Congressman Neal Sponsors Berkshire County Export Forum in Pittsfield

Washington, DC

PITTSFIELD EXPORT FORUM
Opportunities for Western Massachusetts Exporters

Sponsored by
Congressman Richard E. Neal
Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Commercial Service – U.S. Department of Commerce
Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network – Mass Export Center
Associated Industries of Massachusetts
CONECT
Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment
Small Business Administration

January 29, 2012
9 am – 11:30 am
Location:  Crowne Plaza, One West Street, Pittsfield

Today’s global economy provides opportunities for businesses around the world.  Come learn what it takes to achieve export success from those who have done just that!   The Pittsfield Export Forum will include a panel of business exporters from Western Massachusetts who will share their success stories.  The forum also will feature an overview of a broad range of programs available to help companies with their international business efforts, including the opportunity of grant money available to small businesses to export.  Following the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with government officials and local businesses to answer specific export questions.

Agenda
Welcome Remarks – Congressman Richard E. Neal

Panel One

• Tom Gradel, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment
• Ann Pieroway, Massachusetts Export Center
• John Joyce, Small Business Administration
• Melissa Branzburg, U.S. Department of Commerce
• Keith Girouard, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network
• Frank Canning, MassDevelopment

Panel Two

• Mike Supranowicz, President & CEO, Berkshire Chamber of Commerce – Moderator
• Mike Tweed-Kent, Vice President & General Manager, General Dynamics
• Virginia DuBois, Inside Sales Manager, Interprint
• Josh Levine, President, LympheDIVAs
• Lyn Biasin, Supply Chain Manager, Onyx
• Michael Hopsicker, President & CEO, Ray Murray, Inc.
• Laurie Gallagher, Chief Compliance Counsel, SABIC