exists in the region," said Marian Duntley, FTA president.

The Honorable Judith Barzilay also will preside over a mock trial based on a simulated case of workers who have been displaced by outsourcing. A popular format often hosted by FTA, the trial offers insight into the issues behind the headlines with the audience playing the role of jury.

Partnering for Trade Prosperity and Growth will be held at the CSUF University Conference Center, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, Calif., starting at 8:00 a.m. on Oct. 18 and 19. Cost is $295 with a $20 discount for registration before Oct. 4; full-time students can attend for $50. An evening reception hosted by the Japan America Society on Oct. 18, 2004 is $20. Attendees can request a registration form by emailing foreigntrade@earthlink.net or by calling the FTA at 323-730-1011. More information is available at http://ftasc.org/UI/Documents/symposium.pdf.

About the Foreign Trade Association of Southern California (FTA)

With over 250 members, the Foreign Trade Association of Southern California (FTA) is a cross section of professionals and industries promoting free trade in the vital region that stretches from Ventura to San Diego. Its primary focus is to support efficient trade practices and open markets, bring the benefits of trade to the local community, expand opportunities for global commerce and provide industry education. A nonprofit association, the FTA is governed by a Board of Directors with senior executives from multinationals such as Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.; Citizen Watch Co. of America, Inc.; Citibank; and The Boeing Company; executives from the region's major ports and airport; government agencies such as the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Los Angeles mayor's office; and entrepreneurial and independent service firms. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the FTA holds events throughout the basin region. More information on its programs and mission can be found on its Web site, www.ftasc.org.

About CSUF College of Business and Economics

Located in one of the most vibrant business communities in the United States, the College of Business & Economics at California State University, Fullerton is the largest accredited business school in the State of California and the second largest accredited undergraduate business school in the country. The College of Business & Economics at CSUF has the distinction of holding two AACSB International Accreditations - one for the College and a separate one for the College's Accounting Program.

Note to Editors: For media passes, contact Linda Marcus at 714-974-6356 or lmarcus@astra.cc

Calendar Listing Summary

Symposium:    Partnering for Trade, Prosperity and Growth

Sponsors:     Foreign Trade Association of Southern California (FTA)
              and College of Business and Economics, Calif. State 
              University, Fullerton (CSUF)

Dates:        Oct. 18 - 19, 2004

Location:     CSUF University Conference Center, 800 N. State College
              Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831

Cost:         $275 for two-day seminar before Oct. 4th; after $295; 
              Students with ID: $50

Program:      Keynotes are Ambassador Mickey Kantor, Former Secretary 
              of Commerce & U.S. Trade Representative, and The 
              Honorable Judith Barzilay, Judge, U.S. Court of
              International Trade

              Program details on seminars, survey, mock trial at 
              http://ftasc.org/UI/Documents/symposium.pdf

Registration:  Call FTA at 323-730-1011 or via email to 
               foreigntrade@earthlink.net